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Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home, 513 W. Main Street, Claxton, GA (2026)

05/10/2026

Cathy Tippins Haire

CLAXTON: Mary Catherine “Cathy” Tippins Haire, 71, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2026 at Evans Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. Cathy dedicated over thirty years to the Claxton Poultry where her coworkers became dear friends. She was a devoted wife and mother. Cathy was a master tinkerer and could fix just about anything. She was an artist and loved to crochet.

She is preceded in death by her parents, B.G. and Joy Tippins; sister, Nan Peoples, and granddaughter Jordan Sapp.

SURVIVORS: She leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Wayne Haire; four children, Mandy Haire(Nick Rose) ,Genie (Jay) Miller, Katie Lewis(Mel McCollum), Wesley Haire; thirteen grandchildren, Wyatt (Micaela) Sapp, English (Taylor) Sapp, Eli (Mallory) Sapp, Gracie Miller, Madison Miller, Conner Miller, Zach Lewis, Leymon Lewis, Mark McCollum, Brianna Haire, Dakota Haire, Briley Haire, and Henry Haire; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Norma (Jimmy) Strickland, Glenda (John) Threet; brother, Bascom (Susan) Tippins; many nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Tuesday, May 12, 2026, 11:00 A.M. Graveside at Eason Family Cemetery.

REMEMBRANCES: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eason Chapel, P.O. Box 163, Claxton, GA 30417.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

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05/03/2026

Sandra Green Powell

CLAXTON: Sandra Green Powell, 77, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home between Claxton and Metter, GA on May 2, 2026. She grew up in Evans County and graduated from Claxton High School. She also attended the University of Georgia in Athens (UGA) and followed the UGA “Bulldogs” football, as well as the Georgia Southern “Eagles” in Statesboro, GA. Sandra joined the Evergreen Baptist Church at Age 10, and she loved the Lord and was very active in the church’s mission work, including the WMU, “Sugar Time,” the Regional Medical Van, supporting families in Ducktown, TN, and visiting local nursing homes. She worked at Family and Children’s Services in Claxton, the Game & Fish Division in Metter, and the Bulloch County Health Department in Statesboro, where she retired from the State government after 30 years of dedicated service. She was over the Tattnall & Evans County missions, a leader of the WMU, and a Sunday school teacher for the adult class. She enjoyed cooking and had several articles with her recipes published in the local newspapers over the years. She loved her friends and family and, in the opinion of her husband of 58 years and her children, she was the best wife and mother who ever lived.

She is preceded in death by her father, Carl Green, her mother, Gaynell Andrews Green, and her grandmother, Shellie Andrews Kicklighter of Collins, GA.

SURVIVORS: husband, Harold C. Powell, Jr. (“Hal”); sons, James (“Terry”) Powell and Scott Matthew Powell, along with their spouses, Rebecca Pierce-Powell and Amanda Powell; brother, James (“Richard”) Green; grandchildren, Megan Powell, Amanda (“Mandy”) Powell Lesly, Anna Powell, Matthew Powell, Lydia Grace Powell, and step-grandchildren, Zachary Pierce and Elizabeth Pierce.

VISITATION: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church.

FUNERAL: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Evergreen Baptist Church.

PALLBEARERS: Al Bland, David Jernigan, Robert West, Wayne Crider, Harvey Lively, Green Thrift, Jr. (“Duke”).

BURIAL: Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery.

REMEMBRANCES: Evergreen Baptist Church, 5250 Hwy 129, Cobbtown, Ga. 30420.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View Sandra Green Powell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/01/2026

William Allen Brewster

CLAXTON: William “Billy” Allen Brewster, 61, passed away on May 1, 2026. Born on February 26, 1965, Billy lived a life marked by his love of sharing great stories and his passion for fishing and music. He had a genuine affection for his grandchildren and animals, which reflected his kind and nurturing nature.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert Brewster and Christine Highlander, as well as his stepfather, Roy Highlander; aunt, Louise Dillon; and his maternal grandparents.

William is lovingly remembered by his wife, Barbara Brewster; his son, Logan (Stevanie) Brewster, and their children, Corey, Levi, and Evanie; uncle, Hayward Sharp; foster sister, Mary Jo Webster; and many cousins.

