Pearson-Dial Funeral Home, 659 Main Street/PO Box 375, Blackshear, GA (2026)

02/17/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Dixon family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Ann Allday Dixon, 80, of Blackshear, passed away Monday afternoon, February 16, 2026, at Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele.

Born in Union, Mississippi on April 29, 1945, she lived in Blackshear since the late 90’s. Mrs. Dot had been a caregiver most of her life whether it was as a CNA or running the former Shady Haven Assisted Living Home. She spent the last few years as a homemaker. In her free time, you could find her doing all kinds of crafts and gardening. She also loved to cook and was very good at it. Mrs. Dot was of the Baptist faith.

She was a daughter of the late Frank Edgar & Dorothy Adel Stevens Allday. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Avery Wasteine Dixon; and two brothers, Harold Allday and Bo Allday.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Brenda & Steve Sellers of Blackshear; a son and daughter-in-law, James “Jimmy” & Debbie Dixon of Douglas; a stepson and stepdaughter-in-law, Brian & Misty Dixon of Nicholls; three sisters, Joyce Garrison of Ardmore, OK, Diane (Joe) Aldridge of Mershon, and Nancy Kinsley of Tifton; three brothers, Richard (Faye) Allday of Blackshear, William (Gaby) Allday of Jettingen, Germany, and Frankie Allday of Blackshear; 10 grandchildren, Scott (Sharon) Dixon, Seth (Emma) Dixon, Ethan (Lauren) Dixon, Zane (Darby) Dixon, Ridge Sellers, Slade Sellers (McKayla Huston), Breanna (Lance) Lattanzie, Blake Dixon, Tiffiany Dixon, and Darryann (Jarrett) Ferris; 12 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Dot will be held Sunday afternoon, February 22, 2026, at 3:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Joe Aldridge officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

A private interment will be in the Waters Cemetery on Monday.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dixon family during this time.

02/16/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Harris family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, great grandfather, and brother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Robert “Bobby” Lee Harris, 75, of Blackshear, passed away Sunday morning, February 15, 2026, at Altamaha Healthcare in Jesup after battling a long illness.

Born in Jesup, GA on January 11, 1951, he lived in Pierce County most of his life. Mr. Harris was a 1969 graduate of Blackshear High School and later attended ABAC in Tifton. Over the years, he had worked as a police officer for the City of Blackshear, worked in the banking business, was a fire fighter for the City of Waycross, and was a truck driver having last worked for Heartland Trucking.

Hated by some but loved by many, he loved to fish when he could but music was his passion. He was known as “The Singing Policeman” for his love of singing but was also rather good at being a songwriter with one of his more popular songs being, “I Know, I Know, I Know.”

He loved the Lord and especially loved to sing about Jesus. He had attended Hacklebarney Baptist Church, Patterson Baptist Church, Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, and was a member of Blackshear First Baptist Church having grown up in the church as a young child.

He was a son of the late Howard Lee & Chonnis Loleta White Harris. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Rick Harris and Donnie Harris.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, Scotty & Rachael Harris of Blackshear; two sisters, Connie Blalock and Vannessa Harris both of Blackshear; three brothers, Lamar Harris of Hoboken, Herbert Harris of Blackshear, and Mike (Lisa) Harris of Kingsland; 4 grandchildren, Brianna Harris, Andrew Durand, Angel, and Layla; 2 great grandchildren, Gabby and Giovanni; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Harris will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 3:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bill Young officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Screven City Cemetery.

The family kindly requests members of the Blackshear High School class of ’69 to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please meet at the funeral home chapel by 2:30 on Saturday.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org or to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harris family during this time.

02/16/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Allen family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their husband, father, grandfather, and brother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Marty Lee Allen, 66, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2026, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross following a sudden illness.

Born in Pikeville, KY on February 3, 1960, he lived in Melbourne, FL for many years prior to moving to Pierce County in 2018. Marty was a 1978 graduate of Mel High School in Melbourne where he had excelled at baseball. He worked in construction as the superintendent for the J. Hiers Co. and not only worked very hard but loved what he did. Marty loved to outdoors whether it was hunting or working in his yard. Marty was not only a good man, but a good provider for his family whom he loved dearly.

