Jackson Progress-Argus

Danny Letson, 73, of Forsyth, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at his home. A graveside funeral service will be held at Monroe Memorial Gardens on Friday, March 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with Reverend Ricky Niblett officiating. Flowers are accepted, or you may make contributions to Dauset Trails or to your favorite charity organization. Born July 30, 1952, to the late Shorty and LaDelle Letson, Danny Lamar Letson was a lifelong resident of Middle Georgia. He graduated from Mary Persons High School, class of 1970, and married the love of his life, Cathy, soon after. He joined the Georgia National Guard and dutifully served his country while building a career as a diesel mechanic at the...

Timothy Wayne Prickett, 64, of Forsyth, Georgia entered the presence of his Lord on Sunday, March 22, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Born on Sunday, February 18, 1962, in Kokomo, Indiana, Tim has lived his life rooted in faith, family and devotion. He loved deeply, gave freely, and walked with strength through both joy and hardship. He was always someone you could call upon for help, prayer, or an electrical code question. His life was a testimony of perseverance, commitment, humility, and total trust in God. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Peggy Prickett. He is survived by his loving wife, Jennifer...

Debra Jean Cochran Windham passed away March 17, 2026 after a period of declining health. Debbie was born April 18, 1953 to Harold (Shot) Cochran and Jewel Reid Cochran. A graduate of the Jackson High School Class of 1971, she joined the United States Navy in 1972 and served until 1976. She worked as a barber in the Navy and later continued her education at Griffin Technical College. She worked at a hair salon in Riverdale prior to coming to Jackson and eventually owning The Hair Shack. She was married to Donald W. Windham until his death in 2002. She was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Jewel Cochran; a sister, Cathye Compton; and a beloved niece, Carin Burford. Survivors include...

Mr. William Harvey Duke, age 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. Funeral Services will be held at 3pm on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 in the chapel of West Cobb Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta with Scott McAllister officiating. The family will receive friends from 1pm until 3pm prior to the ceremony at the funeral home. A native of Atlanta, Mr. Duke lived is Jasper, GA for the last 20 years. He worked as a diesel mechanic and truck driver in the trucking and transportation industry for 45 years, including employment with Old Dominion Truck Line. He also enjoyed fishing, flying kites, and riding motorcycles. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carol Ann Duke; 3...

Mr. Jessie Victor "Vic" James, age 83, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2026. Vic was born on Monday, January 25, 1943, in Jackson, Georgia to the late Wallace Jackson James and the late Lila Wright Strawn James. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by his siblings, Edwin, Lamar, Thomas Lee, Marvin, Randall, Aubrey, Roslyn, Vickie, Linda, W.A. James; and son-in-law, Adam Smith. Vic was a member of Abundant Life Church where he loved hearing his son-in-law preach. He enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs, and the Atlanta Falcons. Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandkids. Vic is survived by his loving wife, Betty James; children,...

Mr. Ken Ashley Lunsford, age 66, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Ken was born on Friday, October 2, 1959, in Covington, Georgia to the late Sylvester "Ves" Lunsford and the late Martha Belle Pickett Lunsford. He retired from Butts County. Ken was a big University of Georgia and NASCAR fan and enjoyed hunting and trout fishing. Most of all he loved his grandchildren. Ken will be deeply missed. Ken is survived by his children and spouse, Amanda and Kyle Burge, Blake Lunsford, Morgan Lunsford, Magan Maddox, Joey Maddox; grandchildren, Baylor, Kylar, Ryder, Wrenley, Ragan, Conner, Kendall, Olivia, Sailor, Tara Grace, Maddox, Ty; brother and sister-in-law, David...

Deana Jean McClelland Emory, affectionately known as Deana to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, at Southeast Georgia Health Center in Brunswick, GA. Born on June 15, 1957, in Griffin, GA, Deana was a beacon of love and creativity throughout her 68 years of life. Raised in Jackson, Deana's early years were filled with the joys of small-town life. She graduated from Jackson High School in the class of 1974, where she was known for her kind spirit and artistic talents. Deana's passion for nature led her to a fulfilling career as a self-employed landscaper and gardener, a vocation she dedicated over 40 years to, transforming spaces with her green thumb and...

