Jackson Progress-Argus

Mr. Philip Dedric Dowdy, age 64, of Flovilla, Georgia passed away Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital. Philip was born on Friday, July 11, 1958, to the late Andrew "Leon" Dowdy and the late Sally Thomas Dowdy. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Andy Dowdy. Philip served in the United States Army and the Georgia Army National Guard and was an active member of Jackson Christian Church. He enjoyed cooking, flying Huey Helicopters (he was the crew chief), and loved NASCAR. Philip is survived by his wife of 26 years, Mary Dowdy; children, Matthew Dowdy, Devon Dowdy; grandchildren, John and Rylee Linville, Jared and Alyssa Linville, Jay...

Monticello, GA - Jacqueline Rainwater Cavender, 86, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 31, 2022. Jackie was born on December 12, 1935, to the late Reverend Guy Clinton Rainwater, Sr. and Lucy D. (Johns) Rainwater in Atlanta, GA. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1953 & married the love of her life, Fred Cavender, in July of 1954. They were one month shy of celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary at the time of his passing. Jackie held many work titles throughout her life, but her favorite was being the 14th Clerk of Butts County. She received her certified Financial Officer designation from the University of Georgia. She officially retired from her...

Donna Lea Walker, age 73 of Jackson, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022 at her residence. Donna was born April 26, 1949 in Atlanta, Georgia. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert Lee and Dorothy Standard Coble; and sister, Paula Coble. Donna graduated with the Class of 1968 from Jonesboro High School. She enjoyed riding motorcycles, crafting, and shopping. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Survivors include her husband, Earnest "Ernie" Walker; children, Jeremy (Stephanie) Walker, David (Tracy) Walker; grandchildren, Tyler Walker, Peyton Walker, Nicole Walker, Reagan Walker, Paisley Walker; siblings, Judy Kendall, Vanessa Hayes and several nieces and...

Mrs. Jeanette L. Norsworthy, age 88, of Jackson, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022. Jeanette was born on Monday, September 4, 1933, in McDonough, Georgia to the late Hugh Slaton Lunsford and the late Laura Wilkerson Lunsford. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Cleveland Norsworthy; son, Tondi Norsworthy Sr.; grandson, TJ Norsworthy; brothers, Russell Lunsford, Johnny Lunsford, Danny Lunsford, and Tony Lunsford. Jeanette was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, yard sales, and thrift store shopping. Jeanette is survived by her children, Teena Lawhon, Tanzie and Dennis Morgan; grandchildren, Misty and Kevin Carmichael,...

Mrs. Neva Inez Shelnutt Roberts, age 81, of Jackson, Georgia passed away on Sunday, July 24, 2022. Inez was born on Friday, April 18, 1941, in West Point, Georgia to the late Paul Shelnutt and the late Zera Veal Shelnutt. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her, sister-in-law, Connie Shelnutt; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Phyllis Shelnutt; sister, Mary Lola Shelnutt. Inez was a member of Worthville Baptist Church and formerly attended Flovilla Baptist Church. She collected lighthouses and enjoyed traveling, holiday cooking, and spending time with family. Inez was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Inez is survived by her loving husband,...

Sheila Todd, 64, of Dawsonville, GA passed away Friday July 22, 2022 at her residence. Born July 8, 1958 in Jackson, GA to the late William "Billy" and Betty Jane Thompson, she had lived in Dawson County for the past 16 years having moved from Forsyth County. A homemaker at her death, she was formerly employed as a medical office assistant. A devoted wife and mother, she enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, and working with her flowers. Surviving are her husband of 41 years, Tim Todd, Dawsonville; children, Megan Todd and her fianc? Cameron Harper, Dawsonville, Julia and Hunter Griffin, Dahlonega, GA; sister and brother in law, Kay and Jamie Morgan, Barnesville, GA; and a...

Ms. Valerie Dean Belew, age 71, of Jackson, Georgia passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022. Valerie was born on Tuesday, September 26, 1950, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Elvin Elwood Belew and the late Francis Elizabeth Digby Belew. Valerie's lifelong passion for music inspired her to write many songs. She also wrote poetry and published a novel, Undercover: Our Secret Obsessions. She loved art and was herself a talented painter. She always loved animals, and her pets, most recently Jax and Tara, were a major part of her life. Valerie earned her bachelor's degree at Georgia Southern University and later earned a double master's degree in Pastoral Counseling and Divinity at New Orleans...

