https://www.stokes-southerland.com/

Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, 206 5th Avenue, Eastman, GA (2025)

12/30/2025

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

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

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

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

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

12/29/2025

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

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

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

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

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

12/26/2025

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

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

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

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

12/23/2025

MRS. ROBIN LUCILLE BROWN TODD, age 58, of Macon, GA, passed away on December 22, 2025, at Atrium Navicent Health in Macon, GA.

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

Robin was born in Eastman, GA on June 25, 1967, to the late Jeanette Dover Brown and Huey Benjamine Brown. She moved to Macon in 1982 were she met her future Husband, Mike. They were blessed with three wonderful children, Michael, Christopher, and Heather, and made a lifetime of memories together until Mike’s passing in 2014. She worked for over ten years for Cox Seafood as a cook and waitress. She later worked for a few years at IHOP, in Macon. She retired in 2010 to spend more time with her grandchildren and family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Nanny”, and she loved attending her church, Hardison Baptist Church, reading the Bible, playing games on her phone or with her grandchildren, and watching wrestling. In addition to her parents, Robin was preceded in death by her Husband, Michael “Mike” Todd, Sr., Son, Christopher Todd, Sister, Edna Marie Johnson, Brother, Henry Eugene “Gene” Brown, and Sister-in-law, Flois Jeanette Brown.

She is survived by her Daughter – Heather Todd (Trevon Coger) of Macon; Son – Michael Todd, Jr. (Brittany) of Bryon; Grandchildren – Caroline Todd, Jim Todd, Christopher Todd, and Claeton Todd; Brother – William Brown of Macon; Brother-in-law – Dale Todd; Uncle – Bobby Brown; Several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Michael Todd, 22 Holly Lane, Byron, GA 31008. www.stokes-southerland.com

12/20/2025

MRS. REBECCA LOUISE “BECKY” HARP PRITCHETT, age 78, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Navicent Medical Center of Macon, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Tuesday, December 23, in Eastman First Baptist Church, with Rev. Todd Crosby and Rev. Mike Gr***de officiating with interment in Orphans Cemetery.

Becky was born in Metter, GA on September 3, 1947, to the late Jackie Gordy Harp and James E. “Jim” Harp. She was a 1965 graduate of Dodge County High School where she excelled at basketball. After graduating she joined the All-American Redheads Basketball Team, a lady’s professional team that traveled the USA playing exhibition against other top tier teams including men’s teams. In 2011, she, along with other Redhead team members were inducted into the Ladies Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 2012, they were inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. Becky was a retired registered nurse, who worked a career at both Taylor Regional Hospital and Dodge County Hospital helping many through the years as an ER nurse. She loved her job, the people she was fortunate to work with and the many lives she was able to care for over the years. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt. Becky loved her garden and her flowers, and she spent countless hours outdoors tending to her special place at home. Becky enjoyed spending time with her husband and family and caring for them and she was a friend to many. She was a member of Eastman First Baptist Church, where she enjoyed being a part of the Esther Sunday School Class. She was a volunteer for many years at The Christian Life Center in Eastman. In addition to her parents, Becky was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Ted Stuckey, sister-in-law, Martha Ann “Mott” Pritchett, and great nephew, Morgan Sheffield.

She is survived by her Husband – Raymond L. “Ray” Pritchett of Eastman; Sons – Stephen Pritchett of Hawkinsville and Jim Pritchett of Eastman; Grandchildren – Madison Pritchett Bacon (Damian), Lana Kay Pritchett, and Mia Ray Pritchett; Great-Granddaughter – Blakely Raye Bacon; Sister – Connie Seacrist (Billy) of Eastman; Brother – Terry Harp (Cecilia) of Eastman; Brother-in-law – Roy Pritchett of Cochran; Nieces and Nephews – Billy Harp, Terry Harp, Jr, Jim Harp, II, April Moore (Kelly), Ginger McCranie (Keith), Sandy Bland (Jeremy), and Jason Pritchett; Several Great-Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Ray Pritchett, 933 Rocky Springs Rd, Eastman, GA 31023, and will receive friends in Eastman First Baptist Church from 12:30PM-2:00PM before services on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. In addition to flowers the family requests contributions to The Christian Life Center, 307 King Street, Eastman, GA 31023.
www.stokes-southerland.com

12/19/2025

MRS. ARJA NIGGELIE FORESTER, age 94, of Macon, GA, passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at her residence.

