Kennedy Funeral Homes

Kennedy Funeral Homes Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel and Cobbtown Chapel, is a full service funeral home with a broad

Jamie Anderson, Ross Newman, Mike Newman & Staff of Kennedy Funeral Homes of Metter and Cobbtown are very proud of our long - standing tradition of serving the families of Candler, Tattnall and surrounding counties since 1946. Our purpose and meaning as funeral directors and members of this community is to provide the very best service with dignity to each and every family that we are privileged to serve.

Geneva Stephens of Eatonton, Georgia passed away peacefully on Monday March 16th, 2026. Throughout her 101 years of life...
03/18/2026

Geneva Stephens of Eatonton, Georgia passed away peacefully on Monday March 16th, 2026. Throughout her 101 years of life, Geneva was extraordinary in everything she did. Born in Claxton, in 1924, to her parents Frank and Annie Lanier Fields. She was only a young child when the Great Depression hit in 1929. There were many times that she did not have it easy, but through any hardships, never changed who she was as a person: faithful, kind, and devoted to her family and friends. After graduating from high school, Geneva married her husband J.A. Stephens and created a lasting legacy and family throughout the state of Georgia.

Geneva cared so deeply and had so much love for her husband, family, friends, and neighbors. She lost the love of her life, J.A. in her 40s, and from that point on, turned all of her love to her kids, grandkids, great grandkids, and then finally her great-great grandkids. She deeply loved her home in Register and lived there until she could no longer live on her own. Her house still stands proudly on Pecan Alley facing the main road in Register. She attended Register Baptist Church and loved that church with all of her heart. The only place she might have loved more than her church was K Mart in Statesboro, where she worked faithfully for many decades. She supported a family of four during her lengthy time at K Mart and always gave her children everything they needed to survive and exceed in life. Her beloved children: Randy, Allen, and Diane were her whole world, and all spoke so highly of how great of a mother and woman she was. Throughout her life, Geneva experienced so much loss seeing her husband, two of her children, and several other family members pass before her, but no tragedy could bring her incredible spirit down. She had the most infectious laughs and would sit and tell stories from her past but would never be able to finish them because she couldn’t stop laughing. She would then hop to a different story and before you knew it, you listened to tall tales and memories from the 60s. She would carry on and on and crack up not only the room, but herself too. She enjoyed conversing with those she loved more than anything, most often with her favorite apple pie and afternoon coffee. Geneva left a mark on everyone she met. From doctors, to housekeepers, to waiters, and most of all those closest to her. You ask anyone that met her and the two things they would say are: She is so funny, and she loves her family. A lot changes in 101 years: Presidents, houses, cars, populations, but the one thing that stayed the same from 1924 until 2026 was the incredible person that Geneva Stephens was. The best part is the stories she told, and the person she was will always be with us.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, “J.A.” Stephens; son, Allen Stephens; a daughter, Diane Stephens Olliff; a grandson, Frank Oliff; sister, Willene Beasley; brothers, Gene Fields, Herman Fields, Foy Fields and Ruben Fields; a daughter-in-law, Sherri Ware Stephens,; stepsisters, Thelma and Mary Fields.

Surviving is her son, Randy Stephens of Eatonton; daughter-in-law, Nancy Stephens of Claxton, sister, Freida Bulloch of Manchester; grandchildren, Lori Schifani, Angela Bird (John Simmons), Ja Stephens (Jayna), Alllison Strickland (Walt), Ben Stephens and Caroline Hunter (Loyd); great-grandchildren, Rooks Bird (Ashton), Reid Bird (Molly), Rance Bird (Katie), Sophie Strickland, Catherine Stephens, Wade Strickland, Caroline Sills, Caitlin Sills, Jake Schifani and Ashton Schifani; great-great grandchildren, Banks, Turner, Tyce, John D., Brinson and Rexley.

The funeral service will be held 3 o’clock in the afternoon on Monday, March 23 at Register Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 o’clock at the church on Monday.

Interment will be in Evergreen Baptist Church Cemetery.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

Mary Brown Williamson, 92, of Cobbtown, GA, passed away peacefully at Azalealand Nursing Home on March 16, 2026. She was...
03/17/2026

Mary Brown Williamson, 92, of Cobbtown, GA, passed away peacefully at Azalealand Nursing Home on March 16, 2026.

