• Rinehart & Sons
Marlin Rogers Fletcher
Jesup—Marlin Rogers Fletcher, 78, of Jesup died Feb. 5, 2026, under the care of Georgia Hospice Care.
The Fitzgerald native and former Clewiston, Florida, resident had lived in Wayne County the past several years. She attended Faith Chapel and worked for many years in several grocery stores. Her enjoyment came from taking care of her family and being a “Nannie.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charley Ray Fletcher; a sister and brother-in-law, Donna (Monte) Montgomery; and a grandson, J.R. Sewell.
Survivors include a daughter, Cynthia (Raul) Valdez of Jesup; extended family, Monica (David) McKinzie of Jesup, Debi (Edward) Smith of Clewiston, Florida, Pam Fletcher and Lois Mullins of Fort Meyers, Florida, Karen (Donnie) Shaw of Clewiston and Leann (Jeremy) Pilarski of Fort Meyers; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Feb. 8 at Rinehart Chapel with Pastor James Carter officiating. Interment followed in Screven City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jose Valdez, Tripp McKinzie, Gunnar Montgomery, Stevie Cotton, Aaron Mitchell and Stacey Thornton.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Lillia Elizabeth “Beth” Watford Waters
Screven—Lillia Elizabeth “Beth” Watford Waters, 74, of Screven died on Feb. 5, 2026.
A long-time native of both Long and Wayne counties, she was of the Baptist faith. She attended Camden County High School and was a graduate of Armstrong State University, obtaining her degree in dental hygiene. She spent many years working as a hygienist, a career she truly enjoyed.
After her retirement, she generously devoted her time to Wayne Service Center. She also discovered a love for the arts, especially painting and creating stained glass. She delighted in sharing her creative talents with friends and neighbors throughout Wayne County, her family said. Photography was another favorite pastime, allowing her to capture beautiful pictures of nature as well as countless images of her beloved grandchildren.
Her love of nature led to her involvement in numerous community organizations, including serving on the board of the Satilla Riverkeepers, along with several other local groups dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee Watford Jr. and Betty Russell; her brothers, Tom and Bobby Watford; and her former husband, Gene Roach.
Survivors include her husband, Derby Waters of Screven; her daughter, Kelsi Wildes of Port Wentworth; her son, Cliff (Emily) Wildes of Statesboro; sisters, Janet Watford and Dedi (Jack) Bailey of Ludowici and Misty Watford Day of Jesup; brothers, Billy (Laura) Watford of Jesup and John (Sherry) Watford of Fredericksburg, Virginia; her cherished grandchildren, Julianne Smith, Ashton Nolen, Ford Wildes, Wynn Wildes and Jon Joseph Douglas; a stepmother, Sandra Watford; and a sister-in-law, Ruby Watford.
Memorials are requested to Satilla River Keepers, P.O. Box 817, Nahunta, GA 31553.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Jean Blanton Manning
Jesup—Jean Blanton Manning, 83, of Jesup died Feb. 6, 2026, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and Harborview Nursing Home Staff.
The Wayne County native was a Christian and a homemaker who loved to cook and bake, especially sour cream pound cakes. She also loved to crochet, read and watch Westerns with Gunsmoke being the favorite. Her smart, funny and kind spirit was the quality that her family admired about her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Manning; their infant son, Bobby; her parents, Walter and Willie Blanton; sisters, Ruby Chambless and Inez Todd; brothers, Lowell Blanton, Jim Blanton and Walter “Jr.” Blanton; grandsons, Jerry Michael Cheek and Andy Griffis; and two stepdaughters, Wendy Griffis and Claudia Cheek.
Survivors include a daughter, Paula (Jimmy) Tyson of Jesup; a son, Paul (Loraine) Manning of Lamar, South Carolina; several grandchildren, including her “Baby-Little Paul”; great-grandchildren; a brother, John D. Blanton of Jesup; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Feb. 9 at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Gerald Greenlee officiating. Interment followed in the Spring Grove Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family and friends.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Howard & Jones
Melba Ruth Perkins Stephens
Odum—Melba Ruth Perkins Stephens, 88, died peacefully on Feb. 7, 2026, at home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
She was born on Feb. 10, 1937, to the late Quinelle Trull Perkins and Leonard C. Perkins. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at the tender age of 8 and never turned her heart away throughout her entire life.
