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Phyllis Ratliff Christian
Jesup—Phyllis Ratliff Christian, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully on March 13, 2026.
Born on Feb. 23, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida, her life was a tapestry woven with love, dedication, and warmth that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Throughout her life, she worked several jobs, demonstrating a tireless work ethic and commitment to those she loved. Yet, it was in her later years that she found her greatest joy: being a grandmother and great-grandmother. Her home was a sanctuary of family treasures, proudly displaying photos and mementos of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren on every wall.
She was an avid flower gardener, her hands nurturing life and beauty from the earth, much as she nurtured those around her with kindness and care. Equally, her collection of antique China dishes spoke to her appreciation of history and the elegance of times gone by, a testament to her thoughtful and gentle spirit.
She was predeceased by her parents, J.J. and Maxine Ratliff, and her sister Belinda Griffin.
She leaves behind her husband of 56 years, Larry Christian of Jesup; a daughter, Amy (David) Barwick of Jesup; a son Phillip (Holly) Christian of Jesup; five grandchildren, Madison (Sebastian) Riner, Morgan Christian, Hunter (Sarah) Thurmon, Tanner Barwick and Amber (Hagen) Harter; her great-grandchildren Noah, Liam and Amelia; her brothers, Freddie Ratliff and Earl (Charlene) Ratliff; her sister Janice Cowart; and several nieces and nephews.
Services were held March 15 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Hatten officiating. A private family interment followed in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with her family serving as active pallbearers.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Gail Johnson Clary
Odum—Gail Johnson Clary, 78, died peacefully on March 14, 2026.
She was an Appling County native and graduate of Appling County High School.
She met her future husband, Revis Clary, on a blind date. They were married for 54 years and made their home in Wayne County. The devout Christian was a beloved wife, mother and Grannie. Not only were they married partners; the two were business partners and believed in hard work and family. Reading, fishing, and spending time with her grandkids were favorite pastimes.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Revis Clary; her son, James E. “Eddie” Clary; her grandsons, James Decoda Clary and Zachery Reddish; her parents, James “Jimbo” and Ovedia Johnson; a brother, J.W. Johnson; and a sister, Linda Wilkerson.
Survivors include her devoted children, Shnelda (Brad) Reddish, Archie (Beth) Clary, Lana (Pat) Carter and Ginger (Dwayne) Havard; a daughter-in-law, Rikki Clary; grandchildren, Ethan Reddish, John Taylor (Bekah), Madilyn, Ada Clary, Sarah Hayden Sellers, Dr. Seth Clary, Aaron (Jill) Clary, J.P. Carter, Gracie (Derrin) Cox and Abigail and Hannah Havard; nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Kenny (Bonnie) Johnson and Timmy Johnson; sisters, Wilma (Richard) Scarborough and Beth Howard; brothers-in-law, Samuel Clary and Kelly (Jane) Clary; a sister-in-law, Eleanor (Mad) Harvey; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held March 17 at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church with Pastors Tim Horne and Calvin Anderson officiating. Interment followed in Piney Grove Cemetery. Active pallbearers were John Taylor Clary, Ethan Reddish, Dr. Seth Clary, Aaron Clary, J.P. Carter and Josh Wilkerson.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.