Albany Area Obituaries

Neal Walker Bland

ALBANY — The funeral service of Neal Walker Bland, 57, of 400 Lovers Lane Rd., Albany who died Thursday August 14, 2008 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital will be conducted Sunday August 17, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home. Rev. Keith Smith will officiate.

A native and life long resident of Dougherty Co., GA., Mr. Bland was a mechanic and an electrician with Procter and Gamble for twenty years, a member of both BPOE {pound} 713 and the Loyal Order of Moose {pound} 1285. He was of the Methodist faith.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa Farmer Bland, Albany, GA., two sons, Jake Bland and Kevin Bland both of Albany, GA., two sisters, Donna Dowling, Albany, GA. and Denise Murray, Lilburn, GA., two grandsons, Charles Walker Bland and Ronald Braxton Bland.

Mr. Bland was preceded in death by his father, William Elvin Bland and his mother, Blanche Elizabeth Bland.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home.

To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews’ website at www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.

Mathews Funeral Home
Albany 229-435-5657

Tammy Cook

ALBANY — The funeral service for Tammy Cook, 30, of 132 Pine Trail, Sylvester, GA who died Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, will be conducted Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 4 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home. Rev. Kenneth Green will officiate. Interment will follow at Floral Memory Gardens.

Tammy had lived most of her life in Albany, GA, before moving to Sylvester two years ago. She was a member of Southside Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, William Paul ”Woody” Cook.

Survivors include her mother, Faye Cook of Sylvester, two sisters, Brenda Mixon of Albany, Jessica Flowers of Sylvester, a brother William Cook of Panama City, FL, her paternal grandmother, Nellie Cook of Albany, two nieces, three nephews and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins.

To sign our online registry or to send condolences to the family, you may visit Mathews’

website at

www.mathewsfuneralhome.com.

Mathews Funeral Home
Albany 229/435-5657

Horace Lavon Davis

DAWSON — Horace Lavon Davis, 84, died Thursday, August 14, 2008 at his residence.

Mr. Davis was born in Miller County on March 19, 1924, son of the late Daniel Belcher Davis and Lovenia Wilson Davis. He lived in Mitchell County most of his life. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II. He graduated from the University of Georgia with his Bachelor in Agriculture and accepted a job with Agriculture Stabilization Conservation Service in Hazlehurst as a feild agent for over 10 years, later retired and started farming.

He was a member of Free Will Baptist Church in the Lester Community in Mitchell County.

Survivors include his loving wife of 35 years, Wilma Quinn Davis of Hazlehurst; son, Steven Davis and Wife, Sharon of Dawson; sister, Margie Stantord of Murfreesboro, TN; three grandchildren, Daniel Davis and Wife, Katie of Albany; Leigh Davis of Dawson and Brian Davis of Carrollton; one great-grandchild, Max Milligan Davis of Albany.

Memorials may be made to the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 8, Eldridge, AL 35554.

Harvey Funeral Home
Dawson 229/995-2104

Brenda Faye Baker Green

ALBANY — Mrs. Brenda Faye Baker Green, 48, of 1808 Melrose Dr., in Albany died on August 14, 2008 at Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus. Funeral arrangements will be announced.

Meadows Funeral Home
Albany 229/439-2262

Inetha Hammonds

DAWSON — Inetha Hammonds, 87, of Newton died on August 11, 2008 at her Residence. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 1 p.m. at St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church in Newton. Rev. Henry Hogan will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Matthews Cemetery in Newton. The family will receive friends at First Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Newton on Friday, August 15, 2008 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Mrs. Hammonds was born in Dawson, on May 14, 1921, the first daughter of Samuel David and Brazie Lee Evans.

The family moved to Orlando, FL in search of better employment and educational opportunities before Inetha entered school. Upon the death of her father, she and her older brother, were indispensable in helping their ,mother care for six younger sisters, Louise (Pat) Evans of New York, Coretha Mack of Clermont FL, Ruth Thornton of Orlando, FL, Loraine Dyer (deceased); Martha Ownes of Fernandina Beach, FL and Mary Harris (Jesse) of Little Elm, TX. She had an older sister Ella Mae Williams (deceased), from her mothers first marriage to Edgar Harvey.

Inetha joined Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Orlando at an early age where she was an active member of the Baptist Training Union. She was an outstanding student in the public schools and grew into a beautiful, graceful young lady who caught the eye of Abner Richmond Hammonds, a dapper young gentleman from Georgia. The two were married April 9, 1939 and moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL to start their life together. Upon the death of Abner’s father, The Reverend Charlie Hammonds, they moved to Newton, to support his mother, Annie Ronie Hammonds. In Newton Inetha transferred her membership to First Pleasent Grove Missionary Baptist Church, the nearest Baptist church to her home. Later she transferred her membership to St. Matthews Missionary Baptist Church so she could serve with her husband. She served in various capacities, including Sunday school teacher, missionary and a strong supporter on the Sunday School Convention, until her health Declined.

