Vada Anderson Madray
Jesup—Vada Anderson Madray, 97, of Jesup died April 7, 2021.
The Wayne County native was a charter member of First Freewill Baptist Church, a homemaker and an employee with the Wayne County Board of Education.
She was predeceased by her husband, Richard H. Madray; parents, Lester and Maggie Anderson; sisters, Esel Barr and Barbara Harper; brothers, Linton Anderson and Ellis Anderson; and daughter-in-law, Pat Madray.
Survivors include sons, Gary Madray of Jesup, Raymond (Cheryl) Madray of Jesup and Rich Madray of Lincolnton; six grandchildren, Mark, Sherri, Amy, Erin, Jim, Ryan and Megan; several great-grandchildren; and other relatives.
Funeral services were held April 11 at New Hope Freewill Baptist Church with Pastor Tim Horne officiating. Interment was in New Hope Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Wayne Anderson, Fred Barr, Mark Madray, Ryan Madray, Sebastian Riner and Nathan Hutto.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Gwili Purvis Forbes
Odum—Gwili Purvis Forbes, 83, of Odum died April 6, 2021.
The Mendes native had lived in Wayne County the past 48 years and was a member of Northside Bible Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, solving puzzles and working for the Lord.
Her husband, Thomas J. Forbes, preceded her in death.
Survivors include daughters, Denise Bragg of Guyton and Angela Thornton of Jesup; a son, Terry (Ana) McShan of Fayetteville, North Carolina; stepdaughters, Karen (Edward) Denison and Katrina (Jody) Rodgers; a stepson, Tommy (Lisa) Forbes; several grandchildren, Nikki, Kristi, Sherri, Melissa and Herschel; step-grandchildren, Danielle, Emma, Eric, David and Jacob; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held April 10 at Northside Bible Baptist Church with Pastor Anthony Hipps officiating. Interment followed in Little Creek Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family and friends. Honorary pallbearers were the Senior Saints of Northside Bible Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Northside Bible Baptist Church, 155 Sycamore Street, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Popwell Griffis
Jesup—Barbara Popwell Griffis, 83, of Jesup died April 5, 2021.
The Wayne County native was a member of Crossroads Church of God and was truly happiest when spending time with fellow Christians and church members.
She was a homemaker and the widow of G.W (PeeWee) Griffis. She was predeceased by her parents, Ashley G. and Eva (Polly) Popwell and two sisters, Debra Popwell and Virginia Popwell Williamson.
An avid reader and puzzle master, she continued to enjoy the art of writing letters to her family and friends by hand for many years and especially enjoyed finding and sending the perfect greeting card for special occasions.
Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy Ann and Eugene Davis of Madison, Florida; a special cousin, Doris Corry; several more cousins; several nieces and nephews; a remarkable community of incredible neighbors who always saw that her yard and her things were taken care of, including Jack Blue, Jeremy and Niki Barwick and their children, and longtime helpers and special friends Lois and Joe Dunn; her phone buddy, Little Mary; and an extra special sister-in-law and caregiver, Ruth Griffis.
Graveside funeral services were April 8 from Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Hulett Smith and the Rev. Brandon Stone officiating. Special gifts of song were offered by Jeremy and Niki Barwick and family and also by her niece Mary Griffis Smith.
Family received friends at the cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
June Harper
Jesup—June Harper, 77, of Jesup died April 6, 2021.
The Maine native had lived in Wayne County most of her life and was a member of her beloved church, Lighthouse Baptist Church in Glennville. The homemaker was always looking to see where she could help others, whether it was at church or in her community. Her passion was her grandchildren.
Her daughter, Susan Smith, preceded her in death along with her parents, Robert and Juanita Dufour, and her sister, Susan Hoolihan.
Survivors include a daughter, Kelli Grenda of Jesup; three sons, Roger Smith and Steven (Ruth) Smith, both of Jesup, and David (Tracy) Smith of Glennville; a brother, Steven Dufour of Savannah; a sister, Linda (Randy) Graham of Florida; several grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Celebration of life services were held April 12 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel. The family will receive friends at the service.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mavis Phillips Arnett
Jesup—Mavis Phillips Arnett, 85, of Jesup died Monday, April 5, 2021.
An Alabama native and a former resident of Frank-lin, she had lived in Wayne County the past six years and was a member of Jesup Church of God. A homemaker, she was known as an excellent organizer in assisting her husband in his church ministry in many locations.
