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Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, 206 5th Avenue, Eastman, GA (2026)

01/19/2026

MRS. JANE ELIZABETH (BENNETT) SELPH, age 67, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center in Macon, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, January 21, in Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Dwayne Burney officiating, with interment in Parkerson Cemetery.

Jane was born on December 19, 1958, in the Godwinsville community of Dodge County and was a member of Parkerson Baptist Church. She was raised in Godwinsville and attended school in Chauncey. She was a homemaker and a loving sister and aunt. She enjoyed crocheting and working on crossword puzzles, and also liked to watch soap operas on daytime television. She was affectionately known as “Elizabeth” and “Aunt Janie” and will be dearly missed by her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie F. Bennett and Effie Lee Brack Bennett, and her siblings, Joyce Mincey, Frankin “Muchie” Bennett, Billy Allen, Bud Bennett, Edgar Bennett, Leroy Bennett, and James “King” Bennett.

She is survived by her Sister – Mattie Bennett Heath of Eastman; Numerous Nieces and Nephews including, Buddy, Kelvin, Candy, Rita, Richard, Valerie, Stevie, Lisa, Billy, Rodney, Terry, Little Bud, and Robert; Many Great-Nieces and Nephews including a special Great-Niece, Layla Skye Heath.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Mattie Heath, 2152 Dublin Hwy., Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM Wednesday, January 21.
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01/18/2026

MRS. DEBRA ELAINE SPIRES, age 63, of Soperton, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, January 22, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Chuck Yzenski, with interment in Lovely Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Debra was born in McRae, GA, on July 15, 1962, to the late Flossie Rebecca May Spires and Elton “Buddy” Spires. She was raised in Dodge County and attended Dodge County High School. She worked as a manager and supervisor for Maryland’s Fried Chicken in Swainsboro, Dublin, and Soperton for many years. She was a loving mother to two wonderful daughters, Kelly and Nikki, and was affectionately known as “Nanny” to her grandchildren. Debra loved crafting, especially candle making, and enjoyed watching “Charmed”, “NCIS”, and daytime soap operas. She also enjoyed spending time and working with her loving companion, Tony, for over 30 years. In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by her Sister, Sheila Lynn Mathis.

She is survived by her Companion of 30 years – Tony Brown of Soperton; Daughters – Kelly Wright (Pauly) of Dublin and Nikki Wright of Soperton; Grandchildren – Keri Lynn Warren of Cedar Grove, Austin Williams (Ellie) of Zebulon, GA, and SaNyah Spires of Dublin; Sister – Karen Spires (Max Owens) of Rentz; Nieces – Krystal Spires (Brandi), Katrina Wiliamson (Jamie), Jessica Burnsed, Becca Reid, and Kalyn McDonald (Hunter); Numerous cousins and friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Kelly Wright, 1909 Scotland Rd., Dublin, GA, 31021, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM Thursday, January 22.
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01/17/2026

VICTORIA MICHELLE SMITH, age 50, of Byron, GA, passed away on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Byron, GA.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00AM Friday, January 23, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tim Brown officiating. There will be a reception following the service for friends and family in the social hall at Dubios Baptist Church, 4847 Cochran Hwy., Cochran, GA 31014.

Victoria was born in Brunswick, GA on July 1, 1975, to Sheila Noles and the late Donnie Smith. She was raised in Bonaire, was a 1993 graduate of Houston County High School, and later attended Middle Georgia College, where she studied accounting. She married Dhana Pacheco in 1997, and was blessed with a wonderful daughter, Beth Ann. She lived in Byron during this time and worked for GEICO, in Macon, in the insurance claims department from 1997 until 2010. Her son Trae was born in 2005, while she lived in Warner Robins. She worked at the Houston Lake Country Club for the past year and enjoyed her many co-workers and friends she made while working there. Victoria was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and aunt who enjoyed making people happy, joking and playing around, cleaning, and doing yard work. She was an avid animal lover and loved taking care of her cat, Prince, and her canine companion, Princess. She especially enjoyed bullying “Big Head Jalen” her beloved son-in-law. Victoria was affectionately known as “Torrie Bell” to her family and friends. In addition to her father, Victoria was preceded in death by her Infant Grandson, Kareem “K.D.” Scott, and Uncles, Steve Noles and Keith Noles.