Abner and Inetha were blessed with five children; Katheryn H. Mitchell (James), Charles A Hammonds (Yvonne), Dixie H. Robinson, Homer L. Hammonds (Josephine) and Janice H. Lilly (deceased). They were dedicated parents, ensuring that their children felt loved, were welll-fed strong in the Christian faith and valued education and service of others. Abner’s home going was March 9, 1981.

Inetha taught in Baker County public schools for 44 years, beginning in 1945, in a one room-one teacher school in Southwest Baker County teaching students grades one through six. In the meantime she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Albany State University and a Master of Science degrees in early childhood education and guidance counseling. As the East Baker High School counselor she made arrangements for scholarships through the Trevor Fund and other foundations for students who wished to attend college until she retired in 1991.

Abner and Inetha have 18 grandchildren: Angela C Robinson (Eddie), Inga C. Shorter, Benita R Barber (Dirk), Bridgette H. Marshall (Lenny), Latanya P. Hammonds-Odie, Zellanye M. Hutchins (Reginald) Kinsel Renee Davis (Anthony), Charles A. Hammonds, II (Janine), Crystal R Holmes (Patrick) Rayne Y Mitchell (Kimberly), Wesley A. Williams (deceased), Homer Leon Hammonds, Michael Hammonds, Brandi Hammonds, Deidre’S Lilly, Quinten E Mitchell, Martin J. Mitchell (Uvonda) and Maria Finch-Hammonds.

In addition to her surviving sisters, children, and grandchildren, Inetha leaves to celebrate her home going: Sister-in-law Corenner Evans of Orlando, Bother-in-law, Uzziah A. Hammonds (Nellie) of Thomasville, Nephew Moses Elliot (Mary Alice) of Newton, Niece Julia Childs of Albany, 45 great grandchildren and many many nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

As Inetha lived she was respected for her wisdom and brilliance, perseverance and patience and determination and tenacity. She made her transition confident that ”God is in his Kingdom and all is right in the world.”

Ward Funeral Home
Dawson 229/995-5853

Emma L. Odom

ALBANY — Emma L. Odom, 86, of 1187 E. Residence Ave. died on Thursday August 14, 20008 at her residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced.

Elliot Funeral Home
Albany 229/436-3553

Bennie Payton, Jr.

ALBANY — Bennie Payton, Jr., age 60, of 56th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania died Monday, August 11, 2008. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2008 at J.L Litman Chapel with interment Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.

J.L. Litman Memorial Funeral Services
Albany 229/430-8800

Weatau A. Williams

DAWSON — Sister Weatau A. Williams of Albany died on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Greater Pine Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Albany. Rev. James Bush, Pastor will officiate. Burial will follow in Floral Memory Gardens.

Ms. Williams was born August 14, 1959 in Bristol, Tennessee. She was educated in the Bristol, Tennessee School System.

She was preceded in death by her mother Mrs. Ninarene C. Williams and her aunt Charmaine Haley.

She leaves a legacy of love and inspiration to cherish her loving memories ; one daughter, Shameka W. Williams of Albany; father, Retired 1st Sgt. Elbert Williams; three brothers, Elbert Williams of Cocoa, FL, Ernest Williams of Albany and Joseph Williams of Athens; two aunts Rajuana Pope of Seaside, CA and Weatau Barsh of Chicago, IL, one uncle James Barsh of Chicago, IL; one sister-in-law, Annie Hill of Albany, and Virginia Williams of Athens; and a host of nieces,nephews, cousins, and two very special and devoted friends: Dorothy Bell and Robin Lowery, both of Albany.

Albritten’s Funeral Service
Dawson 229/995-5895

Southwest Georgia Obituaries

Wilson Williams

ALBANY — Mr. Wilson Williams, 65, died on Monday, August 11, 2008, at Albany Health Care, Albany. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 12 Noon at Countyline Missionary Baptist Church in Sasser. Rev. Willard O. Weston, will officiating. Interment will follow in the Countyline Church Cemetery in Sasser.

Brother Wilson Williams was born November 29, 1942 to the late Joseph Williams and the late Katie Mae Brantley Williams in Terrell County, GA. He attended the public schools of Terrell County, GA.

Mr. Wilson Williams confessed his faith and love to Christ during his early years and joined Countyline Missionary Baptist Church, Sasser, GA.

He was united in Holy Matrimony to Mrs. Betty R. Lewis-Williams on January 15, 1966.

He was employed at McCleskey Mills, formerly known as Sasser Seed Sheller for 48 years until his retirement in 2005. Today, we have all stopped our regular duties to pay honor to Mr. Wilson Williams for what he has done to make the lives of family and friends just a little richer with the love he shared.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Juanita Williams.