Survivors are her husband of 67 years, pastor Theo Arnett of Jesup; a daughter, Vickie (Drew) Davis of Jesup; a son, Dale (Debra) Arnett of Baxley; two brothers, S.R. Phillips of Powder Springs and Talmadge (Jane) Phillips of Franklin; five grandchildren, Adam (Cassie) Griffis, Nicole (Nic) Brannen, Jeremy (Stephanie) Griffis, Melody (Brent) Westberry and Paxton Arnett; seven great-grandchildren; and other extended-family members.
A celebration-of-life funeral service took place April 9, 2021, at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with pastors Clayton Dowd and Scott Hatten officiating. Interment followed in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jeremy Griffis, Paxton Arnett, Nic Brannen, Brent Westberry, Drew Davis and Luke Griffis.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1425 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545 or Jesup Church of God’s food bank.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.
William Darius Floyd Sr.
Jesup—William Darius Floyd Sr., 93, of Jesup died April 8, 2021, at Harborview Health Systems with his wife of 69 years, Virginia, and son, Bill, by his side.
He was born in Aline on Sept. 16, 1927, to the Rev. John J. Floyd and Sula Hesters, who ministered in several towns including Jesup. He began his career with Colonial Stores before entering the U.S. Army in 1950. He loved the United States of America and served as a technical sergeant first class in the Korean conflict with the 25th Infantry division.
He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Virginia Flowers of Jesup. They lived in California before returning to Wayne County, where he built their first home himself, including many of its furnishings. In 1964, he purchased a farm in the Oglethorpe Community which served as a place for their children and grandchildren to learn how to work, play, and serve God and community. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and building and repairing all things. He and his son, Bill, were co-founders and operated W.D. Floyd and Sons Farms.
A man of few words, he was actively involved in God’s kingdom work, serving as church clerk, treasurer, trustee, choir member, Sunday school superintendent, adult Sunday school teacher and greeter in the Church of God. He lived by his creed, “Help me to be obedient to God and make the world a better place than I found it.” This was his heart’s desire, his family said.
He was predeceased by his parents, John Jackson and Sula Floyd; stepmother, Mae Harkins Floyd; sister, Doris (Marvin) Strickland; and brother, Nathan (Ginny) Floyd.
Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Virginia Flowers Floyd; a son, William D. (Becky) of Jesup; daughters, Una (Glenn) van den Heuvel of Greenville, South Carolina and Neva (Dan) Carey of Chattanooga, Tennessee; grandchildren, Daniel (Kayte) Floyd of Jacksonville, Florida, Leah R. Floyd of St. Petersburg, Florida, John Floyd of Tampa, Florida, Ruth Ann Floyd of Raleigh, North Carolina, and Matthew, Darius William and Andrew (Liz) Carey of Chattanooga; and three great-grandchildren, William Floyd, Grayson and Nora Carey.
Celebration-of-life services were held April 12 at First Baptist Church in Jesup with the Rev. Grady Walden and Dr. Mike VonMoss officiating. Interment was in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with military rites. Active pallbearers were family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Nathaniel (Toby) Carter
Ludowici—Nathaniel (Toby) Carter, 97, of Ludowici died April 6, 2021 at 8:45 p.m. at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Sept. 4, 1923, to James C. and Essie Johnson Carter in Ludowici.
A viewing was held April 13 followed by a ceremony at St. Phillips Missionary Baptist Church.
Johnny Billy Starling
Jesup—Johnny Billy Starling, 76, died April 1, 2021, at his home under the care of his family and Hospice of South Georgia.
He was a native and lifelong resident of Wayne County and retired from Rayonier Advanced Materials as bleach plant lead operator with more than 40 years of service.
He was a member of the 1964 graduating class of Jesup High School. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and an outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish and was a member of the Sportsman’s Hunting Club.
He was a member of Faith Chapel SCMC in Jesup and was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Lucille Starling; grandson, Jacob Thornton; and sister, Leavern Jones.
Survivors, all of Jesup, include his wife of 53 years, Kitty Starling; daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Stacy Thornton; grandson, Chase (Tiffany) Thornton; great-grandchildren, Anna and Jordan; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Ronnie Leggett, Johnny Mae and Donald Woods, and Sherry and Robert Lynn; brothers and sister-in-law, Kenny Starling and Jimmy and Lolita Starling; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held April 3 at Faith Chapel SCMC with the Rev. James Carter officiating. Burial followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Chase Thornton, Buddy Starling, Steve Jones, Andrew Williams, Will Crews and Michael Jones.