He was a son of the late Joel & Maxine “Gloria” Duval Allen. He was also preceded in death by a young brother, Kip Allen.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Connor Allen of Blackshear; his daughter and son-in-law, Rebecca & Shayne Harris of Palm Bay, FL; his son and daughter-in-law, Josh & Candace Allen of Patterson; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Terry & Donna Allen of Palm Bay, David & Marie Allen of West Virginia, and Shane & Karla Allen of W. Melbourne, FL; 4 grandchildren, Hunter Allen, Emersyn Harris, Beau Allen, and Gray Harris; three brothers-in-law in Florida; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Marty's wishes were to be cremated. The family will honor him at a later date when they all can be together.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Allen family during this time.

02/09/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Melton family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, and brother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Limon Leroy “Roy” Melton, 64, of Blackshear, passed away Monday morning, February 9, 2026, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.

Born in Blackshear, GA on January 19, 1962, Roy lived in Pierce County all his life. He worked in road construction with Dixie Road Builders for many years. Roy was just a country boy who worked all his life but did find time to enjoy fishing, hunting, and gardening. In his younger days, he enjoyed raising hogs. Roy was a member of First Baptist Church where he was in Mr. Albert Sutton’s class.

He was a son of the late James Lamar Melton and Betty Durrance Herrin. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Elwanda Sloan Melton.

Survivors include his children, Jackie Parker (Kevin Owens) of Waycross, Erin (Greg) Mincey of Offerman, Scarlet (Moses) Shider of Blackshear, and Kenneth Parker of Waycross; two sisters, Wanda Wilkinson and Kathy (Morgan) Lowmon all of Blackshear; two brothers, Ricky (Eris) Melton of Blackshear and Danny (Tammy) Melton of Nahunta; 4 grandchildren, Ashley Mincey, Greg Mincey, Jr., Layla Melton, and Mariah Mincey; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Friday evening, February 13, 2026, from 5 until 7 o’clock.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church, 670 E. Main St., Blackshear, GA 31516.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Melton family during this time.

02/08/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Carter/Purcell family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their husband, father, brother, and grandfather. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Terry Douglas Carter, 84, of Waycross, passed away late Friday night, February 6, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Surrency, GA, on December 21, 1941, he was the sixth of nine children born to the late James Tillman and Eloise “Bill” Collins Carter. He graduated high school in 1960 from the “Surrency University” in Surrency, GA. He fell in love with Diane McBride, to whom he married on June 23, 1963, producing six children, and remained devoted to for 46 years, until her death in 2008. In 2010, he was lucky in life and met Eve Purcell, to whom he would marry on November 7, 2015, and expanded his blended family by two more children. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Temple Terrace, FL for 56 years. His passions included golf, hunting & fishing, playing cards, with his favorite being Horse, and spending time with his family, but above all, his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a member of Emmauel Baptist Church for 56 years, serving as a teacher for the Youth and Adult Sunday school classes, as well as on the Bereavement Committee and with the Saints of Joy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two older brothers and their wives, James and Janie Carter and Carl and Betty Carter; his first wife and mother of his children, Diane McBride Carter; a brother-in-law, Sam Cowan; and a sister-in-law, Diane Carter; and a son-in-law, Steve Haun.

Survivors include his wife, Eve Purcell of Waycross; children and their spouses, Cathy Carter, Sheri Haun, Marcia Craven, Doug (Traci) Carter, Levi Carter, Logan (Hannah) Carter, Pam (Toby) Crews, and Brad Purcell; grandchildren, Brittany (Jamie) Inman, Reyn Haun, Kaiti (Jonathan) Miller, Ralea (Liam) Watkins, Bryson Carter, Wyatt Carter, Libby Carter, Ellen Carter, Ann Carter, Berckman Carter, Brady (Emily) Carter, Jayden Crews, Coleman (Meghan) Purcell, Kirkland Purcell, and an expected Bentley Carter; great-grandchildren, Elliot Inman and Brantley Paul Carter; siblings, Wilda Beecher, Juema Cowan, Linda Pauloo, Errol Carter, Don (Darlene) Carter, and Lamar (Nellie) Carter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Mr. Carter considered himself to be a very blessed man.

Funeral services for Mr. Carter will be held Tuesday morning, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 217 W Carter Avenue, Blackshear with the Rev. Mike Stone officiating.

Visitation for Mr. Carter will be held Monday evening, February 9, 2026, from 6 until 8 o’clock at Pearson-Dial Funeral Home, 659 Main Street, Blackshear.

The family requests that members of the Surrency High School Class of 1960 serve as honorary pallbearers. Please meet at the church by 10:30 Tuesday morning.

A private interment will be in the Zion Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Surrency.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Emmanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Carter/Purcell families during this time.

