Thomasville Times-Enterprise

James Howard Braswell, known by all as Bubba, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 16 2021 in Eustis, FL surrounded by his loving family. He was born in 1935 in Cairo, GA and grew up in Thomasville, GA, a town that would define him and the memories made in the years to come with his family. He was the son of the late Louise (Maxwell) and James "Sharkey" Braswell. He was preceded in death by his sisters Carolyn Brown and Harriet Roberts. Surviving are his wife, Augusta (Mitchell) Braswell; his children Lynn Sterling (Scott), of Thomasville, Dina Davidson (Jim, decd.), of Bristol, TN, Paul Braswell (Susan), of Lititz PA, Jody Mendez (Juan-Elvis), of Eustis, Greg Griffith of West...

Dr. Hellen Ireland Guttinger died peacefully at the Bailey Hospice Center on September 13, 2021 after a long illness. She was born in 1938 to Minnie Ruth Nipper and Jesse Leo Ireland in Quincy Florida and was first in her family to graduate from college. After Leon HS in Tallahassee and her undergraduate years at FSU where she was in the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, Hellen earned a Masters and PhD from University of Florida, devoting her life to Education. During her career she taught public school students of all ages and was a professor of education at University of Florida. At P.K. Yonge Laboratory School, Hellen directed Writing to Read and the Title IV-C Reading Dissemination Projects,...

James Kendrick "Ken" Hubbard, Jr., 73, of Thomasville, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021, at Archbold Medical Center. He was born on March 5, 1948, in Atlanta. Ken was the son of the late James Kendrick Hubbard and Allyne Clark Hubbard. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, retired from the Georgia Army National Guard after 26 years of military service, and retired as a pilot from Atlantic Southeast Airlines. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Valdosta State University and was a member of Thomasville Lodge #369, F.&A.M. Ken was an avid member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Club. The GWRRA occupied much of his time. Ken and his wife, Cindy, spent many hours traveling roads on...

Shirley Patricia (Sampson) Wilson of Tucker, GA passed away peacefully on June 18, 2021 at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents Alice Sampson and Mitchell T. Sampson of Thomasville, GA and by her husband of 54 years, Bobby E. Wilson. She is survived by her children Michael Wilson of Marietta, GA, Laura Mattox of Milton, GA, Andrew Wilson of Milton, GA, stepson Steve Wilson of McDonough, GA and seven grandchildren. Shirley loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading, and traveling to her favorite destinations of Germany, England, and Israel. She was a kind-hearted soul who brought joy to everyone she encountered with her warming smile and gentle...

William Andrew Lardin, 44 passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at his home in Winston Salem, NC. He was born November 8, 1976, in Thomasville, GA to William Arthur Lardin, MD. and Sharon Chastain Lardin. Will was a Wake Forest Alumni, Class of 1999, with a major in Computer Science.The majority of his career and hobbies revolved around computer application development and support. From an early age, he studied violin, piano, and harp. He was a cross-country cyclist and participated in many road cycling tours, including the Bicycle Ride Across Georgia. Will had a keen appreciation of music, enjoyed rock climbing, and was an avid, talented photographer. William will always be remembered by the...

John Mark Hickox, 87, of Blakely, GA passed away on Monday evening, February 22, 2021, at his residence due to complications following a stroke. The funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 25th, at Southside Baptist Church with Ashley Brents, Brandon Brents, Daniel Hamon, Will Baxley, Mark Winslett, Jr., and Edward Brownlee serving as pallbearers. Chase and Noah Boydston will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends prior to the service, starting at 1:30. A private family graveside service will be held at Blakely Cemetery. Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, those attending are asked to maintain the recommended safe...

Emily Dekle Whittle Wakefield, 95, of Cordele, GA formerly of Albany, GA, died January 27, 2021 at the Fellowship Home at Cordelia Manor in Cordele, GA. Graveside funeral services will be held Saturday 11:00 AM at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Thomasville, GA. Dr. John G. Smith, III will officiate. Social distancing will be required and masks will be provided. Emily was born on April 27, 1925 in Cordele, GA to S.M. and Minnie Dekle. She graduated from Crisp County High School and continued her education at South Georgia Normal College (now Valdosta State University) graduating in 1945. She married W.L. "Bill" Whittle, Sr. in 1947 and they made their home in Thomasville, GA. After Mr....