Mr. Jimmy "Jim" Lee Smith, age 82, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away Saturday, February 14, 2026, at his home following a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. He was surrounded by loved ones including his devoted wife, Lynda Snyder Smith, to whom he was married for over twenty-five years. He is also survived by his sister, Kathy Smith; son, Casey Smith (Debbie); grandson, Jordan Smith (Olivia); granddaughter, Rain Smith; niece, Lisa Leverett; many other nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Margie and Richard "Buster" Smith; sister, Sue Cross; and daughter, Aimee Smith. Jim was a member of Jackson United Methodist Church and active in his community, where he served as...

Rita Marie Hoefler, 64, of Flovilla, GA, wife of Robert A. Martinez, Jr., died Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital. Born in Altoona, PA, March 19, 1961, she was a daughter of the late Gerald Joseph Hoefler and Margaret Marie Piper Hoefler. Rita earned an associate's degree in accounting from South Hills Business School in State College, PA. She worked for many years as a merchandizer until her health declined. She enjoyed the goat farm that she and her husband built and have tended for over twenty years and loved all animals, especially her donkey, Jill. She loved to make jewelry, shop at the thrift store and go out to eat. In addition to her parents,...

Dr. Fred Leon Cook, known affectionately as Leon to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center. Born on the Fourth of July in 1949, Leon's life began on the family farm in Butts County, where the values of hard work and dedication were instilled in him from a young age. He was a man who lived a life as rich and vibrant as the Independence Day fireworks that marked his entrance into the world. Leon was predeceased by his loving parents, Fred Perry Cook and Laura Louise Smith Cook. His legacy continues through his devoted wife of 51 years, Mary Patricia (Patsy) Cook, and his caring sisters, Martha Pulliam (Fred), Vivian &...

Mrs. Katherine Lynn Thitoff Goodroe, age 76, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Kathy was born on Sunday, September 11, 1949, in Wapakoneta, Ohio to the late Vincent John Thitoff and the late Ruby Jesslyn Naylor Thitoff. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters, Artiff Thitoff Mertz, Pamela Cooper-Miller; great-granddaughter, Isabella Ryder. Kathy was a devoted wife, loving mother, and cherished "Noni," as she was affectionately known by her grandchildren. She attended Ohio State University and began her professional life as a flight attendant in the 1970s, a role that sparked her lifelong love of travel. She later built a successful career...

James Preston Bridges, known affectionately as Preston to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, at the Westbury Center of Jackson for Nursing and Healing. Born on March 18, 1938, in Griffin, Georgia, Preston lived a full and vibrant life marked by devotion to his family, faith, and community. Preston was predeceased by his parents, James E. and Annie Grace Rogers Bridges, his beloved daughter Adina Bridges, and his sister Nancy Crane. His legacy of love and strength lives on through his wife of 67 years, Shirley Bridges, his sons Keith & Rhonda Bridges and Greg Bridges, his daughter Donna Worley, his grandchildren Joshua, Jacob, Jordan Bridges, Lydia...

Mrs. Johnnie Faye Steverson, affectionately known as Faye, passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on July 3, 1941, in Lax, Georgia, Faye was a beacon of love and faith throughout her life, touching the hearts of all who knew her. Faye was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her loving daughters, Donna Powell of Dahlonega, Diedrea & Jim Claxton of McDonough, Dana McKinney of Jackson, and Direnda & Hank Lohmann of Locust Grove. Her legacy continues through her ten cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Lacey Kaminski, Kayla Claxton, Jimmy...

Mr. Gary Taylor Kerce, age 73, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, December 25, 2025. Gary was born on Tuesday, November 18, 1952, in Toccoa, Georgia, to the late William Taylor Kerce and the late Betty June Youngblood Kerce. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Kerce. Gary served proudly in the United States Marine Corp and was an active member of First Baptist Church of Jackson. He and his late wife, Pat, competed in BBQ competitions all over the southeast and won the World Rib Championship Title and many other awards. Gary was an avid fan of NASCAR, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves, and especially the University of Georgia - Go Dawgs. He also...

