John “David” Graham
Jesup—John “David” Graham, 64, of Jesup died Sept. 16, 2021.
The Wayne County native was a member and deacon of Old Bethel Baptist Church and was retired from 31 years with the Georgia Department of Transportation.
He was an avid musician and used his God-given talents at church during the song services. His parents, John and Vinnie Graham, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 29 years, Paula Simniok Graham of Jesup; daughters, Pearl (Chris) Taylor of Orange Park, Florida, and Annabelle Graham of Jesup; sons, John, Daniel and Steven Graham, all of Jesup; a sister, Judy (Randy) Leggett of Odum; a brother, Paul Graham of Jesup; a grandson, Lincoln Taylor; and several cousins.
Funeral services were held Sept. 19 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with Pastor Mark Ledbetter officiating. Graveside services were in the Spring Grove Cemetery. Active pallbearers were his family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Christina Beckham Lane
Jesup—Christina Beckham (Christie) Lane, 56, of Jesup died Sept. 15, 2021.
The Indiana native had lived in Wayne County the past 30 years and was a homemaker. She enjoyed her animals, gardening and being with her family.
Survivors include her former spouse, Donnie Lane of Odum; daughters, Halie (Garrett) Frye of Odum and Andie (Roy) Tabb of Jesup; sons, Joey Klausmeier and Aidan Lane, both of Jesup; mother, Louanna Mattson of Evansville, Indiana; father, Bob (Roxanne) Beckham of St. Louis, Missouri; sisters, Kerri (Henry) Kares of Fort Branch, Indiana, and Tracy Phipps of St. Louis; brother, Brad (Courtney) Mattson of Evansville, Indiana; grandchildren, Alice, Ryder, Saya, Layla, Hazel, Oaklie and Ella; and several nieces and nephews.
Celebration-of-life services were held Sept. 17 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel. Interment was in Liberty Cemetery. Active pallbearers were family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Scott Patrick Daniels
Jesup—Scott Patrick Daniels, 54, of Jesup died Sept. 15, 2021.
He grew up in Wayne County and was an employee of Rayonier. He was known as a “workaholic” and loved keeping his yard in shape and being with his family.
He was predeceased by his parents, Pat and Judy Royal Daniels.
Survivors include a daughter, Ashley (Micah) Williams of Jesup; a son, Jordan Daniels of Jesup; their mother, Lavonda Hartl of Jesup; and grandchildren, Damien, Anakin, Zander and Paisley Williams and Braden Daniels.
Memorial visitation was held Sept. 17 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
DeLisa Bird House
Jesup—DeLisa Bird House, 60, of Jesup died Sept. 17, 2021.
The Wayne County native was a retired registered nurse, most known for keeping Wayne Memorial Hospital’s emergency room efficient.
She had an outgoing personality and showed her love for people daily in her speech and actions.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” and Mary Godwin Bird.
Survivors include her husband, Ray House of Jesup; a brother, Dr. William Anthony Bird of Roswell; and many aunts, uncles and cousins, including a special cousin, Lisa Godwin Yeomans.
Private family graveside funeral services will be held in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Owing to her husband’s current illness, there will be a public “Celebration of DeLisa’s life” as soon as possible.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Ervin Dekle
Jesup—Thomas Ervin “Dr. Tommy” Dekle, 89, of Jesup died Sept. 17, 2021.
The Wayne County native was a member of First United Methodist Church and a retired pharmacist. In earlier years, he owned and operated Dekle Drug Company; was a hospital pharmacist for 17 years at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida; and worked for several pharmacy chains throughout his career, retiring in 1996.
His leisure time was spent golfing, researching genealogy, and watching the Atlanta Braves and University of Georgia Bulldogs.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Jacquelyn Parks Dekle of Jesup; three daughters, Kathy (Cliff) Harden of Canton, Connie (Danny) Millard of Newnan and Angie (Charlie) Parker of Shellman Bluff; sister, Evelyn Schmidt of Conroe, Texas; brother, Dr. Joel (Sandra) Dekle of Florence, South Carolina; five grandchildren, Camille Nichols, Jay Harden, Brooke Vinson, Parks and Dayton Millard; eight great-grandchildren; and extended relatives.