Wayne Ferriel Hadley entered into rest on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, at his home surrounded by family. Wayne was born in Thomasville GA to Walter Hadley Jr. and Gussie Lee Lamar Hadle. Wayne retired as a Radiologic Technologist from the VA Medical Center (34 years) and University Hospital (30 years). He was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, Augusta, GA. Survivors include; his beloved wife of 37 years, Stephanie M. Hadley; children: Laydria Hadley, Milledgeville, GA, Keenan Hadley, Duluth, GA; siblings: Luther Hadley (Opal) Fairburn, GA; Dennis Hadley (Teresa), East Point, GA; Jacqueline Dunbar (Henry), Thomasville, GA; Angela Hollis (Rodney),Coolidge, GA; grandchildren: Khloe and...

Sara Audrey McLeod Taylor, (92), formerly of 610 Holly Hill Drive in Anderson, SC, died on Wednesday, December 9, 2020. For the last several years she had lived at North Pointe Assisted Living in Anderson. She was born April 18, 1926 in Brooks County, Georgia, the daughter of Jeptha Malachi McLeod and Florence Corley McLeod. She was a standout student at the small South Georgia high school in Dixie, where she also took great pride as marble-thumping champion. After graduation, she worked at Ellison's Lad and Dad Store until she met and married Harry Ponder Taylor, from nearby Cairo and Moultrie, in Norfolk, Virginia, during World War II. They remained married for 64 years until he died in...

Zachary H. Harden, 25, of Kennesaw died Wednesday at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, November 7th at Sanctuary Church 700 Mars Hill Road in Kennesaw with Pastor Craig Bowler officiating. The family will receive friends 10-11:00 AM at the church. Zach was a lover of all things sports, his family and friends, Fantasy Football, and his sweet dog, Marley. Zach lit up a room with his smile and loving personality. He was a wonderful friend, brother, and son. He is going to be dearly missed. Survivors include his mother, Lucia Poole and Judge Gregory Poole and his father David Harden; sister, Mary Brittain Harden; brother, Jacob...

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Catherine Heckadon, our loving and devoted Grandmother & Great Grandmother, on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at her residence in Williamsburg, VA of natural causes. Born in Brooklyn, New York Catherine lived a long and vibrant life. Catherine graduated from the Presbyterian Nursing School of Philadelphia, PA graduating in 1943. She subsequently was a staff nurse at the New York Presbyterian/Cornell University Hospital Nursing School in New York City. After WW II, she moved to Central America with her husband "Heck" where she assisted in running a tropical hospital in Almirante, Panama for several years. She and her husband moved to...

Mr. James Steven Curtis, age 64, of Villa Rica, GA, passed away Monday, September 7, 2020. Steve, as he was known by his family and friends, was born on December 24, 1955 in Atlanta, GA. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church and was a Quality Control Manager in construction during his working career. Steve was an Atlanta Falcons fan through and through and enjoyed attending football games with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Russell Cox, and Newell Lee Curtis; as well as two brothers, Lee Curtis and Wesley Mahaffey. Survivors include Shonnye Curtis; three daughters, Christy (Dick) Newton, Brigette Curtis, and Jennie Curtis; grandchildren, Hunter (Brook)...

Franklin Lamar Vonier, Sr., age 91, of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2020, at the Bell Minor Home following an extended illness. Mr. Vonier was born on November 26, 1928, in Pavo, Georgia, to the late Dan and Martha Willis Vonier. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 61 years, Ola Mae Croft Vonier; sons: Franklin Lamar Vonier, Jr., Marcus Anthony Vonier, and Jim Vonier. He was the last surviving member of 9 children, he being the youngest. Also, a special friend at Bell Minor Home, Betty Harbin. Mr. Vonier was a member of the Cleveland Seventh-day Adventist Church. He was owner of Vonier Shoe Repair,...

Lakeland - Leesa Lynn McKneely Arce, age 64, of Lakeland, FL, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, due to chronic illness. Born on May 5, 1956, in Macon, GA, she was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick Owen McKneely and Lonnie Lee McKneely. She is survived by her daughter, and only child, Isabella Guevara Arce. Leesa graduated from Santa Fe High School in Lakeland, FL in 1974. She went on to attend college at Mercer University, where she was a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. After briefly attending the University of Georgia, she graduated from Mercer in 1980, with her Bachelor's degree in English Literature. During her life Leesa worked as a trust officer for...