Dr. Kermit E. Parsons (Doc, Sonny) passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Doc was born Sunday, December 15, 1929. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Retha Conner Parsons; sisters, Wanema Brooks and Virgina Rahl. He is survived by daughters, Sandy Windom and Kim Parsons; son, Kep Parsons; grandchildren, Chris Windom, Amie Windom, Kristen Summerour, and Kelly Gazzo; as well as 5 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; sister, Bobbie Watson of Florida; and many nieces and nephews. Some knew him as the Painless Dentist, others as MacGyver. He was always there to lend a hand or give some solid advice. Doc was an intelligent,...

Mr. Benjamin Otis "Spud" Williamson, age 86, of Jackson, Georgia passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Spud was born on Tuesday, November 21, 19396, in Flovilla, Georgia to the late Hampton P. Williamson and the late Jessie Smith Williamson Mackey. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda Williamson; sisters, Pat Childs, Gloria Prater; and brother, Bill Williamson. Spud was a faithful member of Jackson Church of the Nazarene and worked for Snapper for many years. Spud is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Keith and Deanna Williams; several nieces and nephews, among them, Joshua Williams, Morgan Hamlin. A funeral service for Mr. Benjamin...

Robert Larry Whidby, born September 17, 1941, in Jackson, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Robert was a proud graduate of Jackson High School, where he played high school football and formed friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. Robert lived a full and passionate life. He was an avid golfer and a longtime participant in the Atlanta Senior Tour. He loved the game dearly and spent many happy days on the course. A devoted Georgia Tech fan, Robert was a season ticket holder for more than 60 years ? a commitment that showcased his loyalty and enthusiasm for Yellow Jacket football. He served his country with honor in the National Guard,...

Robert Larry Whidby, born September 17, 1941, in Jackson, Georgia, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Robert was a proud graduate of Jackson High School, where he played high school football and formed friendships and memories that lasted a lifetime. Robert lived a full and passionate life. He was an avid golfer and a longtime participant in the Atlanta Senior Tour. He loved the game dearly and spent many happy days on the course. A devoted Georgia Tech fan, Robert was a season ticket holder for more than 60 years ? a commitment that showcased his loyalty and enthusiasm for Yellow Jacket football. He served his country with honor in the National Guard, taking immense pride in...

Mr. Frederick Adel "Fred" Moncrief, Jr., affectionately called "Little Brother", age 78, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Fred was born Saturday, March 29, 1947, in Jackson, Georgia to the late Frederick Moncrief Sr. and the late Doris Starr Moncrief. Fred is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Troy Odum; son and daughter-in-law, Corey and Wendy Moncrief; grandchildren, Zachary Baldwin (Greenlee), McKenzie and Rodney Peck, Kelsie and Louie Montalvo, Dylan and Autumn Perkins; sister, Louise James; brothers and sister-in-law, Murry and Faye Moncrief, Bobby Moncrief; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on...

Valerie Ireland Marr, 90, hung up her teacup for the last time on November 29, 2025, surrounded by family and love. Born in London during WW2, she survived the Blitz and was evacuated to the countryside?an adventure that shaped her resilience and storytelling. She later made her home in the US, proudly becoming a citizen, bringing her sharp British wit, a belief that a cup of tea could fix most things, and an accent that grew stronger whenever she was properly riled. Her lifelong motto was "Give the day to the Queen," which meant doing what you darn well please. Valerie's sock knitting skills were legendary. She is survived by daughters, Melanie Laurence and Vicki Jolley; son-in-law, David...

Mr. Mark Shane Jones, age 58, of Jackson, Georgia, passed away Thursday, November 27, 2025. Mark was born on Sunday, August 27, 1967, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Perry Hugh Jones and Barbara Ann Edwards. Along with his father, he is preceded in death by his sister, Cynthia Jones Layman; uncle, Andrew Edwards. Mark was young at heart with a youthful spirit. He loved summertime and going to the beach and mountains. Mark was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. He loved his family dearly and will be deeply missed. Mark is survived by his mother, Barbara Edwards; children, Clint Jones, Dalton Crane, Chance Watkins; grandchildren, Jacob Jones, McKenzie Jones, Tyler Jones; nieces and nephews, Lindsey...