Howard-Jones
Jeanette Frances Heath
Jesup—Jeanette Frances Heath, 79, of Jesup died July 23, 2022, in the presence of family and loved ones under the care of GHC Hospice.
She was born June 6, 1943, to the late Joseph James and Irene Deason Perritt. In her life, she was a barrel racer, a synchronized swimmer, an accountant and a homemaker whose pursuit of adventure included a trip to the jungles of Venezuela in 1972, as well as 10 years spent living in Alaska.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Robert Heath; a son, Kenneth Martin Allen; and sisters, Betty Priddy and Carolyn Jordan.
Survivors include two sons, Craig (Terry) Allen of Palmer, Alaska, and Sidney (Sarah) Allen of Jesup; stepdaughters, Heather Certo and Holly Heath, both of Arizona; grandchildren, April Stanley, Renee Payne, Amanda Lubasky, Traci Swanson, Zachary Allen, Sydney Allen and Brittany and Heath Certo; nine great-grandchildren; a sister, Marjorie (Bob) Jackson of Vero Beach, Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
A memorial service was held July 26 at Howard and Jones Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Michael VonMoss officiating.
Honorary pallbearers were current and former staff members of Cotton Grove Estate who have all gone out of their way to ensure that the best care was given to her at all times, Vanessa Smith, Amy Lenier, Katie Jones, Stacie Washburn, Grace Anderson, Kristina Beverly, Alex West and Jasmin McNeal.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the GHC Foundation, P.O. Box 15665, Savannah, GA 31416 or online at ghchospice.com
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Shannon Keith Pearson
Jesup—Shannon Keith Pearson, 55, affectionately known by friends and family as “Shank,” died suddenly on July 23, 2022, at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, he was born on Aug. 9, 1966, in Jesup to the late Barry D. and Carolyn Kent Pearson.
He worked in the flooring business for most of his life but had also worked at Georgia Narrow Fabrics for more than 18 years.
He loved the outdoors, and whether he was fishing, gardening or watching birds, he always enjoyed being surrounded by nature. He was a selfless man who always worked hard and put the needs of his family before his own, according to his family. He enjoyed spending time with the ones he loved more than anything else.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Mark Pearson.
Survivors include his wife and faithful companion for the past 38 years, Donna Dyal Pearson of Jesup; two sons, Levi Keith Pearson and Logan Max Pearson, both of Jesup; a granddaughter, Hadley Kate Pearson of Richmond Hill; a sister, Sonya (Scotty) Miller of Jesup; a niece, Macee (Jayden) Myers; nephews, Camron Miller and Cody Thornton; a great-niece, Cali Thornton; and numerous aunts, uncles and other extended-family members.
A memorial service will be held today (Thursday) at 6 p.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home with the Rev. Scott Hickox officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
Interment will be private.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Rinehart & Sons
Mary Frances “Susie” Hires Blanton
Jesup—Mary Frances “Susie” Hires Blanton, 79, of Jesup and Bruns-wick died July 19, 2022.
The Wayne County native and 1960 Jesup High School graduate was a member of First Baptist Church in Brunswick, “Love in Action” Sunday School Class and Fellowship Choir. She shared her talent of singing in other various events also.
Working with her husband, Curtis Blanton, at Madray Springs Meats and tending to her flower garden were a joy to her.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Jimmia Hires; a sister, Amber Hires; brothers, Darrell Hires and A.T. Hires Jr.; and a grandson, Stephen Sapp.
Survivors are two daughters, Deborah (Greg) Sapp of Brunswick and Vicki (John) Anderson of Lyons; a sister, Janice Parker of London, Kentucky; a brother, Larry Hires of Victorville, California; grandchildren, Shelbi (David) Rainey and Alexa Anderson, both of Lyons, Phillip (Dr. Chandler) Sapp of Savannah, Julia (Blayne Syron) Sapp of Jesup; great-grandchildren, Wrenley Syron; and many loved nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Graveside funeral services were held July 21 in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Peter Vivenzio officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Jonnie Blocker
Jesup—Jonnie Blocker, 91, of Jesup died July 21, 2022.
The Wheeler County native had lived in Wayne County most of her life and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Senior Adult Ladies Class.
She was a homemaker when her husband was alive, and later in her life she became a faithful employee with the Maxwell’s Department Store. Vegetable and flower gardening were favorite pastimes for her.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years Herman Blocker, along with several siblings.
