• Howard & Jones
Thomas Nathaniel Thompson
Jesup—Thomas Nathaniel “Tommy” Thompson, 63, died peacefully on July 10, 2024, at home under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
He was born on June 29, 1961, in Jesup. He graduated from Wayne County High School in the class of 1979. He continued his education with a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State University and later advanced studies at Georgia State University.
He was a talented musician and songwriter, traveling to cities all over the world, including Atlanta, Denver, London and Amsterdam. He played music with several different bands over the years, including the Tommy Thompson Band.
He also worked several side jobs in addition to his music career. Jobs consisted mostly of sales and contracting, but his passion was music, and he devoted his life to it. He enjoyed deep-sea fishing, camping and snow skiing when he wasn’t working.
He moved back home to Jesup five years ago to be with his beloved family. He was preceded in death by his father, James Earl Thompson; brother, John Barry Nichols; and sister, Nancy Elizabeth Powell.
Survivors include his mother, Nan Harris Thompson of Jesup; a sister, Sissie Thompson (Terry) Duncan of Jesup; a sister-in-law, Cindy Nichols of Jesup; nieces and nephews, Livia Thompson Mobley, Kati Duncan Walling, Billy Kerstetter, Keith (Tara) Duncan, Tori (Kirk) Evans, Derrick Powell, Nicky Powell and Nate Nichols; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, great-nieces, nephews, musician friends and extended family members.
Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 6 p.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Pete Ullman and the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating. The family will receive friends after the services at the funeral home.
Honorary pallbearers will be his fellow musicians and lifelong friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Jesup Presbyterian Church, 297 S. Brunswick St., Jesup, GA 31546 or 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 is in charge of arrangements.
• Rinehart & Sons
Juanita Byrd Spell
Jesup—Juanita Byrd Spell, 99, of Jesup died July 13, 2024.
The Brantley County native was the eldest member of Calvary Baptist Church and a former seamstress at Waynline. Her passions were sewing, cooking, canning and taking care of her group-home “children”—especially Robert Barbee.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Osgood James “O.J.” Spell; a daughter, Imogene Spell O’Quinn; and a son, James Osgood “Weather Boy” Spell.
Survivors include her granddaughter, Angie O’Quinn of Jesup, and son-in-law, Pete O’Quinn of Jesup.
Private family graveside services were held July 15 in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Vann Dempsey and the Rev. Pete Boyd officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup was in charge of arrangements.
William Edward Scott
Jesup—William Edward “Bill” Scott, 92, of Jesup died July 15, 2024, at At Home Senior Living and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
The Wayne County native was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, a 25-year truck driver with Carolina Freight Company and a U.S. Army veteran.
He enjoyed farming and was known for growing the largest watermelons in Wayne County. His best time in later life was being “Papa” to his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Mary Brannen Scott.
Survivors include three sons, Ken (Rita) Scott of Montgomery, Alabama, Walter (Barbara) Scott of Jacksonville, Florida, and Bruce (Rachel) Scott of Appling County; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins.
Funeral services will be held Friday, July 19, at 11 a.m. at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Vann Dempsey and Pastor Pete Boyd officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Active pallbearers will be George Moody, Bobby Hughes, David Paul, and cousins George, Albert and Thurman Hires. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff and residents of At Home Senior Living.
Family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Ellen Wojcik Yonkosky
Jesup—Mary Ellen Wojcik Yonkosky, 80, of Jesup died on July 16, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
She was of the Catholic faith and took pride in working with her fellow workers at Wayne Service Center. Baking was her love language and cooked for an “army.” She was also an avid reader.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph “Joe” John Yonkosky, and several siblings.
Survivors include daughters, Anna (Michael) Newland and Katherine (Ricky) Davis, all of Jesup; sons, John Joseph Yonkosky and Matthew Joseph (Rebecca) Yonkosky, all of Jesup; several grandchildren, John Joseph (Joplin) Yonkosky II, Michael Devon (Sarah) Newland and Dorothy Yonkosky; and several great-grandchildren, Emma, Landrey, Samuel, John Joseph “J.J.” III, Daisy and Eli.
Private memorial services will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wayne Service Center, 1848 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
• Out of town
John Cecil Blanton
Jesup—John Cecil Blanton died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on July 15, 2024, at Altamaha Health Center.
Throughout his life, he was a proud resident of Wayne County, leaving a positive impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him, according to his family. Having lived a life filled with hard work, creativity and love, he will always be remembered for his dedication to his business and passion for painting, his family said. Affectionately known as “J.C.” he was born on Oct. 31, 1945, in Jesup to Tommy Blanton and Beulah Mae Metts Blanton.
He graduated from Odum High School and went on to become a business owner and respected painter in his community. His artistic talents shone through in every stroke of the brush, leaving behind beautiful works of art, his family said.
In his free time, he enjoyed watching Nascar races and cheering for the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He also found solace in taking leisurely walks, appreciating the simple joys of nature around him. One particular memory that stands out is when he asked for a volleyball for the last Father’s Day celebration—a reminder of his playful spirit and love for family gatherings.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Beulah Mae Blanton; brothers, Elbert Jr. “Buddy,” Curtis, Arnie and Vernon; and a sister, Mezell Floyd.
Survivors include his children, Steve Blanton and Tammy Black; a sister, Bevy Fennell; four grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous other relatives and friends who will continue to honor his legacy and keep his memory alive through their shared stories and fond remembrances.
His life was a testament to hard work, creativity and love for family, and his warm smile and kind heart will be deeply missed but never forgotten, his family said.
Carter Funeral Home of Hinesville is in charge of arrangements.