02/03/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Davis family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great, great grandmother, and sister. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Evelyn Janell “Jenny” Henderson Davis, 98, of Blackshear, passed away early Tuesday morning, February 3, 2026, at Memorial Satilla Health.

Born in Manor, GA on July 17, 1927, she was the oldest daughter of the late Daniel Webster & Ethel Griffin Henderson. Mrs. Davis grew up in Manor and graduated from Manor High School in 1944. She would go on to further her education at Southern Business University in Atlanta graduating in 1945. Mrs. Davis went to work for Satilla Rural Electric in Alma and it was during this time that she met and later married her husband, Jacob, whom she was married to for 78 years. She and her husband lived and raised their family on a farm in the Sunset area of Pierce County. Mrs. Davis was a longtime member of Beulah Baptist Church where she had been active in the WMU, Adult Ladies Sunday School teacher, and was also a former assistant pianist. She enjoyed cooking for her family, planting a garden, and tending to her flowers which she was still doing until recently.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jacob Lloye Davis, Jr., she was also preceded in death by two sons-in-law, Addison “Eddie” Strickland and Mike O’Gorman; a grandson, Addison Scott Strickland; a sister, Iona Turner; and all three of her brothers, Herman Joy Henderson, Huey Henderson, and Walter Kay Henderson.

Survivors include her children, Jay (Janice) Davis, Jerry (Terresa) Davis, June Davis, Joy Davis Strickland O’Gorman (partner, Dick Larson), and Jane (Jim) Callahan all of Pierce County; a sister, Betty Jane Mercer of Manor; grandchildren, Dawn (Michael) Sapp, Starr (Jonathan) Dial, Shelley Davis, Lloye (Shellie) Davis, Cassie (Bob) Dyal, Lance Davis, Danielle (Paul) Harris, Heather Davis Watkins, J. C. (Anna) Callahan, and Jena (Dan) Johnson; great grandchildren, John Michael Sapp, Thomas Sapp, Jonathan Stephen Dial, Harrison Dial, Dawson Dial, Kate (Harrison) Cristobal, Molly (Tommy) Youmans, Sarah Davis, Lilly Davis, Jake (Emma Grace) Davis, Alex Davis, Davis Dyal, Aniston Dyal, Jincy Strickland, Addison Strickland, Ava Strickland, Jed Davis, Massey Harris, Ellie Harris, Rane Watkins, River Watkins, James Callahan, and Scottie Callahan; great great grandchildren, Wrenley Cristobal and Lucy June Youmans; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives; and two special caregivers, Judy Nettles of Blackshear and Alyssa Gaskin of Alma.

Funeral services for Mrs. Davis will be held Friday morning, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 o’clock from the Beulah Baptist Church with Rev. Matt Tuttle officiating.

The family will be receiving friends in the church social hall one hour prior to the service on Friday.

A private interment will be in the Beulah Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 3343 Beulah Church Road, Alma, GA 31510.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Davis family during this time.

02/03/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Williams/Strickland family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their husband, son, and brother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Jonah Edward Williams, 50, of Blackshear, passed away early Monday morning, February 2, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Baxley, GA on February 26, 1975, he lived in Baxley before moving to Pierce County a little over 27 years ago. Jonah had worked for Wal-Mart as a stocker for many years and enjoyed playing World of Warcraft in his spare time. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death by his father, Mike Williams.

Survivors include his husband, Kent A. Strickland of Blackshear; his mother, Donnette Miles Williams of Baxley; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Dede (Joe) Carter and Tamara (Dale) Austin all of Baxley; a brother, Micah (Deanna) Williams of Dahlonega; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Jonah will be held Thursday afternoon, February 5, 2026, at 1:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Scotty Hampton officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock.

Interment will be in the Blackshear Cemetery.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Williams/Strickland family during this time.

01/30/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Buie/Gross family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their

Sara Jean Buie-Gross, age 77 of Hendersonville, TN passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026. She was born in Waycross, GA, on June 12, 1948, to Herbert and Jean Buie.

Sara grew up in Jacksonville, Florida and spent most of her life there before moving to Tennessee in recent years. She was an amazing artist throughout her life and loved painting but enjoyed drawing as well. She was extremely proud of her Scottish heritage, enjoying Celtic music and travelling extensively over the years with Scotland being one her favorite locations. She was loved by all who knew her and she’ll be remembered for the strong hugs, and her love of family and friends. She enjoyed sewing and dancing, loved animals and taking care of her plants. And in keeping in touch with her roots, she maintained a love for University of Georgia athletics, cheering on the Dawgs just as her father would have wanted.

