• Rinehart & Sons
Jayne McCurdy
Bennett
Glennville—Jayne McCurdy Bennett, 84, of Glennville, formerly of Jesup, died Aug. 27, 2024.
She was the second of four children born to W.G and Virginia Surrency McCurdy. She graduated from Glennville High School in 1958 and attended Georgia Southern College to major in math education. At first, she was intimidated being one of the few females in her math class, but with the encouragement of Dr. Bagley she completed her degree in math education and began her first teaching job at Bradwell Institute in Hinesville. After two years, she enrolled in a master’s degree study at the University of South Carolina, where she met Gamecock quarterback, Buddy Bennett.
The two were married in 1964 and lived a very mobile life as Buddy “chased that oblong ball” all over the Southeast.
While her five children were young, she paused her teaching career and became a homemaker. She was an excellent seamstress and made much of her children’s clothing. She also kept a garden and canned vegetables and jellies for her family. As a product of the depression, she wasted nothing. Even into her 80s, she was picking up every pear that fell from her tree and making pear relish or giving them to her family and friends.
She continued her teaching career at Wayne County High. She touched many lives and encouraged young girls to pursue their dreams, inspiring them from her own personal experiences. After retirement, she was a faithful caregiver to her mother and later to her husband, Buddy.
In 2016 she moved back to Glennville. There, she remained active and faithful to her “Silver Sneakers” exercise class, the Tuesday morning Ladies Bible Study at Pineview Baptist Church, her beloved JOY Sunday school class and her childhood church, First Baptist Church of Glennville. Early mornings one would find her at her dining table reading her Bible and praying. In the late afternoons, one could find her on her lawn mower or working in her vegetable garden. She leaves behind a “Proverbs 31 women legacy for her friends and family.”
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 52 years; a younger sister, Joy McCurdy; two brothers and sisters–in–law, Jimmy (Janice) McCurdy and Joe (Ann) McCurdy; and a nephew, Lee McCurdy.
Survivors include her daughter Jan (Bert) Oliver of Glennville; sons, Dr. Richard (Maggie) Bennett of Gainesville, Stetson (Jennifer) Bennett of Blackshear, John (Misty) Bennett of Gray and Dr. William (Mary) Bennett of Rome; sisters-in-law, Anita Bennett of Gainesville, Charlotte (Jimmy) Tillman of Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and Jean (Joe) Cunningham of Jesup; 18 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; one great-grandson; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Celebration of life services were held Aug. 30 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Shon Cunningham officiating. Interment followed in Little Creek Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family.
Memorials may be made to Little Creek Cemetery, 5027 Little Creek Road, Jesup, GA 31546.
The family is forever grateful for the care given to her by Sibley, Mary, Tonya, Tameka, and Ogeechee Area Hospice staff along with Dr. Paul Thompson and Kelly Daus, PAC.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Gussie Fennel Smith
Jesup—Gussie Fennel Smith, 85, of Jesup died Aug. 28, 2024.
The Wayne County native was a Baptist and a full-time homemaker who enjoyed being a wife, mother and grandmother to her family. She enjoyed canning, freezing vegetables, growing flowers and sharing homemade cakes. She was the widow of Gostin Lee Smith.
Survivors include three sons, Danny (Kimberly) Smith, Jimmy (Melissa) Smith, and Roy Smith, all of Jesup; sisters, Audrey (Ricky) Mallard of Odum and Aletha Fennel of North Carolina; a brother, Wesley Fennel of Jesup; seven grandchildren, Jessica (Michael) Stephenson, Cortney (Dustin) Dyson, Andy (Michelle) Smith, Tiffany (Seth) Leggett, Lee Anne (Dusty) Porter, Lance Williams and Austin Smith; 13 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Celebration-of-life services were held Sept. 1, 2024, at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Brandon Stone officiating. Interment was held in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Cleve Murphy
Jesup—Cleve Murphy, 84, of Jesup died Aug. 29, 2024, in the Hospice of South Georgia Inpatient Unit.
The Pierce County native had lived in Screven most of his life and was a member of Screven First Baptist Church. He was a hardworking and lifelong farmer who enjoyed NASCAR.
He was preceded in death by his wife and mother of his children, Jaquetta Thornton Murphy; a daughter, Jennifer Murphy Milton; a son, Jeffery Murphy; parents, C.W. and Nora Murphy; and brothers, H.C., Johnny, Benny and Gerald Murphy.