She was born to Lenwood Elmore and Florence Collins Brown on June 12, 1933, in Cobbtown, GA. She
spent most of her life in her hometown, where she succeeded in many life pursuits and had fun in the process.

Mary graduated from Brewton-Parker College with an associate degree in secretarial business and engaged in several professional endeavors. These included roles as law clerk for John Rabun, manager at Tattnall Auto Parts, housewife, and owner of her salon, Mary & Friends.

Mary played a significant role in her community. Her salon was memorialized as a social hub, where fellowship could be fostered and Mary’s wit could be witnessed. She was members of Connors Baptist Church and Cobbtown Baptist Church, places where she loved to worship.

Her passions included fishing with her friends at Shellman Bluff and local river banks, growing and shucking corn from her own fields, and cheering for her beloved Georgia Bulldogs.

Of utmost importance to her was her family, in which she inculcated core values in her children, Hughes and Val, and seized every opportunity to be with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Notably, Mary was a skilled cook and always overjoyed at providing meals made with intention and care. She was a persistent fighter and bona fide perfectionist until her last days.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Hugh Williamson, and sisters, Margaret Sikes and Joyce Brewer. She is survived by her children, Hughes Williamson (Anne) and Valarea Bowers (Bill); her grandchildren, Matthew Williamson, Jonathan Williamson (Lindsay), Dyer Bowers, and Regan Adent (John); and great grandchildren, Pierce, Greer, Fowler, Ford, Forrest and Fitts.

The funeral service will be held 11 o’clock in the morning on Thursday, March 19 at Cobbtown Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 9 o’clock in the morning until the time of the funeral on Thursday at the Church.

Interment will be in Sunlight Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Cobbtown Baptist Church or St. Judes Children’s Hospital.

Guestbook: www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, of Cobbtown is in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy “Dot” Louise Holloway Jones passed peacefully at home on March 16, 2026 with her family by her side. She was a c...
03/16/2026

Dorothy “Dot” Louise Holloway Jones passed peacefully at home on March 16, 2026 with her family by her side. She was a couple weeks shy of her 94th birthday. Dot grew up on the Holloway Farm in the Evergreen Community. She was the daughter of the late Annie Bell Smith Holloway and Jessie Thomas Holloway.
Dot was a brunette beauty who captured the title, of Miss Candler County at Metter High School. After graduating Metter High, she attended Georgia Teachers College, (now Georgia Southern), and was crowned Miss GTC. Dot met C.B. Jones on a blind date arranged by Mrs. Martha Cannady. On December 11, 1949 on a sunny Sunday afternoon they eloped to Stilson, Georgia where they were married in the Pastors home. C.B. often said that it was the best ten dollars he ever spent. They recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary with family. Dot was a working woman and enjoyed working side by side with C.B. when they owned the Western Auto Store in the 1960’s, Tax Commissioners office for over 20 years and latter selling real estate at Jones Reality. Dot and C.B. were proud founding members of Willow Lake Golf Club where they spent many days golfing with friends and each other. Dot was a scratch golfer who won many area tournaments with her partner Faye Cardell. She also had countless “hole in ones”. In her early years, she was a talented artist and enjoyed interior design. Her home and yards were always immaculate and she took great pride in both. Dot was a member of the First Baptist Church, the Historical Society and Willow Lake Ladies Golf Association. She is preceded in death by her parents, Annie Bell and J.T. Holloway; sister, Betty Jo Mosley; great grandson, Bennett Hudson.
She is survived by her husband, C.B. Jones; daughters, Holly (Paul) Bennett of Alma, Hope (Reid) Hailey of Atlanta and sister, Nancy Whiddon. Grandchildren are Matt (Reagan) Wood, Thomas (Jackie) Bennett, Reid (Caroline) Hailey, Olivia Hudson and Natalie (JP) Sullivan; Great Grandchildren, Carson, Nash, Avery, Reid III, Ruffin, Benjamin and Reagan.
A graveside service will be conducted 3 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at Lake Cemetery in Metter, Georgia. Friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers a memorial in her memory may be sent to the Guido Evangelist Association, P.O. Box 508, Metter, Ga 30439