Sara was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Dale Gross; daughter, Jennifer Brown; son, George Wayne Lloyd; and nephew, Mark Wood.

She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Larry) Cusson; sister, Helen (Alton) Wood; grandson, Marley Lloyd and his mother, Carrie Kiser; niece and nephew, Kim Jones and Scott Wood; and many extended family members and friends.

A celebration of Sara’s life will be conducted at 1:00 P.M., Sunday, February 1, 2026 in the Chapel of Sumner Funeral and Cremation Lakeside with Pastor John McLendon officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until the time of service on Sunday.

Burial will be in the Blackshear City Cemetery in Blackshear, GA.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Gross family during this time.

01/30/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Perkinson family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Iris G. Howell Perkinson, age 93, of Madison, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, in Madison, Indiana.

Iris was born on May 1, 1932, in Blackshear, Georgia, to the late James Alton Howell, Sr. and Vera Mae Fowler Howell. She was raised and educated in Blackshear and later graduated from beautician school in Waycross, Georgia, beginning a lifelong passion for caring for others through her work.

On May 2, 1959, Iris was united in marriage to Raymond Perkinson, with whom she shared 52 devoted years until his passing on November 20, 2011. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. A woman of remarkable creativity and determination, Iris worked tirelessly to provide for her family. She found great joy in her career as a beautician and proudly owned and operated her own hair salon for a time. Her talents extended far beyond the salon - she loved arts and crafts, sewing intricate clothing for porcelain dolls she created and sold to friends and family. Iris also mastered the art of baking and decorating wedding cakes and special-occasion cakes, bringing beauty and celebration into the lives of many.

Iris and Raymond later relocated from Georgia to the Madison/Hanover, Indiana area, where they resided for 30 years and raised their children. Deeply rooted in her community, Iris was always eager to serve. After her children were grown, she opened her home and heart as a caregiver for ten years, providing comfort, dignity, and companionship to those in her care. She later worked as a Sales Associate at Madison Walmart, where she was known for her kindness and strong work ethic, retiring after 15 years of dedicated service. For a brief period, Iris lived in Millington, Tennessee, where she was an active member of Lucy Baptist Church and the local senior citizens center. She eventually returned to Indiana, where she remained until the time of her passing.

Iris was a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved sister, aunt, and friend. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love will be dearly missed by all who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Alton Howell, Sr. and Vera Mae Fowler Howell; her husband of 52 years, Raymond Perkinson; her son, Charles Winslow Dixon, Jr.; her brothers, James Alton Howell, Jr. and Robert Howell; and her sisters, Betty Houston and Edna Collins.

She is survived by her daughters, Diane Lowry (Don) of Millington, Tennessee, Anna Lee of Hoboken, Georgia, and Vickie Davis of Chillicothe, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives.

A viewing will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Pearson-Dial Funeral Home from 1 until 2 pm followed by a graveside service at the Hoboken Cemetery in Hoboken at 2:30.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Perkinson family during this time.

01/28/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Pearson family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Bobby Allen Pearson, 76, of Blackshear, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 27, 2026, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross after a courageous battle with cancer then complications from treatment.

Born in Atlanta, GA on December 25, 1949, he lived in Pierce County since 1956. Bobby was a 1967 graduate of Blackshear High School and served his country by enlisting in the US Navy, serving for two years.

Bobby loved Jesus, he loved his church – First Baptist Church of Blackshear – and his Sunday school class, The Misfits. He served as a greeter until his health began to decline. Music was a large part of his life. He taught himself how to play the piano and in his younger days, had loved to sing Barbershop Quartet music as well as gospel music.

Bobby loved people and making them smile. His personality made him a natural salesman. He was employed by Freidman’s Jewelers for 34 years managing stores in Hinesville, Hilton Head, and Waycross. He hired many young people and gave them their first job. Afterward, he worked for Farmers Furniture for 11 years, retiring at the age of 70, but only because of his health.

He loved to mow grass, keep up the yards, and sit on the back porch and drink a cup of coffee with anyone who stopped by.

He was a son of the late Lonnie Deloach “L.D.” & Kathryn Wood Pearson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Searson Pearson; his daughter, Brenda Tennison; a son, Tony Pearson; and his sister, Linda Pearson Tuten.