Phillip Kirk Davis, age 63, of Jackson, Georgia passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at Jasper Memorial Hospital in Monticello. Phillip was born on Friday, December 12, 1958, in Kennesaw, Georgia to the late Hub Spencer Davis and the late Mae Young Davis. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by stepson, Adam Ingram; ex-wife, Linda Chrisley. Phillip enjoyed going hunting and fishing. He loved spending time with his family and making sure everyone was taken care of. Phillip is survived by his children, Andy and Ashleigh Davis, and Ashley Davis; grandchildren, Andrew Davis, Craig Boozer, Breanna Davis, Bentley Davis, Jasper Jameson, Charleigh Davis, Ryleigh Fox, Stryker Fox,...

Gary Wayne Cook, age 59, passed away Sunday, July 10, 2022 at WellStar Sylvan Grove Hospital. He was born Wednesday, August 8, 1962 in Griffin GA to the late Marion Wayne Cook and Ioline Perdue Cook who survives. Gary was a lifelong resident of Jackson graduating from Jackson High School and Trevecca Nazarene University. He was employed as a lead cook by the Butts County Board of Education. He was a member of the Jackson Church of the Nazarene and was currently serving as Song Leader and Music Minister, he was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. He will be remembered as an excellent cake baker. Gary is survived by his wife; Lisa Jo Figge Cook, son and...

Mrs. Doris Lawson Faulk, age 62, of Jonesboro, Georgia passed away on Sunday, July 10, 2022. Doris was born on Friday, October 2, 1959, in Albany, Georgia to the late Thomas Jefferson Lawson and Eleanor Frances Cummins Lawson. Along with her father she was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Mike Hosey. Doris was a member of Abundant Life Church. She enjoyed cooking, crocheting, and traveling. Doris loved her fur babies and spending time with her family. Doris is survived by her husband of 41 years, Al Faulk; children, Madyson Lawson and Aaron Sims, Ryan and Abigayle Lawson; grandchildren, Jaxson Lawson, Dawson Lawson, Carson Lawson; mother, Eleanor Lawson; sister and brother-in-law,...

Mr. Benjamin Sherral "Ben" Anderson, age 87, of Jackson, Georgia passed away on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Ben was born on Friday, March 29, 1935, in Elberton, Georgia to the late Thomas Mac Anderson and the late Bessie Lunsford Anderson. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his son-in-law, David Leslie McDonald; nephew, Dale Anderson. Ben was a member of Towaliga Baptist Church. He was a self-employed welder that enjoyed refurbishing old electric welders. He loved to go hunting for turkey and deer. Ben is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Brenda Anderson; children, Mary Kay Anderson McDonald, Melissa Gail Anderson; 3 grandsons; 5 great-grandchildren; brother, Harry...

Lester Luvin Freeman of Forsyth, Georgia passed away Sunday, June 26, 2022. Visitation will be Thursday, June 30, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Monroe County Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2022 at Forsyth First Baptist Church. Officiating will be Dr. Benny Tate. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Griffin, Georgia. Lester was born in Forsyth, Georgia on July 5, 1932 to Luvin Guy Freeman and Ruby Mae Wooten Freeman. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and later served in the Georgia National Guard. He was an avid fan of the old-style country music and especially blue grass. He was a true southern gentleman who...

Mrs. Ruby Earline Brewer Pitman, age 80, of Monticello, Georgia passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2022. Ruby was born on Sunday, August 24, 1941, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Henry Roy Brewer Sr. and the late Lois Griffith Brewer. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Pitman; daughters, Donna Marks, Carol Broom; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters. Ruby was a member of Prospect United Methodist Church. She loved her church and gospel music. She really enjoyed spending time with her family. Ruby is survived by her children, Lisa Gentes, Tammy Bradford and Michael, Holly Banks and Christopher; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; siblings, Francis Hawkins,...

Mr. Dudley Ronald "Ronnie" Powell, age 78, of Jackson, Georgia passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2022. Ronnie was born on Friday, May 19, 1944, in Lumber City, Georgia to the late Dudley Powell and the late Luzelle Hatten Powell. He loved to restore old cars and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Ronnie is survived by his children, Cindy Griffith and Ricky Brown, Dee and Danny Harris, Lee and Evonne Powell; grandchildren, CJ and Brittany Harris, Tyler and April Griffith, Amber Powell; great-grandchildren, Nevaeh and Dennis; beloved companion, Chewbacca. A memorial service for Mr. Ronnie Powell will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 12:00 P.M. at Sherrell Memorial Chapel with Mr. Rudy Mangham...

