Obituaries 6.20.24

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 Hart

 

Harry “Earl” Woodcock

Jesup—Harry “Earl” Woodcock, 89, of Jesup died June 11, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.

Born Jan. 18, 1935, in Patterson, he was a son of the late Otis and Estelle Rowland Woodcock. The Pierce County native had lived in Wayne County for the past 60 years.

He married the love of his life on Sept. 5, 1959. Their dedication and love for one another lasted 64 years and was like no other, their family said.

He struck out on his own at age 15, working a variety of jobs, such as with Armour Packing Company in Jacksonville, Florida; the railroad; and Waynline. He worked for many years with the Wayne County Road Department, where he helped build many roads in the county and was one of the main operators working on Jaycee Landing and Harper Gas. He retired from Hendrix Hauling following 17 years of employment as a heavy-equipment operator.

Known as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he loved spending time with loved ones and telling his work-history stories. He was a very hard worker who taught his children a great worth ethic and that to have what you wanted and needed in life, you have to work hard for it. Last but not least, in his eyes, family was always first.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph “Joey” Woodcock; a grandson, Kristopher Clayton Sweat; a son-in-law, Ricky Hires; his aunt and uncle by whom he was raised, Jack and Eunice Woodcock; and his brother and sister-in-law, James and Wylene Woodcock.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Freida M. Woodcock; two daughters and a son-in-law, Rita Bennett of Jesup and Sheila (Jeff) Grantham of Odum; three grandchildren, Eron (Joann) Bennett of New Port Richey, Florida Emily Bennett of Jesup and Maranda (Lucas) Smiley of Jesup; five great-grandchildren, Hunter Bennett, Zayda Sweat, Raylan Garrison, Landon Smiley and River Bennett; a first cousin, with whom he was raised, Alyne Leggett of Brunswick; special cousins, Harry and Anna Lane of Jesup and Gene and Susie Lane of Jesup; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services were held June 14 in the chapel of Hart Funeral Home in Blackshear with the Rev. Dale Bange officiating. Burial followed in New Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of South Georgia, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545 or to a charity of your choice.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear was in charge of arrangements.

 

Rinehart & Sons

 

Carson Flowers

Jesup—Carson Flowers, 76, of Jesup died June 12, 2024.

The Wayne County native was a member of Spring Grove Freewill Baptist Church and a graduate of Jesup High School. He was a University of Georgia Bulldog fan.

He was retired from Georgia Pacific in Brunswick after 39 years of service and enjoyed fishing, buying and selling.

He was predeceased by his parents, Norwood and Clara George Flowers; sisters, Virginia Parra, Glenda Carter, Sara Coley, Betty Jean Flowers; and a brother, Douglas Flowers.

Survivors include his wife of 25 years, LaJuan T. Flowers of Jesup; a brother, Paul (Margie) Flowers of Saint Simons Island; a son, Brad (Cathy) Cliett of Nichols; stepsons, Barry (Pam) Thompson of Swainsboro, Bart (Melinda) Thompson of Vidalia; two step-grandsons, Jarrett Thompson and Hunter (Evans) Smith; step-granddaughters, Haile (Alexander) Darley and Caitlyn Sutton; grandchildren, Autumn, Keegan and Walker Cliett;  three step-great-grandchildren, Abe, Athen and Drew; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services were held June 15 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tim Brantley, the Rev. Tim Fulmer and the Rev. Cathy Palmer officiating. Interment followed in Little Creek Cemetery. Active pallbearers were Jarrett Thompson, Hunter Smith, Alex Manning, Dr. Charles Carter, Alexander Darley and Wayne Aldridge.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

 

Neva B. Pittman

Jesup—Neva B. Pittman, 85, of Jesup died June 14, 2024, in the inpatient unit of Hospice of South Georgia.

The Louisiana native was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and a retired Wayne County public school teacher. She was very active in the Wayne County Quilting Group and a former member of the Three Rivers Library Board.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles C. Pittman.

Survivors include a daughter, Holly (Paul) Miles of Cheraw, South Carolina; a son, Craig (Sherri) Pittman of Guyton; four grandchildren, Sarah, Ryan, Rebecca and Kaitlyn; and a brother, Robert Bostic of Wheaton, Illinois.

Funeral services were held June 17 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with Father Nathan Wilson and the Rev. Steve Larson officiating. Interment followed in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery. Active pallbearers were her family and friends.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 745 S. Palm Street, Jesup, GA 31546.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

 

Thomas Roger “Rod” Taylor II

Jesup—Thomas Roger “Rod” Taylor II, 50, said goodbye to this life Feb. 1, 2024.

From childhood, he loved books and learning. As soon as he could form letters, he began writing. Literature and writing were his lifelong passions. He was a gifted and eloquent writer and poet. 

He was a Statesboro High School graduate in 1992 and earned a bachelor’s degree from Emory University in 2003. As an undergraduate under the direction of Emory, he spent a summer at the renowned Sorbonne University in Paris, France, studying and researching. Upon graduation, Emory awarded him the Woodruff Fellowship/Scholarship, based on his scholarship and merit, to pursue a doctoral degree in comparative literature. He was a scholar of philosophy and world literature. 

A quiet, reflective and gentle man, he was not a crowd person. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family and many friends. He is remembered by all for his love given so freely, his gentle nature, generosity, kindness, empathy and helpfulness to all. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas “Tommy” Taylor, and paternal grandparents, John and Cindy Taylor of Talbotton Ga. 

