• Howard & Jones
David Albert Blanton
Jesup—David Albert Blanton, 67, affectionately known by his friends and family as “Dudy,” died peacefully on Dec. 28, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family under the care of Hearth Hospice.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, he was born on Dec. 13, 1957. He served his country in the National Guard and worked as a logger in his younger years before taking up produce sales for most of his life. He loved fishing, hunting and spending time with his beloved family. He was a jokester who had no filter; whatever came up came out, his family said. He was one of a kind and was always a joy to be around.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlene Corbett Blanton; his mother, Martha Sue Williams Blanton; and his grandson, Chevy Rowell.
Survivors include his children, Michael Blanton of Eastman, Ryan Blanton of Jesup, Shelby Blanton and fiance Scott of Darien and Ashely Cox of Brunswick; his father, John D. Blanton of Jesup; sisters, Patsy Martinez of Jesup and Ann (Ricky) Mobley of Jesup; a brother, Johnny Blanton of Jesup; grandchildren, Robert, Jesse, Brennen, McKenzie, Charlene, Kylie, Emma, Carly, Alyssa and Bryce; an uncle who was more like a second father, Quitman “Peanut” (Pam) Williams; and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Dec. 31 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Gary Ryals officiating. Interment followed in Surrency Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Ryan Blanton, Jamie Williams, Scott Simmons, Dustin Williams, Chris Williams and Chad Mobley.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Herman Lawton Lewis Sr.
Jesup—Herman Lawton Lewis Sr., 86, died peacefully on Jan. 2, 2025 at Hospice of South Georgia surrounded by his loving family.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, he was born on Oct. 28, 1938, to the late Foy S. and Flossie Bennett Lewis. He graduated from Jesup High School in the class of 1957 and worked for a short time at the pig farm. Soon after, he began a career at Rayonier, where he worked 40 years, until his retirement in 2002.
He was always a farmer. He raised cows and hogs, row crops, and hay in addition to his work at the mill. He cared about his community and was always willing to “give back” by volunteering his time and talents in any way he could. He served on the Wayne County Tax Assessor Board and was a member of the Wayne County Livestock Association, the Georgia Cattleman’s Association and the Wayne County Young Farmers, where he was honored as a lifetime member.
He was a member of Jesup Primitive Baptist Church for 60 years and was always ready to help a person in need, many times using the skills of his trade, any time he could without recognition or payment from others. At the heart of his Christian faith was the importance of a Christian home and family. He enjoyed spending time around the dinner table with the ones he loved most, sharing memories, laughs and life lessons few will ever forget.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant sister, Ethel Lewis; sisters, Frances Anderson and Vida Aspinwall; and brothers, Vernon, Elmer, Franklin, Linton and Jerry Lewis.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Matilda “Tillie” Dukes Lewis of Jesup; a son, Herman (Brenda) Lewis Jr. of Jesup; daughters, Pam (Rod) Baatz of Maple City, Michigan, and Ginger (Josh) Pumpelly of Franklin, Tennessee; a brother, Julian (Carol) Lewis of Jesup; grandchildren, Amy Lang, Garrett (Hanna) Lewis, Alicia Baatz, Jordan Baatz and Lewis Pumpelly; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Seth and Levi; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Jan. 5 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Elder Keith Tillman officiating.
Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Wayne Anderson, Randall Aspinwall, Doug Lewis, Vernie Lewis, Dale Lewis, Len Lewis, Dennis Benner and Robby Harless.
The family wishes to issue a heartfelt thank you to Hospice of South Georgia for the care and compassion shown to them during this difficult time.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Rinehart & Sons
Robert Lee Whitley
Jesup—Robert Lee “Bob” Whitley of Jesup died of natural causes on Dec. 31, 2024, at UF Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by family.
He was a beloved family man who enjoyed fishing and staying active. Even at the age of 89, he was an active employee at The Press-Sentinel, Wayne County’s local newspaper. He was the treasurer and a member of Northside Bible Baptist Church in Jesup for many years.
Born on April 3, 1935, in Brunswick, he was the first child of Robert and Virgie Mae (Williamson) Whitley. He graduated in 1953 from Screven High School and then served in the National Guard from 1954 until his honorable discharge in 1963. He moved in 1978 to Jesup, where he lived the remainder of his life. He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Harold, Perry, Earl and George.