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

03/11/2026

Steve Sutton
Steve Sutton, of Metter, passed away early Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Bostick Nursing Center.
Steve was born in Twin City and was the son of Rufus Sutton and Edna Bishop Sutton. He worked in construction as a carpenter with Tommy Rigdon Construction. Steve grew up in the Church of God and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He had a passion for hot rod cars and loved fixing, restoring, and driving them.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Doyle Sutton; one sister; and three brothers.
Survivors include his children, Russell Christopher (Rosanna) of Metter, Mickey Sutton (Mylene) of Metter, Patty Hall (David) of Metter, Laura Sutton of Metter.
He is also survived by two brothers, Gene Sutton (Joyce) of Metter and Don Sutton (Pat) of Stilson; two sisters, Joyce Woodcock (James “Woody”) of Metter and Flossie Nell Rigdon of Metter; twelve grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel with Rev. Bo Fulginiti officiating.
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

James Carroll Oliver, 88, of Cobbtown, Georgia passed away peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by family at Southern...
03/04/2026

James Carroll Oliver, 88, of Cobbtown, Georgia passed away peacefully and with dignity, surrounded by family at Southern Manor at Candler in Metter, Georgia on Wednesday, March 4th 2026.

Known to all by his middle name, Carroll was born to James Ottis Oliver and Rossie Anderson Oliver of Collins (both deceased), on November 27, 1937. He grew up in Collins with his younger sister, Vera Oliver Rogers, now of Manassas. While attending school in Collins, Carroll met his future bride, Joyce Nail. They were married in 1960. In 1966, they became the proud parents of their precious daughter, Ginger Carroll Oliver.

Carroll enjoyed an interesting and eventful life. After service in the Air National Guard, he worked in sales for the Sav-A-Stop Corporation in both Jacksonville, Florida and Augusta, Georgia. Later, Carroll and Joyce operated the Oliver Grocery Store as well as a dry cleaners and restaurant in Cobbtown. In 1978, Carroll found his professional calling when he graduated from the Savannah Police Academy. He spent the next two decades in law enforcement, mainly in Evans and Tattnall Counties. A charismatic and engaging man to all he encountered, Carroll was admired and respected by his fellow law enforcement officers, the citizens he protected, and even the law breakers he brought to justice.

In his personal time, Carroll liked to have fun. He enjoyed listening to country and gospel music. He was an avid lover and collector of old cars. One of his favorite activities was vacationing in Gatlinburg, Tennessee and attending the classic auto shows there. He loved spending time fishing and relaxing at his beloved pond house. There he taught his nieces and nephews how to bait a hook. Perhaps his proudest and most prized activity was his service as a judge in the Miss Tattnall County pageant.

As much as he enjoyed serving the public and his personal time, Carroll’s first love was his family. His greatest affection was for his wife and daughter. Carroll and Joyce spent 60 years together and raised Ginger with unsurpassed love and affection.

Sadly, in 2020, Joyce left this life for the next. In the Fall of 2023, Ginger also passed away. Carroll never fully recovered from these losses, but we know there is now joy in his heart to be by their side again.

Carroll is survived by his sister, Vera Rogers (Julian) of Manassas as well as her children and grandchildren who considered Carroll a second father and grandfather; Julie Mindt (Ken) of Vero Beach Florida, David Rogers (Tara) of Manassas, and Michael Rogers (Tasha) of Knoxville Tennessee.

He is also survived by sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Janice “Poochie” Nail Alberson (Elbert), Betty Nail Kulick (Bill) and Buddy Nail (Ellen) all of Cobbtown and their children and grandchildren.

