Betsy Patricia “Patsy” Bennett
Jesup—Betsy Patricia “Patsy” Bennett, 91, died peacefully after a long illness on Jan. 31, 2022
“Your one-stop bridal shop, we furnish everything but the groom!”
If you were getting married in Southeast Georgia in the ’60s to late ’80s, you probably stopped by a large cream-colored house on a little hill outside of Jesup, and all your wedding woes disappeared.
At that house you could find your bridal gown AND your attendants’ dresses; pick out your flowers; have your bridal showers; bridesmaid’s luncheon and rehearsal dinner; and even have your ceremony in what was called the “big room” or on the lovely grounds that included a pecan orchard.
If you saw a dress in a bridal magazine and could not get it, you could take her that magazine, and she would find a similar fabric in which to create a gown that was almost identical to the one in the magazine—and she did it without a pattern!
If you wanted a particular shrimp salad at your bridesmaid’s luncheon, the recipe for which you could not find, she would do her best to replicate what you wanted.
If you were a bride at one of the weddings she created, it was certain that you would feel like a princess on your special day.
The interesting thing is that, when she married her husband in 1947, she had never learned to cook or sew or arrange flowers. She taught herself out of necessity. It was a way she could make a living for herself and provide for her family—particularly after her husband’s first heart attack in 1969, when the length of his life was uncertain.
She put her wonderful mark on all that she created, and people could tell when they walked into a church for a wedding that she had decorated the church or decorated a birthday cake or made the flower arrangements for Sunday services.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Honorable Stetson Fleming Bennett Jr.; her parents, Ruby Irene Thagard Jones and Charles Box Jones; her brother, Dr. Charles Thagard Jones; a son-in-law, Oscar Neace; and other extended-family members.
Survivors include her daughters, Anna Patricia “Tricia” Armstrong, Honorable Frances Irene (Dr. Bert) Yeargan and Honorable Judge Ruby Violet “Vi” Bennett, and her grandchildren, Amy Patricia Mixon and her daughter Marleigh; Dr. Anthony Hugh (Carla) Armstrong Jr. and their children, Caroline, Tripp and Cate; Robert Stetson “Bo” (Misty) Yeargan and their children, Anna Logan, Savannah and Hannah Grace; and Dr. Henry Bert “Hank” (Rachel) Yeargan Jr., and their children, Jack and Oran. Survivor also include two sisters, Peggy Jones Payne and Ruby Jean Jones (Jerry) Keith.
A private burial service will be held at the Stetson F. Bennett Jr. Family Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southeast Georgia Building Fund, 1625 Sunset Boulevard, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Ann Hope
Jesup—Barbara Ann Hope, 78, of Jesup died Jan. 26, 2022, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Jesup on June 1, 1943. With a strong work ethic and not afraid of hard work, she retired from Rayonier after 29 years. She was an extraordinary woman who combined the qualities of a gracious Southern lady of grace who devoted herself to her family, her friends and her faith. True to her Southern heritage, she had a genuine love for everyone and a heart of gold, according to her family who said, she was a selfless woman whose laugh and smile were contagious.
When asked, she was often very opinionated, always offering good advice while never judging and was always quick to forgive. She was a warm and vibrant person who embraced life and people with kindness, love and generosity. It’s those special qualities that made her “Nina” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Maybe, the world needs more “Ninas” in it, the family said.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Preston and Myrtice Hope; her brothers, Clary and Clayton Hope; and her two loved sons, Jerry Hendren and Greg Anderson.
Survivors include her daughter, Sharon (Phil) Aspinwall of Screven, and son, Randy (Shannon) Anderson of Sylvania; five grandchildren, Christopher (Kate) McReady, Crystal (Jamie) Stephens, Greg (Shelby) Anderson, Trey Anderson and Triston (Mattie) Anderson; nine great-grandchildren, Gracie, Ira, Bentley, Trip, Maverick, Liam, Alakai, Fallon and Logan; siblings, Wanda (Herman) Gordon of Valdosta, Preston (Frankie) Hope of Jesup, and Cotton (Gloria) Hope of Richmond Hill, Shirley Hopkins of Kings Island, Maryland; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and her faithful guard dog, Gizzy.