A graveside service will be held at 3:00PM Monday, December 22, at Orphans Cemetery, with Rev. Rick Hamilton officiating.

Arja was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands on November 30, 1931, to the late Adriana Eichesheim Niggelie and Arie Niggelie. She attended Southern Seminary in Virginia and later attended the University of Georgia in the early 1950s, where she met her future husband, William T. Steele. They were blessed with 3 wonderful daughters, Lauren, Victoria, and Adrian, and raised them in Eastman, GA where they lived in the late 1950s. In the early 1960s the family lived in Holland for a couple of years before returning home to Dodge County. She was a homemaker, a farmer, and a real estate broker and relocated to Macon, GA in the 1980s to be near her girls. Arja was very active and loved golf, tennis, Georgia Bulldogs football, skiing, swimming, and played Bridge with her friends for many years. She was affectionately known as “Guy Guy” and “Grammy” to her grandchildren. She was a pianist, loved classical music, and was a member of Vineville United Methodist Church and the Idle Hour Country Club in Macon. In the 1990s, she married Dr. Beverly Forester, and they enjoyed several wonderful years together until his passing in 2001. In addition to her parents, Arja was preceded in death by her Son-in-law, Ronnie Coley.

She is survived by her Daughters – Lauren Austin of Carrollton, Victoria Coley of Macon, and Adrian Giddens (Tim) of Milledgeville; Grandchildren – Kate Brown (Tanner) of Allerton, IL, Emily Sanders (David) of Lexington, SC, and Marcy Wimbush (Raymond) of Newnan; 7 Great-Grandchildren; Sister – Irene Van Der Pluijm (Ted) of the Netherlands; Nieces – Andrea, Leonie, and Kristina.

The family will receive friends at Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home from 1:30PM-2:30PM Monday, December 22. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to the Orphans Cemetery Fund, The Orphans Cemetery Association, Inc., P.O. Box 4411, Eastman, GA 31023.
www.stokes-southerland.com

12/18/2025

MRS. LADALE “DALE” CRAVEY BRADEN, age 72, of Rhine, GA died Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at Wellstar MCG Hospital in Augusta.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, December 20, 2025, in Rhine Baptist Church, with Rev. Bill Jones, Rev. Ricky Gilmore, and Mr. Gary Ryals officiating, with interment in Bay Springs Cemetery in Rhine, GA.

Dale was born on September 6, 1953, in Rhine, GA and was a member of Rhine Baptist Church. She attended primary school at Rhine Elementary and was a 1972 graduate of Dodge County High School. She married her husband, David Braden, in 1972, and the couple raised two sons, Joey and Jason. She was a homemaker during their childhood years and later worked as a florist for several years for A Touch of Class Florist alongside owner, James Pittman. She also worked as a paraprofessional for the Dodge County Board of Education before retiring after many years teaching in the Dodge County school system. Dale was a dedicated wife and a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and aunt, who was affectionately known as “Nana” to her grandchildren. She enjoyed taking care of her family, cooking, attending church, and making flower arrangements. She will be missed by her family and many friends. Dale was the daughter of the late Edna Davis Cravey Cheek and James Carl Cravey, Sr. and was preceded in death by her Husband of 23 years, David Joseph Braden who died suddenly at age 48, her Sister, Bobbie Cravey Bennett, and Brothers, James Carl Cravey, Jr. and Billy Wayne “Bill” Cravey.

