Baldwin Funeral Home

10/07/2025

Connie Lee McNiel Smith-Richardson, passed away on October 5, 2025, in Americus, Georgia, at the age of 67. Born on August 25, 1958, in Marshall, Texas, Connie lived a life marked by resilience, warmth, and deep devotion to her family.

Connie was known for her strong spirit and unwavering determination. She was a fighter who stood her ground with grace and conviction. Her strength was matched by a tender heart that found joy in the simple pleasures of life—watching movies, piecing together puzzles, and creating beautiful works through cross stitching. These quiet pastimes reflected her patience and creativity.

Above all else, Connie cherished time spent with her family and her granddog, “Miss Gimp”. Her most treasured moments were those shared with loved ones, especially when surrounded by her great-grandchildren. Her love for them was boundless and evident in every embrace and smile she gave.

She is lovingly remembered by her four siblings: Kenneth McNiel; Bubba McNiel, wife Candie; Shirley Kisor, husband Timmy; and Nancy Clemens, husband John of Young Harris, Georgia. Their bond remained strong throughout the years—a testament to the closeness they shared as a family.

She is also survived by her son, Ron Smith, and daughter, Sandy Smith, two grandchildren, Cheyanne Zipperer, Dakota Cromer; three great grandchildren, Tinsley, Nova and Conway Zipperer; and Ronnie Smith, Sr.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved grandson Dustin Smith and her parents, Edgar Alonzo McNiel and Frances Stephens Morgan. Their memories remained close to her heart throughout her life.

May Connie’s memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of strength, love, and quiet joy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to share in her life.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on October 8, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Preston Baptist Church Annex, 6677 Cass St., Preston, Georgia.

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 229-887-2750, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, Visit our web site to sign the guest book.

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.

09/22/2025

09/02/2025

Sally “Jo” Wimberly Kelley-Downer, 81, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend and teacher passed away on September 1, 2025, at St. Francis Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. Jo was born on August 22, 1944, in Richland, Georgia, to the late Sam Bayne Wimberly, Sr. and Sally Pickett Wimberly.

Jo was preceded in death by both of her parents and her husband, Daniel Franklin Kelley and her husband, Richard Nettles Downer, her son, Joseph Brian Kelley, her brothers, James P. Wimberly, and Sam Bayne Wimberly, Jr.

Jo was a retired school teacher, a member of Richland Methodist Church and a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed playing tennis, birdwatching with her sisters and grandchildren. She loved spending time with her friends and family.

Jo is survived by her sisters, Mary Lucy Murrah, Ida Kathleen Wimberly Blackburn (Gary), her son Daniel Scott Kelley (Karen), her daughter Beth Hines-Castleberry (Clint), her four grandchildren, Zane Hines, Bayne Kelley, Bryce Kelley, Wimberly Hines, along with many nieces and nephews.

The family will visit with friends on Friday night, September 5, 2025, from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, at Baldwin Funeral Home.

A Church Service will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:00 pm, at the Richland Methodist Church, with burial at Harmony Cemetery. Reverends’ Joy Wilson and Paul Coats will officiate the services. The Pallbearers who serve: Zane Hines, Bayne Kelley, Bryce Kelley, Charles Kelley, Jason Snipes, Chuck Wimberly, John Wimberly and the Honorary Pallbearers: Mark Murrah, Dean Roland, Troy Key, Bob Farmer, Gary Blackburn.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Richland Methodist Church in Jo’s loving memory. No balloons, latex allowed.

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 229-887-2750, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, Visit our web site to sign the guest book.

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.

08/19/2025

Winifred “Winnie” Harris Patterson, 92, of Lumpkin, Georgia, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, in Americus, Georgia. Winnie was born on November 18, 1932, in Green Pond, Alabama, to the late Gerald Elisha Harris and the late Serna Tumblinson Harris.

Winnie is preceded in death by both of her parents; her husband, Olin W. Patterson, Jr.; two sons, J. C. Patterson, Pat Patterson; her grandson, Richard Patterson; all of her brothers and her sister.