Carla E. Nestor, age 74, of Jenkinsburg, passed away on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at her residence. Carla was born on October 29, 1947 in Cadwell, Georgia. Her parents, Carl and Fannie Jo Holt preceded her in death. She was retired from the Dekalb County Board of Education as a High School Counselor. She was an accomplished snow skier, and enjoyed traveling to various cities in the northwest to ski. Carla also enjoyed tennis and was a member of an Atlanta tennis league. Another of her favorite pastimes was gardening. She loved tending to her roses, day lilies, and irises. Mrs. Nestor was a member of Jackson United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband, David Nestor, and...

Gerald Kersey, age 80, passed away at WellStar West Georgia Hospice in LaGrange, GA Tuesday afternoon, June 14, 2022. He was born in Covington, GA to the late Winfred Roger and Robbie Hargrove Kersey on Thursday April 30, 1942. Gerald loved playing the guitar and gardening. He read the Bible from front to back 4 times. He is affectionately remembered as Coach Kersey due to coaching Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball for many years. He was a graduate of Jackson High School and a member of Worthville Baptist Church. Gerald also served as a Butts County Commissioner for 11 years. But he is best known as "The Game Warden", he served Butts County and surrounding counties in that position for...

Betty Ruth Darnell, age 89, peacefully passed away late Sunday, June 12, 2022 at Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing and Healing with her loving Family at her side. Betty was born to the late Thomas Jess & Flora Parker Kitchens on Tuesday, April 11, 1933 in Covington, GA. She retired from The Kym Co. after 43 years of service. Betty is survived by her daughter and son in law; Faye & Murry Moncrief, granddaughter; Amanda & Timmy Fuller, great-grandchildren; Caine Fuller and Kayla Fuller, special niece; Angie Ellard, and special friends; John & Traci Anderson. Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, James Clifford (Cliff) Darnell, who...

Linda Faye Laird Mrs. Linda Faye Laird age 73 of McDonough, Georgia passed away on Saturday June 11th, 2022. Linda was born in Thomaston, Ga., on December 17, 1948 to the late Mavis Bishop Brownlee and James Franklin Brownlee. Linda loved the Lord God Jehovah with her whole heart. She also loved her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She was a beautiful homemaker for the last 45 years. She enjoyed spending time with her family, camping and exercising. But her passion was spreading the "WORD". She loved telling people about Jesus and what HE had done for her. Linda loved her church Abundant Life Ministries and was a ministry partner and mentor in the Hope Farms ministry. Linda is...

Mrs. Janie Grant English, age 75, of Barnesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 11, 2022. She was born on Thursday, November 28, 1946, in Griffin, Georgia to the late Julius Grant and the late Evelyn Hubbard Nazli. Janie was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Howard English. She was a member of Rock Springs Church. She played the piano her entire life, she enjoyed visiting Tybee Island, and she loved her grandchildren. Janie is survived by children and their spouses, Cheryl and Hollis Clark, Rob and Melody English; grandchildren, Chris and Nina English, Matthew English, Thomas English, Lee Jeffries, Holly and Tony Brown, Raygan Clark, Chase Clark,...

Mrs. Micky Ann Casto Congo, age 59, of Flovilla, Georgia passed away on Friday, June 10, 2022. Micky was born on Wednesday, September 5, 1962, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late James Webster Casto and Beverly Ann Bartholomew Casto. She enjoyed crocheting, painting, along with other arts and crafts. Micky also loved to visit Savannah, spending time with her family, and her world revolved around her grandchildren. Micky is survived by her husband, Leslie Congo Jr.; children, Michelle Thrasher, Chris Thrasher, Sue Gore, Daniel Thrasher, Nick Thrasher; 12 grandchildren; sisters, Jannie McMickle, Cannie Dye; brothers, James Casto, Gus Casto; several nieces and nephews also survive. A...

Hugh A. Wilkerson, of Jackson, passed away Friday, June 10, 2022, at the age of 71. Mr. Wilkerson enjoyed playing baseball and fishing in his younger years. He had a wonderful sense of humor and took joy in making others laugh. Mr. Wilkerson tended to keep to himself, but he made it a priority to show up and celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other special occasions. He was a hard worker to provide for his family. Mr. Wilkerson was a phenomenal father and loving family man. He was known best by his children and niece as D Dad and Unkie Tony. Mr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his parents, Edna and Hugh Dorsey Wilkerson; and sister, Georgia Lynn Wilkerson. He is survived by his daughter,...