Graveside funeral services were held Sept. 20 in Jesup City Cemetery with the Rev. Daniel Vinson and the Rev. Rebecca Dukes-Barton officiating.
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.
Mary Jane Thompson
Jesup—Mary Jane Thompson, 95, of Jesup died Sept. 17, 2021.
The Medford, Massachusetts, native and former resident of Foxboro, Massachusetts and Pensacola, Florida, had lived in Wayne County for the past 11 years.
She is of the Episcopal faith but attended Odum Church of God with her family. She loved gardening and helping others by giving of her time to those in need. In her younger days, she was very active by running half marathons, walking in her 70s, and any outdoor activity, such as swimming, canoeing and ice skating.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Ralph Thompson; a son, Larry Thompson; parents, Robert and Jennie Steele; and two brothers, Bob and Matt Steele.
Survivors include a daughter, Priscilla (Ray) Hamilton of Jesup; a son, Bobby (Dottie) Thompson of Pensacola; seven grandchildren, Chad (Krissy) Hamilton, Chris (Jessica) Hamilton, Laura (Kenny) Godwin, Kathy (Richard) Howard, Robert Thompson, Kim Struble and Lance (Jenn) Thompson; a daughter-in-law, Deborah K. Thompson; several great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
The family wants to give a heartfelt thanks to her caregivers and nurses, Sarah W., Alene G., Sarah V., and Lindsey D. as well as to the Hospice of South Georgia staff for their “wonderful” care.
Memorial services will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with pastor Justin Moriarty and son-in-law Ray Hamilton officiating.
The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to services at the funeral home and requests everyone comply with the wearing of masks.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
June Aspinwall Perkins Whitehead
Jesup—June Aspinwall Perkins Whitehead, 88, of Jesup died Sept. 18, 2021.
The Wayne County native was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was predeceased by her husband, Cecil Whitehead.
Survivors include a daughter, Pamela (Matthew) Rice of California; a son, Carl Jerome Perkins II of Tennessee; four grandchildren, Hannah, Lilly, Chris and Shelli; half-sisters, Pat Jones of Alabama and Gail Aspinwall of Savannah; a half-brother, Sam Aspinwall Jr. of Odum; and several nieces, nephews and cousins, including Devin Jones.
Graveside funeral services were held Sept. 22 in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Vann Dempsey officiating. Honorary pallbearers were her special caregivers at Magnolia Manor and Southeast Georgia Health System.
The family received friends at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C., 20090.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Rufus O. Anderson
Screven—Rufus O. Anderson, 81, of Screven died Sept. 20, 2021.
The Wayne County native and U.S. Air Force veteran was an ITT Rayonier retiree. He was a dedicated member of Screven First Baptist Church, where he served as deacon, treasurer and training director in and many other jobs. He was a devout Gideon and was responsible for many Bibles spread throughout the area. Many cabinet shops depended on him to repair their small hand tools. When he wasn’t working at Rayonier or at home or serving his Lord, he would go fishing, work in his garden or read.
His sister, Vannie Sue Hickox, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Barbara Anderson of Screven; a daughter, Rachel (Harold) Moore of Brunswick; a son, Orrin (Susan) Anderson of Brunswick; and a sister, Lanier (Russell) Lee of Waresboro.
Graveside funeral services were held Sept. 22 in Screven City Cemetery with Brother Durwood Miller officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideon International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Rev. Danny Daniels
Jesup—The Rev. Danny Daniels, 68, of Jesup died Sept. 20, 2021.
The Wayne County native was the pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and an employee with the Georgia Department of Transportation. The family man most enjoyed ministering, hunting, fishing and farming.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Nancy Grantham Daniels; his parents, A.R. and Mary Groover Daniels; brothers, A.R. Jr., Arvie, Joseph, Calvin Sr. and Ronald Daniels; and a sister, Velma Jean Todd.