She is survived by two sons, Charles Patterson, Frederick Patterson; three granddaughters, Jennifer Culpepper, Molly Le, Katie Smith, April Mcardle; one grandson, Logan Mcardle; three great- granddaughters, Scarlett James, Annabella Culpepper, Alexis Starling; and two great-grandsons, Jace Culpepper, Hunter Starling.

As a faithful and devoted member of the Lumpkin United Methodist Church, Winnie taught the Adult Sunday School class for numerous years. She served as President of the Women’s Circle. Winnie was a Lay Member for several Church Conferences, traveling to Macon, Savannah and Columbus. She was a faithful member of the Bible Study Class at Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Being an avid bridge player, she was always ready with her cards and snacks. She loved music especially Beethoven Symphonies. She was very active in the community, whether it was through the churches, bank, library or cancer events. Winnie loved reading and her favorite book was, To Kill A Mocking Bird. She enjoyed baking pecan pies and giving them as gifts during the Christmas season. She loved to travel and always had her bags packed and ready for another adventure. With Winnie, it was always a memorable trip.

Her knowledge, wit, kindness, love of God, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be dearly missed. Winnie blessed each of our lives, and especially loved her grands and great-grands. Oh, yes, Winnie was a die-hard Georgia Fan!! She was she quick to remind people that Georgia was number one and had the records to prove it!

Many of Winnie’s friends remember her “incident”, while working on Ft. Benning. A person came in and told her a tank had run over her car and totaled it! Another time, a person was talking about wanting to ride in a helicopter. Winnie casually said she was moved around the base sometimes in a helicopter, to get her there quickly! You never knew what would happen with Winnie, nothing much bothered her but elections and Georgia games!

Winnie was retired, with more than 20 years, from Fort Benning, where many think she ran the fort! She went on to retire from Farmer’s State Bank and the Lumpkin Library.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Northside Cemetery in Lumpkin, Georgia. The family will visit with friends after the service at the Methodist Fellowship Hall. A lunch for the family will be hosted at the Hall. The Reverend Dan Smith will conduct the service and interment.

In Lieu of Flowers to: In Mrs. Winnie’s memory to: Susan G. Komen, P.O. Box 801889, Dallas, TX 75380

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 229-887-2750, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, Visit our web site to sign the guest book.

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.

08/16/2025

Winifred Harris "Winnie" Patterson, 92, passed away at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, in Americus, Georgia, on August 15, 2025. She was born on November 18, 1932, in Greenpond, Alabama, to the late Gerald Ilasha Harris and Serna Tumblinson Harris.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Northside Cemetery in Lumpkin, Georgia. Visitation with the family will follow at the Lumpkin Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

In Lieu of Flowers; Cancer for Women Foundation, Susan G. Komen

Mrs. Winnie is survived by two sons, Charles Patterson, Frederick Patterson, and granddaughter, Jennifer Culpepper.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents, her husband, Olin W. Patterson, Jr., two sons, J. C. Patterson, Pat Patterson and grandson, Richard Patterson.

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. www.baldwinfuneralhome.com. P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825 229-887-2750

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08/14/2025

Mary Senn Norton, 99, 17 days short of her 100th birthday, of Preston, Georgia, passed away on August 13, 2025, at the Sumter Retirement Village in Preston, Georgia. Mary Senn was born on August 30, 1925, in Tennille, Alabama, to her parents the late Osburn Senn and Willie Bell Daughtry Senn.

Mary is preceded in death by both of her parents, Osburn and Willie Bell, her husband, James Norton, a daughter and son in law, Janice and Adrian Burrell, two grandsons, Mike Burrell and David Burrell, one sister, Mildred Senn and one brother, James Senn.

Mary was a devoted long-time employee of Tri-County School, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of many. Those who knew her remember her deep love for her family, which she spoke of often and with great pride. One of Mary's greatest joys was listening to her daughter Janice and grandson Allen sing together. Her favorite song, Beulah Land, held a special place in her heart, offering comfort and inspiration throughout her life. She also had a fondness for butterflies, which brought her joy and reflected her gentle spirit. Mary and her beloved husband James made their home in Webster County, Georgia, where they lived for over 60 years. She was a faithful member of Preston Baptist Church and found strength and community in her faith.

Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.

She is survived by, a son, Murray (Betty Ann) Norton of Adel, Georgia; five grandchildren, Brandon Norton (Tracie), Chad Norton (Kim), Allen Burrell (Mitch), Pricilla Brinson (Michael), Libby Norton; 11 great-grandchildren, Bella Odum (Jonathan), Tyler Norton, Beau Norton, Chris Burrell, April (Jeremy), Kaitlyn Atkeison, Jacob Sowell, Hiedi Sowell, Michael Brinson Jr (Grace), Nathen Brinson, Lucas Brinson; and numerous great-great grandchildren.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11 AM, at Preston City Cemetery in Preston, Georgia. The family will visit with friends before the service, 10:00 am to 10:45 am, at the cemetery. The Reverend Chris Hess will conduct the service.
Honorary Pall Bearers are her grandsons: Brandon Norton, Chad Norton, Allen Burrell, Mike Brinson

In Lieu of Flowers to: Alzheimer’s Association, 5156 River Rd M, Columbus, GA 31904

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 229-887-2750, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, Visit our web site to sign the guest book.

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.

08/13/2025

Mary Senn Norton, 99, passed away at Sumter Retirement Home in Plains, Georgia, on August 13, 205.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 11 AM, at Preston City Cemetery in Preston, Georgia. The family will visit with friends before the service, 10:00 am to 10:45 am, at the cemetery.

Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825. 229-887-2750, fax 229-887-2753. baldwinfuneralhome.com

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08/04/2025

Evelyn "Lynne" A. Lane, 75, passed away at Columbus Hospice on July 31, 2025. She was born on May 6, 1950, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late John Hutwagner and Marie Hutwagner.

A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday afternoon, August 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Northside Cemetery in Lumpkin, Georgia. The family will visit with friends briefly before the service.

Donations may be given In Lieu of Flowers to: Paws Humane Society, Columbus, GA.

Full obituary to follow.

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangement. www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, P O Box 394, 50 Overby Dr., Richland, GA 31825

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.

06/11/2025

Celebration Service for Martha Pope Jordan, June 14, 2025, 11 AM, Enterprise Baptist Church, Richland, Georgia.

Martha Pope Jordan, 75, passed away on May 28, 2025, at Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. Martha was born on December 8, 1949, in Cuthbert, Georgia, to the late Roy Simpson Pope and Martha Kate Rhoney Pope.

Martha is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel "Danny" G. Jordan, nieces, nephews and cousins. Danny and Martha would have been married for 58 years on June 23, 2025.
She is preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister, Emily Junie Pope.

Martha grew up in Stewart County Georgia, graduating from Lumpkin High School in Lumpkin, Georgia. She was a gifted singer and performing on the piano. She started her career playing and singing at Pleasant Grove Baptist church.

She went on to play and sing with the Stevens Family, Ambassador's Quartet, Jordan Family and Calvary Quartet for many years. She wrote many gospel songs and had one recorded by the Hopper Brothers and Connie. Martha was a beloved funeral singer for many, many years for friends and family that passed through her life.

During her free time, she loved to make crafts out of natural items, such as dried okra pods and pinecones. She had people waiting patiently to buy her handmade Christmas items.

Martha taught Sunday School for many years. She was a member of Enterprise Baptist Church in Richland, Georgia.

A couple of places Martha worked was at Longleaf Lumber Company and the Doctor’s Office in Richland. She later went to work at the Stewart County Farm Bureau Office in Lumpkin and retired after 40 years, on December 9, 2022.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Enterprise Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at Enterprise Baptist Church outside of Richland, Georgia. The Reverend Tim Cadenhead is officiating the service and Russell Horn will give the eulogy. Friends are invited to attend the celebration.

Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 50 Overby Dr.

