• Rinehart & Sons
Blake Penix
Newport News,
Virginia—Blake Penix, 31, of Newport News, Virginia, died Nov. 27 2024, in an automobile accident on his way home for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The Wayne County native had lived in Jesup all his life until after graduation from Wayne County High School in 2011 and was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church, where his faith was nourished in guiding his lifetime commitments. At the time of his death, he attended Menchville Baptist Church in Virgina and worked with the AWANA program.
He played football for Wayne County High and received many awards, including the Jimmy Sullivan award. Upon completion of high school, he accepted a football scholarship to the Shipbuilding Program of Newport News and played for the Apprentice School football team as a kicker/punter while completing a four-year marine electrical apprenticeship and earning an associate’s degree in engineering.
After graduation, he was promoted to an electrical foreman position, where he led a crew of electricians working fiber optic and combat system installations and testing on nuclear aircraft carriers. In his most recent position, he served as an electrical general foreman for two years and was responsible for the success of several electrical foremen and their respective crews.
He received several Warfighter of the Week awards while in all three positions and was selected for a Model of Excellence award, which is one of the highest awards available at Newport News Shipbuilding.
Survivors include his wife of two months, Star Penix of Newport News, Virginia; his parents, Terry and Sandra Penix of Jesup; a brother, Matthew (Andrea) Penix, and nieces, Suzannah and Mollie, a nephew, Noah, all of Fernandina Beach Florida; a sister, Kellie Penix; a niece, Zarria Penix of Statesboro; grandparents, Doris Madray of Statesboro and Wendell (Debbie) Madray of Brunswick; in-laws, Scott and Debbie D’Auria, and a grandmother-in-law, Karen, all of California; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended-family members.
Memorial services will be held at a later date. Remembrances can be made to Calvary Baptist Church Children’s Building Program, P.O. Box 9, Jesup, GA 31598.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup assisted locally with arrangements.
Joan Canington Warren
Jesup—Joan Canington Warren, 92, of Jesup and Statesboro died Dec. 4, 2024.
She was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Jesup and in recent years became a member of Pittman Park United Methodist Church in Statesboro. She was a retired elementary school teacher and enjoyed keeping up with all of her students.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Bert Warren.
Survivors include a daughter, Donna (Dr. Kevin) Purvis of Statesboro; a son, Dr. David (Kate) Warren of Mansfield, Texas; grandchildren, Christopher (Ashlyn) Purvis of Stilson and Adam Purvis of Charleston, South Carolina, Logan Purvis of Washington, D.C., and Robby and Katie Warren of Mansfield; great-granddaughter, Teddy Purvis; a sister, Sue Hoyle of Cuthbert; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Dec. 9 at Rinehart Chapel with Dr. Jonathan Smith officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family and friends.
The family wishes to express a heartfelt thanks to Ralph Cowart and the Southern Manor of Statesboro employees whom she loved like family.
Memorials may be made to Methodist Home for Children and Youth, 304 Pierce Ave., Macon, GA 31204.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Ruby Nell Joyner Manning
Jesup—Ruby Nell Joyner Manning, 81, of Jesup died Dec. 7, 2024.
The Wayne County native was a member of Old Bethel Baptist Church. She was a 1961 graduate of Jesup High School, a bookkeeper of 40 years with York Bee Company of Jesup and later worked with H&R Apiaries and Bee Company.
She was predeceased by parents, Emory Lee and Nellie Mae Roberson Joyner; a sister, Mary Joyner; and a brother, Harold Joyner.
Survivors include her brothers, Darrell (Weada) Joyner and Hubert Joyner of Jesup, Robert (Margaret) Joyner of Glennville; sisters-in-law, Carol Joyner Lewis and Pat Jones of Jesup; 19 nieces; 18 nephews; and many other friends who were loved greatly by her as well as by her family.
A celebration-of-life service was held Dec. 11 from Old Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Harris and the Rev. Wayne Williamson officiating. Interment was in Old Bethel Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her nephews. Honorary pallbearers was the staff of Harborview Health System in Jesup.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.