• Howard & Jones
Brandi Nicole Spell Dixon
Jesup—Brandi Nicole Spell Dixon, 43, affectionately known as “BB” or “Pickles,” died June 11, 2026, at home under the care of Hospice of South Georgia surrounded by her loving family.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, she was born on Nov. 7, 1982. She was educated in the Wayne County school system, graduating from Wayne County High School in 2001. She continued her education in the nursing program at the College of Coastal Georgia until the birth of her children.
She was the best mother ever, her family said. She devoted herself to her children unselfishly. She was strong willed yet compassionate and loving. She was a talented musician. She played piano on the Praise Team at House of Worship and Ministries, where she was an active member for more than 20 years. She had a heart for her community, and she loved helping others. She volunteered her time as the vacation Bible school coordinator at House of Worship and had also served as a board member for Lily and the Sparrow. She stayed busy cooking, cleaning and taking care of the house. Her family was her top priority, and she was known as “The Boss” for her ability to take care of business. She was selfless and always put the needs of others far above her own even in her final days, and she will live forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, her family said.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Gail Lane Spell; paternal grandparents, Melvin and Dorothy Spell; and maternal grandparents, Lizzie and Martin Lane.
Survivors include her husband of 17 years, Kyle Dixon of Jesup; three children, Harper, Esie Kate and Zane Dixon of Jesup; her father, Curtis Spell of Jesup; her brother, Kevin (Amanda) Spell of Jesup; a nephew, Owen Spell of Jesup; a niece, Peyton Spell of Jesup; a father-in-law and mother-in-law, Randall and Louise Dixon of Jesup; a sister-in-law, Katie (Terry) Proctor and their children, Preslee, Broden and Ranzley all of Jesup; and a host of other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held June 14 at House of Worship and Ministries with the Rev. Thad Norris and the Rev. Mickey Tomberlin officiating. Interment followed in Little Creek Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Joseph Moseley, Gary Wilson, Mike Lane, Codie Cox, Owen Spell and John Dunham.
Remembrances may be made to the Lily and the Sparrow at thelilyandthesparrow.com or at P.O. Box 102, Jesup, GA 31598. Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Salina Michelle Dela Espriella
Jesup—Salina Michelle Dela Espriella, 53, died peacefully on June 16, 2026, at home under the care of GHC Hospice.
She was a resident of Jesup for nearly 40 years. She was born on May 30, 1973 in Jesup to the late Theron Dillard Lesseur and Nancy O’Berry Lesseur. She spent her early years in Townsend before moving to Jesup where she attended Altamaha Technical College, now Coastal Pines Technical College, receiving her license to practice nursing as an licensed practical nurse. She worked in several different locations while nursing, including a position at the dialysis center and also at the local nursing homes.
In her spare time, she loved art and was a skilled painter. She was sweet but tough, and she loved to have a good time. In her younger days, she enjoyed fishing and camping, and she always had a love for her flower garden.
In addition to her parents, she was a preceded in death by her son, Isaac Dela Espriella and her sister, Tammy Lesseur.
Survivors include her daughter, Salina (Paul) Mansfield of Jesup; two sons, Joshua (Tiffany) Poppell of Jesup and Isaiah Dela Espriella of Sanford, Florida; companion and life partner for 17 years, Lawrence O’Neal of Jesup; two sisters, Tracy Rowe of Townsend and Shannon (Terry) Ryals of Townsend; a brother, Mark Lesseur of Townsend; five grandchildren, Phoenix Poppell, Joshua Poppell Jr., Keely McKinzie, Miley McKinzie and Samantha McKinzie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members. She also is survived by her beloved canine companion, Wendy.
A memorial service will be held today (Thursday) at 1 p.m. on at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. James Carter officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Rinehart & Sons
Gloria Ward
Jesup—Gloria Ward, 88, of Jesup died on June 8, 2026.
The Pierce County native grew up on her family’s farm, raising cattle and cropping tobacco, among other farm duties. She worked early in her adult life as a Southern Bell employee and then became a homemaker and, later, a caregiver for her husband, Billy.
The loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend was a faithful member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where she and her husband were active in many ministries of the church. They enjoyed traveling to the Great Smokey Mountains, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Callaway Gardens and on numerous bus tours with friends. She will be remembered for her sweet smile, uplifting spirit and giving nature that will live on through her family. She spent her final time in Albany so she could be close to her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Billy F. Ward, and her parents, Hoke and Clara Aspinwall Thomas.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and David Lassiter of Albany; and grandchildren, David Lassiter Jr. and Ward Lassiter, both of Albany;
Funeral services were held June 12 at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Garth Duke-Barton and the Rev. Rebecca Duke-Barton officiating. Interment followed in Offerman Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family.
Memorials may be made to Jesup First United Methodist Church, 205 E. Cherry Street, Jesup, GA 31546.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.