She is survived by her Sons – Joey Braden (Felicia) of Nicholls, GA and Jason Braden (Joni) of Rhine, GA; Grandchildren – David Braden, Carter Braden, Owen Braden, and Olivia Braden (Troy Tennell); Great-Grandson – Weston Tennell; Brother – Eddie Cravey (Barbara) of Rhine, GA; Sister-in-law – Carolyn Williams Cravey of Rhine, GA; Several Nieces and Nephews including – Carla Jessup (John), Lee Bennett (Shellie), Dana Cravey (Alecia), Corey Cravey (Jody), and Jim Cravey (Jenny); Numerous Great-Nieces and Nephews and Great-Great-Nieces and Nephews; Caretaker – Debbie Porgal.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Dale Braden, 101 4th Street, Rhine, GA 31077 and will receive friends in Rhine Baptist Church from 10:00AM-11:00AM Saturday, December 20, 2025. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Rhine Baptist Church, P.O. Box 335, Rhine, GA 31077. www.stokes-southerland.com

12/13/2025

MRS. SHEILA MARIE STAPLETON YAWN, age 47, of Tifton, GA, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Tift Regional Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00PM on Tuesday, December 16, at Southerland Funeral Chapel in Eastman, with Rev. Alvin Lewis and Rev. Dillon Helms officiating.

Sheila was born on February 28, 1978, in Macon, GA, to Vikki Steveson Stapleton and the late Billy Jack Stapleton. She lived in several places with her family as a child before moving to the Dodge County area as a young adult. She was a high school graduate, attended Union Church in Tifton, GA, and was a loving wife, mother, and daughter. Sheila enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for them, flowers and gardening, decorating, shopping, and summers by the pool sunning. She had a special place in her heart for a family pet, “Honey” her English Springer Spaniel. Sheila will be truly missed by her family and friends, whom she loved so much. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her Daughter, Kaytlyn Brooke Jones, Sister, Erica Stapleton Jones, and Brother-in-law, Rodney Jones.

She is survived by her Husband and Companion of over 18 years – Charlie Yawn of Tifton; Daughter – Brooklyn Yawn of Tifton; Son – Russell Elliott “Russ” Jones, Jr. of Milan; Stepdaughter – Lexy Yawn of McRae; Mother – Vikki Stevenson Stapleton of Milan; Sisters – Catrina Stapleton of New York and Shannon Maddox (Richard) of Warner Robins, GA; Nieces and Nephews – Elizabeth “Liz” Jones, Michael Stapleton, and Jacob Daniels; Aunts and Uncles – Jill Stewart (Pat) and Keith Stevenson; Numerous cousins and friends.

The family may be contacted at the Yawn residence, 19 Wesley Rigdon Rd., Tifton, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Tuesday, December 16. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Union Church, 4144 Wesley Rigdon Rd., Tifton, GA 31793. www.stokes-southerland.com

12/11/2025

MR. WENDELL V. B. GRAHAM, age 88, of Eastman, GA went home to be with his Lord and Savior, peacefully, in the early hours of Thursday, December 11, 2025. He is survived by his daughter, Wendi Graham Calloway (Nelson) and two grandsons, Robert Wylie, 28 (Fiance’ Hannah Rainwater) and Ryan Wylie 22, (Emily Claire Sherman) College Station, TX and Nashville, TN respectively. He was the son of the late Van Vera Stephens Graham and James Dalton Graham and was preceded in death by his siblings namely, Wilmatine McCranie, O’Lethia Barrentine, Angelita Selph, Buford “Jack” Graham, Emory Graham, Stephen Graham (infant) and James Graham.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 13, in the Chapel of Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors beginning at 10:30 am with the funeral service at 12:00 noon. Dr. Jerry Peele, Rev. Clay Layfield, and Pastor Dahl McDermitt Jr. will be officiating with a private family interment at Orphans Cemetery.

All family members, officiants, their wives, and out-of-town guests are invited to join Wendi’s family for lunch at 1:15 at Roy’s Restaurant, 219 King Street, Eastman, GA.

