• Rinehart & Sons
Marie Landon Ogden
Jesup—Marie Landon Ogden, 97, of Jesup died Sept. 3, 2024.
The Wayne County native was a member of Unity Church of God and the Forever Young Sunday School Class. Her faith in God and her strong family bonds were the most important things in her life, her family said. She did enjoy working as a bookkeeper for many years. Laughter and respect abounded in the Ogden household and continued for many generations.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville Perry Ogden; her grandson, Gregory DeWayne Ogden; a sister, Felda Reddish; and a brother, James Curtis “Junior” Landon.
Survivors include four daughters, Dianne (Royal) Westberry, Gayle Anderson, Teresa (Gary) Gibbs and Sherry Ogden, all of Jesup; a son, Orville DeWayne (Gladys) Ogden of Jesup; two grandchildren, Melissa (Reid) Orvin and James Perry (Calysta) Dent, all of Jesup; four great-grandchildren, Dylan Perry Dent, Gage Perry Orvin, Gavin Presley Orvin and Jada Marie Dent; a sister, Norma McDaniel; a sister-in-law, Carol Landon; an adopted-in-love daughter and niece, Phyllis (Mickey) Harter; extended family, Eunice M. Westberry, Lisa Ognilla, Chris (Nichole Sivik) Harter, Hagen (Amber) Harter, Ansley Harter, Liam and Millie Harter; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
Funeral services were held Sept. 6 at Unity Church of God with the Rev. George Moxley and Pastor Calvin Anderson officiating. Interment followed in New Hope Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Reid Orvin, Chris Harter, Hagen Harter, Dylan Dent, Gage and Gavin Orvin. Honorary pallbearers were Royal Westberry, Mickey Harter, Gary Gibbs and James Perry Dent.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hope Cemetery Fund, 320 Bonham Road, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Lennox Michael “Mickey” Morris
Odum—Lennox Michael “Mickey” Morris, 78, of Odum died peacefully at home on Sept. 6, 2024.
Born in Hazlehurst to the late J.P. and Montene Herndon Morris, he grew up in the loving care of his family and the Asbury Church community of rural Appling County.
His first job of handing down soup cans at Morris Canning Company led him to raise pigs on the farm and established at a young age a foundation of a strong work ethic and integrity that he carried throughout his life. After high school, he joined forces with his father at Morris Industries to build homes and later became a trailblazing entrepreneur, who, along with his wife, Judy, owned several businesses—Mickey’s Meats; Odum Service Company and Mickey’s Farm, which made Maga & Pop’s cane syrup products. He also sold real estate and developed homesites.
Though being honored as a member of the inaugural class of “Leadership Wayne” and most recently the recipient of the Excellence in Agriculture Award from the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, he talked more about University of Georgia football and his family’s accomplishments instead of his own. He humbly belonged to and raised his family in the Odum Methodist Church.
He married the love of his life, Judy Harris Morris, and for 55 years they shared a wonderful life together and were blessed with four children, Victoria (Bart) Scarborough of Pine Mountain; Priscilla (Tyler) Windsor of Tryon, North Carolina; J.P. (Lisa) Morris II of Bishop and Louise (Brac) Panter of Cartersville; 10 grandchildren, Emmaline, Cole, Charlotte, Lennox Lawson, Luke, Harris, David, Eli, Marion and John. He was further blessed by his chosen family, Raul and Judit Gonsalez; Lennox, Lex and Lilli and Nelly (Taylor) Howe; and a multitude of friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; his brother, Donnie Morris; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Louise and John L. Harris; brothers-in-law, Ed Deen, Johnny Harris, Rusty Harris; and a sister-in-law Peggy Harris.
Funeral services were held Sept. 8 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. George R. Freeman officiating. Private interment followed in Asbury Church Cemetery in Appling County. Active pallbearers were his family. Honorary pallbearers were his friends.
Memorial gifts may be made to Odum Methodist Church, P.O. Box 55, Odum, GA 31555 or to Ancient Way, 1273 Hadley Road, Pine Mountain, GA 31822.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Thomas P. James Jr.
Jesup—Thomas (Tom) P. James Jr. of Jesup died at home on Sept. 7, 2024.
He was a Wayne County native, and his parents were Thomas P. James Sr. and Sara Griffin James. He graduated from Wayne County High School in 1971 and earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in education at Georgia Southern University. He taught middle school science for more than 30 years and helped educate thousands of students in the Wayne County and Liberty County school systems. In addition to teaching, he started a short-lived moped business and liked to fix up classic cars.
He was instrumental in the 1970s renovation of the Historic Strand Cinema and often worked weekend nights at the Jesup Drive-In with fellow teacher friends. He loved having summers off, grilling barbecue ribs, the Beatles and watching classic television show reruns. He also loved telling “dad jokes.”