She graduated with honors from Odum High School in 1955, second out of 25 students in her class. She served as secretary of her junior and senior classes and lettered four years in cheerleading, having also been a member of the Beta Club, Tri-Hi-Y Club, Music Club and 4-H Club for all four years. She proudly served on the yearbook staff and was a speaker at the graduation ceremony.
After high school, she attended Ware Tech where she received a diploma in early childhood development before attending Brewton-Parker College extension classes.
She married the love of her life, her late husband of 70 years, Jack Donald Stephens, on June 26, 1954. In her early years, she worked as a secretary at Wayne Truck and Tractor and had also worked as a secretary for a local lawyer, Ronald Adams, before leaving behind her career to focus on the family business, where she was a lifetime partner in Stephens Farms. She worked as secretary, bookkeeper and office manager.
She also worked faithfully in her church at Odum Baptist Church for many years, serving as church secretary and clerk for eight years, library chairperson since its inception in the 1960s, and on many committees while also holding several offices, including the WMU president. She volunteered her time for more than 30 years in vacation Bible school, where she was principal for several years. She loved God’s word and had read the Bible from cover to cover at least 15 times, along with many commentaries and Bible helps. She taught Sunday school for more than 65 years, beginning at age 17. She taught the Young People, College and Career Class for more than 33 years. She was honored by her Sunday school class in 1970 for her love and dedication and again honored by the congregation in 2007 for her many years of faithful service.
She was a grade mother every year her children were in school. She served as vice president of the PTA and also worked as a substitute teacher for many years. She volunteered as an Odum Elementary junior cheerleading director, leading the team to district honors. She served as chairman of Odum Elementary’s yearly Sweetheart Pageant for several years and was also a former member of the Wayne County Demonstration Club, former member and chairman of Wayne County ASCS Committee, member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau and the Young Farmers, and also a member of the Fellowship of Christian Farmers.
She was an accomplished seamstress, crafting everything from curtains and chair covers to suits, dresses, coats and small quilts. She was also a great cook and baker who made and decorated birthday cakes and cookies. She loved working in her flower garden and taking pictures. She was an avid reader who also enjoyed sewing, freezing and canning vegetables. She also documented her life on the farm on two different occasions for a publication called Farm and Ranch Living Magazine.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her three sisters, Dorothy Mallard, Joyce Quick and Greta Vinson; one brother, Eddie Perkins; and three brothers-in-law, Demory Mallard, Joe Quick and Bob Vinson.
Survivors include her son, William C. “Dell,” (Ronda) Stephens of Odum; two daughters, Melanie (Derrell) Williamson and Michelle (Jonathan) Blocker, all of Odum; four grandchildren, Dedra and Denise Stephens, Gerimi (Jenny) Palmer and Jenny and Michael Williamson all of Odum; six great-grandchildren, Tyler Palmer, Maisie (J.T.) Crosby, Stella (Braden) Morris, Saje Williamson, Dayla Godbee and Lanie Melba Grace Stephens; two great-great-grandchildren on the way; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Feb. 10 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Chad O’Quinn officiating. Interment followed in Red Hill Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Brooks Mallard, Mike Perkins, Mark Sigler, James Perkins, Gordy Campbell, Konner Stephens and Josh Fenn.
Honorary pallbearers were Sheila Horton, Barbara King, Laverne Grant, Melba Green, Carol Steller, Loretta Whitson, Sharon Carver, Alex and Robert Jenkins, Kathy Sapp and Ronicea Reddish.
The family extends a special word of thanks to her caregivers who worked tirelessly to ensure that her final days were as comfortable as possible, especially Kathy Sapp and Ronicea Reddish.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Kathy Tanner
Jesup—Kathy Tanner, 63, died peacefully on Feb. 8, 2026, at Harborview Health and Rehabilitation after a short illness.
A resident of Jesup for the past 25 years, she was born on June 3, 1962, in Alma to the late Rogery and Laverne Barber Haselden. She graduated from Bacon County High School in the class of 1981 and immediately took a job as a certified nursing assistant in Bacon County. After she met and married her late husband, Kenny Tanner, the two relocated to Waycross for several years before moving to Jesup, where she continued her career in nursing at both Harborview Health Systems and Altamaha Healthcare Center.
She was blessed with a work ethic that was second to none. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching football and old Westerns on television, and she was always an avid University of Georgia Bulldogs fan.