The family has planned a graveside service at Sunlight Cemetery in Cobbtown on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2pm. Carroll will rest for eternity with his cherished wife and daughter. All are welcome to gather to celebrate Carroll’s life at his home at 2019 Evergreen Church Road in Cobbtown following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation to your favorite charity in Carroll’s name would be a fitting tribute to his life well-lived and in service to the safety and well-being of others.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

Gloria Jean Cook, of Statesboro, passed away on February 27, 2026 at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro ...
03/04/2026

Gloria Jean Cook, of Statesboro, passed away on February 27, 2026 at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro with her loving grandson by her side.
Gloria was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania on July 23, 1932 and was a daughter of Henry and Cora Menz. She worked for many years for Wells Fargo before retiring several years ago as a branch manager.
Surviving is her son, David Cook III - of Clearbrook Virginia and her Grandson, Lewis Roger Teeple III of Statesboro, GA.
A private service will be held at a later time.
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter, is in charge of the arrangements.

Debra A. TaylorDebra A. Taylor, of Statesboro, passed away on March 1, 2026, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in ...
03/02/2026

Debra A. Taylor
Debra A. Taylor, of Statesboro, passed away on March 1, 2026, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro.
Debra was born on March 18, 1956, in Vidalia, where she lived during her formative years. She earned a master’s degree in Nursing and worked as a Registered Nurse for many years at the juvenile detention center for the Department of Justice in Savannah. During the time she lived in South Florida, she also taught Nursing, a role she truly loved.
Debra enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and gardening, but most of all, she cherished spending time with her family.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Miranda Rosenthal; her mother, Lena Taylor; and two brothers and a sister.
Survivors include her daughter, Christy Yother of Statesboro; her son, Jeremy Hancock of Statesboro; her grandchildren, Gracie Kay Yother, Alexis Rosenthal, Rachel Rosenthal, and Jake Rosenthal; two brothers and several nieces and nephews.
The memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Kennedy Funeral Homes Hooks Chapel in Metter. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com.
Kennedy Funeral Homes Hooks Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Kathy Marie Hogan, wife of Frankie Hogan, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 under the care of her loving family...
02/26/2026

Kathy Marie Hogan, wife of Frankie Hogan, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 under the care of her loving family and loving nurse Amanda Wideman of Regency Southern Care Hospice

Kathy was born in Savannah on August 16, 1954, and was a daughter of William Hutson and Betty Fordham Shelton. She graduated from Savannah High School in 1972 and later moved to Metter, where she lived most of her life.

Kathy worked in finance for most of her career, having been employed with Southern Finance, Economy Finance, and Metter Bank. In 2003, she married Frankie Hogan, and together they were faithful members of New Life Baptist Church.

Kathy, affectionately known by her husband and family as "George" and known for her many talents, especially her love for baking and shopping. She particularly enjoyed shopping at Belk. Kathy also loved playing cards and cruising.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Shannon Sweat; two sisters, Patricia Hogan and Mickey Coffee; and a brother, Danny Fordham.

Surviving are her husband, Frankie Hogan of Metter; her children, Jason Hadden and his wife, Lauren of Statesboro and Jessica Hubbard and her husband, Joe, of Metter; her brother, Jeff Hutson and his wife, Tamara; brother in-law Tommy Hogan (Barbara) of Rincon; grandchildren, Katie Mock (Dalton), Brianna Sweat, Abby Smith (Athen), Katie Hadden (John Simmons), Nadia Hubbard, Kamille Collins, and Madison Wagner; her great grandchildren, Steele, Ryan and Mira Belle; several cousins including a very special cousin, Wayne Brown; a lifelong sister by choice Joanna Cardell; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10 until 11 o’clock in the morning on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at New Life Baptist Church.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o'clock on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at New Life Baptist Church.

Interment will be in Lake Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to Regency Southern Care Hospice or New Life Baptist Church.

Guestbook: www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

Willard “Dale” Sikes, of Cobbtown, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vid...
02/22/2026

Willard “Dale” Sikes, of Cobbtown, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital in Vidalia, Georgia.