Survivors include two daughters, Rene (Ivey) Hutto and Regina (Mike) Mussara, all of Jesup; a daughter-in-love, Tina Murphy of Screven; two sisters, Geneva (Terry) Crosby of Waycross and Jeanette (Charles) Bischoff of Screven; a brother, David (Joann) Murphy of Fernandina Beach, Florida; nine grandchildren, Alan (Jessica) Murphy, Chris (Buffy) Murphy, Joseph (Cheyenne) Milton, Brandon (Dara) Mussara, Jacob (Hannah) Milton, Ivey (Kevin ) Brannon, Hunter (Brystal) Mussara, Parker Mussara and Joshua Milton; six great-grandchildren, Hamp Murphy, Kassidy Murphy, Maddox Murphy, Cameron Murphy, Hudson Mussara and Ellie Milton; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Aug. 31 at Rinehart Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating. Interment followed in Screven City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were grandsons, Alan and Chris Murphy, Jacob and Joshua Milton, Hunter, Brandon and Parker Mussara. Honorary pallbearers were staff members of Hospice of South Georgia.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1425 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Shaaron Mary Trull
Jesup—Shaaron Mary Trull, 79, a cherished mother, grandmother and dedicated professional, died peacefully on Aug. 27, 2024.
Born in Stanford, Connecticut, she attended John J. High School before embarking on a remarkable career with United Aircraft on the Apollo project. In this critical role, she hand-soldered guidance systems, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and skill. Out of an initial group of 18-20 women, she was one of only seven who remained amidst the intense pressure of the job.
Her life was marked by her profound love for others and her commitment to helping those in need. She attended Morningstar Church, where she gave her life to Christ and was baptized.
Her unwavering compassion and her heart dedicated to helping others will be remembered fondly by all who knew her, her family said.
She was predeceased by her husband of 30 years, Francis Marion “Buddy” Trull; a son, Barry Scott McNelly; her parents, Mariah Katharine Bailey Lord and Michael Harold Lord; and a stepdaughter, Debbie (Jim) Quinn.
Survivors include her life partner, William Madan; a son, Shawn Michael (Stacey) McNelly; a brother, Dwight Stanley Lord and life partner, Rachel White; stepchildren, Matthew (Angie) Trull; Sara Trull (Patrick) Johnson; a niece, Kelli (Luis) Ramos; a nephew, Michael Lord; and grandchildren, David Edward McNelly, Lanie Thomas Schweiger, Joshua McNelly, Holly Trull (Jay) McNally; Matthew (Brittany) Trull, Delynne Trull, Emylie Ramos, Audrina Ramos, Luis Ramos, Megan (Neal) Hollis, Hailey Johnson and Garrett Johnson; and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration-of-life service will be held at her home at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Anne S. Burkholder
Screven—Anne S. Burkholder, 84, of Screven died Sept. 1, 2024, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The Pennsylvania native had lived in Wayne County for the past 41 years and was a member of Lake Grace Mennonite Church. The homemaker enjoyed her family and extended that love with all of the babies she would keep. Her hobbies were sewing, baking and flower gardening.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Richard W. Burkholder.
Survivors include daughters, Renita Potter of Odum and Rochelle (Hans) Weaver of Screven; sons, Robin (Char) Burkholder of Sarasota, Florida, Richard W. (Beth) Burkholder II of Lancaster, Ohio, Reinhart (Ruth) Burkholder of Milford, Indiana, Ronald (Brandi) Burkholder of Odum; 19 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Sadie Overholt, Katie (Lawrence) Hartshorne, Fran Peterson, Lydia (Dan) Smoker, Naomi Smoker and Elizabeth (Ralph) Martin; brothers, Emmanuel Stoltzfus, Ben (Barb) Stoltzfus, Jonas (Lois) Stoltzfus, John (Marti) Stoltzfus and Steve (Carol) Stoltzfus; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 6, at Rinehart and Sons Chapel. Interment will follow in the Lake Grace Mennonite Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons.
Visitation will be held today (Thursday) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lake Grace Mennonite Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1624 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Howard & Jones
Lonnie Wendell
Aspinwall
Odum—Lonnie Wendell Aspinwall, 90, died Aug. 29, 2024, at Cotton Grove Estates under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
He was born on Nov. 18, 1933, in Odum, fifth child and only son of Lonnie and Minnie Bennett Aspinwall. He graduated from Odum High School in the Class of 1954 and then joined the Marine Corps, serving 16 months of his three year tour in Okinawa, Japan. After his honorable discharge, he returned home and began working at Rayonier, where he remained for more than 38 years.
He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman with a special passion for baseball. He was a pitcher for Odum High School and the Jesup Crackers, a semi-pro team from Wayne County. He was a faithful member of the Odum Church of God until failing health precluded further attendance.
He and his former wife, Carolyn Dixon, had a son, Lonnie Kyle Aspinwall, who perished in an automobile accident at 16 years old. He was also preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Estelle Duggan, Ruth Price, Ouida Murphy and Vonnie Holloway Heath.
Survivors include three nephews, Lamar H. Murphy Jr. of Virginia, Raymond H. Holloway of Jesup and Larry H. Holloway of Odum; and two nieces, Charlene H. Strickland of Odum and Janice A. Murphy of Atlanta.
Funeral services were held Sept. 1 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Dale Bange officiating.
Interment will follow in Odum City Cemetery with military honors rendered by the United States Marine Corps.