She is survived by her Daughter – Beth Ann Scott (Jalen) of Bonaire; Son – Trae Smith of Eastman; Granddaughter – Jaylah Scott; Mother – Sheila Noles of Eastman; Sister – Artesia “Tessia” French (Chris) of Sparta; Brother - Ernie Mathers of Lakeland, FL; Nephews – Marc French and Jason French; Cousins – James Noles and David Noles; Very Best Friend – Eric Bernard Jackson of Byron; Several extended family members and numerous friends.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:30AM-11:00AM Friday, January 23. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to any animal shelter, in honor of Victoria’s love of animals. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/17/2026

JAMES MORGAN “JIMMY” DOWDY, JR., age 66, of Rhine, GA, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, January 20, at Hopewell Baptist Church, with Mr. Jamie Lann officiating, with interment in Hopewell Baptist Church Cemetery.

Jimmy was born in Perry, GA on December 14, 1959, to the late Evelyn Bowen Dowdy and James M. Dowdy, Sr. He was a lifelong resident of Rhine, a member of Hopewell Baptist Church, and graduated from Dodge County High School in 1978. He was a loving brother to his sisters, Sandra, Jane, and Durlene, and a favorite uncle, cousin, and friend to many. He was commonly referred to as the “Family Foreman” by his family. His “Foreman” duties included making sure his family was working daily. He enjoyed being with people and was a fixture in the Dodge County and Rhine Communities, where many who knew him called him simply “Dowdy”. Jimmy loved riding in his golf cart around Rhine and giving out grape bubblegum to his “Sweetie Pies”. He also enjoyed watching Walker Texas Ranger, The Waltons, and Perry Mason on TV. In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his Sister, Sandra Harrell.

He is survived by his Sisters – Jane D. Lann and Durlene Williams (Cary), both of Rhine; Nieces and Nephews – Mickey Harrell (Rita), Joey Harrell (Selena), Jody Harrell, Alan Lann, Jamie Lann (Casey), Cary Williams, Jr. (Peggy), Bland Williams, and Suzanne Williams Marchant; Aunts – Jannette Lann, Linda Collins, both of Rhine, and Sarah “Bitsy” Jones of Milan; First Cousins – Michelle Jones, Angie Helton, Lindsey Jones, Susie Jones, Adam Dowdy, Chris Graham, Don “Duck” Tomberlin, Rhoda Foster, Rhonda Lann, Dawn Jones, Tim Collins, Clint Nelson, Vicki Cobb, Lisa Ray, Stevie Bowen, and Allison Bowen; Numerous extended family members and friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Jane Lann, 65 East Street, Rhine, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 6:00PM-8:00PM Monday, January 19. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Hopewell Baptist Church, 1707 Adam Springs Rd., Rhine, GA 31077. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/17/2026

MR. ALEXANDER THOMAS “ALEX” DOPSON, age 80, of Rhine, GA, died Friday, January 16, 2026, at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center in Macon, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00PM Monday, January 19, 2026, in Rhine Baptist Church, with Mr. Bobby Ryals, Mr. Gary Ryals, and Rev. Ricky Gilmore officiating, with interment in Bay Springs Cemetery.