In addition to her parents and husband, her son, Jonah, preceded her in death.
Survivors include her daughter, Kasey Tanner of Jesup; two sisters, Pam Wasdin and Marie Carter both of Alma; one granddaughter, Natalie Tanner; a special friend, Valerie Fuller of Jesup; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services will be held today, Thursday, at 3 p.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. R.B. Gaskin officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
Interment will be private.
The family expresses its deepest gratitude to the staff of Harborview Healthcare Systems-Jesup and Hospice of South Georgia for the extra special care they provided to her in her final days. “You all went above and beyond, and we will be forever thankful,” the family added.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Terrell Garner Cash
Jesup—Terrell Garner Cash,79, of Jesup died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family under the care of GHC Hospice.
He was born in Canton to the late Groover Cash and Sarah Garner Cash.
He joined the United States Army and was a wounded combat veteran during the Vietnam War. After the war, he began his career in trucking. He loved ghost adventures, riding his Honda Goldwing, and watching WWE and drag racing. He also really enjoyed gambling at any casino.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Cash, and granddaughter, Savannah Cash
His real love was his family and friends. Survivors include his sons, Richard ”Greg” (Nancy) Cash, Brian Cash and Terrell Jeffrey (Lydia) Cash; stepdaughter, April (Josh) Floyd; daughter-in-Love, Wendy Cash; grandchildren, Dalton Cash, Jordan Cash (Wesley Baker), Macy Cash and Brock Cash; and many friends and family.
The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to Bill Becica for all the wonderful care he provided him in the last few years.
The family will receive friends on Feb. 14, Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home.
He will be laid to rest in Jasper, where he shared his life with his late wife and family.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Aletha Todd
Blackshear—Aletha Todd, 88, of Blackshear died Feb. 5, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice Satilla.
The Wayne County native had lived in Jesup most of her life before moving to Blackshear eight years ago. She was a seamstress working for Manhattan Industries, Parks Manufacturing and Barber Company. She loved taking care of her family and spending time with them. She was a member of Hoboken Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Todd; her daughter, Frances Anderson and her siblings Clyde, Eackman, Leonard, Mark, and Ronald Thompson, Ann McReady and Bobbie Linto.
Survivors include her daughters and son-in-laws Mary and Richard Crocker, Gail and Alvin Dixon and Barbara Yocum; her siblings Lillian Harris, Vonnie Massey and Jerry Thompson; 10 grandchildren; and several great- and great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Feb.10 at Hoboken Baptist Church with the Brother Ben Glosson officiating. Graveside services were held at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Steve Crocker officiating.
Pallbearers were Jesse Scott, James Anderson, Carson Anderson, AJ Dixon, Lane Dixon and Jimmy Anderson.
Memorials may be given to Hospice Satilla.
Glennville Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Anne Cappelmann Donaldson
St. Simons—Anne Cappelmann Donaldson of Jesup died after an extended illness at Marshes Edge, St Simons Island.
She was born in Columbia, South Carolina. After moving to Jesup, she graduated from Jesup High School in 1951. She received three degrees from the University of Georgia, a bachelor’s degree in commercial art, a master’s degree in education and an education specialist degree. She was invited to become a member of the honor society, Phi Kappa Phi. She also pledged a sorority, ADPI.
During her 30 years as a teacher in Jesup; Gainesville, Florida; and Athens, including a summer teaching at the University of Georgia, she was named STAR teacher several times. Her art students were recognized on the state and national levels. Her Future Problem Solving teams often were state champions. She also served on the state board for the gifted students.
In 1964, while her late husband, John Donaldson, was backfield coach at the University of Georgia, she designed the Georgia “G” for the football helmet. This is now an icon and is widely used.
She was a member of the Women’s Club in Jesup and the Junior League in Gainesville and was very active with the University of Georgia Art Department while living and teaching in Athens.
Serving as youth adviser in the Episcopal Church for several years in Jesup, she later taught Sunday school and worked in the women’s auxiliary in Gainesville.
She has always appreciated her time with family and friends and enjoyed watching football, fishing, water skiing, dancing, reading, bridge and golf.
She was predeceased in death by her husband, John Donaldson; her parents, Sara and George Scherer Cappelmann Sr.; and her brother, George Scherer Cappelmann Jr.
Survivors include her sister, Sara Cappelmann Camacho, and many relatives in South and North Carolina.
Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 14, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Jesup.