Mr. Graham was a graduate of Chauncey High School (1955) and served in the USNG Ready Reserve, honorably discharged in 1963 after completing his service years. Mr. Graham lived out his faith daily after he was saved in 1957. He was born the son of a farmer and landowner in the Mount Ararat Community of Dodge County, grew up on the farm, along with his 8 brothers and sisters.

He married the love of his life, Carole Jones Graham (1943-2012) and was the father of two precious daughters, Shannon Joy Graham (1970-1974) and Wendi Graham Calloway. “Mr. Wendell “was known to many as a genuine friend, hard-working farmer, cattleman, and honest businessman. He farmed on the “home place” for 80 of his 88 years. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Eastman serving as deacon when called, and sang praises to God with the Adult Choir for 60 years. He also supported Gideons International and gave routinely through remembrances of Gideon Bibles. He served as a Trustee on the Board of the beautiful and historic Ophan’s Cemetery. When approached to consider donating land to provide housing for The Refuge for Ladies, he prayerfully considered the request and subsequently donated 10 acres of land on to the ministry and recovery program.

Later in life, he and Ms. Syble Pruett, his special companion, grew a music ministry singing to the elderly in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Homes across 9 surrounding counties. Before his health began to fail, they sang sometimes 3-4 times a week to residents and ministered to them by greeting each resident individually, singing old hymns, a little

country music, and some old-fashioned love songs. The Eastman Senior Center also held a special place in his heart as he gathered with friends weekly there to enjoy food and fellowship.

The family may be contacted at the Graham residence, 122 Delacy Street, Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:30AM-12:00PM Saturday, December 13, 2025, before services. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions be made to The Refuge House for Ladies, 345 Pearl Bates Ave., Eastman, GA 31023 www.refugehouseforladies.org www.stokes-southerland.com

12/07/2025

Elizabeth Brooke Scurry Yawn gained her angel wings on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at her home in Eastman, GA surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00PM on Wednesday, December 10, in China Hill Christian Church in Rhine, GA, with Rev. Bill Jones and Mr. Henry Batts officiating, with interment in Orphans Cemetery in Eastman. Visitation will be held from 12:30PM – 2:00PM, before services, in China Hill Christian Church.

Brooke was a native of Rhine, Georgia- a true Southern girl at heart. She was a 2002 graduate of Telfair County High School and had a deep love for all her classmates and teachers. After High School, she went on to obtain degrees in Radiologic Technology, Radiation Therapy, and Registered Nursing. She loved to help others within the medical field- from treating cancer, serving as Nurse Manager of New Directions Behavioral Health of Dodge County Hospital, and finally as a telephonic care manager with Humana Insurance Company. Brooke felt most happy when she was able to form connections with people in their time of need and make them smile.

She is preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Richard Vance Scurry and paternal grandmother, Leta Windham Scurry Rich, maternal grandfather, Roy Haley Hilliard and maternal grandmother, Mary Harrell Hilliard Studstill, as well as her maternal step grandfather, Zack Daniel Studstill Jr., paternal step grandfather, Jonathon Carol “Pete” Rich and maternal step grandmother, Vera Mae Hilliard. Mother-in- law, Betty Lou Yawn, father-in-law, Samuel James “Sambo” Yawn, brother-in-law, Marty Tomberlin and niece Lindsey Anne Tomberlin.