Survivors include his son, Kenneth Pearson of Blackshear; 6 grandchildren, Kenneth Tennison, Tyler Tennison, Brandon Tennison, Chance Pearson, Kimber Pearson, and Joey Pearson; a brother and sister-in-law, Harold & Amelia Pearson of Blackshear; a special “granddaughter”, Deici Aguilar; a very special niece and nephew, Christie & Devin Strickland; and many more who knew him as “Uncle Bobby”.

Funeral services for Bobby will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 11:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Justin Gambrell officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home chapel from 9:30 until 11 Saturday morning.

Interment will be in the Laura Chapel Cemetery.

Members of The Misfits Sunday School Class are kindly asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Please meet at the funeral home chapel by 10:30 Saturday morning.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hospice Satilla Hospice House, 811 Beacon Street, Waycross, GA, 31501 or to First Baptist Church, Fulfill the Vision, 670 Main St., Blackshear, GA 31516.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pearson family during this time.

01/26/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Harris family as they cope with the loss of their mother and grandmother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Nellie Ruth Graham Harris, 85, of Fernandina Beach, FL, passed away Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, at the residence of a very special friend, Melissa Davis.

Born in Alamo, GA on March 22, 1940, she had lived in Fernandina Beach for most of her life. She worked for many years as an auditor for Sears & Roebuck. Aside from her family, her greatest joy was being the wife of a fire chief. She spent her free time sewing and crafting, as well as cooking for her extended family. But her greatest accomplishment was that of being a loving mother and role model, in which she instilled her love for her lord and savior.

She was a daughter of the late Milton Oren Graham and Dessie Pauline Rowland Fulford. She was also preceded in death by her husband, David Franklin Harris, Jr.; a daughter, Paula Owenby; her sisters, Magaline and Mildred; and her brothers, Robert and Herbert.

She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kay & Michael Hutto and Lynn & Michael Dotson, all of Fernandina Beach, FL; a son and daughter-in-law, David F. & Peggy Harris, III, of Yulee, FL; 7 grandchildren, David (Shannon) Harris, IV, Jessica Smith, Becky (Chris) Gyimoti, Tina Burton, Justin (Jessica) Hutto, Summer (Jason) Grogan, and Dani Owenby; 11 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hospice Satilla Hospice House, 811 Beacon Street, Waycross, GA, 31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Harris family during this time.

01/23/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Boatright/Aldridge families in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Claudia Anne Hyers Boatright, 81, of Patterson, Georgia died Friday, January 23, 2026, at her assisted living home surrounded by many who loved her. The Pierce County native lived in Patterson most of her life. She graduated from Patterson High School in 1962 and graduated from Georgia Southern College in 1966. She raised her two beloved children Lanna and Ro in Patterson, Georgia and later moved to Blackshear, Georgia. She most recently spent the last few years in Carrollton, Georgia with her son Ro and his family.

Claudia was a devoted elementary school teacher who dedicated her career to Patterson Elementary School before retiring. She was known for greeting everyone with a warm and welcoming smile that brightened any room. Many fondly remember her deep love of music—whether she was listening to her favorite songs, playing the piano, or dancing with joy. Above all, Claudia cherished her family, often sharing heartfelt stories accompanied by treasured photographs from her collection.

Claudia was a lifelong member of Patterson Baptist Church. Many of her inscriptions in her bible lead us to the Psalms, but her favorite verse remained John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”.

Claudia is predeceased by her parents, Clifford and Elouise Hyers; her beloved sisters Margie Bland and Beverly Hires; her brothers, Cleve Hyers and Ed Hyers; and her daughter, Lanna Aldridge Denison.

She is survived by her son Roland “Ro” Lanier Aldridge Jr. and his wife Rebecca Aldridge of Bremen Georgia.

She loved her four grandchildren and one great grandchild and enjoyed spending time with them. They are Maggie Anne Denison Hardy and husband Austin and child Jones; Joseph “Jad” Armond Denison III and wife Taylor; Roland Lanier “Lanier” Aldridge III and Davis McIntyre Aldridge.

Funeral Services will be held Monday, January 26th, at 11 am at Patterson Baptist Church with the Rev. R.C James officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service begins at 10 am at the church.

Interment will be in the Patterson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Love Like Lanna Foundation. The foundation continues to raise funds dedicated to supporting students by providing for their basic needs, enabling them to focus on thriving and succeeding in their education. Donations can be made by going to the Love Like Lanna link at osp.osmsinc.com

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Boatright/Aldridge families during this time.

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