He is survived by his three sons, Preston, Harrison and Spencer (Kayla DeJesus); a grandson, Luca; a sister, Stacy J. Harris; nephews, Zachary and Christopher Harris; several great-nephews and cousins; and his beloved and faithful dog, Chubs.
The family is forever grateful for the help that Faye Jones has provided for him at home over the last few years.
Funeral services were held Sept. 11 at Rinehart Chapel. Interment followed in the Pinecrest Cemetery. Pallbearers were his family and friends.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Howard & Jones
Walter Lester Webb
Screven—Walter Lester Webb, 92, affectionately known by his family and friends as, “Bud” or “Mr. Bud,” died peacefully on Aug. 21, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, under the care of Heartland Hospice surrounded by his loving family.
A resident of Screven for the past 25 years and former resident of Jacksonville Beach and Winchendon, Massachusetts, he was born on June 2, 1932, in Winchendon to the late Walter and Alice Ramsey Webb.
After graduation from Murdock High School, he proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving in the Korean Conflict, where he was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his distinguished service.
Upon returning home to the states, he relocated to Jacksonville Beach, where he owned and operated several different businesses, including gas stations and a trucking company. Several years later, he took a job with the City of Jacksonville Beach as director of parks and recreational facilities ,from which he retired in 1998.
He was an active member of the American Legion and the VFW while living in Jacksonville Beach, and he enjoyed fishing in his spare time.
In addition to his parents, his wife, Janie Webb, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his daughter, Dana (Donald) Rigdon of Screven; a son, the Rev. David (Shelia) Webb of Cleveland, Tennessee; grandchildren, Jeremy Webb and Kayla Webb, both of Cleveland, Tennessee, Amber (Jason) Groover of Gum Branch and Erica (Ryan) Hickox of Jesup; great-grandchildren, Willow, Aubrey, Josslyn, Teagan, Marlee and Clara Ann; stepgrandchildren, Auburn Rigdon and Krisa Swanson; and numerous step-great-grandchildren and extended-family members.
Services will be held at a later date and will be announced by the family.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home, Jesup, GA is in charge of arrangements.
Jeffrey Alan Brooker
Atlanta—Jeffrey Alan Brooker, 41, died Sept. 6, 2024 at Emory University in Atlanta after a brief illness.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, he was born on May 3, 1983, in Brunswick. He had worked as a paint and body repairman most recently and had also done carpentry work. His ability to do trim work was unmatched, his family said. He started out helping his father at a young age and had taken many years to refine his talents, eventually becoming one of the best around. In his spare time, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and building hot rods.
He was a homebody who enjoyed spending time with the ones he loved, especially his nieces and nephew.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Nell Bagley Wolff, Barbara Denison and James Brooker; and his mother, Janet Bartoe Brooker.
Survivors include his father, Kenneth Brooker of Jesup; a brother, Phillip (Telania) Brooker of Jesup; a nephew, Wyitt Brooker; nieces, Wyitni and Kryslynn Brooker and Chasity Gegg; a lifelong friend who was more like a brother, Ricky Denmark; and numerous extended-family members.
A celebration-of-life service will be held 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.
• Howard
Claudine Ryals Chesser
Ludowici—Claudine Ryals Chesser, 86, died Sept. 1, 2024, in Savannah.
She was a native and lifelong resident of Long County and was a hairdresser and owner of Town & Country Beauty Shop for 54 ½ years.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Ludowici, where she was a member of the Mary Gordon Sunday School class, served on the hostess and decorating committees, as well as other areas of service.
Annually, she spearheaded the combined Ludowici High School class reunions, and she was working on the upcoming reunion at her passing. She was a charter member of the Long County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Long County Development Authority and the Long County Beautification Committee.
She was a loving mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Keyton N. Ryals Sr. and Mark Chesser; a daughter, Connie Wasdin; sisters, Melvis and Donnie; and brothers, Buck and J.H.
Survivors include her daughter, Tammy (Darrell) Ballance of Ludowici; sons, Keith Ryals and James Wasdin of Ludowici; grandchildren, Lindsey (Danny) Dinkins of Ludowici, Sydney (Josh) Taylor of Marianna, Florida, and Connie (Josh) Schmidt (Josh) of Tallahassee, Florida; great-grandchildren, Kindle, Brooks, Keely, Amelia-Blake, Austin and Jameson-Davis; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Sept. 4 at First Baptist Church Ludowici with the Rev. Eric Rentz officiating.
Burial followed in Middleton Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Randy Wilson, Twiman Garrason, Randy Simmons, Denny Marshburn, Kerry Wingate Sr., Tommy Wingate III, Roy Howard and Joel Anderson.
The Mary Gordon Sunday School Class and the Card Ladies were honorary pallbearers.
Remembrances are suggested to FBC Ludowici Decorating Committee, P.O. Box 489, Ludowici, GA 31316.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.come.
Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici was in charge of arrangements.
• Edo Miller
Marjorie Johnson Flowers
St. Simons Island—Marjorie Johnson Flowers, 87, of St. Simons Island died unexpectedly on Sept. 2, 2024.