Alex was born on February 27, 1945, in McRae, GA and was a member of Rhine Baptist Church. He was raised in Jacksonville, GA and was a 1964 graduate of Telfair County High School. He earned a degree in Typewriter Machine Repair from Southwest Georgia Trade and Vocational School in Americus. He also studied at Brewton Parker College in Mt. Vernon, GA. He married Gale Brophy Dopson on April 21, 1967, and was the father of two children, Karl and Keri. Mr. Dopson was a meat inspector for the Georgia Department of Agriculture for many years in the 1970s and 1980s. He was a farmer and raised livestock. He loved horses and enjoyed riding and taking care of them. Alex was a Game Warden and retired from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources in 1990. He was a dedicated husband of 58 years, and his greatest achievement was his children and grandchildren who he loved dearly. His hobbies included restoring old automobiles, especially Volkswagens and he was an avid woodworker who enjoyed turning bowls and pens, of which he crafted many. He also enjoyed listening to music and working with his sawmill, which he had for many years, and he even built his family cabin with the wood he milled. Mr. Dopson was a member of the Milan Masonic Lodge and Sons of Confederate Veterans. He loved hunting, fishing and being outdoors and was affectionately known as “Grandpa Alex” and “Hampa” to his grandchildren. Mr. Dopson was the patriarch of his family and will be missed dearly. He was the son of the late Levi Alexander Dopson and Henrietta Burch Dopson and was preceded in death by 3 siblings, Deborah Dopson, Lester Dopson, and Dean Dopson, 2 brothers-in-law, Duane Harrell and James R. “Jim” Brophy, Sr., 2 sisters-in-law, Wilma Dopson and Shirley Dopson, and a nephew, Tal Dopson.

He is survived by his Wife - Gale Brophy Dopson of Rhine; Son – Karl Dopson (Mary) of Rhine; Daughter – Keri Dopson Lancaster (Lee) of Eastman; Grandchildren – Mary Beth Dopson Marchant (Davis), David Dopson, Karlton Dopson, Mark Dopson, Nathan Lancaster, and Caroline Lancaster; Sister – Harriet Dopson Harrell of Cochran; Sister-in-law – Claryce L. Brophy of Cochran; Nieces and Nephews – Dee Brophy, James R. “Jim” Brophy, Jr., Aleph Harrell Fore (Chuck), Amy Harrell Banks, John Dopson, Paul Dopson (Wanda), Stephen Dopson (Janna), and Jeff Dopson (Stephanie); Several Great Nieces, Nephews and Cousins.

The family may be contacted at the Dopson residence, 79 Central Street, Rhine, GA and will receive friends in Rhine Baptist Church from 11:00AM – 12:00PM on Monday, January 19, before the funeral service. In addition to flowers, the family request contributions to Gideons International Bible Fund or Rhine Baptist Church, P.O. Box 45, Rhine, GA 31077.
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01/14/2026

MS. AVIS NELL CONLEY POLLARD, age 66, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Dodge County Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held at 4:00PM Saturday, January 17, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Myron Parkerson officiating.

Nell was born in Eastman, GA on August 30, 1959, to the late Avis Nell Kemp Conley. She was a hardworking woman who despite her many struggles in life, always had a positive attitude and outlook on life. She worked many odd jobs over the years, but her most recent and favorite of all her jobs was as a ride share driver. She had a passion for helping others and was commonly known around town as “The Handywoman”. She was a social butterfly who enjoyed interacting with others and may or may not have stretched the truth at times, especially when she was telling a story. Nell was an avid animal lover. She had a heart made of gold and could never turn away a stray, or when her daughter Linda asked if she could “keep it", no matter the species. She attended Eastman First Methodist Church and worked everyday to be a Christian example, but she was never afraid to “stomp a mudhole in you” if the occasion called for it. Nell was a fun loving free spirit who loved life and made sure to live it to its fullest. She loved dancing, having a good time, and going to the skating rink at Jaybird Springs. In addition to her mother, Nell was preceded in death by her Beloved Companion, Michael Horne, and Sister, Brainda Conley Hulett.

She is survived by her Children – Linda Mathews (Jay) of Valdosta, Pam Kemp Brinson of Savannah, and Daniel Kemp of Eastman; Granddaughter – Aggy Mathews of Valdosta; Sisters – Linda Peacock (Larry Vail) of Hawkinsville and Katie Bozeman of Americus; Brothers – Harris Conley (Dot) of Eastman, William “Cullen” Conley (Georgia Mae), and James Conley (Pat), both of Hawkinsville; Several Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Harris and Dot Conley, 844 Ag Best Rd., Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 3:00PM-4:00PM Saturday, January 17. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/07/2026

Mitzi Taylor Studstill, age 66, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 7, 2026, at Emory Winship Cancer Center in Atlanta, Georgia, following a three-month fight with an aggressive form of endometrial cancer. She was born on December 29, 1959, in Eastman, Georgia, where she grew up and developed the values of care, diligence, and thoughtfulness that defined her life.