Survivors include a daughter, Shelina (Leroy) Driggers of Odum; a son, Aron (Rosie) Daniels of Odum; grandchildren, Charity (Taylor) McGee, Briana (Brandon) Mullineaux, Luke Daniels, Matthew Daniels, Haley Driggers and Cole Driggers; five great-grandchildren, Madelynn and Danielle McGee, William and Avery Mullineaux, and Marcus Daniels; brothers, Bobby (Susie) Daniels Sr. of Jesup and Leston (Dorene) Daniels of Hazlehurst; sisters, Faye (David) Denison of Screven, Mary (Woodie) Manual of Jesup and Vesta “Vet” (John) Tapley of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Daniels officiating. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Richie, Steve and Buddy Daniels, Edwin Todd, J.D. Mason and Ronnie Turner Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult Sunday School Class of Bethlehem Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, 5303 Bethlehem Road, Jesup, GA 31546.
One of his favorite sayings was, “When all else fails, follow the instructions”—found in the Bible.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
James Allen Stroud
Jesup—James Allen Stroud, 57, of Jesup died Sept. 9, 2021.
The Wayne County native was a 1981 graduate of Wayne County High School and a former employee with Burch Farms of Screven.
He was predeceased by his father, Johnny G. Stroud.
Survivors include his mother, Maxine Hart (Dennis) Prusinsky of Jesup; two sisters, Miriam Stroud of Vidalia and Renee Dixon of Jesup; a brother, Wesley Stroud of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Sept. 14 at Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Candice Desirae Thorne
Offerman—Candice Desirae Thorne, 34, died Sept. 15, 2021, at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida.
A lifelong resident of Offerman, she was born on June 24, 1987, in Blackshear. She was a 2005 graduate of Pierce County High School and had worked the past 14 years at Bacon County Hospital and Health System as a phlebotomist. She was known for her smile. She lit up the room when she smiled, and nothing else could make her smile like a new baby.
She loved her church, True Life Church, and she loved her family. Her favorite times were spent singing and having fun with the ones she loved.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ray Thorne; her grandparents, Farris and Linda Thornton and Roy and Doris Thorne; and her lifelong friend, Adam Noel.
Survivors include her mother, Annette Thorne of Offerman; a brother and sister-in-law, Justin and Amy Thorne of Patterson; a boyfriend, Evan Crowley of Alma; a lifelong best friend, Nikki (Anthony) Thorne of Atlanta; a niece, Maggie Thorne of Patterson; a nephew, Bryce Crews of Patterson; special friends who were more like family, Reymunda (Alberto) Marquez of Baxley, Reina (Jorge) Ramirez of Reidsville, Chago Ramirez of California and Marissa Ramirez of Bristol; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Sept. 19 at New Life Church in Blackshear with the Rev. Marcus Zipperer officiating. Interment was in Offerman Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Bryce Crews, Anthony Thorne, Blake Thorne, Michael Thornton, Matthew Smith and Justin Thorne. Honorary pallbearers were employees of the Bacon County Hospital and Health System.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Joey Oliver
Jesup—Joey Oliver, 40, died Sept. 16, 2021, from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
A resident of Jesup for the past six years and former longtime resident of Lakeland, Florida, he was born on May 28, 1981, in Alabama to the late Michael Joe and Julie Anne Oliver.
He was a true “jack of all trades” who had done a little bit of everything in his life. He managed several restaurants during his career and had been working in sales for Eicher’s Pro Vinyl most recently. He loved adding to his collection of antiques and shopping for deals and interesting finds in pawn shops. He was well-acquainted with the smell of a bargain at secondhand stores, and he was known to find hidden treasures in Goodwill on a regular basis.
The amount of off-the-wall knowledge on random subjects he possessed kept things interesting, as did his love for a good practical joke. He enjoyed a lighthearted lifestyle, and making people laugh was one of his greatest sources of joy. He was loving, caring and passionate and cherished the time he spent with his beloved wife and children, as they were the center of his world, his family said.
