Sherri Smith Hickox
Ludowici—Sherri Smith Hickox, 62, died Feb. 7, 2022, at home under the care of GHC Hospice after a lengthy illness.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, she was born on Jan. 8, 1960, in Athens to the late Leland and Faye Will Smith. She was a graduate of Wayne County High School in 1978 and worked for more than 34 years at Wayne Memorial Hospital as secretary for the education department and secretary for the nursing director.
She was a lifelong member of Epworth United Methodist Church, where she used her musical abilities to play piano, sing in the choir and also sing with the Smith Girls Trio. Her loyal and loving nature made her a joy to be around. She loved taking care of her family and helping others in any way she could. She was always a great cook, and she loved baking cakes in her spare time, which eventually led her into another part-time job baking wedding cakes and assisting with weddings.
In addition to her parents, her son, Ralph Waldon Ward III, preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband, Joe Hickox of Ludowici; two sons, Wesley Ward and fiancée, Callie of Jesup and Adam (Megan) Ward of Brunswick; two stepchildren, Mandy (John) Lynch and Joey (Becca) Hickox, all of Yulee, Florida; grandchildren, Gunter, Molly and John Owen; a brother, Lee (Tandy) Smith of Jesup; three sisters, Dianne (Daniel) Mugerditchian of Chesapeake, Virginia, Karen (Michael) Harrell and Andrea York, all of Jesup; two aunts, Barbara (Roy) Baker of Jesup and Nancy (Harold) Guerry of Charleston, South Carolina; an uncle, Harold (Rhonda) Smith of
Waynesville; a sister-in-law, Debbie Carter of Yulee, Florida; her faithful canine companion, Barney; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
A memorial service will be held Feb. 12 at 11 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church with the Rev. Garth Barton and the Rev. John Lynch officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the services at the church.
Private interment services will be held in Greenlawn Cemetery in Waycross.
Remembrances may be made to the GHC Hospice Foundation, 141 S. Macon St., Jesup, GA 31545 or Epworth United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1134, Jesup, GA 31598
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Fleming Riley Odum
Jesup—Mary Fleming Riley Odum, 94, of Jesup died peacefully “into God’s glory” at her home surrounded by her family on Feb. 7, 2022.
She was under the “wonderful and loving care” of Pat Jernigan, Trisha Jernigan, Gloria Jones, Jessica Hines and Annslea Moon.
A resident of Wayne County for more than 76 years, she was born on Aug. 7, 1927 to the late Aplin C. Riley and Loris Inez Dubberly Riley. She was married to Wayne Godfrey Odum for 45 “long wonderful years” until his death in 1993. They were avid square dancers. He was a Jaycee, and she was a Jaycette. For more than 23 years, while Wayne managed the Standard Oil/Phillips 66 station in Jesup, she maintained tight order of the bookkeeping and Wayne himself.
She was a member of the Jesup Garden Club and the Garden Club of Georgia. She was known for her beautiful gardens surrounding her home, as well as her inventive manner of procuring transplants.
Once she raised her two children, she returned to the school district to provide sustenance to another generation. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Jesup for 75 years. She was an active member of her Berean Sunday Class and XYZ.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Laotha Odum (Joe) Carswell of Augusta, and her son, Wayne Riley (Cecilia) Odum of Prosperity, South Carolina. Known as Mimi, she also is survived by 11 grandchildren, Lisa Carswell (Tripp) Presnell of Brevard, North Carolina, Joseph (Leanna) Carswell of Augusta, Daniel Odum of Prosperity, Jonathan Odum, Mary Odum (Brandon) Dixon of San Marcos, Texas, Elizabeth Odum (Jason) Phillips of Commerce, Rachel Odum of Commerce, Benjamin (Katie) Odum of Chapin, South Carolina, Michael (Sylvia) Odum of Prosperity, Rebekah (Varun) Odum of San Francisco, California, and Joshua Odum of Prosperity, and nine great-grandchildren, Finn Presnell, Aleta Jolly, Mackie Presnell, Anna Jane Carswell, Evvie Phillips, Elise Phillips, Gamble Carswell, Anna Riley Phillips and Rosemary Phillips.
She is already deeply missed by those who loved her and whom she loved, her family said.
Graveside funeral services are planned for today (Thursday) at 3 p.m. at Jesup City Cemetery. Family will receive friends one hour prior to graveside services at the cemetery and again immediately following the service. The Rev. Dr. Felix Haynes will preside over the services.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Marcus Lee Roe
Jesup—Marcus Lee Roe, 63, died suddenly on Feb. 3, 2022 at Wayne Memorial Hospital.
A resident of Jesup for more than 30 years, he was born on Nov. 26, 1958, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, to the late Jesse Aubrey and Hillian Pear Roe. He spent his early years in Eufaula, Alabama, and was a graduate of Eufaula High School.
