• Howard & Jones
Sadie Mae Raulerson
Jesup—Sadie Mae Raulerson, 101, died Jan. 5, 2026, after a short illness.
She was born in Wayne County on Jan. 31, 1924, to the late Steve J. and Leah Truett Mixon. She was a perfect example of the Greatest Generation, surviving the Great Depression and World War II by developing a “can do” attitude and inner strength that was considered second to none. She is remembered by her family and friends for her sparkling blue eyes, generous heart and fun sense of humor. She had many passions—playing the guitar, gardening, raising chickens and loving her dogs, especially BeBe and Lily Belle. But, most of all, everyone who knew her knew she had an unwavering faith in her Savior, Jesus Christ. She loved her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Dr. Dennis Moses and Lt. Col. Tom Raulerson and her “chosen son,” Dr. Howard Wasdin.
Survivors include one son, Tom (Melanie) Raulerson of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; two daughters, JoAnn (Brent) Bunch of Prineville, Oregon, and Sherree (Steve) Fountain of Jesup; three stepdaughters, Rayna (Greg) Gardner of Pompano Beach, Florida, Spring Wachter of Sebastian, Florida, Vera (Elbert) Stubblefield of Hixson, Tennessee; four grandchildren, Dr. Joshua (Amy) Raulerson (Amy) of Pittsburgh, Dr. Graham Raulerson of Alhambra, California, Leah (Mark) Somanader of Boulder, Colorado, and Rebecca (Brian) O’Dell of Austin, Texas; two great-grandchildren, Greta and Ani Raulerson of Pittsburgh; four nieces, Patsy (Todd) Cornwell of Fayetteville, Peggy Tucker of Brunswick, Ouida Long of Pittsburgh and Sandra Mixon of North Carolina; and one nephew, Carson (Jessa) Mixon of Hortense.
Her family thanks At Home Senior Living and Hospice of South Georgia for making her final months full of love and support. Also, Linda Clark deserves a special thanks for sitting with her during her final nights, nourishing her soul with Bible readings, prayers and songs. Old Bethel Baptist Church was the backbone of her life. She was saved while attending church when she was around 12 years old and was a member of the church for 90 years. The church’s prayers helped her survive many illnesses, her family said. She would want everyone who mourns her to remember that she had a full, blessed life and is now at home with her Lord, according to her family.
Funeral services will be held Jan. 17 at 11 a.m. at Old Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Ledbetter officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church.
Interment will be follow in Old Bethel Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be Jimmy Jones, Wayne Scott, Wayne Atkinson, Tim Conner, Blake Wasdin and Dr. Graham Raulerson. Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Curtis Lanier
Jesup—Curtis Lanier, 70, died peacefully on Jan. 8, 2026 at Jesup Health and Rehabilitation after a lengthy illness under the care of GHC Hospice.
He was born on Nov. 14, 1955, in Panama City, Florida, to the late Arnold and Molly Sylvester Lanier. He worked as a welder for many years, traveling all over the Southeast for his job. Later in his career, his interest in plants and gardening led him into a new line of work at a nursery, working as a horticulturist, from which he retired.
He purchased his property and moved to Jesup in 2010 and then relocated for a short time to Brandon, Florida, before moving back to the place he loved again in Jesup in 2023. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, fishing and hunting. He loved his family and devoted himself to them first and foremost.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Jojo Lanier, Rita Duncan, Eric Lanier and Lance Lanier.
Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Kathryn Bedat Lanier of Jesup; four children, Alexis Bedat of Hanover, Indiana, and Molly Sue Rose Lanier, Haley Marie Lanier and Lena Jean Lanier, all of Jesup; two sisters, Annette Colson and Linda Chitty, both of Brunswick; and a host of nieces, nephews and other extended-family members.
A memorial service was held Jan. 14 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Joe Manning and Chaplain Ryan Wilson officiating.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Linda Sybil Collingsworth
Jesup—Linda Sybil Collingsworth died peacefully on Dec. 5, 2025.
She was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt who loved her family deeply. She was also known as a wonderful artist and decorator who brought beauty and warmth to every place she called home.
She was born in Jesup on Jan. 24, 1941. She grew up at Shellman Bluff in McIntosh County and later moved to Midway with her parents and siblings. Her parents, Wendell and Sybil Williams, owned and operated Cherokee Seafood Restaurant, an iconic dining spot enjoyed by many and central to her early life. Those years helped shape her deep love for family, faith and creativity.