A celebration-of-life service was held Jan. 31 at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Fred Anderson officiating. Private family interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Chad Crews
San Francisco, California—Chad Crews, 41, died on Jan. 10, 2022.
He was a native of Wayne County but had been living for the last 16 years in San Francisco, California.
He was educated in the Wayne County school system and even graduated from Wayne County High School in the 11th grade. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia. Known as an overachiever, he received a bachelor of arts degree in both cinema and philosophy. He then continued his education at San Francisco State University, graduating with a juris doctorate of law. He was employed with Burnam Brown Law Firm in Oakland, California.
He was a music aficionado and never heard a band he didn’t like. He spent his downtime following bands, spending time with his friends, and entertaining everyone with his sarcastic wit. By far, his favorite pastime was being a loving and dedicated father to his two children, his family said.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Collie Crews; paternal grandmother, Mary Crews; maternal grandfather, Jasper Ronald Flowers; and uncles Fredrick Milikin and James Ronald Flowers.
Survivors are his two children, Raven and Wyatt Crews; his father, Hubert Crews, and mother, Tami Flowers (Jerry) Bland; his maternal grandmother, Kathryn Flowers; uncles, Hilton Crews (Melinda) and Steven Flowers; aunts, Kitty (Joe) Milikin, Lori Underwood and Shari Flowers; and a host of cousins, including June Karpinen, and other extended family and friends.
A private family funeral service was held Friday, Jan. 28, 2022, in Manningtown Cemetery with the Rev. Tim Fulmer officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attn: Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.
Russel James “Jimmy” Herrin
Jesup—Russel James “Jimmy” Herrin, 78, of Jesup died Jan. 30, 2022.
The Wayne County native was a member of New Hope Freewill Baptist Church and a former Wayne County Road Department employee and a farmer.
He was predeceased by his parents, Bud and Ethel Anderson Herrin, and siblings, Lamar, Fleming, Vernon, and Billy Herrin.
Survivors include a daughter, Jill (Paul) Branch of Jesup; a son, Jamie (Laura) Herrin of Jesup; sisters, Josephine Tyre of Jesup, Faye Griffis of Odum, Dale (Roger) Anderson of Jesup, and Ethelene (Kenny) Gilder of Fernandina Beach, Florida; brothers, Herbert (Joyce) Herrin of Valdosta, Ernie Herrin of Brunswick, Benny (Erika) Herrin of
Hiwassee, and Bobby Herrin, Ray (Sharon) Herrin and Hodie (Sharon) Herrin, all of Jesup; grandchildren, Pamela (Justin) Bell, Colby (Kelci) Herrin and J.P. Branch, all of Jesup; a great-granddaughter, Sage Bell of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services were held Feb. 2 from New Hope Cemetery with Pastor Tim Horne officiating. Active pallbearers were family.
Memorials may be made to New Hope Cemetery Fund, 1240 New Hope Road, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
David A. Dyal Sr.
Jesup—David A. Dyal Sr., 79, of Jesup died Feb. 1, 2022.
The Wayne County native was a member of Blackshear Church of Christ and a retired employee with Rayonier. His most enjoyable time was spent with his family, farming, camping in a recreational vehicle, fishing and hunting.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rhonda Dyal; his parents, Dewey and Ethel Davis Dyal; and siblings, Juanita, Wilton, Geneva, Jimmy, Hicks and Pearl.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Gloria Crowe Dyal of K’ville; daughter, Mariett Dyal of Odum; son, David (Detta) Dyal II of K-Ville; grandchildren, Tonya Nash, Tiffany Todd, Andy Harris II, Ridge Dyal, Alex Harris and Davison Dyal; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 4, at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia Building Fund, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Claudette Charlene Yanke Fore
Jesup—Claudette Charlene Yanke Fore, 84, died Jan. 25, 2022 at home under the care of her loving family and GHC Hospice.
A resident of Jesup for the past 16 years and former resident of Palm Bay, Florida and Chicago, Illinois, she was born on May 23, 1937, in Chicago to the late, Elmo Earl and Elizabeth Dykeman Yanke.
She worked in factories for most of her life, producing electronic devices until her retirement 16 years ago. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, writing and watching classic movies on television.