He continued his education with an undergraduate degree from Auburn University and later was recipient of a master’s degree from the University of Georgia, finally achieving his educational specialist’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. He spent his entire career teaching agriculture, technology and agricultural mechanics in the Long County school system, where he was chosen Star Teacher in 2000. He also volunteered his time as the FFA adviser as well as a football and golf coach.
After his retirement from the school system, he worked several years as a realtor with Century 21 in Hinesville. He was a true diehard Auburn fan. He enjoyed watching all the Auburn sports programs, including basketball, baseball and softball, in addition to his favorite, football.
In addition to countless teachers organizations, he was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church of Jesup, the Pine Forest Country Club Men’s Golf Association and the Jesup Elks Lodge No. 2133 B.P.O.E., where he had held the high office of Exalted Ruler.
In his spare time, when he wasn’t golfing, he enjoyed shooting birds and fishing. He was always willing to help out a person in need, especially his former students, many of whom he stayed in touch with. He was always fun to be around and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his parents, his brother Donald Aubrey Roe, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Kathy W. Roe of Jesup; two daughters, Kathryn Lattie (Cliff) Drury and Allison Lattie, all of Jesup; four grandchildren, Kathryn “Kate” Held of Anchorage, Alaska, Alex Melvin of Jesup, Emily (Avery) Prickett of Baxley and Presleigh Dean (Ames Saxon) of Jesup; one sister, Charlotte Roe (Tom Shirley) of Beulah, Alabama; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Graveside funeral services were held Feb. 7 at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery in Jesup with the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating.
Pallbearers were Ethan Johnson, Michael Barnes, Avery Prickett, Ryan Herndon, Alex Melvin and Ames Saxon.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Jesup Elks Scholarship Fund or the Elks Aidmore Children’s Home care of the Jesup Elks Lodge No. 2133, P.O. Box 154, Jesup, GA 31598.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
John Calloway Brown
Walthourville—John Calloway Brown of Walthourville and Jesup died Feb. 1, 2022.
The Green-ville, South Carolina, native was born on April 15, 1949. He grew up in the Greenville area and in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and flew with the Hurricane Hunters with postings in Iceland, Barbados and Jacksonville, Florida. In 1972 he married the lovely Donna Driggers of Jacksonville.
Several years later, he surrendered to the Lord’s call to pastoral ministry, became an ordained minister and then graduated from The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville, Florida. For nearly 40 years, he pastored churches within the Southern Baptist Convention in South Georgia and Florida, including a 21-year stint at Anderson Drive Baptist Church in Jesup. He was currently enjoying pastoring at Walthourville Baptist Church. Within five minutes of meeting him, anyone would know of his faith in God and love of Ohio State football.
Survivors include his devoted, loving wife, Donna Driggers Brown of Walthourville; daughter, Carrie Brown of Walthourville; son, Jason (Meloney) Brown of Waynesboro; grandchildren, Austin (Bailie), Dalton, Jonathan and Malachi; great-grandchildren, Greyson and Averly; sister, Carolyn Boling of Pickens, South Carolina; and brother, Edward Brown of Pickens.
A celebration-of-life service was held Feb. 4 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with the Rev. Richard Carney officiating. Interment was in Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Glennville.
Memorials may be made to Walthourville Baptist Church, 96 Vandiver Road, Walthourville, GA 31333.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Redeatha Creamer Wells
Odum—Redeatha Creamer Wells, 85, of Odum died Feb. 3, 2022.
The Appling County native had lived in Wayne County for the past 60 years and was a member of Calvary Baptist church and the Berean Sunday School Class. She assisted her husband for many years with Wells Roofing Company.
“Detha” will mostly be remembered for being a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, said her family. She also will be remembered for her graciousness with family and friends in preparing the most scrumptious meals, including their home-prepared meals and serving many of Odum Day visitors and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Wendell Wells.
Survivors include her daughter, Wendy (Kim) Thornton of Odum; a son, Steve (Connie) Wells of Odum; four grandchildren, Nicole (Michael) Westberry, Brooks (Katie) Mallard, Jena (Josh) Thompson and Nick Wells; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and extended family, including Gayle Wooten.
Funeral services were held Feb. 5 at Rinehart and Sons Chapel with Pastor Vann Dempsey and the Rev. Stanley Todd officiating. Interment followed in the Odum City Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Dean Edenfield, Roger Creamer, Terry Wells, Jay Wells, Mike Highsmith and George Moody. Honorary pallbearers were members of Berean and Joy Sunday School Classes of Calvary Baptist Church and employees of South Georgia Hospice.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia Building Fund, 1625 Sunset Blvd, Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.