Dale was born in Metter on January 19, 1953, and was a son of Willard Mann Sikes and Frances Cardell Sikes of Cobbtown. A devoted servant of the Lord, loving family man, and lifelong farmer, Dale passed away leaving behind a legacy of hard work, faith, and quiet dedication to his community.
Born and raised on his family’s farm, Dale learned early the value of hard work, perseverance, and stewardship of the land. The lessons he gained in those formative years shaped the man he would become—steady, dependable, and deeply committed to any task set before him. He graduated from Reidsville High School in 1971, carrying with him both the education and work ethic that would guide him throughout his life.
Dale began his professional career with the Georgia Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer in 1978. Though he served diligently in that role, his heart never strayed far from the fields. In time, he was able to combine his career with his lifelong passion for agriculture, ultimately retiring as Statewide Farm Advisor with the Georgia Department of Corrections in 2003. In that position, he found great fulfillment working the land and mentoring others, embodying the values he had learned as a young boy.
Retirement did not slow Dale down. He continued farming and could often be found tending his beloved pecan trees, nurturing them every step of the way. The soil was more than his livelihood—it was part of who he was.
Yet as much as Dale loved farming, nothing brought him greater joy later in life than serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A faithful member and Deacon of Cobbtown Baptist Church, Dale was devoted to his calling. He was often found at church, quietly making needed renovations and repairs to God’s house. Whether fixing, painting, or maintaining, he gave his time and talents selflessly, serving with humility and love. His faith was not only something he professed—it was something he lived daily through action and service.
Dale will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his servant’s heart, and his unwavering faith. His life stands as a testament to the values of hard work, dedication, and devotion to God and community. He leaves behind a legacy rooted deeply in faith, family, and the land he so dearly loved.
Survivors include his two sons, Shane Sikes of Reidsville and Shawn Sikes and his wife, Debbie, of Cobbtown; his granddaughter, Aubrey Sikes of Cobbtown; two brothers, Donald Sikes and his wife, Amy, and Dewayne Sikes and his wife, Beth; a sister, Donna Baggett and her husband, Randall; several nieces and nephews; and his faithful companion Charlott L Toole.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 23, 2026, from 6 until 8 o’clock in the evening at Cobbtown Baptist Church.

The funeral will be held 11 o’clock in the morning on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Cobbtown Baptist Church.

Interment will be in Sunlight Cemetery.

Guestbook: www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com

The family floral arrangements were made by Melanie Anderson and she can be contacted at 912-536-3140.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

Barbara Jean Hendrix Martin passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at Southern Manor in Statesboro. She was 96.Bor...
02/21/2026

Barbara Jean Hendrix Martin passed away peacefully on February 20, 2026, at Southern Manor in Statesboro. She was 96.

Born to John and Ethel Hendrix on June 2, 1929, she joined nine older brothers and sisters on the family farm in C***o. In the end, she was the second youngest and longest surviving of 11 siblings.

She enjoyed working, holding jobs throughout the years at the predecessor to First Bulloch Bank, Bulloch County Bank; Franklin’s Restaurant; Bulloch County Hospital; and various doctors’ offices, including many years with Drs. Fred Laun and Gary Loveless and Drs. Jun Aseron and Robert Stambuk. She worked part-time into her 80s for “her” doctors at East Georgia Radiology, preferring to stay busy and social.

She was known to most as “Miss Barbara” or “Meema” (“Maw” to her great grands) and was famous for her cooking and baking, even being featured in the local newspaper for her recipes. Many looked forward to her brownies or chocolate chip cookies making an appearance at an event or “just because.” She was also known for her fashion sense, always fully dressed and accessorized for any occasion, and for her love and care for the animals in her life. Everyone knew that her family was truly her pride and joy, and she was the most doting and devoted mother, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Most of all, she was known for her kind, encouraging, and selfless spirit. She enjoyed life and kept a positive outlook always.

She was a dedicated and longtime member of First Baptist Church Statesboro and held fast to her faith throughout her life. She was a two-time breast cancer survivor and a recipient of the Deen Day Smith Lifetime Achievement Award. She enjoyed her time with the local cancer survivors group.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” Proverbs 31:30-31

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Washington and Mary Ethel Jeffers Hendrix; siblings, Arnold, George, Billie, John, Andrew, Hubert, Jewell, Hazel, Mary Hilda, and Carol; husband, Eugene Zetterower “Bun” Martin; and son, Robert Eugene Martin.

