• Howard & Jones
Avalene Beasley Cooper
Jesup—Avalene Beasley Cooper, 71, died peacefully at home on Dec. 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
She was born on Dec. 9, 1954 in Jesup to the late Guyton Beasley and A. Lucille Driggers Beasley. She graduated from Wayne County High School and lived for a short time in Tallahassee, Florida, before relocating again to Tampa, Florida, where she lived for 10 years. After moving back to Wayne County, she owned and operated J&A Flea Market in Screven for many years.
She was multitalented and could do almost anything she put her mind to. She had an eye for decorating and was always quick-witted and smart, her family said. She loved flowers and was blessed with a green thumb.
She was a loving daughter, sister, mother and grandmother who cherished the time she spent with her family. She also enjoyed attending Covenant Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her three brothers, Lonnie, Bobby and Alan Beasley, and her childhood friend who was more like a sister, Terri Sutton.
Survivors include her daughter, Terrie Woods and fiancé Tom Bell of Fairmont, West Virginia; two grandchildren, Michaela Woods and Jared Scott, both of Fairmont, West Virginia; siblings, Colleen (Troy) Oder of Jesup, Kathy Truitt of Screven, Darlene Beasley of Screven, Earlene Clark of Jesup and Christopher (Nichole) Boatright of Waycross; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Dover Beasley of Jesup; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
A celebration-of-life service was held on Dec. 31 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home with Pastor Guyvie Beasley officiating.
Interment was private.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Randolph Aspinwall
Screven—Randolph Aspinwall, 68, affectionately known by his family and friends as “Randy or Rudy,” died on Dec. 30, 2025, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah after a lengthy illness.
A lifelong resident of Wayne and Pierce counties, he was born on Nov. 2, 1957, in Jesup to the late Clyde and Joyce Johnson Aspinwall. He graduated from Wayne County High School in the class of 1976. After graduation, he worked for a short time at the Manhattan Shirt Factory before he began to pursue his true, lifelong passion, flowers and floral design. He had always helped his mother with her flower shop, and he opened the doors to his own shop, Country Flowers, in 1989. He was a hardworking businessman who devoted his life to the occupation he loved so dearly.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Screven and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family when he wasn’t working.
Survivors include his brother, Andy (Nancy) Aspinwall of Patterson; a sister, Cindy (Chris) Brown of Screven; aunts, Doris Thomas, Betty Roberson and Cheryl Johnson, all of Patterson, Mickey Greentree of South Carolina, and Marie Vorpe of Dinsmore, Florida; nephews, Drew (Nikki) Aspinwall and their children Kallan, and Beau Aspinwall, Jared (Nicole) Boatright and their children, Morgan and Briley Boatright and Ethan Boatright and daughter, Addie Boatright; and a host of extended-family members and friends.
Funeral services were held Jan. 3 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Durwood Miller officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Interment services was held privately in Screven City Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
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 the 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 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 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 Sebastin, Florida, and 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 she was a member of the church for 90 years. The church’s prayers helped her survive many illnesses. She would want everyone who mourns her to remember that she had a full, blessed life and is now at home with her Lord.
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 Altman, 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.
• Rinehart and Sons
Rhonda Lewis Martin
Brunswick—Rhonda Lewis Martin, 63, of Brunswick died Jan. 1, 2026.
She grew up in Jesup and was a 1980 graduate of Wayne County High School but eventually made her home in Brunswick. To know Rhonda was to know what an inspirational cheerleader she was—in every sense of the word. She was a source of encouragement, strength and unwavering love for her family, her community and her friends, her family shared. Her life was a beautiful reflection of her deep love for Jesus, which guided her words, her actions and the way she cared about others, her family said. “Trust in God” was something she frequently said to family and friends.
She is predeceased by her father, Larry Lewis; her stepfather, Jarrell Coffee; and her grandmothers, Macy Lewis and Carobeth Highsmith.
