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

01/26/2026

MR. GARY KEITH JOHNSON, age 63, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2025, at his residence.

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

Keith was born in Wheeler County on May 3, 1962, to the late Mary Vivian Gay and Arthur Johnson. He spent his younger years and attended school in Wheeler County, until moving to Dodge County in the 1990s. He married the love of his life, Renee Sheffield Johnson, and was blessed with five wonderful children. He worked for many years as a mechanic and also worked in construction with Bobby Hickman for over 20 years. Keith loved hunting, fishing, tinkering on cars, and spending time with his family. He was of the Christian Faith and was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his parents, Keith was preceded in death by his Wife, Sallie Renee Sheffield Johnson, Grandchildren, Braylee Sheffield and Payton Johnson, and Siblings, Debbie Johnson, Timmy Johnson, Madine Greene, Bruce Johnson, Michael Johnson, and Robbie Johnson.

He is survived by his Daughter – Kristin J. Lambes (Joe) of Eastman; Sons – Joel Johnson, Rex Howell, Christopher Sheffield (Brittany), and Brad Sheffield (Emily), all of Eastman; Grandchildren – Vivian Sheffield, Riley Sheffield, Haley Sheffield, Sophie Johnson, Joana Lambes, Jenni Lambes, Liam Lambes, Lukas Keith Lambes, Brianna Sheffield, Kayle Johnson, and Levi Johnson; Sisters – Cathy Carr (Jimmy), Gladys Johnson Hurst (Jimmy), Peggy Pittman, and Roxanne Johnson; Brothers – Milton Johnson and Ricky Johnson; Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law – Brenda Lane (Tim), Lori Wilcox (James), Gene Sheffield, and Clayton Mosely (Hilda); Several Nieces and Nephews including – April Sheffield, Jessica Walker, and Janie Wilcox; Special Family Friends – Melanie Lambes (Billy), Brad Phelps, Tammy Lucas, Charlene Everson, and Adam Johnson.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Kristin and Joe Lambes, 2030 Reedy Branch Rd., Eastman, GA. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/26/2026

MRS. JOSEPHINE “JO” PARKERSON SMITH, age 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, January 26, 2026, at her residence in Eastman, GA.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 2:00PM, in Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. Emory Howell and Chaplin Roger Holley officiating, with interment in Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Jo was born in Dodge County on August 29, 1932, to the late Kate Glisson Parkerson and James E. Parkerson. She was a lifelong resident of Eastman, a 1949 graduate of Eastman High School, and married Hollis Smith, the love of her life, on May 28, 1949. She was a homemaker and raised her 2 children, Burdette and Wayne, who brought her so much joy. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jo was a lady with many special talents. She was an excellent seamstress, cook, and artist who also enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers. After raising her children, she worked for many years for the Dodge County Child Support Services and later dedicated her time by volunteering as a hairdresser at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home. She was a member of Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church, a devout Christian lady who loved her church dearly and faithfully served in many capacities, as children’s Sunday School teacher and as a church worker. She was affectionately known as “Mama Jo” to her family and friends. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Husband of 70 years, Hollis M. Smith, and Sister, Sara Parkerson Williams.

She is survived by her Daughter – Burdette S. Wheeler (Jimmy) of Waverly, GA; Son – Dr. Wayne Smith (Mandy) of Eastman; Grandchildren – Holly White (Kevin) of Waverly, GA, Kelli Beverly (Corey) of Kingsland, GA, Brent Wheeler (Katie) of Bishop, GA, Jonathan Smith (Megan) of Madison, GA, and Jennifer S. Wells (Chayne) of Anderson, SC; Great-Grandchildren – Addie White, Cole White, Jolie White, Lilli Beverly, Stanton Beverly, Liam Beverly, Aurie Wheeler, Will Wheeler, Grayson Smith, Annaleigh Smith, Ansley Wells, and Chandler Wells; Sister-in-law – Wynell Smith of Eastman, GA; Brother-in-law - Gerald Smith of Eastman, GA; Several Nieces and Nephews.