She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother who cherished the times she spent with her family more than anything else.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Rachel Marie Shreve; her infant daughter, Karen Cook; siblings, Gordon Yanke and Betty Bieneman; and granddaughter, Susan Dallas DeCicco.
Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Jesse Fore of Jesup; children, Robert Earl (Sherry) Cook of Bowling Green, Missouri, Vicki Lynn (David) Brummett of Harvard, Illinois, William David (Kim) Cook of Antioch, Illinois, Christopher Dale (Debbie) Cook of Palm Bay, Florida, and Jessy Melvin Fore II of Jesup; grandchildren, Josh, Nina, Jordan, Chris, Beth, David, Joey, Michael, Stephen, Jenny, B.J., Dianna, Andy, Adam, Nikki and Davey; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Jan. 27 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Chaplain Ryan Wilson officiating.
Private interment services will be held in Jesup City Cemetery at a later date.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Barbara “Bobbie” Stallings Crummey
Jesup—Barbara “Bobbie” Stallings Crummey, 77, died Jan. 30, 2022 under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and her loving family.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, she was born on Aug. 30, 1944, to the late, Ralph and Vera Spell Smith. She worked a couple of different jobs throughout her lifetime and had owned and operated a consignment store in Jesup for several years, but most of her life was devoted to raising her children and caring for her family.
She was always busy. Her sassy attitude and strong work ethic kept her “on the move” all the time. She enjoyed working in her yards, crafting, eating junk food and fishing but most of all spending time with her family and the ones she loved.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her two husbands, Gene Stallings and Thad Crummey, and her great-grandson, Lester Denison Jr.
Survivors include her two daughters, Tammie Hodges and Debbie Harrell Stallings, both of Jesup; two sons, Gary Stallings of Reidsville and David (Joy) Stallings of Hoboken; siblings, Betty Montgomery, Janice Hodges, Raymond Smith and Frances Wiggins, all of Jesup; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Feb. 2 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Cliff Crummey and the Rev. Fred Anderson officiating.
Interment followed in Crummey Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Dalton Grantham, Jerald Grantham Jr., David Hodges Jr., Kevin Manning, Scott Gay and Jimmy “Peanut” Davis Jr.
The family thanks her caregivers, Tammie, Frances and Betty, and the staff of Hospice of South Georgia for going above and beyond the call of duty to make sure she received the best care in her final days.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Irene Ogden Clary
Stillwater, Oklahoma—Irene Ogden Clary, 82, died Jan. 15, 2022 at home in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
She was born on Jan. 27, 1939, in Jesup to Leonard and Pearl (Aspinwall) Ogden. She grew up in Odum and graduated from Odum High School in 1956.
After high school, she married Bobby Leland Clary on Dec. 18, 1957 in Odum. The couple soon started a family and raised three children while moving from Georgia, through New York and Florida before finally settling in Stillwater. She was a loving mom who was very involved with her children’s lives and activities. She spent many years as a Girl Scout leader for her daughter’s troop.
Once her children were older, she went back to school and graduated from Oklahoma State University with an accounting degree before earning her CPA certification. She used these skills both in the corporate world and later to help manage her husband’s businesses.
She was well-known for her amazing cooking abilities, and multiple generations of her family grew up blessed to enjoy her family meals and desserts. She was also an excellent seamstress. She enjoyed teaching those skills as a Girl Scout leader and loved to sew for her kids and grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Vernon Ogden; and sister, Judy Pierce.
Survivors include her children, Debbie (Kevin) Hanni of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Teresa (Danny) Ferguson of Stillwater, and Doug (Paula) Clary of Oklahoma City; brothers, W.H. Ogden of Odum and Gary Ogden of Patterson; grandchildren, Kurtis (Samatha) Hanni, Molly (Daniel) Ligon, Logan (Morgan) Hanni, Adam (Yulia) Ferguson, Aaron (Ashley) Ferguson and Andrew Ferguson; and great-grandchildren, Liam and Grayson Hanni, Avery, Ailey and Alise Ferguson, Claire, Katie and Sky Ligon, and Karsten Hanni.
Funeral services will be held on Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Dighton Marler Funeral Home Chapel in Stillwater. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association, c/o Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington St., Stillwater, OK 74075.