She leaves behind the love of her life, Jess Samuel Yawn and two cherished children Samuel “Vance” Yawn and Hallie Olivia Yawn. As well as her beloved and loyal companion, German Short Haired Pointer Scout-em-out-buddy AKA Scout. Her parents whom she completely adored: Lajoy Hilliard Scurry and Michael “Mike” Vance Scurry. Aunts and Uncles: Beth and Joe Williams, Lettie Ann and Scott Williams, Brenda Scurry Mckinney, Lynn Scurry Zeck, and Bonnie Scurry. Beloved first cousins: Amy Williams Royal (David), Danielle Hebert Mitchell (Wesley), William Henry Batts (Diana) and Hunter Vance Hebert. Sisters-in-law and Brothers-in-law: Samantha and Jamie Berry, Reg and Shelley Tomberlin, Felica Williams. Nieces and nephews: Cade and Cooper Berry, Paula Tomberlin Rogers (Joel), Frank Tomberlin (Morgan), Michael Williams (Mandy Francis), Casey Williams, Austin Williams (Courtney). Special cousins: Sheryl Williams Bearden, Anna Grace Royal Ashley, Colby Royal, Cash Royal, Mary Alyssa Batts, Katie Scarlett Batts, Sarah Grace Mitchell, and Benjamin David Ashley. Several extended family members and numerous friends.

The family would like a special thank you to be given to Sheryl Williams Bearden for the selfless love and care she has given Brooke and her family, from picking up the children at school to taking Brooke to countless appointments. It was never unnoticed and will never be forgotten.

In their 20-year relationship and 14 years of marriage, Brooke and Jess led a complete life of love. Brooke was a natural mother and felt complete after the birth of her two children. Her dream was to see them grow and help them become who God wanted them to be. Those who knew Brooke were in awe of her strength during her courageous battle with cancer, which seemed somehow effortless in the face of her devastating diagnosis. Her incredible community of friends and family supported her, nourished her, and lifted her spirits during a most difficult time. She would like it to be conveyed that without this support; the journey would have been unbearable. Her faith in humanity was completely restored through the love and kindness from others- often people she did not even know, and she felt God’s love for her through this support. In turn, Brooke worried more about those she might leave behind than herself- often saying “I want to go to Heaven, I just don’t want to miss making more memories with the people I love”. Brooke was blessed to have an extraordinary and caring team of doctors who worked tirelessly to help extend her life: Dr. James Benton and Dr. Grey Faulkenberry and staff of Emory Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, GA, Dr. Dingane Baruti of Dodge County Hospital ER, Eastman, GA, Dr. Matthew Campbell and Dr. Mouhammed Habra of MD Anderson, TX and Dr. Ravi B. Parikh and Monique Coley, PA of Emory, Atlanta, GA. Right up until her final days, Brooke never stopped planning ways to fight cancer and ease the transition for those around her to a time when she would meet her Savior.

She would like to be remembered for her love of God, her family and friends, and very importantly the needy. If she could share some life lessons learned after facing terminal illness, they would be to cherish each and every day we are given- for they are truly a gift, to treat others with LOVE and KINDNESS, and to spread a little sunshine wherever you go.

Although Brooke loved flowers dearly, she has a special request for anyone interested in contributing to please donate to Cornerstone Christian Academy of Eastman, where her daughter, Hallie attends school. She would like special thanks to be given to CCA for all their love and support- especially during their family’s difficult time. The school is a blessing to the community and Brooke felt that learning about Jesus was most important for all children. Any donations may be mailed to Cornerstone Christian Academy, 5107 Oak St, Eastman, GA 31023 or online by using the donation link at ccaofeastman.com.

The family may be contacted at the Yawn residence, 80 Sugar Creek Lane, Eastman, GA 31023.
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12/03/2025

MRS. SHIRLEY TEMPLE TAYLOR SHEFFIELD, age 80, of Eastman, GA, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at her residence in Eastman.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, December 7, at Woodlawn Cemetery with Rev. Bill Crooms and Rev. Gerald Conley officiating.

Shirley was born in Eastman, GA on June 6, 1945, and was of the Baptist Faith. She grew up helping on the family farm and attended Dodge County High School before marrying Charles Sheffield in 1960. She was a loving mother of three children, Kim, Candy, and Sandy. She worked in her sister’s restaurant for several years before working as a dietary manager at several nursing homes in Marietta and Eastman and later had a career of over 20 years at Dodge County Hospital. After Candy passed in 2007, Shirley and Charles gained custody of her son Chandler and raised him as their own. She and Chandler shared a special bond as was the case with all her grandchildren who affectionately called her ”MeMe”. She enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, watching soap operas and daytime TV – “The Golden Girls” were a favorite of hers and she always enjoyed watching Georgia Bulldogs football. Above all Shirley loved her family and will be forever missed. She was the daughter of the late Oppie Lee Rogers Taylor and James Ira Taylor and was proceeded in death by her Daughter, Candy S. Major, and Siblings, Van Taylor Long, Canoye Taylor Raynor, James Aubrey Taylor, Ila Bea Stokes, Marlene Hochspeier Leavitt.