She is survived by her daughters, Marilyn Martin Turner (Barry) and Jan Martin of Statesboro; grandchildren, Whitney Turner Lavoie (Andrew) of Statesboro and Brooks Martin Turner (Taylor) of Berkeley, CA; great grandchildren, Ansley and Collier Lavoie; and Renee Stafford and her children, Wendy and Chris, of the Atlanta area, whom she also loved as her own; as well as many other relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend its sincere thanks to her special neighbors, friends, and caregivers for their love and attention during the last years of her life. Memorial contributions to Relay for Life or Fixing the Boro would honor her legacy.

A funeral service for Barbara Hendrix Martin will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the First Baptist Church of Statesboro with Dr. Dave Parker officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.

A private burial will be at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers will be family members and friends.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, Metter, GA is in charge of arrangements.

Jalvis Turner Motes, 82, born and a lifelong resident of Candler County, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesd...
02/20/2026

Jalvis Turner Motes, 82, born and a lifelong resident of Candler County, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after battling a long illness.

A mighty man of God and faithful servant to the Lord, Jalvis laid aside every encumbrance and ran the race set before him, surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. He walked the walk every single day—never just talking the talk. He was a man of unshakable character—the kind that is now so rare. Resilient in every trial, loyal to the core, and true in all things, he was a devoted husband, steadfast father, cherished friend, and a quiet yet mighty pillar of his church and community. He fought the good fight with grace and strength, and he taught his entire family the beauty and importance of faithful perseverance. He loved the outdoors, especially sharing it with his children and later his grandchildren. He loved nothing more than his family, and he could not rest until he knew it was filled with peace and love. The legacy he leaves behind is one of deep, abiding love that will continue to guide and bless all who knew him.

A lifelong member of Upper Lotts Creek Primitive Baptist Church, he served faithfully as deacon and treasurer and was a founder and steadfast supporter of the Upper Lotts Creek Church Foundation. In his later years he also attended Excelsior Baptist Church. He remained a beloved member of the very special Excelsior Community—a people he loved dearly.

For nearly 50 years he served as Business Manager and later CFO of Jimmy Franklin Chevrolet, where coworkers became family and countless people experienced his quiet kindness and integrity. An avid Georgia Bulldogs fan, Braves fan, and he was also a longtime supporter of the Metter High School Booster Club, always cheering for the next generation.

Jalvis was the devoted husband of Gail Purdom Motes for fifty-seven beautiful years. He was the loving father of April Motes Kemp (Al) and Jamey Motes (Sherrer) and the proud grandfather of Christian, Kinsley, Kiley, MaKenzie Grace, and Nash Turner.

He is also survived by his brothers, Raymon Motes (Ann) and Durward Motes (Jean); his sister, Marilyn Glisson; his loving sister-in-law, Marie; his sister-in-law Glynda Garner, his brother-in-law, Jonathan Smith, and sister-in-law, Paulette Smith; goddaughter Polly Smith Braddy (Jimmy) and godson Will Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends who were blessed by his steady resolve; and his devoted nurse, Calley Mack.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ceburn Turner (C.T.) and Rubey Adams Turner, and his youngest brother, Sherrill Wendell Motes.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons and nephews: Christian Mercer, Nash Turner Motes, Will Smith, Jeffery Motes, Stephen Motes, Wendell Motes, Terry Lyles, Robbie Dollar, Wade Bowers, Cason Cheney, Britt Bird, and Grant Davis.

An 11:30 AM lunch for family and friends will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Excelsior Baptist Church. Visitation will be at the Excelsior Cemetery from 1:00-2:00 pm with a graveside service following promptly at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Upper Lotts Creek Church Foundation, P.O. Box 1444, Statesboro, GA 30459, which he would have loved to see continue receiving support.

William “Jerry” Teate, of Cobbtown, passed away on February 9, 2026, at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah.J...
02/16/2026

William “Jerry” Teate, of Cobbtown, passed away on February 9, 2026, at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah.
Jerry was born November 4, 1951 and lived in Cobbtown for many years. He was a son of Oscar and Thelma Teate. He was the brother to Glenda Fay Teate Jackson who took care of him for many years. Jerry loved his family, he loved to fish, and he loved animals.
Jerry is survived by two nephews, Chris Fisher and Steve Fisher as well many other family members and friends.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

Address

223 SW Broad Street
Metter, GA
30439

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+19126852131

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