Active pallbearers were Johnny Brown, Jim Westberry, Edward Jacobs, Alan Strickland, Jacob Strickland and Caleb Holloway.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Odum Church of God, 608 S. Main Street, Odum, GA 31555.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Shirley Jean
Coleman
Jesup—Shirley Jean Coleman, 82, died peacefully on Aug. 29, 2024, at Hospice of South Georgia surrounded by her loving family.
A resident of Jesup for the past 40 years, she was born on Oct. 24, 1941 in Collins. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, who devoted herself to her family first and foremost at all times.
She was a longtime member of Odum Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She enjoyed drawing, sewing and gardening in her spare time, and she cherished the time she was able to spend with her family.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Bessie Mae Young Cowart; a husband, Larry Edward Coleman; a daughter, Joyce Ennis; a sister, Glenda Hagan; and granddaughter, Samantha Stewart.
Survivors include three children, James (Raeleen) Stewart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Darryl (Jeanine) Stewart of Pembroke and Jody (Melissa) Stewart of Guyton; sisters, Betty Wilson and Sybil Aldrich both of Metter; grandchildren, Luke Stewart, Haley Stewart, Briana Stewart, Aaron Stewart, Jeffrey Ennis, Dustin Ennis and B.J. Stewart; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.
Funeral services were held Sept. 1 at Odum Methodist Church with Dr. Dean Slusser officiating. Interment followed in Liberty Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jeff Horton, Grady Thomas, Raul Gonzalez, James Carter, Winton Harris, Curtis Shaw and Aaron Stewart. Honorary pallbearers will be her Odum Methodist Church family.
Remembrances may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Howard
Hazel Lee Fowler
Ludowici—Hazel Lee Fowler, 81, died Aug. 28, 2024, at her home under the care of her family and GHC Hospice.
Born in Florida, she was raised in Wayne County but lived in Long County most of her life. She worked with her late husband in his business and at the Manhattan Shirt Factory for 14 years. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking for and taking care of her family and had a hand in helping raise her children and grandchildren. She was a member of A New Beginning Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry M. Fowler; great-grandsons, Mason and Huxley Gordon; and sisters, Eddie-Grace McMorris and Carolyn Bland.
Survivors include her daughter, Terry (Wilton) Strickland of Jesup; sons, Tony (Becky) Fowler and Larry Fowler Jr. of Ludowici; a sister, Barbarann Griffis of Jesup; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Aug. 30 at A New Beginning Church with the Rev. Tom Gardner and the Rev. Justin Gordon officiating. Entombment was in Baggs Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Pee Wee Fowler, Joseph Fowler, Jake Gordon, Nathan Gordon, Garrett McClelland, Case Fowler, Camden Shealey, and Tony Young.
Remembrances are suggested to A New Beginning Church, 2047 GA 57, Ludowici, GA 31316, or GHC Hospice, 141 S. Macon Street, Jesup, GA 31545.
Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com.
Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici was in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
Barbara Ann Dukes
Brunswick—Barbara Ann Dukes, 77, of Brunswick died Aug. 28, 2024, at her residence.
Born Aug. 17, 1946, in Jesup to the late Ben J. and Joy Eugenia B. Hodges, she was a graduate of Jesup High School. She was also a graduate of Dell School of Medical Technology in Asheville, North Carolina. She retired from Southeast Georgia Health System, working in hematology. She was also medical technician, covering many counties around South Georgia for a total of 54 years. She was a member of Health Education Welfare (HEW) and a member of Taylors Methodist Church.
She enjoyed swimming, camping, reading, movies and taking cruises with her son.
Survivors include a son, Gordon Bernard “Sonny” Dukes III of Brunswick; a brother, Benji Eugene (Beth) Hodges of Washington; a niece and nephew, Whitley and Benjamin; several cousins; and Sabrina Hamilton, a special cousin and best friend.
Memorial services will be conducted Friday, Sept. 6, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Mays officiating.
The family will receive friends on Friday from 10 a.m. until the funeral hour at Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of The Golden Isles.
Eda Miller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Nobels Funeral
Joel R. Greene
Odum—Joel R. Greene, 83, of Odum died Aug. 30, 2024, after a short illness.
He enjoyed a lifelong career as a public accountant. He believed in public service, so during his lifetime served as a member of the National Guard, a Jesup City Council member, and as mayor of the City of Jesup.
He also proudly served the 138th District in the Georgia House of Representatives. During retirement, he loved hunting and fishing, but nothing could compare to the love he had for his two dogs, Taz and Blue.
He was preceded in death by a son, Joel Greene Jr.; a sister, Faye Chappell; and parents, Robert and Evelyn Ammons Greene.
Survivors include two sons, Ian (Elaine) Greene and Sean (Ashley) Greene; three grandchildren, Ellie Greene, Will Greene and Rob Greene; and two nieces, Kathy Peters (Chris), and Kerry Smith (Steve).
A graveside service will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. from the Screven City Cemetery with the Rev. Carl Ledbetter officiating.
Nobles Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.