Mitzi spent her formative young adult years at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, where she pursued a business degree and immersed herself fully in campus life. During her time at Berry, she embraced the opportunities the college offered, forming long-lasting relationships, building lifelong friendships, and developing the strong personal compass that guided her throughout her life.

She later earned a master’s degree in business education from Valdosta State University, reflecting both her intellect and her dedication to excellence. Mitzi was exceptionally sharp and endlessly curious, with a genuine love of learning and research. She believed deeply in understanding things fully and in doing them the right way.

After she and Jay were married, they began their life together in Valdosta, Georgia. There, Mitzi and Jay built lifelong friendships and welcomed the births of their two sons. They later lived in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where they formed even more lasting friendships before eventually settling in Statesboro, Georgia. It was in Statesboro that they raised their family, became deeply involved in the community, and where their sons grew up.

In recent years, Mitzi and Jay made their home in Dublin, Georgia, a community that became especially meaningful to them. No matter where she lived, Mitzi invested deeply in her family, her friendships, and the communities around her.

At the center of Mitzi’s life was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, Jay Studstill; her sons, Jason Studstill (Annie DeAngelo) and James Studstill; her grandchildren, Daniel, Noah, and Dawson Studstill; and her siblings, Clarence (Lori) Taylor, Fay (Tim) Reich, and Lee (Gerry) Taylor. Mitzi’s love for her family was steady, generous, and unwavering, and she took immense pride in each of them.

Mitzi was known for her huge and loving heart, as well as her keen attention to detail. She approached every task with care, preparation, and intention, and she was often asked by others to organize, edit, and refine their work, a reflection of both her skill and her reliability.

Professionally, Mitzi was accomplished and capable, and she was also a steadfast and supportive partner to her husband throughout his career with Georgia Power. She balanced her own pursuits with unwavering encouragement and quiet partnership, always willing to work behind the scenes to support her family.

Mitzi was deeply involved in her children’s schools and activities. She served in leadership roles with elementary school PTO organizations and academic booster programs in Statesboro. She actively supported Statesboro football and band programs, helping develop brochures, awards programs, and related materials. She also contributed her time and talents to community fundraising efforts, including editing and supporting the Women of Georgia Power cookbook, which generated significant revenue for those in need. In everything she took on, Mitzi brought organization, precision, and follow through.

One of Mitzi’s most cherished skills and passions was planning travel for her family. She took great joy in researching destinations, building detailed itineraries, and anticipating every need before it arose. These trips were not simply vacations, but carefully planned experiences that brought her family together and created lasting memories.

In her later years, Mitzi was a member of Dublin First Baptist Church. Her faith was important to her, and the church held a special place in her life and in the life of her husband, family, and community.

Above all, Mitzi will be remembered for her generosity, intelligence, meticulous care for others, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. She showed love through action, preparation, and presence, always making sure the people she cared about felt supported and valued.

Mitzi’s legacy lives on through her family, her grandchildren, and the many lives she touched through her kindness, dedication, and steady example. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home in Dublin.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 11, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Dublin. Burial will follow the service at 4:30 PM at Old Daniel Baptist Church Cemetery in Eastman, GA. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/06/2026

MR. NEIL JEROME PROCTOR, son of Grace and Tampie Proctor, age 68, of Eastman, GA, died Monday, December 29, 2025, in Edgewood, Florida.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Friday, January 9, at Southerland Funeral Chapel with Rev. Mike Gr***de officiating, followed by interment in Orange Hill Cemetery in Hawkinsville, GA.

Neil was born on June 28, 1957, in Hawkinsville, GA, and was a graduate of Hawkinsville High School. He lived in many places and traveled around the world serving in the United States Navy and retired as a Chief after twenty years of service. He then worked as a Civil Service employee at Robins AFB for several years. He was a loving father, brother, and uncle who enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and loved traveling, helping others and spending time with friends in Daytona Beach, FL. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Grace Elizabeth Martin Proctor and Tampie Jerome Proctor.