Born June 28, 1937, in Brunswick to the late Emmett Arthur and Luna Josephine S. Johnson, she was a graduate of the Glynn Academy Class of 1955. She was the former business manager for Frederica Academy and was entrusted by the Board of Trustees to be the interim head of school on multiple occasions.
She enjoyed cooking, baking, and spending time with her family and making memories with friends traveling.
Survivors include her husband of 69 years, Paul Flowers of St. Simons Island; a son, Andy Flowers (Tim Robinson) of Warner Robins; grandchildren, Lauren Flowers and Claire (Daniel) Healy; and one great-grandchild, Stella Jane Healy.
Funeral services were conducted Sept. 6 in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Travis Thrower and the Rev. Kellen Lariscy officiating. Interment will follow in Brunswick Memorial Park with Charles Atkins, Johnny Blackerby, Levon Drew, John Lane, Brad Overstreet, Greg Yancey and Matt Zangla serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be her Frederica Academy friends and family.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Elaine Poitevint
Palatka, Florida—Elaine Poitevint, 81, born Ethel Elaine Tyre and affectionately known as “Granny” and “Aunt Pinky,” died Aug. 10, 2024, at her Palatka residence.
A native and lifelong resident of Palatka, she was a 1961 graduate of Palatka Senior High School. A passionate horticulturist, she was one of the first master gardeners in Putnam County and had lent her horticultural skills to help at PlantSmith’s, the Ravine State Gardens and the Tillman House, where she arranged annual Christmas decorations. She loved her flowers, plants and vegetable gardens. Of note, she was an active member of the Hudson Recreation Club at Silver Lake, where she served as club president for 15 years. She was of the Baptist faith.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Neil Poitevint; parents, Milton Sr. and Louise Tyre; a brother, Milton “Buddy” Tyre Jr.; and a sister, Diane Pinner.
Survivors include two daughters, Elizabeth Hunter and Patricia (Mutlaq) Alzayed; a son, William Hunter; a brother, Steve (Sandra) Tyre; sisters, Elsie Starling and Lucy Campbell; seven grandchildren and their families, Jacob Zetrouer, Daniel Zetrouer, Jessica Zetrouer, Khalid Alzayed, Amira Alzayed, Yousif Alzayed and David Hunter; nine great-grandchildren; and a great-great-grandson.
A celebration-of-life service will held Saturday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. at Hudson Recreation Club, 7031 Silver Lake Dr., Palatka, FL, with Pastor Tim Plymel officiating. She did NOT want a funeral. She wanted a PARTY at the lake, her family said. That means no black attire; everyone should come prepared to swim, eat, play and visit. Meats will be provided; those attending are asked to please bring a side (or dessert, ice, or drinks) to share. The family asks people to please come enjoy her favorite place and to say goodbye.
Memorial gifts to her favorite place and favorite charity may be made to Hudson Recreation Club, c/o 122 Panther Trail, Palatka, FL 32177. Friends may post condolences on her online tribute page at themastersfuneralhome.com.
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.
JoAnn Troupe McCrea Brooks
Waycross—JoAnn Troupe McCrea Brooks, 83, of Waycross died early morning, Sept. 5, 2024, at Waycross Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Born in Osierfield, in Irwin County, she lived in various places including Waycross, Fitzgerald, Jesup, St. Mary’s and Columbia, South Carolina.
She attended Isabella Street Grammar School, Waycross High School, and Wacona High School and graduated in 1959 from Ware County High School, where she was voted “friendliest” in her graduating class. She was preceded in death by her parents, David Elbert Troupe and Sarah Maddox Troupe; an infant son; and one nephew, Robert Tracy Bryant.
Survivors include three children, Joanie McCrea Blount (Shawn Clearwater) of St. Marys, Denise McCrea of Blackshear and Melissa McCrea (Mike) Dodds of Columbia, South Carolina; seven grandchildren, Ronnie (Amy) Blount, Brook (Dani) Blount, John (Jennie) Blount, Arron Campbell, Mitchell (Hannah) Wilcox, Ryan Dodds and Lauren Dodds; 10 great-grandchildren, Ethan Wilcox, Cooper Blount, Isaac Blount, Elliott Rose Blount, Everett Wilcox, Baxley Jean Blount, Merritt Monroe Blount, Beckett Jean Blount, Emmett Wilcox and Eleanor McCrea Blount; one sister, Mary Jane Bryant Mosley; two nieces, Michelle (Chris) Rowe and Janice (Jerry) Pace; three great-nephews, Michael Carroll, Jaden Carroll and Christopher Rowe Jr.; and numerous other relatives.
A graveside service was held Sept. 7 in Oakland Cemetery.
The family would like to express its sincere appreciation to Waycross Health and Rehabilitation Center and to Affinis Hospice for the excellent care and compassion shown to her and her family.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.