She married and moved to Hinesville and later relocated to Statesboro and then Augusta before spending time in Virginia. Her journey eventually led her to Charleston, South Carolina, where her artistic talents truly flourished. There, she owned and operated a beautiful boutique, Sybil’s, where she shared her love of art through painted furniture, original artwork and thoughtfully curated home goods. In time, she returned to Hinesville, carrying with her a life rich in creativity, faith and experience.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wendell and Sybil, and her much loved siblings, Wendell L. Williams Jr. and Vickie Haskins.
Survivors include a family who loved her dearly, including her children, Jonathan Wayne Collingsworth, Paula Lynn (Russell) Regen of Nashville, Tennessee, and Virginia Ann (Sid) Mullis of Augusta; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a multitude of nieces and nephews, many whom have fond memories of her.
She is also remembered with love by her siblings, Larry Joe Williams, Janice Faye Williams and Brenda Williams D’Angelo.
She will be remembered for her quiet strength, creative spirit and unwavering faith, her family said. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured and the love she so freely gave. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her, her family said.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Harborview Health Systems Jesup for the “wonderful” care and compassion shown to her throughout the years of her stay and to Howard & Jones Funeral Home of Jesup for their kindness, professionalism and accommodations during this time.
Family and friends are invited to join together in celebrating her life at 10 a.m. on Jan. 24 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Rinehart & Sons
Joan Long
Jesup—Joan Long, 81, of Jesup died Jan. 9, 2026, in Hospice of South Georgia Inpatient Unit.
She was a native of New York and a former resident of Knotts Island, North Carolina, and Culter Ridge, Florida. She had lived in Wayne County for most of her adult life. She was a very active member of Northside Bible Baptist Church, where she assisted in some secretarial work and kitchen help and even helped with the painting of the church building.
Jesup Furniture Outlet employed her for many years. Some of her favorite things included fishing; riding horses; her animals, especially her cats; and cooking for her family and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Long; her parents, Walter and Vernice Waterfield; and a sister, Rita Curylo.
Survivors include her daughters, Lynn (Rene) Bosquez of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Bree (Chad) Dent of Odum; a son, Shellie (Mary) LaPradd of Jesup; grandchildren, Amy Gonzalez, Nathan, Adam and Jack (Lily) Bosquez, Shellie, V and Daniel LaPradd, Alec (Sammi) Dent and MaKenna (Evan) Sloan; a brother, Tad (Gloria) Waterfield; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Jan. 11 at Rinehart Chapel with Pastor Anthony Hipps officiating. Interment followed in Rye Patch Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jeff Spencer
Jesup—Jeff Spencer, 60, of Jesup died on Jan. 11, 2026.
The Michigan native had lived the past 25 years in Wayne County and was an active member of Jesup First Baptist Church, working with the security team. The most important thing in his life were his children—Steve and Alex. He was a single custodial father and made many sacrifices to care for them when they were young. He was very proud of his boys, who grew into outstanding and successful men. His children were by far his greatest treasure and legacy.
He served in the U.S. Army in various infantry divisions and in combat during Desert Storm and Desert Shield. After his honorable discharge, he worked at the Federal Correctional Institution for 23 years, retiring at the rank of senior officer specialist. During his employment, he was also a proud member of the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), a tactical team. He was a trusted friend, mentor and adviser to his friends, coworkers and SORT brothers.
He was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need and was fiercely loyal to his friends. He was the one everyone counted on to fix something, give advice, share a recipe or simply provide moral support.
He had a passion for teaching and used that as a firearms instructor and then worked at James E. Bacon Elementary School as a paraprofessional.
His health was very important to him as he made exercise part of his life and was a regular member at Jesup Fitness Club. He also loved to train his dog “Loki.” Known as “Pop Pop,” he doted on his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Lois Spencer, and his brother, Jerry.
Survivors include his two sons, Steven (Jessica) Spencer of Jesup and Alex (Jacqueline) Spencer of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a daughter, Mareyke (Jakob) Trabold of Germany; three grandchildren, Kennedi, Emma and Cataleya; his life partner, Deidra Lyons of Jesup; three brothers, William (Jean) Spencer, Wilfred (Beverly) Spencer and James (Lynn) Spencer; a sister, Tina Spencer; several nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends, including Mary McFadden, Brad Walker and Chris Loyd.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at Rinehart Chapel with Pastor Brooks Haddock officiating. Interment will follow in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville with U.S. Military Honors. Active pallbearers will be his family and friends.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memory Lee Ayres Jr.
Jesup—Memory Lee Ayres Jr., 74, died peacefully on Jan. 10, 2026, and was a lifelong native of Southeast Georgia.
He had a deep love for the outdoors and found great joy in nature, especially hunting. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and loved ones. He was a longtime and devoted member of First Baptist Church of Jesup, where he faithfully served and was actively involved in the youth department, leaving a lasting impact on many young lives. He was known for his warm heart, quick wit and sense of humor. He was well-loved by all who knew him and had a unique way of making people feel valued and at ease, his family said.