Within the community and her church, Bay Harbour Church of God, she was a constant source of positivity, light and support as she uplifted others with her smile, her words and her unshakable belief in God, her family said. Many were blessed by her guidance, compassion and example of living a Christ-centered life.
Her faith was not only something she spoke about, but it was something she lived. She found “joy” in serving others, offering prayers, encouragement and kindness wherever she went. Her home and heart were always open, and her presence had a way of making people feel seen, valued and loved, her family said.
Family was the center of everything she did. She believed fiercely in showing up, loving hard and standing together through every season of life, as she often showed to those she loved, her family said.
She believed “family is everything.” She lived those words daily, pouring her heart into her husband, children, grandchildren and everyone around her. She was always cheering them on and celebrating their victories—big and small.
Though her physical presence (which was always very classy and fashionable) will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through the faith she shared, the family she cherished, and the countless lives she touched, her family said, and her love, laughter and devotion will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew her.
Survivors include her beloved husband of 45 years, John F. Martin, of Brunswick, a partner she cherished deeply and would not have traded for the world; her kids, Keith ( alerie) Martin and Misti (Brad) Lang; grandchildren, Kaitlin (Ian) Williams, Halle Martin, Rylee Martin, Lexi Lang, Kamryn Martin and Blake Lang; her mother, Ruby Coffee; a stepmother, Gale Lewis; a brother, Bo Lewis (JeanAnne, Kristen and Kaity); a sister, Jenny Stoner (Mark and Nathan); her “bonus daughter,” Crystal Perron; a sister-in-law, Mavis Cox of Jesup; a brother-in-law, David (Tammy) Martin of Augusta; and her dog, Ellie May, a big part of her heart.
A celebration-of-life service was held Jan. 4 from Bay Harbour Church of God with the Rev. John Harris and the Rev. Pete Boyd officiating. A private graveside service was in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Lance McLain, Frank Carr, Frank Whisenant, Ian Williams, Nathan Stoner and Ian Carter. Honorary pallbearers were members of her 1980 Wayne County High School graduating class.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shane’s Cribb, 1303 S, 1st Street, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Clara Thompson
Odum—Clara Thompson, 95, of Odum died Dec. 27, 2025, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The Florida native had lived most of her life in Wayne County and was a member of Odum Methodist Church. She was retired from Waynline and loved crafting and gardening, including greenhouse plants and flowers. Word searches kept her mind and eyes strong in her later years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Chester Thompson Sr.; her granddaughter, Daphne Gest; parents, Ollie Mae Tyre and Harry J. Burnette Sr.; a sister, Inez Moore; and brothers, Bobby Burnette and Harry J. Burnette Jr.
Survivors include her children, Patricia Blanton (Derrel Rogers) and Chester (Shanda) Thompson Jr.; grandchildren, Jasper (Kacie) Blanton, Sierra Blanton, Richard (Nikki) Thompson and Chessica (Michael) O’Banion; great-grandchildren, Erica (Jared) Blanton, Alexis Blanton-Page, Rem Harris, Huk Thornton, Hollis Blanton, Mariana (Snapper) Daniels, Chrissie O’Banion, Arlyn and Chet Thompson, Clayton (Haley) Gest and Weston (Brianna) Gest; great-great-grandchildren, Briar Lynn, Braille, Bryce and Kennedy Gest, Colbi Rae Daniels and two on the way; a sister, Marilyn Maxwell; a sister-in-law, Lawana Burnette; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Dec. 29 at Rinehart Chapel with Pastor Dean Slusser officiating. Interment followed in the Odum City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1425 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Wes Mixon
Jesup—Wes Mixon, 51, of Jesup died on Jan. 1, 2026.
The South Carolina native lived most of his life in Wayne County and had a passion for carpentry. He loved to fly kites, drive around in the country, storm-chase and game.
He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Wayne Mixon Sr.; his sister, Lisa Mixon Noles; and his aunt, Janet Savage.