Survivors include his wife of almost 70 years, Dorothy “Dot” Whitley of Jesup; his children, Robb (Michelle) Whitley of St. George, Richard (Brenda) Whitley of Bristol, and Alecia (Ian) Short of Jesup and Alanna Whitley of Jesup; grandchildren, Amanda (Chris) Burnham of Glen St. Mary, Florida and Clint (Kristin) Conner of Callahan, Florida; his great-grandsons, Ridge Lundy, Heath Whitley Conner, Ashton Burnham and Myles Conner; several nieces and nephews; and other extended family members.
Funeral services were held Jan. 5 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bill Forde officiating. Interment followed at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Lamar Whitley, Eric Denty, Clint Conner, Chris Burnham, David Dyal, Ridge Dyal, Harley Tapley and Nicholas Bottoms. Honorary pallbearers were staff members of The Press-Sentinel, Bob Brantley and Archie Boatright.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Margaret Walker Griffis
Ocoee, Florida—Margaret Walker Griffis, 91, of Ocoee, Florida, died Dec. 28, 2024.
The Florida native was a retired Orange County public school system employee and of the Church of God faith. She was a loving and faithful wife, mother and grandmother. Her family always had the assurance of her being there for them.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Riley Allen “R.A.” Griffis, and two sons, Larry Allen Griffis Sr. and Steve (Charlotte) Griffis.
Survivors include grandchildren, Allen (Sandy) Griffis, Shawn Griffis, Joyel Walker, Jason Griffis, Justin Griffis, Lee Griffis, and great-grandchildren, Harlee (Connar) Jacobs, Hayden (Alexis) Griffis, Hart Griffis, Nina Waller, Leah Griffis, Madison Griffis, Peyton Griffis and Neomi Griffis.
Funeral services were held Jan. 4 from Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Ronald Rentz officiating. Interment followed at Big Creek Cemetery. Pallbearers were family and friends.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Cynthia Knight Belcher
Jesup—Cynthia “Cindy” Knight Belcher, 66, of Jesup died Dec. 30, 2024, under the care of Georgia Hospice Care.
The Wayne County native was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church and was a former shipping supervisor with Ashley Manufacturing Company. She was a loving daughter and mother. Her free spirit loved animals, and she enjoyed fishing.
She was preceded in death by her father, James “Robert” Knight,; and her husband, Mike Belcher.
Survivors include a daughter, Kara Belcher of Jesup; her mother, Hilda Ann Davis Knight of Jesup; a brother, Lee (Karen) Knight of Jesup; a stepdaughter, Chasity Davis; a nephew, Josh Knight; and several other relatives.
Graveside funeral services were held Jan. 2 in Union Cemetery with the Rev. Chad Mobley officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Madeline Carter Bennett
Jesup—Madeline Carter Bennett, 91, of Jesup died Jan. 5, 2025, surrounded by her family and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and the staff of Mossy Oak Assisted Living Center.
The Long County native was reared in Cedar Crossing and lived most of her adult life in Wayne County. She was a former member of Little Creek Baptist Church, and in her later years, she joined Calvary Baptist Church. The homemaker loved to volunteer with Jesup Elementary School in the library and lunchroom and also with the Wayne Memorial Auxiliary.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Bennett; a son, Wendell Bennett; and a brother, J.W. Carter.
Survivors include two daughters, Brenda (Dorman) Beasley of Jesup and Lisa (Chris) Anderson of Odum; a son, Dennis Bennett of Ludowici; 10 grandchildren, Jonathan (Amy) Beasley, Benji (Connie) Beasley, Morgan (Tyler) Groover, Hunter Bennett, Daniel (Christine) Flowers, Jesse, Hannah, Joseph, Sarah and Lydia Flowers; a sister, Lynette Madray; a sister-in-law, Betty Carter; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Vann Dempsey and the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be family. Honorary pallbearers will be the staffs of Mossy Oak Assisted Living Center and Hospice of South Georgia.
Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James Earl Kennedy
Screven—James Earl Kennedy, 83, of Screven died Jan. 5, 2025.
The Wayne County native was a member of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and a retired 29-year U.S. Army veteran first sergeant. He enjoyed wrestling, football and golf.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Sandra F. Kennedy.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Smith Kennedy of Screven; two daughters, Margo Kennedy of Apex, North Carolina, and Sandy Ann (Tiny) Hayes of Jesup; a grandson, James E. (Liz) Michael of Jesup; a stepdaughter, Rebecca (Brad) Thornton of Screven; two stepgrandsons, Wesley and Zachary Thornton; and special friends, Kyle, Carla and Justin Stueber of Lawrenceville.
Memorial services will be held Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David Bohannon officiating. Private interment will be held in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.
Family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 730 S. Macon St., Jesup, GA 31545 or to Affinis Hospice, 1705 Boulevard Square, Waycross, GA 31501.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.
