• Howard & Jones
Ethan Benjamin Salazar
Jesup—Ethan Benjamin Salazar, 20, died peacefully on Sept. 7, 2025, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
A resident of Jesup for most of his life, he was born on July 23, 2005, in Hollywood, Florida. He was educated in the Wayne County public school system and graduated from Wayne County High School in the class of 2024. He was smart and funny, and he loved animals of all kinds, especially cats. A longtime active member of Jesup Seventh-Day Adventist Church, he was kind and thoughtful, always putting the needs of others before his own, his family said.
In his spare time, he enjoyed working with his hands, wood carving, drawing and working with leather.
His infant sister, Rachael, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his parents, Pablo and Mary Salazar of Jesup; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended family members.
Graveside services were held Sept. 8 at Sunset Oaks Memorials.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Hart
Jerry “Shag” Wright
Screven—Jerry “Shag” Wright, 77, died peacefully on Sept. 7, 2025, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and his loving family. He was one day shy of his 78th birthday.
Born in Pierce County, he was a proud descendant of the Wright family who came to this area as part of the Gilmer Migration in the early 1900s. He made his home in Screven and Wayne County for most of his life, dedicating himself to his community and his country. He honorably served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a front-line munitions carrier. He was one of only 37 out of 185 in his unit to return home in 1969, a testament to his courage and resilience, his family said. Following his service, he began a long career at Rayonier, from which he later retired.
A man deeply committed to public service, he served 10 years on the Screven City Council before being elected as the district two representative on the Wayne County Board of Commissioners, a position he held faithfully for 25 years. Known for his unmatched dedication and countless training hours, he was truly a man of the people, representing his community with pride and helping everyone he could, whether they lived in his district or not, his family said.
He was known for his generosity and joy in bringing people together. Whether cooking Cadillac rice or Brunswick stew for large crowds at community events or hosting gatherings at his beloved shop, he created countless memories for friends and family alike. In 2024, he developed his Soldiers Park on the family property in Screven to honor all branches of the military, a lasting tribute to his service and to all who served.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Huel Wright; brothers, Larry, A. J. and Buddy; a sister, Virginia Ann; and his “fur baby,” Sparky Wright.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 57 years, Raquel Aspinwall Wright; a son, Jerry Chris Wright; brothers, Arthur Wright and Hershal Wright; sisters, Donna and Alene in Osteen, Florida; and a wide circle of friends and neighbors who cherished his friendship and service.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 11 a.m. at Screven First Baptist Church with Pastor Gerald Greenlee, the Rev. Vann Dempsey and David Simmons officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in the Screven Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Smith, Danny Rogers, Johnny Ben Aspinwall, Herschell Hires, John Shaver, James “Boot” Thomas, Mike Deal, Mike Hargrove, Darrell Wasdin, Mike Roberts, Robert Odum, Paul Drawdy, Donna Stanfield, Emma Lou Thompson and Charlie and Janice Brown. Active pallbearers will be Larry McGough, Daniel Royal, John Royal, Jason Weaver, Derek Smith and Greg Tyre.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545. The family wishes to thank John and Janet Royal for the care and concern shown to Shag and the family throughout this time.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of these arrangements.
• Out of town
Gracie Geraldine Mallard Johnson
Brunswick—Gracie Geraldine Mallard Johnson of Brunswick died on Sept. 6, 2025.
She was 92 and was born in Jesup. She lived there for the early years of her life, and she graduated from Jesup High School. She married Hinton C. Johnson of Brunswick in 1950 and resided there for most of her life. She and Hinton moved around after he became a pastor in the Church of God of Prophecy, but they always maintained a home in Brunswick.
She called herself a housewife, but she was a helpmate to her husband in his ministry. She loved working with the children of the church and sometimes cared for them in her home for working mothers or just because she loved them.
She was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Pauline Mallard of Jesup, and brothers Jack Mallard of Cumming and Odis Mallard and Royal Mallard of Jesup.
Survivors include her spouse of 75 years, Bishop Hinton C. Johnson; a son and daughter; a brother, Roger (Sharon) Mallard of Senoia; three sisters, Ivalene Miles of Jesup, Pat Branch of Jesup and Julie Webster of Brunswick; two sisters-in-law, Opal Mallard of Jesup and Becky Mallard of Cumming; and extended family, including a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services were held at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home Chapel in Brunswick on Sept. 10. Pastor Chris Boyd and Pastor Raymond Willis officiated.
The pallbearers were Wayland Griffin, Seth Parish, Ricky Underwood, Glenn Rooks, Danny Stillwell, Ronnie Kent II, Cynara Oglesby and Paul Branch.
Honorary pallbearers were members of the ladies of the Sterling Church of God of Prophecy and the staff of Bayview Nursing and Rehab Community.
A private burial was held in the Palmetto Cemetery in Brunswick.
Remembrances may be made to Bayview Nursing and Rehab Community, 12884 West Cleveland St., Nahunta, GA 31533.
Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.