Survivors include his wife, Trish Eicher Oliver of Jesup; six children, Tyler (Dajah) Oliver of Jesup and Jacob, Matthew, Lilleigh, Dennis and Joslyn Oliver, also all of Jesup; one brother, Adam Oliver of Lakeland; one sister, Elizabeth Salmon of Russellville, Alabama; a mother-in-law and father-in-law, Sharon and Lester Eicher of Jesup; a sister-in-law, Tiffany Eicher; a brother-in-law, Codey Eicher; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
A celebration of life was held Sept. 19 at Turning Point Worship Center with pastor Justin Mitchell officiating. Interment was private.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
James Neal Thompson
Screven—James Neal Thompson, 55, died Sept. 17, 2021, at Wayne Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.
A resident of Wayne and Pierce counties for his entire life, he was born on July 3, 1966, in Jesup. He graduated from Wayne County High School and was a farmer, mechanic and truck driver.
He loved hunting, fishing and working on things. He always liked to have a good time and enjoyed joking around and picking on his friends and family. He was a member of the Church of God faith and loved spending time with his friends and family as much as he loved farming.
His father, Joseph Thompson, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his son, Riley Thompson of Patterson; his mother, Mary Jane Heath of Screven; a brother, Jody (Karen) Thompson of Screven; sisters, Delinda (Kenny) Goober of Screven and Shelli Thompson of Hinesville; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held Sept. 21 at Screven Church of God with Pastor Jerry Herndon officiating. Interment was private.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Hollie Young
Hinesville—Hollie Young, 58, a longtime coach and teacher in Wayne County, died Sept. 18, 2021, at St. Joseph’s Candler Hospital in Savannah.
He was born on July 17, 1963, to the late Collins Young Sr. and Mother Missionary Sallie Mae Fields Young.
He was educated in the Liberty County school system, graduating from Bradwell Institute. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Brenan University in Gainesville. After graduation, he taught at several schools and eventually made his home at Martha Puckett Middle School in Jesup. He was the school’s boys basketball coach.
At an early age, he attended New Church of Christ in Unity in Riceboro, under the leadership of Bishop Arthur West Sr. He became the church secretary at the age of 15 and went on to become the church’s choir director and Sunday school teacher. Under the leadership of Bishop Julian Jones, he was certified and given his teacher credentials for the New Church of Christ in Unity.
He was preceded in death by Benjamin Fields, Ellen Roberts, Avon Fields, Moses (Paul) Young, Willie Roberts, Leroy Davis, Isum Ellison, Earl Howard and Mamie Young.
Survivors include sisters Sadie Mae Roberts, Willie Bea Davis, Bessie Mae Ellison, Carletha (Joe) West, Dorothy (Elbert Lee) Rhodes, Martha Cox-Howard, Mollie (Howard) Sinclair, Rosemary (James) Houston, Paulette Dewitt and Pauline (Otis) Brothers; brothers, Collins Young, Arthur (Ernestine) Fields, John (Teresa) Young Sr., Huey (Carolyn) Young Sr., Pernell Young, Melvin Lewis Young and Robert Young; an aunt, Lois Hudson of Brunswick; Church Mother Lottie Mae Brown of Darien; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A viewing is set for Saturday, Sept. 25, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Riceboro Recreation Center. The funeral service is set for 11 a.m. on Sunday, also at the recreation center, 5649 Coastal Highway, Riceboro.
Darien Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Robert “Bob” William Eden
Fort Myers, Florida—Robert “Bob” William Eden, 68, died on Sept. 10, 2021.
He was born on Oct. 12, 1952, in Valdosta, the third son of John “Fred” Frederick Eden III and Julia Merle “Dixie” (Stewart) Eden. He graduated from Georgia Southern University in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in art and a minor in journalism.
He dedicated his life to making the world a better place, writing countless grants to support nonprofit organizations and fighting for those without a voice, especially the homeless and children with disabilities.
His most recent project was Artful Gardens Autistic and Special Needs Learning Farm in Fort Myers.
When he wasn’t working, he could be found in his home church, Zechariah 4 Ministries in Fort Myers, always willing to share his time, energy and skills with anyone who could use a helping hand. He never met a stranger and was full of incredible joy and an unmatched zest for life, his family said. He gave the very best hugs, was an enthusiastic and often hilarious storyteller, and never missed an opportunity to throw a Frisbee. He loved his family, and he loved Jesus.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred, and his mother, Dixie.