Survivors include his loving mother, Lynn Williams Jeremias; maternal grandparents, Willie and Madelyn Williams; an uncle, Terry (Phyllis) Williams; a cousin, Kala (Raymond) Lacross; an aunt and uncle, Dorman and Janice Thornton; beloved cousins, Vickie Baker and Deryl (Tammy) Thornton; and special friends, Rachel Lagano and Jennifer Spell. 

His mother wrote, “We will forever love and miss you. Thank you for 50 glorious years as my son and best friend.” 

Christian services were held in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home.

 

Marie Little

Waycross—Marie Little, 80, of Waycross died June 16, 2024.

The Wayne County native had lived in Waycross the last several years with her caretakers of 17 years, brother and sister-in-law Marshall and Vera Little. She was a former member of Little Memorial Baptist Church in Brown Town and a member of Parkway Baptist Church in Waycross. She moved into Bayview Nursing Home, where she made a lot of new dear friends. She enjoyed all the church services and activities such as coloring and drawing there.

She was a loving Christian saved by Jesus her Lord. She will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew her, but “our loss is Heaven’s gain,” her family said.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Sally Little; a brother, J.L. Little; and a sister, Glenda Poore. 

Survivors include her brother, Marshall (Vera) Little of Waycross, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held June 19 at Little Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Billy Worthington officiating. Interment followed in Little Memorial Gardens.

Active pallbearers were Larry, Brian and Von Little, Todd Douberly, Eddie Howell and Dennis Keen. Honorary pallbearers were Gary Feazell and the Rev. Larry Altman.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

 

Hazel Victoria Manning Drury

Jesup—Hazel Victoria Manning Drury, 77, of Jesup died June 18, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Georgia Hospice Care.

She was born and raised in Jesup and was a member of Little Creek Baptist Church. She was a devoted Christian who loved her Lord and Savior. She was retired from the Wayne County school system and worked as a kindergarten paraprofessional for more than 30 years.

She was lovingly known as “MawMaw,” and her greatest joy in her life was her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Sonny Drury; her parents, Lawrence and Susie Manning and Lucille Manning; sisters, Martha “Patty” Kicklighter and Juanita Williams; and a special niece, Sonya Boatright.

Survivors include three children, Ricky (Gwen) Drury of Screven, Mandi Rogers of Jesup, Robbie (Sherrie) Drury of Waynes-ville; 10 grandchildren, Clay (Kimberly) Drury, Sonni (Travis) Robinson, Kenya Fennell, Tristin (Stacey) Drury, Dacoda (Maddy) Drury, Paisley Drury, Ryker Drury, Amy (Jeremy) Pittman, Britney (Andrew) Rice and Jaime (Brandon) Duncan; 13 great-grandchildren, Ada, Judson, Wyatt, Waylon, Cole, Chloe, Brogan, Sophie, Silla, Opal, Maddox, Sawyer and Brilyn; three sisters, JoAnn Lewis, Brenda Woodcock and Debbie Durden all of Jesup; a host of nieces and nephews; and other extended family.

Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 2 p.m. from Rinehart and Sons Chapel with Pastor Liston and Pastor Randy Wainright officiating. Interment will follow in Manningtown Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Cole, Dacoda, Ryker, Clay and Tristin Drury, Donnie Lewis, John Fennell and Alvin Kicklighter. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Lance Hendrix, Vanessa Moseley, Dale Leggett, Donald Kicklighter, Dianne Manning, Patsy Coulby, Monica McKinzie and the staff of Georgia Hospice Care.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements. 

 

Howard-Jones

 

Shirley A. McGauley Walker

Jesup—Shirley A. McGauley Walker, 72, died peacefully on June 13, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family under the care of GHC Hospice.

A resident of Wayne County for most of her life, she was born on March 4, 1952, to the late James Theron McGauley and Fannie Pearl Manuel McGauley. Also, she lived in Hinesville for 25 years and for a short time in Cross Plains, Texas. She worked as a custodian, cook and waitress for most of her life and enjoyed music, the beach and playing golf with her late husband.

She was “spunky” and full of life. She never met a stranger and was known to speak her mind at all times.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Paul Walker; a son, Charlie James Driggers; and a sister, Linda Jean Davis.

Survivors include her two children, Jesse (Monica) Driggers of Screven and Rose (Aron) Daniels of Odum; siblings, James C. McGauley of Jesup, Betty (M.L.) Ricks of Blackshear, Brenda (Joseph) Westberry of Gardi, Joanna Renfroe of Orlando, Florida, Tammie (Richard) Graham of Jesup, Raymond (Deanna) McGauley of Jesup and Travis (Alicia) McGauley of Sylvester; grandchildren, Charity (Taylor) McGee of Screven, Briana (Brandon) Mullineaux of Odum, Luke Daniels of Odum, Matthew (Cobi) Daniels of Odum, Richard (Brittany) Driggers, Autumn (Hagan) O’Quinn of Screven and Chelsea Driggers and Angel Driggers, both of Screven; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

Funeral services were held June 15 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with the Rev. Dale Bange officiating. The family received friends one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

Interment followed in Bethesda Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Richard Driggers, Hagan O’Quinn, Luke Daniels, Matthew Daniels, Brandon Mullineaux and Taylor McGee. Honorary pallbearers members of the staff of GHC Hospice.

The family would like to express a special thanks to her caregivers, Linda Clark and Brenda Breed, for the extra special loving care that was given to her during her final days. 

Family and friends may sign the guestbook at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.

Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.