Survivors include his wife of three years, Margarite Mixon; a daughter, Xoie Mixon; a son, Alexander Mixon; grandchildren, Nevaeh, Tucker and Grayson; his mother, Mildred F. Mixon; a sister, Marlene Fincher; a brother, Donald Wayne (Becky) Mixon Jr.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.
Graveside funeral services were held Jan. 5 in Liberty Cemetery with the Rev. Timothy McBee officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Kenslee Rose O’Berry
Jesup—Kenslee Rose O’Berry, 9, of Jesup died on Jan. 2, 2026, and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The Wayne County native loved being with her family. Coloring, playing with her iPad, cooking and grocery shopping with Granny were some of her favorite things to do. The Disney character Stitch was special to her. Although she battled cancer, she always managed to make everyone smile.
She was preceded in death by her nephew, Braxton Lee Hutchinson, and sister, Destiney Nicole O’Berry.
Survivors include her mother, Ashley Hutchinson; her father, Roy O’Berry; siblings, Steven Kage O’Berry, Hunter (Emilee) Austin O’Berry and Nickolas Shane Hutchinson; maternal grandparents, Rose Hutchinson and John Wesley Sumner; paternal grandparents, Brenda (Henry) Futch; a special aunt and uncle, Missie and Uncle Bubba; nieces, nephews and cousins; and best friends who made the last few weeks wonderful for her, Paisley and Emery.
Visitation and viewing was held Jan. 5 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank The Savannah Care Team for their love and attention to Kenslee for more than five years and Hospice of South Georgia Staff, including Cynthia, Chloe, Whitney, Lyndsey and Ashley.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
John Hilton Sr.
Screven—John “Bob” Hilton Sr. of Screven, 92, died peacefully at this home on Jan. 2, 2026.
The Wayne County native was a proud member of Northside Baptist Church and served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Kearsarge during the Korean Conflict. During this time he met and married Irene, his wife of 61 1/2 years. He was a very skilled carpenter, working with Local Carpenters Union 865 for many years, and also did woodworking at home. He and his wife built many small projects for family and friends.
Most of all, he loved his family. Even in illness, he would see his children, grandchildren, and friends and manage a smile and say, “I love you.” He was old school and would address people as “Sir,” “Baby Doll” and “Darlin’”—always with love and respect. He enjoyed reading, especially Westerns. He was a quiet man but very mathematically smart and precise in his measurements when building and performing handyman duties.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley and Beatrice Hilton; six sisters; his wife, Irene Hilton; and a son, John “Robert” Hilton Jr.
Survivors include daughters, Kathy (Ricky) Minix of Jekyll Island and Karen (Rig) Harper of Screven; sons, Harold (Sharon) Hilton of Jesup, Russell (Charla) Hilton of Odum; a sister, Sidney Walker of Blackshear; a brother Leroy (Carol) “Putt” Hilton of Huntsville, Texas; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Jan. 6 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Scott Hatten officiating. Interment followed in Screven City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were J.D. Hilton, Nathan Hilton, Gavin and Garrett Hilton, Michael Walker, Jasper Beaver, Gary Wilson and Doug Harris. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. R.A. Pumpelly and staff, Hospice of South Georgia, staff of Community Home Health, and the members of Northside Baptist Church.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Richard Wiley Rogers
Jesup—Richard Wiley Rogers, 91, of Jesup died Jan. 4, 2026.
The Statesboro native had lived in New Mexico for many years and resided the past 13 years in Wayne County. He was a member of Jesup Church of God and a retired mechanic. In his leisure time, he enjoyed traveling, motor repairs and solving technology programs.
He was predeceased by two daughters, Kay Nay and Teri Rogers,and a son, Michael Rogers.
Survivors include his wife, Marie Duncan Rogers of Jesup; several grandchildren, Rebecca Wilkerson, Kimberly Hardwick, Jennifer Fain, Charles Rogers; several great-grandchildren; and a sister, Linda Eagle of Alpharetta.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.