Survivors include two sons, Ramsey H. Eden and Preston S. Eden; his brothers, John F. Eden IV, Stewart R. Eden and Eugene “Gene” D. Eden; a sister, Linda Merle Eden Sparks; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family is planning a memorial service in Claxton. Details are to be announced at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Enlightened Education Co-op in Lehigh Acres, Florida.
Lowell Natharoll Landon
Beaufort, South Carolina—Master Sgt. Lowell Natharoll “Buddy’Landon, U.S. Marine Corps retired, died Sept. 14, 2021, at Beaufort Memorial Hospital owing to complications from COVID-19.
He was born on July 17, 1947, in Jesup, the son of the late Nathaniel and Alice (Pearson) Landon.
He married Etheleen Wilson on Aug. 11, 1973, in Screven. After graduating high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served his country proudly and honorably for 22-and-a- half years, until his retirement from active duty in 1989, spending 16 of those years stationed in Beaufort.
Upon retiring from the Marine Corps, the couple realized that Beaufort was home and decided to raise their children there. During his spare time, he started building homes while he was still enlisted in the corps. Upon retiring from the Marines, he created Landon’s Backhoe and Septic, which he worked proudly for the last 32 years, growing it to become Landon’s LP with his family by his side.
He believed in working hard, honesty and integrity, and it showed in everything he did. What he believed in most was family. He loved his family more than anything else. He cheered their success and mourned their heartbreaks even if it was from afar. His dedication to his family was undeniable, his family said. He was always willing to help where he could, which was with almost anything. As a Marine, he was taught to deal with any situation thrown his way, with precision and confidence. He truly embodied the Marine Corps motto of ‚“Improvise, Adapt and Overcome,” his family said.
He was a God-fearing man and was a member of New Hope Free Will Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Landon; and brothers, Roy Landon and Bobby Landon.
Survivors include: his wife of 48 years, Etheleen Landon; daughters, Dusty (Terry) Lanning, Misty Landon (Richard Hopkinson); son, Wayne Landon; grandchildren, Michael (Faith) Jennings, Ryan Lanning, Michayla Jennings, Kyle Lanning, Walker Dylan Landon, Cody Lanning, Grayson Lanning, Alayna Lanning, Averi Landon, Ashlyn Landon, Ashley (Andrew) Myatt, Andrew Hopkinson; great-grandchildren, Quinn Jennings, Peyton Loria, Easton Myatt, Casen Myatt; brother, Donald (Vicki) Landon; Janet (Parnell) Aldridge; and many very special and very loved nieces, nephews, brothers-and sisters-in-law, and cousins and friends.
Graveside services with full military honors were held on Sept. 20 at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Beaufort.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made out to the American Diabetes Association or Shriners Hospital for Children.
Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Travis Olin Steedley
Ludowici—Travis Olin Steedley, 74, of Ludowici died Sept. 16, 2021, in Liberty Regional Medical Center in Hines-ville.
He was born Dec. 5, 1946, in Bacon County to the late Olin Jerome Steedley and the late Myrtle Lightsey Steedley. He was a member of Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church but attended Ludowici First Baptist Church.
He loved to travel and served in missionary work nationally and internationally. He worked his entire career at American Welding and Tank, from the age of 18 until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Steedley.
Survivors include his sister, Annette (Gary) Eason of Baxley; nephew, Jeremy (Nyra) Eason of Raleigh, North Carolina; a special friend, Joan Thornton of Jesup; stepdaughters, Renee (Emmett) Patterson of Ludowici, Nadine Mullis of Hazlehurst and Lynn (Kevin) Giddens of Moultrie; a stepson, Joe (Teresa) Smith of Ludowici; and brothers-in-law, Earl Freeman of Ludowici and Ellis (Hazel) Freeman of Darien.
Funeral services were held Sept. 19 at Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church with the Rev. Eric Rentz and the Rev. James Minick officiating. Interment followed in the Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Alfred Lightsey, Joe Smith, Leland Tyre, John Robert Miles, Jackson Miles and Wallace Boatright.
Remembrances may be made to Piney Grove Free Will Baptist Church, 1944 Piney Grove Road, Bristol, Georgia 31518.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.