Gayla Cooper Hope
Jesup—Gayla Cooper Hope, 55, born July 3, 1968, received total healing and gained her angel wings on March 14, 2024.
Her “dash” (1968-2024) was filled with love, ministry and joy. She never failed to give God all the glory throughout her battles with pancreatic cancer, expressing her love for Jesus and telling others about His Wonder at every opportunity.
Her “The Faith Spa” Facebook page spanned geographical boundaries and will be continued by family and friends in her memory. She was happiest enjoying and celebrating all of God’s creation, whether at her pavilion watching birds or on the creek with her daddy. Her passion for God, family, nature, science and teaching led to artistic pursuits at which she excelled: photography, singing, drawing and painting in multiple mediums, often employing unusual “canvases” and techniques.
The native and lifelong resident of Wayne County was a 1986 graduate of Wayne County High School. She received a bachelor of science degree in middle grades education from Georgia Southern University. She also earned a master’s degree of education. She retired in 2022 from the Wayne County school system after 33 years of service as a teacher and instructional coach.
As a devout Christian and member of Jesup Church of God, she gave God her highest honor, but her husband of almost 35 years, Michael, was her greatest earthly joy. From the moment their eyes first met, eternity began, her family said. There was no greater love than the love between them her family said and she loved her children and grandchildren wholeheartedly and blessed them with memories they will cherish. Her mother and father “hung the moon” for her, and she delighted in visits to birdwatch from their sunroom, as well as her “Good morning, Sunshine!” daily phone call.
She was an amazing and beloved mother, “Lolly,” daughter, sister, teacher and friend—an inspiration to all her family said.
Despite her health battles, she continued to praise and trust Jesus, saying even in her last days, “He’s not done with me yet.” While her fight is over, her ministry and testimony continue. All who knew and loved her will forever “believe for it” her family said.
She was predeceased by her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Harry T. Westberry and Mr. and Mrs. W.J. Cooper Jr., and her father-in-law, Preston Hope.
Survivors include her husband, Michael Hope of Jesup; daughter, Mariah (Beau) McCann of Odum; three sons, Cooper (Ashley) Hope, Reese Hope and West Hope of Jesup; parents, Harriet and Larry Cooper of Jesup; three grandchildren, Bransen, Pax and Wade of Odum; brother, Jason (Lana) Cooper of Odum; mother-in-law, Frankie Hope of Jesup; special aunt, Jan Cooper of Jesup; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and friends.
Celebration-of-her-life services were held March 17 at Jesup Church of God with pastors David Price, Calvin Anderson and Scott Hatten officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Mack Cooper, Hagan Anderson, Ryan Madray, Tony Griffis, Greg Sparks and Ricky Blanton. Honorary pallbearers were members of the ABC Camping Group.
In lieu of traditional flowers, the family asks that people cherish her memory with nursery type plants and foliage that may be planted in the yards of her family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Dewitt Drury
Jesup—Dewitt Drury, 87, of Jesup, died March 16, 2024.
The Wayne County native and former resident of Brantley County was a longtime member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where he served in many capacities and currently attends Red Hill Baptist Church.
He graduated in 1955 from Nahunta High School, where he lettered in baseball and basketball, and later graduated from the University of Georgia with a business and accounting degree. This is where he became a Georgia Bulldog fan. He served as financial director with the Wayne County Board of Education for approximately 15 years and was most known for his closeness with the Drury clan. He was active in community endeavors, where he was a former Jesup Kiwanis Club president, and he supported Relay for Life, Easter Seals, Wayne County Band Boosters, Altamaha Cruisers and the Wayne County Historical Society. He loved to fish and hunt.
Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Mary Lou Prescott Drury of Jesup; two sons, Dr. Darin (Leslie) Drury of Thomasville and Dr. David (Dr. Cindy) Drury of Pelham; grandchildren, Roman, Erick, Grace and Kate Drury; sisters, Delores (Robert) Jacobs, Darlene Coleman and Shirley (Troy) Nichols, all of Jesup; brothers, Cecil (Barbara) Drury and Derwin (Gail) Drury, all of Jesup, and Ronald (Sarah) Drury of Macon; and a host of extended relatives.
Celebration-of-life services were held March 19 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Alan Morgan and the Rev. Doug Walker officiating. Interment was in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Gary Jacobs, Jay Jacobs, Paul Miles, Bryan Drury, Gary Johnson, Russell Auldridge, Jason Joyner and Jimmy Hutto. Honorary pallbearers were members of Altamaha Cruisers and former employees of the Wayne County Board of Education central office.
Memorials may be made to the Good Samaritan Center, 395 SW Broad St. Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
John Evans Wise
Screven—John Evans Wise, 71, of Screven died March 16, 2024.
The Chatham County native had lived in Wayne County the past 15 years and attended Bethlehem Baptist Church. He was owner of Wise Freight Company and enjoyed fishing, watching old Westerns and being with his family. He was a longstanding member of the Marine Rescue Squadron of Savannah.
He was predeceased by his former wife, Jamie Jones Wise.
Survivors include his wife of 19 years, Marilyn Denison Wise of Screven; a daughter, Rachel (Christopher) Ivester of Fort Knox, Kentucky; a sister, Jackie (Max) Martin of Sulphur Springs, Texas; step-grandchildren, Noah, Aidan and Madison Ivester; stepchildren, Tracy Pittman III and Tonya (Thomas) Drury; and a special grandson, James “Snook” Drury.