The family will receive friends in Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1:00PM – 2:00PM before the service. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Gideons International Bible Fund or Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church, 1302 Bay Springs Church Rd., Eastman, GA 31023.
www.stokes-southerland.com

01/24/2026

MR. HORACE MARVIN “BUDDY” BREWER, age 64, of Cadwell, GA, died on Friday, January 23, 2026, at his residence.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, with Rev. Wayne Poole and Mr. Ty Kersey officiating, with interment in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Buddy was born in Dublin, GA, on May 28, 1961, and was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He was a 1979 graduate of West Laurens High School. Buddy was a lifelong farmer and small engine repairman who always satisfied his customers. He enjoyed farming, small engine repair, playing church softball, fishing, hunting, and being outdoors. Buddy was always there for his family and enjoyed helping his stepdaughter Katie with her greenhouse. He was an excellent gardener and loved sharing his crop with everyone. He was the kindest person and was involved annually with the handicap hunters’ program in Laurens County. He loved his family and friends and will be forever missed and always remembered. Mr. Brewer was the son of the late Carolyn Vann Brewer and Clayton L. Brewer and was preceded in death by his Sister-In-Law, Margaret Dunn Brewer.

He is survived by his Brother- Larry Brewer of Cadwell; Niece- Tina Holt (Rodney) of Cadwell; Nephew- Clayton Brewer of Cadwell; Great Nieces and Nephews- Lynley Kersey (Ty), Cassidy Holt and Rod Holt; Great Great Niece- Brooklyn Kersey; Companion of 38 years – Kay Stephenson of Cochran; Step-Children – Katie Stephenson of Cochran, Brad Stephenson (Jen) of Pelham, and Dana Broxton of Lizella, GA; Grandchildren – Savannah, Tanner, Ella, Blake, and Raine; and Numerous Cousins.

The family will receive friends at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Wednesday, January 28, from 1:00PM-2:00PM, and may be contacted at the residence of Rodney and Tina Holt, 1801 Mack Brewer Road, Cadwell, GA, 31009.
www.stokes-southerland.com

01/24/2026

MRS. REBECCA CORRIN SELPH LONGSWORTH, age 55, of McDonough, GA, formerly of Eastman, GA, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, January 25, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cochran, GA, with Bishop Ryan Davis officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Corrin was born in Dublin, GA, on March 2, 1970, to Deborah Smith Edge and the late James Gary Selph and was raised in Eastman. She was a 1988 graduate of Dodge County High School and worked for E & S Gas Company as an office manager for a few years. She was the activities director for Middle Georgia Nursing Home and River Willows Nursing Home before becoming a customer service representative for Citizens Bank and Trust Company. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who enjoyed watching daytime soap operas, listening to music, reading, and talking with her precious grandchildren. In her younger years, she enjoyed singing in the church choir. Corrin was a social butterfly and loved having a good time, but most of all, she loved her family. In addition to her father, Corrin was preceded in death by her Paternal Grandparents, Marjorie and James Selph and Maternal Grandparents, Minnie and Hezzie Smith.

She is survived by her Husband – David Longsworth of McDonough; Daughter – Hillary Stokes (Thomas) of Perry; Sons – Jacob Longsworth of McDonough and Madison Evans of Cochran; Grandchildren – Alex Stokes, Caroline Stokes, and Katelyn Stokes; Mother – Deborah Smith Edge (Danny) of Eastman; Sister – Cari Beasley (Bobby) of Dexter; Sister-in-law – Laura Craft (Frank) of Augusta; Uncle – Barry Smith (Joann) of Eastman; Nieces and Nephews – Matthew Craft, Corey Craft, Chase Beasley (Savannah), Hunter Beasley, Blake Beasley, and Bobby Clay Beasley (Jada); Great-Niece – Ella Beasley; Great-Nephews – Joshua Beasley and Liam Beasley; Numerous cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2:00PM-3:00PM Sunday, January 25. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/23/2026

MRS. DEBORAH JOAN JENNINGS BROCKUS, age 71, of the Midway Community of Pulaski County, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at her residence.

No services will be held at this time.

Deborah was born in Hawkinsville, GA on July 29, 1954, to the late Grace Gatlin Jennings and Sammy Lewis Jennings. She was raised in the Midway Community of Pulaski County and graduated from Hawkinsville High School in 1972. Deborah was a loving and dedicated wife, and a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her family, whom she loved dearly. In addition to her parents, Deborah was preceded in death by Brother, Jimmy Jennings and an Infant Brother, Bobby Joe Jennings.