Billy’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him through the stories he told, the quiet moments spent fishing, and the music that filled his days. His legacy of love and connection remains with his family and community.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View William Allen Brewster's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/30/2026

Earl Patrick Ward

CLAXTON: Earl Patrick Ward, affectionately known as Pat, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2026, at Spanish Oaks Hospice in Savannah, Georgia. Born on September 24, 1933, in Savannah, he lived a life marked by dedication, generosity, and a deep connection to his family.

Pat was a proud veteran who served his country during the Korean War. He spent three years in the Air Force, stationed in Japan. Following his military service, he devoted a significant part of his life to the Georgia Ports Authority, where he worked until retirement. Those who knew Pat well understood how much he enjoyed his career and the sense of purpose it gave him.

His generous spirit was evident in all facets of his life. Pat’s kindness and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on his family, friends, and colleagues. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was an avid golfer, finding joy and fellowship on the greens, a pastime that brought him great happiness.

Pat's life was one of meaningful service, joyful pursuits, and unwavering generosity. His memory will be treasured by all who knew him, and his legacy will continue through the family he so deeply loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marie M. Ward; his loving wife, Loretta A. Ward; and brothers, Robert "Sonny" (Arlene) Ward, Roy (Lucy) Ward, and James Ward.

SURVIVORS: Pat is survived by his beloved son, Kelly Patrick Ward; his daughter, Karen (David) Marshall; and his cherished grandson, Ethan Marshall. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Catherine Ward.

VISITATION: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.

FUNERAL: Saturday, May 2, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.

BURIAL: Ephesus Church Cemetery.

REMEMBRANCES: Citizens for Developmental Disabilities, 211 N. Caswell St., Glennville, Ga. 30427; Mercy Ships, P.O. Box 1930, Garden Valley, Texas 75771.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View Earl Patrick Ward's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/21/2026

Geordi Ahrens

CLAXTON: Geordi Ahrens, 26, passed away April 8, 2026. He was born in Jackson, Michigan. Geordi was a loving son, brother, and uncle who was the type of person who put everyone else before his own needs.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Jason Ahrens; step-father, Charles Brown; and grandparents, Hugh and Debra Lofton.

SURVIVORS: mother, Stacey Zserdin; sister, Christine Lofton; brother, Kyle Ahrens.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View Geordi Ahrens's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

Bernie Anderson

BELLVILLE: Bernie David Anderson, 89, passed away peacefully at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro on April 18, 2026. He grew up in Tattnall County and graduated from Collins High School. He worked at the Coca-Cola plant in Claxton, delivering drinks to businesses in Tattnall and Evans County. This led to him opening his own small country store on Kennedy Bridge Road. He then moved to Bellville and founded the “famous” Bernie’s General Store. He employed all his children and grandchildren through the years, along with his granddaughter, Kayleigh Anderson Davis, who has worked by his side for more than twenty years. He also employed many other local Evans and Tattnall County friends, and he loved them all. Through the years, he owned Anderson Chrysler Plymouth Dodge, sold insurance with Farm Bureau, and was District Manager for Savannah Morning News. He loved his community, and Pinewood Christian Academy always held a very special place in both his and Hilda’s hearts from its beginning. He looked forward to seeing all the children dropping by the store after school. If you asked him how he was doing, he always replied “Just about perfect!”

He is preceded in death by his wife of more than 60 years, Hilda Eason Anderson; his granddaughter, Michelle Anderson Daley; parents, Elder James Lewis Anderson and Mary Louise Jenkins Anderson; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and Louis Greene; brother and sister-in-law, Carol and Louise Anderson, and brother Billy Anderson.

SURVIVORS: sons, David (June) Anderson, Brett (Nancy) Anderson, Keith (Kim) Anderson; daughters, Bernice Anderson (Bobby Hamner), Harriett Anderson, Nancy (Brad) McCooey; grandchildren, Sally (James) Lambert, Della (Taylor) O’Brien, Kayleigh (Tim) Davis, Brandon (Taylor) Hamner, Amy Hamner Kraus, Courtney (Benjie) Bell, Brooke (Brett) Coley, Jacob (Catherine) McCooey, Elizabeth McCooey and fourteen great-grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews.

VISITATION: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.

FUNERAL: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 12:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.

PALLBEARERS: Brandon Hamner, Jacob McCooey, Caden Daley, Heath Smith, Mark Daniel, and Craig Gay.