Erin Faith New
Brantley
Jesup—Erin Faith New Brantley, 84, of Jesup died Jan. 6, 2025, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia, after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s.
She grew up in Harrison and was baptized at Harrison Baptist Church, where she loved singing in the choir while her mother played the piano. The Washington County native had lived in Wayne County the past 51 years and was a member of First Baptist Church, where she enjoyed her Sunday school class and the Ladies Auxiliary programs for many years. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family and friends.
She followed her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sports activities and cheered for them all. She loved working her daily crossword puzzles and occasionally played piano and sang for her family. She was an avid Atlanta Braves and University of Georgia Bulldogs fan and rarely missing watching a game.
Prior to moving to Jesup, she lived for 10 years in Nahunta, where she was on a bowling team and had many dear friends. After moving to Wayne County, she enjoyed playing golf and having lunch with “The Lunch Bunch” after her beauty shop trips every Friday. The family would like to thank Colleen Oder and the other ladies in the beauty shop for making her Fridays so special.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, George Thomas Brantley Jr.; her parents, Buford New and Kate Hall New Franklin; her stepfather, J.W. Franklin; her brothers, Buford L. New, Gene New and Woodrow New; her sisters-in-law, Betty New, Carolyn Norris and Betty Hice; her brothers-in-law, Tom Hice and Ralph Jones; her great-grandson, Dylan Hargrove; and a great-granddaughter, Elliott Coleman.
Survivors include three daughters, Debra (Greg) Coleman, Wanda (Steve) Daniels of Jesup and Donna (Al) Owen of Wetumpka, Alabama; a son, Thomas (Christina) Brantley of Arnoldsville; grandchildren, Michael Hargrove, Jennifer (Lee) Daniels, Joseph (Stacy) Hargrove, Amy Coleman Smith, Ashley (Curtis) Hutton, Elizabeth Coleman, Emily Coleman, Alison (Codee) Owen-Yeske, Erin (Larry) Madaris, Justin (Danielle) Jones, Cyndi Rae (Larry) Oliver, Stephen Wingate, Chase Davis and Addison Owens; 24 great-grandchildren, Autumn, Harm, Holt, Xander, Kai, Presley, Stella, Ian, Aiden, Aubrey, Freya, Owen, Oliver, Easton, Cooper, Paisley, Bentley, Remi Jay, Gavin, Alivia, Annie Kate, Brinson, Kinsley, Foster and Tyler; two great-great-granddaughters; a future great-great-great-grandson; her sister, Jeanene Jones; a sister-in-law, Carolyn New; brothers-in-law, Glynn (Shirley) Brantley, Jarrell (Mary Ellen) Brantley and Wayne (Pat) Brantley; many nieces and nephews and other extended-family members; her most precious caretakers and friends, Carolyn Jones, Megan Crawford and Aleigh Robertson; and Hospice of South Georgia special nurses, Toni A. Ray, Taylor Thornton, Kristi Brown, Christin Cravey; CNA’s Bre Brown and Angie Poppell.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Dale Bange officiating. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Michael Hargrove, Joseph Hargrove, Justin Jones, Stephen Wingate, Lee Daniels, Larry Madaris, Larry Oliver and Gavin Oliver. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Hospice of South Georgia.
Family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545 or to Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministry, 9420 Blackshear Highway, Baxley, GA 31513.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Howard
Fredrick E. Coley Sr.
Jesup—Fredrick E. “Fred” Coley Sr., 81, died Dec. 31, 2024, at Hospice of South Georgia IPU in Jesup.
He was born in Hortense and lived most of his life in Jesup. He liked to tinker with different things and could usually be found at Krystal or Hardee’s, hanging out with his friends. He was known to always have a story to tell.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Flowers Coley; his parents, Floyd and Mary Harrison Coley; stepsons, Hershel Carter and Randy Carter; and his sisters, Fran McClanahan and Patricia Stewart.
Survivors include his daughter, Torie Coley; sons and daughter-in-law, Freddie (Candice) Coley and Greg Coley; a stepson, Michael Carter; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of Jesup; a niece, Bobbie Isaacs of Conway, South Carolina; a special friend, Sarah Wiggins; and his canine companion, Pudding.
Funeral services were held Jan. 2 at Howard Funeral Home Chapel. Freddie and Candice Coley officiated.
Burial followed services at Sunset Oak Memorial Cemetery in Jesup.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Howard Funeral Home in remembrance of him.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfunealga.com.
Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici was in charge of arrangements.