Honorary pallbearers were Paul Connor, David Connor, Harry Spell and the staff of Hospice of South Georgia.
Remembrances are suggested to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545, or Coastal Pines Technical College Foundation, 1777 W. Cherry St., Jesup, GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.
Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici is in charge of arrangements.
Annette Taylor Westberry
Jesup—Annette Taylor Westberry, 82, affectionately known as “Nettie” or “Mrs. Westberry,” to many died April 8, 2021, at home under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and her loving family.
A resident of Jesup since 1959, she was born on Sept. 17, 1938, to the late Randall and Louise Lynn Taylor. She spent her early years in Pierce County and graduated from Patterson High School in 1956. She married the love of her life, Bryant, in 1959. She was a devoted stay-at-home mother before helping her late husband open what became a successful family businesses for many years, Superior Body Shop and South Georgia Septic Tank.
Although she was instrumental in the operation of the businesses, she was driven to achieve her dream of being an educator. She joined her daughters in attending college. She began her studies at Brewton-Parker College and graduated from Tift College with an early- childhood-education degree. She taught for several years with the Long County school system before moving to the Wayne County school system, where she taught until her retirement in 2005.
She always tried to see the good in everything and everyone. She put the needs of others before her own and volunteered countless hours as a Girl Scout troop leader, a 4-H volunteer and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Missing her students and fellow educators, she returned as a long-term substitute teacher after she had retired.
She was a long-time member of First Freewill Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, cooking, square dancing, collecting antiques, canning and reading in her spare time.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bryant L. Westberry, and her siblings, William Taylor, Robert Taylor, Donald Taylor and Sylvia Brown.
Survivors include her children, Pam Westberry (Jim) Powell of Valdosta, Tammy Westberry (Nick) Burroughs of Eatonton and John Westberry of Jesup; grandchildren, Meredith Powell and husband Dr. Matthew Nunnelley of Fairfax, Virginia, Christopher Powell of Valdosta, Taylor Louise Burroughs of Atlanta, Bryant Nicole Burroughs of Athens and Alexis Westberry of Jesup; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members; and her beloved cat, Frisky Carter.
Funeral services were held April 11 at First Freewill Baptist Church with the Rev. David Bohannon officiating.
Interment followed in Jesup City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Bob Boy, Tony Taylor, Randy Taylor, Robbie Taylor, Eddie Taylor, Will Murphy, Phillip Brown, Larry Priester, Gene Lane and David Fulmore. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Patterson High Class of 1956, fellow members of the Order of the Eastern Star, former students and staff of Long and Wayne County school systems, members of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Jesup, former Girl Scouts and fellow troop leaders, Pam and Mark Williams, Grant and Tammy Lewis, Bill and Diane Murphy, Pam Williamson, Danny and Kathy Carter, Janis and Len Hauss, John and Sherry NeSmith, Liz and Joe Mansfield, Gerry Bohannon, John David Wells, W.D. Altman, Mary Lynn Tanner, Shirley Priester, Kermit and Kathy Moody, and Faye Aspinwall.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Hospice of South Georgia for the loving care they have provided during her final days. Special thanks are also given to Dr. Lance Hendrix, Dr. Savita Bidyasar and Dr. Joe Johnson for providing excellent medical care during her illness.
Ms. Westberry influenced so many lives, young and old with her unwavering love for God, her quiet demeanor, her gentle smile in the midst of her illness, and her genuinely humble and giving nature, her family relayed. Many children and their families were recipients of her anonymous donations of shoes, clothing, school supplies, Christmas toys and payment of their school meals. She was a rare soul and leaves a remarkable legacy behind, her family said.
“As we continue to navigate our lives here on earth without her, we are so thankful for God’s promise through Jesus Christ that we will see her again. What a glorious day that will be when we too meet Jesus face to face.”
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Annette Taylor Westberry Education Scholarship, c/o Prime South Bank, 375 West Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31545.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Wilbur Perry Goff
Jacksonville, Florida—Wilbur Perry Goff, 89, died April 10, 2021, at Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.
A longtime resident of Jacksonville, he was born on Dec. 31, 1931, in Odum to the late Nicholas Perry Goff and Beulah Aspinwall Goff Collins.