He is survived by his Daughters – Jessie Proctor (Taylor White) of Eastman, Kimberly Owens (Phil), and Dianne Elsebusch, both of Hawkinsville; 5 Grandchildren; Sister – Lujan Proctor of Lawrenceville, GA; Brother – Gary Proctor of Hawkinsville, GA; Several Extended Family members and Cousins.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Jessie Lou Proctor, 1805 Bell Line Rd., Eastman, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM, Friday, January 9. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/01/2026

MRS. MYRTLE CLAIRE NEWMAN CONLEY, age 90, of Rhine, GA, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Saturday, January 3, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Mr. Bobby Ryals and Brother Calvin Merritt officiating, with interment in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Myrtle was born in Abbeville, GA, on March 12, 1935, and was a graduate of Abbeville High School. She married Mitchell Conley in 1954, and they raised their two children, Ramona and Dwayne, in Rhine, GA where they made their home. She was a member, Sunday school teacher, and treasurer at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was involved in many church activities. In her later years she attended Rock Branch Baptist Church faithfully. Mrs. Myrtle was a seamstress for C & J Manufacturing for over 27 years and worked as a secretary for her husband for many years with their family business, Tri County Logging, LLC. She enjoyed baking cakes and pies and taught her grandchildren her recipes. She also enjoyed sewing, working in her flower garden, and taking care of her family. She was a dedicated wife of 63 years and a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Alma Heath Newman and William Lonnie Newman, Husband, Mitchell Conley, and Siblings, Reuviel Newman Roberts, William A. Newman, Carl Dillard Newman, Edward Newman, Theron Newman, Margene Newman Hollingsworth, Mary Newman Mosley and Vivian J. Hancock.

She is survived by her Daughter – Ramona Conley Woodard of Rhine; Son – Dwayne Conley of Eastman; Daughter-in-law – Jan Sanders Conley of Eastman; Grandchildren – Slade Woodard, Brandy Conley Dowdy (Tad Coleman), Lance Woodard (Keshunna Lyons), Jennifer Conley, Monica Oxley (Matthew Wood), and Derek Conley (Amitie); Great-Grandchildren – Taylor Woodard (Luke Toler), Aniston Dowdy, Logan Woodard, Jacob Dowdy, Jared Woodard, Ralie Conley, Amryn Conley, and Taysom Conley; Brother – Randall Newman (Trudy) of Darien; Several Nieces and Nephews; Special thanks to her caregivers, Sara Stanley, Keshunna Lyons, J J Peterson, Tiffany Howard, and Jonna Wilkes.

The family may be contacted at the Conley residence, 1288 Old Jacksonville Hwy., Rhine, GA 31077, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel before services from 1:00PM-2:00PM Saturday, January 3.
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12/30/2025

MRS. BARBARA ANN WILLIAMS SNELLGROVE, age 80, of Eastman, GA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, in Elko, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Friday, January 2, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Ronny Moore and Rev. Myron Parkerson officiating, with interment in Sugar Creek Congregational Methodist Church Cemetery in Chauncey, GA.

Barbara was born in Eastman, GA on July 7, 1945, to the late Claudia Brown Williams-Spinks and Felton Williams. She graduated from Dodge County High School in 1963 and married the love of her life, Don Snellgrove, in 1971. She worked as a telephone operator for Southern Bell Telephone Company in Eastman for a few years and later worked at Stuckey’s Candy Company before finding a career at Reynolds Metal Company, which later became Alcoa, as a purchasing agent. She was a dedicated worker for over 30 years and retired in 2015. She was a Christian lady who loved her Lord and her Church. Barbara was a member of Sugar Creek Congregational Methodist Church, a devoted wife of over 53 years, a loving mother, and grandmother. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed all the time she was able to spend with her husband. They enjoyed attending NASCAR races and watching them on TV together. Bill Elliott was their favorite NASCAR driver. She also enjoyed watching other sports on TV, bird watching, horse shows, attending her granddaughters’ ballgames, and listening to Southern Gospel music. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Husband, Don Snellgrove, Brother, Ronnie “Square” Williams, Stepfather, Cecil Spinks, and Brother-in-law, Wayne Parks.