Precious memories are left to cherish with his loving wife of 42 years, Sis. Betty R. Williams of Sasser, GA; one daughter, Patricia A. Williams of Albany, Giams of Albany, GA and Gabriel Shannon of Atlanta, GA; one sister, Daisy D. Williams of Philadelphia, PA; three brothers, David Williams and Julian Williams, both of Albany, GA and Joe Nelson of Miami, FL; eight grandchildren, Ond Jerlisa, both of Albany, GA, whom he raised as his own; Antonio, Lanaldo and Amber, all of Atlanta, GA, Devario of Dawson, LaTrenda and Andrea, both of Albany, GA; one great-grand, De’quan of Charleston, SC; three aunts, Gladys B. Suber of Philadelphia, PA, Ardella B. McAfee of Albany, GA and Maude Brantley of Dawson, GA; two special cousins, Rudy D. Marshall and Lucille Bell, both of Albany, GA; stepmother-in-law, Mary Lewis of Albany, GA; seven sisters-in-law, Mamie (Johnny) Barnum of Hartford, CT, Mary Lewis of Rocky Hill, CT, Gloria (Johnny) of Houston, Lillie (George) Walton, Brenda Bamum and Georgia Lewis, all of Albany, GA and Minnie Nelson of Dawson, GA; three brothers-in-law, Henry Lewis, Jr. and Johnny B. Bogan, both of Albany, GA and Billy Lewis of SasserA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and sorrowing friends who mourn hassing.

Albritten’s Funeral Service
Dawson 229/995-5895

Garrick Lee Culver

FT. GAINES — Funeral services for the late Garrick L. Culver, 30, who died on Friday, August 8, 2008 in Jacksonville, FL will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 12 noon at the First Missionary Baptist Church in Georgetown with burial following in the Magnolia Acres Cemetery.

Lewis Mortuary
Ft. Gaines 229/768-2014

Bonnie Latimer Garrett

RICHLAND — Bonnie Latimer Garrett, 46, of Lumpkin died on August 15, 2008.

T.V. Williams Funeral Home
Richland 229/887-3369

Gloria Bell HIll

PELHAM — Mrs. Gloria Bell ”Miss Katie” Hill, 92, of Pelham, died on August 11, 2008, at Mitchell County Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 2 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church with interment to follow in Pelham Cemetery.

Nathaniel Thomas & Son Home for Funerals
Pelham 229/294-4869

Willie Hill, Jr

PELHAM — Mr. Willie Hill, Jr., 57, of Pelham, died on August, 4, 2008, at Mitchell County Hospital. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 3 p.m. at Summerhill Missionary Baptist Church with interment to follow in New Hope {pound} 2 Church Cemetery.

Nathaniel Thomas & Son Home for Funerals
Pelham 229/294-4869

Ronnie Luke

FITZGERALD — Ronnie ”Shag” Luke, 67, of Fitzgerald, Georgia died Thursday, August 14, 2008 at his residence.

Funeral services will be held 2 P.M. Sunday, August 17 at the Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald with Rev. Roy Conner officiating. Interment will follow in Luke Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 Saturday evening at the funeral home. Paulk Funeral Home

Fitzgerlad 229/423-2033

Willie M. Moore

BAINBRIDGE — Mrs. Willie M Moore, 56, of 106 Gaver Road in Havana, FL died on Friday, August 15, 2008. Funeral arrangements will be announced.

Bruton Mortuary
Bainbridge 229/246-6042

James Patrick Rice

CONOVER, NC — James ”Jim” Patrick Rice, 68, of Conover, NC, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2008.

Mr. Rice was born March 16, 1940 in Blakely, GA to the late Jean Barton Rice and Mary Kathryn Patrick Rice. He was a pharmacist, and the owner of Duo Drugs for 30 years. He was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church; the Catawba Valley Society of Pharmacists; Rock Barn Men’s Golf Assoc.; and a graduate of the University of Georgia at Athens, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.

Jim is survived by his wife of 20 years, Patricia ”Pat” Lowther Rice of the home; daughter, Glenda Emory VanLandingham of Arlington, VA; son, Eric VanLandingham Rice and wife, Nicole Woods Rice of Hickory; daughter, Whitney Deese of Conover; son, Michael Rice of Atlanta; grandchildren, Eric Dalton VanLandingham Rice, Julianne Nicole Robertson, Jay ”Jake” Bryan Robertson, II, Payton Wayne Deese, Walker Dwight Deese, and Gracie Marie Bruce; brother, Charles Barton Rice, Sr. and wife, Catherine of Atlanta, GA; and sister, Kathy Proulx and husband, Richard of Strafford, NH.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 17, 2008 at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Hickory, NC with the Rev. Randall Ferebee officiating. Burial will follow the service in the memorial garden of the church.

A reception will follow the service in the parish hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 130 39th Ave. Place NW, Hickory, NC 28601 or the Golf Academy at Rock Barn Golf & Spa, 3791 Clubhouse Drive, Conover, NC 28613.

Condolences may be sent to the Rice family at

www.drumfuneralhome.com.

Drum Funeral Home
Conover, NC 828/464-3031

Judy Williams

ASHBURN — Judy Williams, of Ashburn died on Thursday, August 14, 2008 at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton. Funeral arrangements will be announced.

Shipp’s Funeral Home
Ashburn 229/567-3101

Jane Clarke Wisham

Donalsonville - We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Jane Clarke Wisham, age 77, of Donalsonville, GA who passed away Friday morning, August 15, 2008 at her residence. Funeral arrangements well be announced.

Evans-Skipper Funeral Home
Donalsonville 229/524-2789