After a dedicated career in law enforcement, he followed his passion for helping others by returning to school to become a special education teacher. In this role, he touched the lives of countless students and families with his patience, compassion and unwavering support, his family said. He taught at Martha Puckett Middle School and Wayne County High School, where he was deeply respected and remembered fondly by colleagues and students alike.
He was preceded in death by his father, Memory Lee (M.L.) Ayres Sr., and his mother, Mary Taylor Ayres.
Survivors include his loving wife of 40 years, Lisa (Shirley) Ayres of Jesup; his children, Taylor (Amanda) Ayres of Arizona and Tori (Andrew) Grear of Jacksonville, Florida; two grandchildren, Eleanor Drew Grear and James Edsel Grear; and the many students whose lives he shaped and influenced throughout his years as an educator.
A drop-in visitation will be held in the fellowship hall at First Baptist Church of Jesup on Jan. 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
He will be remembered for his faith, service and kindness and the lasting legacy of love and laughter he leaves behind, his family said.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Rick James
Odum—Rick James, 78, of Odum died Jan. 12, 2025, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The Wayne County native was a member of Altamaha Baptist Church. He pursued many adventures and hobbies that eventually turned into his business, such as shrimping, saw milling, trailer park owner and pecan farming. Although he worked most of the time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and time spent in “The Swamp.”
He built and restored a classic vehicle for each one of his children. When he and his wife, Janice, would vacation, he could be seen stopping at a stream and mining for treasures.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sadie Bigon and Nelson James; his daughter, Tiffany James Daniels; a brother, Lance James; and a mother-in-love, Josephine Tyre.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Janice Tyre James of Odum; a daughter, Terry Lee (Stacy) Horton of Madray Springs; two sons, Shane (Jennifer) Poppell and Justin (Kimberly) James, all of Madray Springs; grandchildren; Caleb (Erin) Poppell, Carson Poppell, Kimball Clements, Eric Feltham, Sadie Horton, Josie and Aubrie James and Brant Landon Daniels; a great-granddaughter, Lakelynn and Lynnie Clements and Iley Poppell; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at Altamaha Baptist Church with the Rev. R.M. Warren officiating. Interment will follow in Altamaha Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Eric Feltham, Carson and Caleb Poppell, Kevin McCrary, Jasper Blanton, Ray Moore, Greg James and Shorty Stephens.
Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1425 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Carl Miner Cowart
Greensboro, North Carolina—Carl Miner Cowart was a devoted husband, dedicated father and indulgent grandfather who will be lovingly missed. He died on Jan. 5, 2026, at the age of 78.
He was born in Douglas, the only child of the late Emmett Jackson and Dorothy Miner Cowart, and grew up in Jesup. He was quite a high school athlete, earning letters in football, basketball, baseball, track and golf. As quarterback of the Jesup High School Yellow Jackets, he led his team to the 1963 state championship game. In 2003 he was inducted into the Wayne County Sports Hall of Fame. He went on to play college football at his beloved University of South Carolina, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and served as treasurer of the student body.
His devotion always remained with The Gamecocks, enjoying many seasons at Williams-Brice Stadium cheering on his team. He focused on his love of golf and was constantly honing his game, frequently exclaiming, “I found the secret!” He got to play the courses of his dreams, Augusta National, Pebble Beach, and many courses in Scotland and Ireland, including The Old Course at Saint Andrews.
Not only did he play hard, but he worked hard, too. His career in banking began at South Carolina National, where he became general auditor and then director of operations regulatory compliance and risk management. In 1992, with the merger of SCN and Wachovia, he became director of corporate compliance. After two additional mergers, he retired in 2010 from Wells Fargo in Charlotte, North Carolina.
He lived his life with integrity, a gentlemanly manner, kindness and a keen sense of humor, his family said. He was an active member at Lexington, South Carolina, United Methodist Church and Mt. Tabor UMC in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
His passion was his family. He enjoyed 53 years of love and laughter with his wife, Ginny (Virginia Jones Cowart), and was proud of his children, David and wife Michelle Cowart and Ashley and husband Tom Carson. He loved to his core his five exuberant grandchildren, Connor and Cameron Cowart and Owen, Palmer and Graham Carson.
An informal celebration-of-life service will be held Feb. 7 at noon at Sherwood Swim and Racquet Club, 100 Alma Pinnix Drive, Greensboro, NC 27405.
The family extends its gratitude to The Elms memory care at Abbotswood. The staff there loved him and cared for him for the last three years and became like family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, 4615 Dundas Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.