She is survived by her Daughter – Renae Snellgrove Owens (Bryan) of Elko; Son – Ron Snellgrove of Eastman; Granddaughters – Halle Wise, Cailyn Wise, and Logan Owens, all of Elko; Sister – Johnnie Faye Williams Parks of Centerville; Brother – Sonny Williams of Cochran; Sister-in-law – Bernice Snellgrove Harrelson of Eastman; Several Nieces and Nephews including – Marty Williams, Zack Williams (Jaclyn), Tracey Williams Bosley, Corey Harrelson, Shane Harrelson (Sandra), and Kelly Parks (Mandy); Numerous cousins and friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Renae and Bryan Owens, 2577 Elko Rd., Elko, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Friday, January 2. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Sugar Creek Congregational Methodist Church. www.stokes-southerland.com

12/29/2025

MR. JOHN LEVY “POLLY” JOINER, age 81, of Eastman, GA, died Sunday, December 28, 2025, in Eastman, GA.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM Wednesday, December 31, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Arnold Rye officiating.

John was a lifelong resident of Dodge County and of the Baptist Faith. He lived in the Godwinsville Community of Dodge County, where he attended Chauncey Elementary School. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army and served his country abroad for several years. He returned home and worked as a carpenter for many years, working for several area companies and crews. He was a father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, who enjoyed fishing, watching old westerns, Atlanta Braves Baseball, and professional boxing, and was affectionately known as “Polly” to his family and friends. John was the son of the late Vida Pearl Wright Joiner and Mose Joiner and was preceded in death by a Brother, Linder Joiner, Sister, Margie Joiner Avila, Companion of 12 years, Linda Adams Coleman, Nephew, Dale Joiner, and a Great-Nephew, Morgan Cole Sheffield.

He is survived by Son – Jay Joiner of Eastman; Step-Children – Mandi Coleman Allen (Ken) of Dublin, Joey Coleman, and Carla Coleman (James Harding), both of Rentz; Grandchildren – Austin Kale Joiner, Jonathan Foskey, Madison Pittman, Morgan Baggett, Josh Baggett, Gage Coleman, and McKenna Coleman; Sister – Shirley Cannon (Chester) of Milan; Brother – Ray Joiner (Evelyn), both of Eastman; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Shirley and Chester Cannon, 35 Cynthia Street, Milan, GA 31060, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:30-2:00PM Wednesday, December 31. www.stokes-southerland.com

12/26/2025

MR. DAVID WILSON ALLEN, age 85, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at Bryant Nursing Home in Cochran, GA.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

David was born in Laurens County, GA on April 22, 1940, to the late Cara Belle Snow Allen and Johnny A. Allen. He attended school in Bleckley County and worked on the family farm in the Goldsboro Community as a child. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 22 during the early years of the U.S. involvement in the war. He served for two years and returned home to Georgia to begin his family. In 1969, he moved his family to Eastman where he bought his farm in the Midway Community of Dodge County. He was a lifelong farmer, a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. David thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, riding his four-wheeler, and helping his fellow neighbors in the Midway Community. He loved farm life, the slow-paced country living, and providing for his family. David was preceded in death by his parents, Wife, Ruth Horton Allen, Great-Grandson, Christian Kye Warren, and Siblings, Dora Havard, Evelyene Fowler, Wesley Allen, Marshall Allen, and James Allen.

He is survived by his Daughter – Deborah Warren (Johnny) of Chester; Son – David Wayne Allen (Charlotte) of Eastman; Grandsons – John David Warren and Kristopher Warren; Great-Grandchildren – Scarlett Warren, Saylor Warren, Chevelle Warren, and Kash Warren; Numerous nieces and nephews. www.stokes-southerland.com

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