HONARY PALLBEARERS: Bernie’s “Breakfast Club”, Pharris Johnson, Howard Scarborough, Jerry Cox, Roger Moore, Jerry Smith, Tim Young, Steve Kangeter, and Rev. Mike Brown, including the late David Groover, Jimmy Rogers, and Bobby Schwallenberg.

BURIAL: Anderson Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery.

REMEMBRANCES: Bellville United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 159, Bellville, Ga. 30414, and Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donahoo Street, Statesboro, Ga. 30458.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View Bernie Anderson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/18/2026

Martha Futch Strickland

CLAXTON: Martha F. Strickland – Martha Futch Strickland, 95, passed away April 17, 2026, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia. She was a native of Bryan County and lived in Evans County for over 70 years. She was a dedicated member of the Daisy Church (formerly Daisy United Methodist Church) and a former member of the Inez Brewton Guild. She was a former Sunday School teacher and a Counselor for the Daisy MYF.

Mrs. Strickland was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, David H. Strickland, parents, Dewey and Maggie Futch, brothers Charles (Charley) Futch and James (Jimmie) Futch, sisters Vivian Hendrix, Dean Smith, Doris Brown and Lois McClain.

SURVIVORS: son, David A. (Cindy) Strickland of Claxton; daughter, Becky (Eddie) Skeens of Glennville; nephew she raised, Jason Futch of TN. Five grandchildren, Angela (Ty) Swindell of Glennville; Ashley (Justin) Judy of Tifton; Andrew (Brooke) Strickland of Claxton; Tiffanie (William) Nobles of Glennville, and Lacie (Patrick) Gibbs of Glennville; great-grandchildren, Tyson and Addison Swindell; Gavin, Hayden, and Ethan Judy; Kinsey, Brantley, and Gunner Strickland; Hayleigh and Kennedy Durrence; Eli and Rylie Nobles; Layton and Parker Gibbs.

VISITATION: Wednesday, April 22, 2026, 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.

FUNERAL: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 11:00 A.M. at Daisy Church.

BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery.

REMEMBRANCES: Daisy Church, PO Box 106, Daisy, Georgia 30423; Ogeechee Hospice, 200 Donehoo St., Statesboro, Ga., 30458; Brewton Cemetery, P.O. Box 978, Claxton, Ga., 30417.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View Martha Futch Strickland's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/11/2026

DC Mitchell

CLAXTON: David Council Mitchell, better known as D.C., age 85, passed away Friday, April 10, 2026, at Candler Hospital in Savannah. He was raised in lower Bulloch County near Nevils, Georgia. D. C. graduated from Southeast Bulloch High School in 1959. He was a member of Bull Creek Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Council and Bertha Mitchell; brothers, Eugene Mitchell, William Mitchell, and Algerine Mitchell; and sisters, Thelma Parker and Elsie Nubern.

SURVIVORS: his wife of 64 years, Sharon DeLoach Mitchell; son, Patrick Mitchell; daughter, Sondra Horton; granddaughter, Brittany (Blake) Butler; sisters, Hazel James, Margaret Blevins; and several nieces and nephews.

VISITATION: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.

VISITATION and FUNERAL: Monday, April 13, 2026, Visitation, 1:00 P.M., Funeral, 2:00 P.M. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.

BURIAL: Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Claxton, Ga.

REMEMBRANCES: Bull Creek Primitive Baptist Church, 548 Bull Creek Church Road, Claxton, Ga. 30417

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View DC Mitchell's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/07/2026

Carolyn Ruth Young

CLAXTON: Carolyn Ruth Young, 84, died peacefully at home on April 6, 2026, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. She was a native of Evans County and a member of Eastside Baptist Church. She enjoyed many visits to the coast, where she loved to fish and go crabbing. Her other hobbies that brought her tremendous joy, were knitting and gardening.

She was preceded in death by her husband, C.W. “Jr.” Young; one son, Timothy W. Young; brother, Ronald Tubberville; and sister, Jeanette Tubberville.

SURVIVORS: Brother, Doyce (Brenda) Tuberville of Pooler, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL: Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Brewton Cemetery, Claxton, Ga.

BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery, Claxton, Ga.