She is survived by her Loving Husband of 24 years – Wayne Brockus of Eastman; Daughter – Tanya Wynne of Jacksonville, FL; Son – Shannon Wynne (Carrie) of Orange Park, FL; 6 Grandchildren – Micah, Jonah, Dylan, Lindsey, Russell, and Brittany; 9 Great-Grandchildren – Brayden, Tracin, Wiley, Braxton, Ryan, McKenzie, Hunter, Kaisley, and Kasen; 2 Sisters – Carol Mullis (A.T.) and Karen Cody; 3 Brothers – Johnny Jennings (Laverne), Jerry Jennings (Judy), and Stevie Jennings (Scotty); Sister-in-law – Eleanor Jennings; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family has requested the omittance of any flowers and would prefer for donations to be made to the charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Deborah. www.stokes-southerland.com

01/21/2026

SR. JESÚS JUSTO GONZÁLEZ, de 55 años, de Eastman, GA, falleció el martes 20 de Enero de 2026 en el Hospital Fairview Park en Dublin, GA.

Se celebrará una misa fúnebre a las 3:00 p. m. el Viernes 23 de Enero en la Iglesia Católica St. Mark, oficiada por el Padre John Stephen Ariko.

Jesús nació en Atlacomulco, Estado de México, el 25 de diciembre de 1970, hijo de los ya fallecidos Thomasa Cirilo González y Pedro Justo. Fue criado en la Ciudad de México y posteriormente llegó a Georgia, donde trabajó para T&S Hardwoods, Inc. durante más de 20 años como clasificador de madera, en sus instalaciones de Chauncey y Milledgeville. Fue miembro de la Iglesia Católica St. Mark y disfrutaba de la pesca, ver fútbol—especialmente a su equipo favorito, Club América. Le encantaba bailar, escuchar música y comer. Nunca rechazaba una buena comida. Pero, sobre todo, amaba a sus hijas y pasar tiempo con sus nietos. Además de sus padres, Jesús fue precedido en la muerte por una hermana, Evelia Justo González.

Le sobreviven sus hijas: Nayeli Justo Liborio (Leobardo Mazariegos ) de Eastman y María Justo de Milledgeville; sus nietos: Leonardo Mazariegos Justo y Sophia Mazariegos Justo; sus hermanos y hermanas: Noe Justo González de Eastman, Hilario Justo González de Nueva York, Magnolia Justo González y María Justo González, ambas de México; además de numerosos sobrinos y sobrinas.

La familia puede ser contactada en la residencia de Nayeli Justo Liborio y Leobardo, 5928 8ª Avenida, Eastman, GA, y recibirá a amigos y familiares en la Iglesia Católica St. Mark de 2:00 p. m. a 3:00 p. m. el viernes 23 de enero.

MR. JESUS JUSTO GONZALEZ, age 55, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, GA.

A funeral mass will be held at 3:00PM Friday, January 23, at St. Mark Catholic Church, with Father John Stephen Ariko officiating.

Jesus was born in Atlacomulco, Estado de Mexico, on December 25, 1970, to the late Thomasa Cirilo Gonzalez and Pedro Justo. He was raised in Mexico City and later came to Georgia, where he worked for T&S Hardwoods, Inc. for over 20 years, as a lumber grader, at their facilities in Chauncey and Milledgeville. He was a member of St. Mark Catholic Church and enjoyed fishing, watching soccer, especially his favorite team Club America. He loved dancing, listening to music, and eating. He was never one to turn away a good meal. But most of all, he loved his daughters and spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Jesus was preceded in death by a Sister, Evelia Justo Gonzalez.

He is survived by his Daughters – Nayeli Justo Liborio (Leobardo) of Eastman and Maria Justo of Milledgeville; Grandchildren – Leonardo Mazariegos Justo and Sophia Mazariegos Justo; Brothers and Sisters – Noe Justo Gonzalez of Eastman, Hilario Justo Gonzalez of New York, Magnolia Justo Gonzalez, and Maria Justo Gonzalez, both of Mexico; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Nayeli Justo Liborio and Leobardo Mazariegos, 5928 8th Avenue, Eastman, GA, and will receive friends and family in St. Mark Catholic Church from 2:00PM-3:00PM Friday, January 23. www.stokes-southerland.com

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.
www.stokes-southerland.com

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.
www.stokes-southerland.com

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.
www.stokes-southerland.com

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

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