Sam Locklin, 75, peacefully passed into Eternity on August 10, 2020. He was at home on his beloved Lake Oconee. Sam was preceded in death by his wonderful parents, Elsie and Newman James Locklin of LaGrange, and his dear sister Margaret Snyder of Thomasville, Georgia. Sam was a patriot who proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a brave and honorable Vietnam Veteran. Sam's work ethic was one of excellence, loyalty and diligence. He had only one employer, Southern Bell/AT&T, where he was a manager for many years when he retired. In more recent years Sam volunteered as a Greene County First Responder, where he made many great friends and helped so many people. ...

Shirley Hurst Jankowski, 71, of Smithville, died Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 11, 2020 from 6 to 8 PM at Mathews Funeral Home. The family will have a private service. Born in Mitchell County, Mrs. Jankowski had lived in Smithville for the past years. She was retired from Wal-Mart. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Dixie Hurst and her husband James L. Jankowski. Survivors include her children, Daniel Hurst (Beverly), Moultrie, Angela Wells, Smithville, Amy Bussey, Pearson, Amanda Wells, Douglas, April Wells, Douglas, grandchildren, Bryan Hurst, Courtney Bowen, Jami Davis, Monteco Bussey,...

Winnie Clark died at home Friday, July 17th in Temple Terrace Florida at the age of 80. She was born Edwina Fern Precht October 5, 1939 in Mexico Missouri. Her parents were Earl Edwin Precht and Fern Meranda (Kettrey) Precht. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, James N. Clark; three children: Melanie Tomlinson of Brighton Michigan, Jim Clark of Tampa, and Lisa Clark of Tampa; four grandchildren: Jennifer Vanderhyde, Max Clark, Jack Clark and Catherine Clark; and three great grandchildren: Ryan, Emily and Tyler Vanderhyde. She is also survived by her sister Mary Ann, and preceded by her sister Beverly Jean. Her family was her greatest joy. Winnie grew up in Mexico, Missouri,...

Jack Barnes, 84, of Marietta, GA, went home to the Lord on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Born in Colquitt County, Georgia, Jack was the oldest son of J.R Barnes and Jewel Tillman Barnes. He and the love of his life, Hilda Mae Strickland, were united in holy matrimony for 65 years. This union was blessed with two loving daughters, Jacqueline Ann Barnes Yarbrough and Susan Rena Barnes Cozart. Jack and Hilda spent many years building their dream home, spending time with their children and grandchildren and traveling. Jack was a self-made man-committed to a life of learning and hard work. He proudly served our country in the United States Air Force, which began his career as a computer...

Emory Jane (Hickman) Lastinger, age 78 of Grayson, GA, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2020. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Mrs. Lastinger was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Vernon Lastinger; and parents, Edgar and Lena (Knight) Hickman. She is survived by her daughter and her partner, Cindy Masopust and Susan Terrien of Grayson, GA; daughter, Carrie Nash of Thomasville, GA; son, Lyle Lastinger of Forsyth, GA; sister, Jo Joiner of St. Marys, GA; grandchildren, Ashley Pais of Leakey, TX, and Jaron Lastinger of Macon, GA; great grandchildren, Deen Pais and CJ Pais, both of Leakey, TX; numerous family and friends. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 2246...

Phyllis Reinhart Ruby, 75 of Albany died Friday, March 20, 2020 at her home. The family will have a private funeral service. A native of Tallahassee, Mrs. Ruby grew up in Thomasville. She moved to Albany in 1980 from Kansas after her late husband Ed Ruby, Sr. retired from the U. S. Army. Survivors include children, Ed Ruby, Jr., Albany, Drew Ruby, Tallahassee, FL, grandchildren, Alexis Renee Ruby-Fugatt (Jordan), Even Ruby (Kelsey), Brittany Ruby, Breanna Ruby, Brinson Ruby, Kilee Ruby and a brother, Andy Reinhart. To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews' website at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.

Mirian Baker Lanier, age 101, passed on March 17, 2020. She was born on a farm in the Thomas Co. community of Coolidge, Ga. Growing up during the Depression, she learned the values of thriftiness, family, and faith. After graduating high school as valedictorian, she attended South Georgia College in Douglas, where she played basketball and cheered. Upon completion of her education degree, she returned home and began teaching first grade. She married Fred Lanier of Autreyville, Ga. in 1941, and they moved to Chicago for his work. Post-World War II, they later relocated to Savannah and Albany, Ga. Mirian was active in her church and community, as many organizations benefitted from her...