REMEMBRANCES: Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo Street, Statesboro, Ga. 30458.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com

View Carolyn Ruth Young's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/06/2026

Vickie Smith Branch

CLAXTON: Vickie Smith Branch, 78, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, Georgia. She was born on March 11, 1948, in Statesboro, Georgia, to the late Holmes and Vera Smith. Vickie was raised in Daisy, Georgia, where she built the foundation of a life defined by faith, family, and service to others. She graduated from Claxton High School and continued her education at Swainsboro Technical College. At a young age, she married the love of her life, Terry Branch, and together they shared 58 years of marriage marked by devotion, partnership, and joy. Vickie and Terry owned and operated Mincey’s Department Store for many years, where they worked side by side and became a familiar and beloved presence in their community. She never met a stranger and treated everyone who walked through the doors like family. A devoted Christian, Vickie was a faithful member of Daisy Church, where her servant’s heart was evident in all she did. She gave generously of her time as a choir director, Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School leader, youth leader, and women’s ministry leader. She also volunteered as a Pink Lady at Evans Memorial Hospital, always finding ways to care for others and brighten someone’s day. Vickie will be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, her fun-loving and adventurous nature, and her deep love for her family. She found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether reading, studying God’s Word, or simply “going and doing,” she embraced life fully and brought others along with her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Terry Branch; her children, Amy (David) Lawson, Dawn (Brian) Cauley, and Jim (Krista) Branch; her cherished grandchildren, Will (Carson), Sam, Chloe, Maddie, Emerson, Phoebe, Noah, Ellie, and Hobie; and her great-grandchildren, Opal James, Levi, Smith, and Rhodes. She is also survived by her sisters, Nancy Tippins and Donna (Larry) Tuten, along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Tony Smith.

The family would like to extend special thanks to her devoted caregiver, Luwanda Murray, whose love and care meant so much to Vickie and to all who loved her.

VISITATION: Friday, April 10, 2026, 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home

FUNERAL: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Daisy Church.

BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery.

PALLBEARERS: David Lawson, Will Lawson, Sam Lawson, Hobie Lawson, Emerson Laesser, and Brian Cauley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Daisy Church, P.O. Box 106, Daisy, Ga. 30423; Ogeechee Area Hospice, 200 Donehoo St., Statesboro, Ga. 30458; or Brewton Cemetery, P.O. Box 978, Claxton, Ga. 30417.

Vickie’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, and service. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

View Vickie Smith Branch's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/05/2026

Karen Beasley Stargel

CLAXTON: Karen Beasley Stargel passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer, at home surrounded by family and friends on Friday, April 3rd, 2026. Karen was born in Claxton, Ga on August 23, 1959, to Delmas and Carrie Brewton Beasley. She graduated from Claxton high school class of 1977. She then graduated from Armstrong State University as a dental hygienist and worked as a hygienist until 1996. She then worked for Versatile Equipment Co for 30 years.

Karen was preceded in death by her parents, Delmas and Carrie Brewton Beasley.

She is survived by her husband of 32 years, Terry Stargel. Her step children Dana (Fallon) Stargel, William "Bill" Stargel, Heather (Eric) Short, and April Dale. Grandchildren, Trevor (Elizabeth) Stargel, Skyler Stargel, Jayda Leggett, Victoria Leggett, Asher Moore, Aria Short, and Alaina Short. Mason Carroll, Ansley Carroll, Myles Turner. Brothers Del (Cindy) Beasley, John Beasley, and sister Elizabeth (Ron) Hallman. Nieces and nephews, Cassie Beasley, Kate Beasley, John (Katy) Beasley, Emily Beasley, Ellie Beasley, and a multitude of extended family and friends.

Karen was a wonderful wife, Mother, friend, and GK to all the grandkids and was loved by all who knew her.

A special acknowledgement to our north GA. Family, friends, and the brew crew.

A huge thank you to my sister Shirrie Kinsey for helping care for Karen so well.

VISITATION: Monday, April 6, 2026, 5:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.

VISITATION and FUNERAL: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. and FUNERAL: 1:00 P.M. at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home Chapel.

PALLBEARERS: Trevor Stargel, Skyler Stargel, John Beasley Jr., Justin Hall, Cory Stargel, Caleb Stargel.

BURIAL: Sikes Chapel Cemetery

REMEMBRANCES: Evans County C.A.R.E.S. P.O. Box 186, Claxton, Ga., 30417

View Karen Beasley Stargel's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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