Condolences can be sent to the family via on online guestbook at www.dightnmarler.com.
Dighton Marler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
William Thomas Duncan
Americus—William Thomas Duncan, 89, of Americus died Jan. 1, 2022, at Phoebe Sumter.
He was born May 26, 1932, to the late John and Clara Duncan. He was an Army veteran and served in the Korean war.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Duncan; his two sisters, Juanita and Margaret; and his grandchild, April.
Survivors include his wife, Clara Duncan; two sons, Dennis (Debra) Duncan of Forsyth, and David (Lenora) Duncan of Warner Robins; a daughter, Kay Duncan (Damon) Bohan of Hampton; three grandchildren, Eric, Zackary and Kevin; and five great-grandchildren, Liam, Maddox, Anniston, Nayomi and Konor.
A memorial service will be held at a later date and time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Phoebe Sumter Hospice, P.O. Box 1434 Americus, GA 31709.
Family and friends may sign the online guest book and share special thoughts and memories at www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.
Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Richard Russell Harper
Greenville, South Carolina—Richard Russell Harper died Jan. 19, 2022 very unexpectedly of an illness.
He was a wonderful husband to Betty Alice for 55 years. He was born in Jesup, Georgia, graduating from Jesup High School and attending Furman University on a football scholarship, graduating in 1966. He spent most of his working career at Liberty Life Insurance Company and retired from Liberty as senior vice president, information technology. He then joined American Heritage Life Insurance Company, now Allstate, in Jacksonville, Florida, and retired from there as chief information and technology officer.
An ardent supporter of Furman football, he was a past president and board member of the Furman Paladin Club.
He loved hiking and traveling, with Colorado and Amelia Island, Florida, being two of his favorite places. He was a lifelong student and enjoyed attending Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Furman. He loved technology and always wanted to learn more.
The Harpers are members of First Baptist Church of Greenville and of the Hope Sunday School class.
He was predeceased by his parents, Rita and James Lee Harper, and a brother, James Adam Harper.
Survivors include children Russell and Jenny (Brandon) and two adorable granddaughters, Berit and Kylie. He is also survived by his brother Robert (Dianne) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and his brother-in-law Phil Baynes and his wife, Julia, of Fountain Inn, South Carolina.
Owing to COVID-19 concerns, a time of remembrance will be held at a later date. Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church, 847 Cleveland Street, Greenville, SC 29601 or the Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607.
Fletcher Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Louise Dixon Forehand
Macon--Surrounded by love, Mary Louise Dixon Forehand died peacefully in the afternoon of Jan. 25, 2022.
Born Jan. 3, 1927, in Cordele to Sara Edna Warren and John Littleton Dixon, she was a loving wife and mother.
A gifted artist and patient teacher, she left many fine works in oil, acrylic, watercolors and other media that will be cherished many years hence. She also enjoyed needlework, music and travel, as well as entertaining friends, contract bridge and tennis.
After growing up in Sanford, Florida, and Cordele, she spent most of her life in Jesup, where she raised her children with her loving husband in a warm and welcoming home. She was first and foremost a devoted mother and homemaker, she also loved gardening, especially growing beautiful roses, and found much joy teaching kindergarten and providing art lessons.
Always maintaining a positive attitude, one could hear her “Morning Glory” pronouncement when she woke. Her easy joy and lightness of spirit brightened the faces of those she loved, her family said.
Always generous with her time, she was active in the local garden club and church, where she was recognized for her service in United Methodist Women.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Harry Oliver Forehand, and her brother, George Littleton Dixon.
Survivors include her children, Harry Forehand Jr., Martha Kate (Jimmy Wayne) Arnold and Mark D. Forehand; her sister, Ruth Ellen “Dixie” McLaughlin; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and special friends.
She was beloved as “Momma Lou” by her granddaughter, Sally Arnold Round, and great-grandchildren, Morgan, Jonah, Jaxson and Isaac.
A graveside service was held in Lilly Baptist Church Cemetery on Jan. 31 with Dr. Baxter Hurley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Home for Children and Youth, 304 Pierce Ave., Macon GA 31204, a charity she loved to support.
Friends and family can express condolences at www.snowsmacon.com.
Snow’s Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.