He spent his early years in Wayne County, graduated from Jesup High School, and joined the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country. He then took a job with the U.S. Postal Service, from which he retired with many years of dedicated service. He was a kind-hearted and gentle man who loved collecting things, and not a year passed that he didn’t grow a garden so that he could share the vegetables with his friends and family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Ollie and Maude Jackson Aspinwall, and paternal grandparents, Sam and Lilla McGauley Goff; his wife of 50 years, Ruby Goff; his second wife, of 13 years, Barbara Goff; and a brother-in-law, Graham Laidlaw.
Survivors include his two sisters, Marjorie Laidlaw of Jesup and Wilene (Bobby) Wingate of Jesup; a niece and nephews, Philip Laidlaw of Tampa, Florida, Michael (Heather) Laidlaw, Leisa (Rob) Fennel and Rob (Melissa) Wingate, all of Jesup; two stepchildren, Diane Creach and Pat Stanley of Jacksonville; aunt Sadie Russell; and numerous extended family members.
Graveside funeral services were held April 13 at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Varney Aspinwall officiating.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the loving care that was provided to him by Gary Knight and the staff of Silver Shores Assisted Living in Jacksonville, a place he has called home for the past five years.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jasper Winnfield Duggar
Acworth—Jasper Winnfield Duggar, 81, died Jan.15, 2021.
He was born in Pembroke to Frank B. and Susie Futcher Duggar.
He was married to Senneth Grantham Duggar on Aug. 12, 1967, and was a lifelong construction worker, finally opening his own construction business in 1969. He retired in 1997.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Hazel Cornell of Tonawanda, New York, and a brother, Roland Duggar of Port Wentworth.
Survivors include four daughters, Carla (Tony) Green of Acworth, Susan (Jeffery) Ables of Indianapolis, Indiana, Lisa (Thomas) Heim of Bentonville, Virginia, and Jasmin (Scott) Swaim; one son, Jasper W. Duggar Jr. of Acworth; a stepson, Mark A. (Ellie) Spencer of St. Petersburg, Florida; and one stepdaughter, Lori Spencer of Jacksonville, Florida; a sister, Joyce (Mark) Byttner of Tonawanda; a brother, Douglas (Patricia) Duggar of Eatonton; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held May 8 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church with the Rev. Danny Daniels officiating. Soloists will be Misty Watford Day and William (Billy) Watford.
Interment will be at a later date.
Wilma Elrod Caphton
Savannah—Wilma Elrod Caphton, 92, of Savannah, and widow of Warren McGregor Caphton, died peacefully surrounded by her family April 11, 2021, at her home.
Born in Gainesville, she was a daughter of the late Joseph Alfred Elrod and the late Minnie Elliott Elrod. She graduated from Young Harris College, earned a teaching certificate and began teaching second grade. She then married her college sweetheart and, over their almost 65 years of marriage, raised five children. Upon retirement, they moved to Isle of Hope.
For more than 20 years, she was a member of Southside Baptist Church, and for the past 12 years, she has been a member of Isle of Hope Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, reading, and, most of all, spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by her siblings, Effie Elrod, Ruby Farr, Irene Elrod, Roy Elrod, Loy Elrod and Thelma Little.
Survivors include her children, Warren David (Jeannie) Caphton, Lois Caphton (Richard) Cowart Stephen Ross (Jeanie) Caphton, Stanley Lloyd (Pam) Caphton and Sharon Caphton Fruits; eight grandchildren, Vanessa (Jim) Cook, Allison (Matt) Tibbs, Ross (Sarah) Caphton, Ashley Cowart, Lauren (Shawn) Riley, Zach Cowart, Drew (Kelley) Caphton and Alysha Fruits; and 10 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to give a special thanks to the wonderful and loving caregivers who helped her fulfill her wish of remaining in her own home when she was unable to care for herself.
The family will receive friends today (Wednesday) from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Isle of Hope Baptist Church, 22 Rose Ave. The funeral service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. in the church sanctuary, conducted by Pastor Lyle Wood. With concern for the health and safety of family and friends, masks and social distancing will be required. A private interment will be held at Laurel Grove Cemetery.
Remembrances may be made to Isle of Hope Baptist Church, 22 Rose Avenue, Savannah, GA 31406-6456.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.gamblefuneralservice.com.
Gamble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.