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.

05/29/2025

Martha Pope Jordan, 75, passed away on May 28, 2025, at Piedmont Hospital in Columbus, Georgia. Martha was born on December 8, 1949, in Cuthbert, Georgia, to the late Roy S. Pope and Martha Rhoney Pope.

Martha is survived by her husband, Daniel "Danny" G. Jordan.

She is preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister, Emily Pope.

Martha had served for many years as the Stewart County Farm Bureau Office Manager and Secretary, until her retirement.

A Celebration Service is being planned and will be announced when arrangements are completed.

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, 50 Overby Dr., Richland, GA 31825 229-887-2750. Please visit our web site,

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.

05/28/2025

John Daniel "Danny" Blackstock, 85, passed away at his home on May 28, 2025. He was born on November 18, 1939, in Webster County Georgia, to the late John Henry Blackstock and Annie Maude Daniel Blackstock.

Danny is survived by his wife, Linda Carter Blackstock, his son, Michael Blackstock, daughter, Andree Shackelford and granddaughter, Danielle Shackelford.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother, Dozier Blackstock and his sister, Jackie Sellers.

Danny graduated from Webster County high school and attended Georgia Southwestern College. He graduated from Valdosta State College with a bachelor’s degree in 1963. It was during his time at Valdosta State College that he met his wife of 61 years, Linda.

Danny began his teaching career in Colquitt County and later taught in Cook County. In 1972, Danny received his Master’s degree in Special Education from Valdosta State College.

In addition to teaching, Danny had served other areas of work. He served 8 years in the United State Army Reserve and a brief service at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He operated the Ceramic Center for the City of Moultrie, Georgia for many years.

Danny spent his summers working with the to***co markets in Colquitt County as a bookkeeper for To***co Companies at the To***co Auctions.

Danny’s first love has always been his family farm in Webster County, Georgia. He raised cows there until his diagnosis with renal cancer in 2019. At that time, he switched from cows to herding goats and chickens as well as cats. His family farm in Webster County is where he was born, raised, lived, and passed away.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your choice of humane society or animal rescue.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday afternoon, June 1, 2025, at 2:00 pm, (brief service) with visitation following until 3:00 pm.

Baldwin Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements. Baldwin Funeral Home, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825, 229-887-2750, www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, Visit our web site to sign the guest book.

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05/17/2025

Lawrence Pugh Varner, 87, passed away on May 16, 2025, at Columbus Hospice in Columbus, Georgia. He was born on October 5, 1937 in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Lawrence Pickens Varner and Virginia Pugh Varner.

Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Virginia "Ginny" Varner Fuller, his half sister, Sue Varner Dews and Fe Varner Higginbotham, and Sandra Lanier Davis, his girlfriend of 42 years.

Lawrence served six years in the Army Reserves. He worked 10 years at the Ledger-Enquirer including the positions of District Manager of Circulation, Credit Manager and then assumed the Assistant Comptroller position. He went to work at Blue Cross Blue Shield as a Medicare Auditor, then moved to the Senior Medicare Auditor and retired after 30 years as the Auditor Supervisor.

Lawrence attended Emory at Oxford and graduated from Emory University with a bachelor's degree in political science.
He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. During his hay day, he attended all the Georgia Football games and had season tickets. Go Dawgs!

In later years, every morning he would send the daily newspaper comics to his friends and family. He also enjoyed doing the jumble every morning. He loved Ollie, his grand dog.

A Visitation with friends will be held on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 10:00 - 10:45 am, at Northside Cemetery, Lumpkin, Georgia. The Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, following the visitation at the Northside Cemetery. The Reverend Dan Smith will officiate the service.

Those attending the services are asked to wear the University of Georgia colors!

In Lieu of Flowers: donations may be made in Lawrence's memory to: PAWS, 4900 Milgen Rd., Columbus, GA 31907

Baldwin Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. www.baldwinfuneralhome.com, P O Box 394, Richland, GA 31825

Baldwin Funeral Home, Inc provides complete funeral services to the local community.