Memorial services were held March 20 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Shon Cunningham officiating.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Cherish Manning Crews
Jesup—Cherish Manning Crews, 31, of Jesup died March 17, 2024.
The Kentucky native and former resident of Florida had lived in Jesup for the past four years. She was a homemaker who loved her kids, tattoos, music, fishing and tubing.
Survivors include her husband of five years, Frankie Crews of Jesup; two children, Samual Malachi Crews and Brixley Sky Crews, both of Jesup; her parents, Jewell Cloer of Decatur, Tennessee, and Hazel Himes of Florida; five sisters, Mercedes Manning, Desiree Manning, Mary Manning and Heather Lambert, all of Florida, and Angelica Lambert of Jesup; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held by her family.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Julie Gertrude Harvey
Jesup—Julie Gertrude Harvey, 84, died suddenly on March 14, 2024, at home.
A resident of Jesup for the past 15 years, she was born on July 26, 1939, in Ipswich, Suffolk, England to the late Alfred and Phyllis Lloyd Button.
After moving to the States, she lived in Florida, where she worked as a district manager for a convenience store chain, managing eight stores. Later, she and her late husband retired and moved to Jesup, where she attended Unity Church of God for many years and enjoyed volunteering with the food pantry and helping out in any way she could.
She also volunteered her time with hospice and was always strong- willed and determined. In her spare time, she enjoyed collecting antiques and caring for her feline companions. She was kindhearted, caring and never met a stranger. She was also a graceful lady and a loving mother, her family said.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Robert Otis Harvey; and her sister, Jennifer.
Survivors include her son, Shane of Jesup; grandson, Sam; two sisters, Shirley and Phyllis of England; one brother, Keith, of England; and many friends and extended-amily members.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
Interment will follow in Sunset Oaks Memorials.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Ralph Eugene Swailes
Jesup—Ralph Eugene Swailes, 71, died peacefully on March 15, 2024, at home under the care of GHC Hospice.
A resident of Jesup for more than 15 years, he was born on Sept. 17, 1952, to the late Eugene Alfred and Alberta Hayes Swailes. After high school, he served his country in the United States Army before returning home and beginning his work as a millwright. He worked hard and was well-respected by his brothers in the Local No. 256 Carpenters and Millwrights Union.
He had a giving spirit and was always ready to lend a helping hand to a friend in need. He was a longtime member of Altamaha Baptist Church in Jesup and enjoyed fishing in his spare time.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Dea Brown Swailes; his brothers, Jimmy and Randy Swailes; his sister, Elizabeth Fries; and his grandson, Kelan Brake.
Survivors include his wife, Teresa Horton Swailes of Jesup; two sons, Steven (Christin) Swailes of Guyton and Jason Barnwell and fiancée, Shann Boatright, of Millen; a daughter, Joy Swailes; a stepdaughter, Kellie (Austin) Brake of Jesup; a sister, Tina Evans of Warner Robbins; two brothers, W.C. (Paula) Swailes of Rincon and Harold (Ming) Swailes of Bloomingdale; grandchildren, Amanda, Haylee, Kaceley, Cayson and Kinley; great-grandchildren, Cassia, Kiy, Mina, MaKenna, Silas and Kennedy; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Funeral services were held March 18 at Altamaha Baptist Church with the Rev. Bob Richardson officiating.
Interment services were held at North Salem Baptist Church Cemetery in Port Wentworth.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Naomi Ruth McCullough Sikes
Jesup—Naomi Ruth McCullough Sikes, 82, of Jesup died March 12, 2024, at Harborview Nursing Home after an extended illness.
She had attended Piney Grove School and Jesup High School. She was a member of Flint Branch Baptist Church, where she played the piano until her health would not allow her to continue.
She enjoyed crocheting, knitting, genealogy research, sewing and growing flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lucille McCullough; her husband of 54 years, Bobby “Harold” Sikes Sr.; a son, “Bobby” H. Sikes Jr.; a daughter, Anita DelRena Sikes; a grandson, Bobby A. Sikes; a granddaughter, Courtney Wells; five sisters, Inez Elrod, Laverne McElwain, Louise Warner, Grace Register and Elizabeth Kersey; and eight brothers, James McCullough, Clyde McCullough, William McCullough, Otis McCullough, Donzell McCullough, Jerry McCullough, Herbert McCullough and Alan McCullough,
Survivors include her son, Kevin (Mechelle) Sikes of Cobbtown; grandsons, James and Kaitlyn Durden of Stillson, Jarrod Sikes of Michigan, Donnie and Greg Sikes, Allen Harper and fiancée Taylor McFarland of Pembroke, Ricky and Nina Harper of Guyton, Levi Harper and fiancée Taylor Patrick of Guyton, and Tyler Sikes and Alex Sikes of Statesboro; great-grandchildren, Marissa Sikes, Leila Sikes, Collin Sikes, Mackenzie Boys, Daylyn and Calyann Reuther, Danni Bailey, Chase Harper, Blake Harper, Eli Durden, Cooper Durden, Gabriel Harper, Macie Kay Campbell, Lincoln Durden, Cassidy Lawson, Nikolai and Eli Pontikakis; a great-great-granddaughter, Brynn-leigh Danielle Saxon; three brothers, Neal and Betty McCullough, Wilbur and Lorena McCullough, Larry McCullough; and a sister, Mary and Lee Diver.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at Flint Branch Baptist Church in Jesup with Pastor Scott Hickox officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m.
Low Country Cremation and Burial is in charge of arrangements.