Survivors include a son, Larry (Sharleen) Blocker of Loganville; two grandchildren, Amy (Ed) Barnes and James (Becca) Blocker; great-grandchildren, Andrew and Laurens Barnes, Jacob, Daniel and Caleb Blocker; and a sister, Miriam.
Celebration-of-life services were held July 24 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Vann Dempsey and the Rev. Pete Boyd officiating. Private interment was held in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
David T. Felt
Jesup—David T. Felt, 81, of Jesup died July 22, 2022.
The Flint, Michigan, native had lived in Wayne County for the past 60 years and was a charter member with Liberty Lighthouse Church.
He was a U.S. Navy veteran, a Rayonier retiree and a former member of the Jesup Jaycees. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and dining at the Huddle House.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Glenda Lastinger Felt, and daughters, Dana Felt Zara and April Felt.
Survivors include daughters, Robin Miles of Jesup and Terri (Kenny) Manning of Jesu; a brother, Danny (Jenny) Felt of Villages, Florida; eight granddaughters, Jennifer Jones, Meta Miles, Jessica LaPradd, Paige Manning, Holly Manning, Laurel Miles, Morgan Morris and Melina Zara; seven great-grandchildren, David, Julian, Oliver, Genevieve, Abigail, Corrine and Caroline; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held July 26 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bobby Hutto officiating. Private entombment was held in Screven City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were friends and family. Honorary pallbearers were the special caregivers of Wayne Memorial Hospital nursing staff, Hospice of South Georgia and Dr. R.A. Pumpelly Jr. and staff.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
James Douglas “Doug” Tillman
Hiwassee—James Douglas “Doug” Tillman, 48, of Hiwassee died July 24, 2022, and “entered into his eternal home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
He loved sharing his life of Jesus and grew up in Calvary Baptist Church in Jesup and Pine Ridge Baptist Church in Brunswick.
After becoming a 1992 graduate of Brunswick High School, he went on to be a landscaper and entrepreneur. The outdoorsman and avid University of Georgia football fan loved to hike, fish, and play any sports but especially golf.
He was preceded in death by his father, James E. Tillman, and his grandparents, Elton and Ruth Tillman and Brantley and Melba McManus.
Survivors include his three children, Victor, Lily and Cassie; his mother, Elaine (Barry) Thompson of Brunswick; a sister, Telenia (Chad) Brooks and their two children, Carlyn and Cason, all of Tennessee; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins; and a special and loyal Papillon dog, “Tink.”
A celebration-of-life service was held July 27 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Vann Dempsey officiating. Interment was in Jesup City Cemetery. Active pallbearers were his family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Music
Paul “Sidney” Fulton
Jesup—Paul “Sidney” Fulton, 72, died July 25, 2022, at his residence in Waycross.
He was born on Aug. 19, 1949, in the Rye Patch Community of Long County at home in an old, dilapidated farmhouse on a hot, steamy afternoon. His mother said he had hands big enough to beat the boxer, Joe Louis.
He was raised on a farm by Christian parents who taught him the values of a good name and hard work.
After graduating from high school in 1968 at the age of 18, he volunteered to join the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He was a crew chief on a Phantom F-4D Jet Fighter and was also a member of a small, handpicked group to represent the United States at the 1971 Paris International Air Show in France.
After his military service in 1972, he returned home and went to work at ITT Rayonier in Jesup, where he started off operating a wheelbarrow and a shovel. He often commented he went from being in charge of a $3 million airplane to a wheelbarrow. In 1973 he entered the electrician apprentice program at Rayonier, where he completed courses and worked on-the-job training for four years and became a journeyman wireman. He retired as supervisor of electrical and instrumentation.
He was a member of Sweat Memorial Baptist Church in Waycross.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Samuel Fulton and Julia Pinholster Fulton, and two sisters, Sue McFann and Paulette.
Survivors include his wife, Pati Glass Fulton of Waycross; four children, Paul (Tom) Fulton Jr. of Atlanta, Kimberly Fulton (Chris) Watford of Brunswick, Michael (Carly) Tucker of Statesboro, and Melanie Irene (Seth) Dougan of Portland, Oregon; five grandchildren, Andrew Watford, Abigail Watford, Aiden Watford, Cade Tucker and Ames Tucker; a brother-in-law, Lee McFann of Ludowici; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. at Elim Baptist Church in Ludowici. The family will also begin receiving friends at the church on Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in his honor to Elim Baptist Church, 6650 Elim Church Road, NE, Ludowici, GA 31316 or Sweat Memorial Baptist Church, 510 W. Blackshear Avenue, Waycross, GA 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.com.
Music Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of the arrangements.