She is survived by her Husband of 64 years – Charles E. Sheffield of Eastman; Daughter – Sandy Randall (Wes Southerland) of Eastman; Son – Kim Sheffield (Debra) of Eastman; Grandchildren – Taylor Sheffield (Kate), Gabby Sheffield, Madison Major Follansbee (Jack), Collin Major, Brandon Randall (Brianna Mobley), Chandler Paulk, and Ansley Kate Southerland; Great-Grandchildren – Andie Grace Sheffield and Kolbi Sheffield; Sisters – Faye Green (Bailey) and Dianne Roland (Dudley), both of Eastman; Brother – Jack Taylor of Eastman; Sister-in-law- Dianne Taylor of Eastman; Several Nieces and Nephews.

The family may be contacted at the Sheffield residence, 2130 Cochran Highway, Eastman, GA. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Eastside Baptist Church, 17 South Carolina Road, Eastman, GA 31023.
www.stokes-southerland.com

12/02/2025

MRS. CHARLOTTE NORRIS HILLIARD, age 81, of Rhine, GA, passed away on Monday, December 1, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Friday, December 5, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, with Mr. Bobby Ryals officiating, with interment in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

Charlotte was born in Ocilla, Georgia on November 21, 1944, to the late James Henry Norris and Rosa Lee Dowdy Norris. She grew up in Fitzgerald, GA, where she graduated from Fitzgerald High School, and later attended Tift College, in Tifton, GA, where she earned her Master of Cosmetology certification. She was an instructor at Ben Hill Irwin Technical College for over 30 years. She met her future husband, Zack, after he sold her mother an automobile, they were married December 21, 1973, and she soon after moved to Rhine, GA, where she was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Charlotte served as a councilwoman in Rhine in the 1980s and 90s and was a founding member of the Rhine Lady’s Club, where they specialized in projects to make the community better. She was co-owner and operator of Charlotte’s Place Restaurant and Store in the 1990s and worked for many years grading peanuts for the Georgia State inspection service. She was a hard-worker and was a large part of the fabric of Rhine for many years. Charlotte loved miniature horses, cooking for her family, watching Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, Atlanta Braves baseball, and Georgia Bulldogs football. She enjoyed the opportunities she had to cut hair for her family and friends. In addition to her parents, Charlotte was preceded in death by her Husband of 50 years, Talmadge F. “Zack” Hilliard, and Brother-in-law, Don Presley.

She is survived by her Daughter – Norris Ann Hilliard Velasquez (Lee Roy) of Rhine; Son – Henry Hilliard (Jessy) of Rhine; Step-Daughter – Carmen Hilliard Stuckey (Rocky) of Rhine; Grandchildren – Jon Wesley Berry, Zet Hilliard, Isla Rose Velasquez, Noel Stuckey Tripp (Wil), and Roxan Stuckey Webster (Jason); Great-Grandchildren – Dixie Tripp, Penelope Tripp, Rocker Tripp, Jet Daniel Webster, Rockie Jo Webster, and Radlee Jaye Webster; Sister-in-law – Javene Hilliard Presley of Chamblee; Niece – Selen Presley Keenan (Mike); Nephew – Eric Presley (Angie); Several great-nieces and nephews.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Henry and Jessy Hilliard, 150 4th Avenue, Rhine, GA, and will receive friends in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church from 10:00AM-11:00AM Friday, December 5. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Gideons International Bible Fund. www.stokes-southerland.com

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