What are the opening hours?

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

https://secure.funeralhomehosting.com/kny/

Kennedy Funeral Homes, 223 SW Broad Street, Metter, GA (2025)

10/14/2025

John “Pat” Ivey, of Statesboro, passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Ogeechee Area Hospice.

Mr. Ivey was born on November 6, 1941 in Bulloch County and was a son of John Harris Ivey and Kitty Lowe Ivey. He worked for many years in law enforcement for the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Ivey served his country by serving in the National Guard for nine years. He enjoyed fishing, eating, and cooking, and he was an avid gunman.

Pat is predeceased by his parents, John Harris Ivey and Kitty Lowe Ivey; daughter, Tammy Phillips; brother, H.L. Ivey; and sisters, Carolyn Daley and Francis Murphey.

Surviving are his sons, John “Melvin” Ivey of Metter and Kyle (Casey) Ivey of Guyton; brothers, Bobby (Debro) and Timmy Ivey; sister, Yvonne Zelt; grandchildren, Shelby Phillips, Patrick Ivey, Payton Ivey, and Wyatt Ivey; great-grandchildren, Luke and Harley Ivey; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11 AM at Friendship Baptist Church in Statesboro, GA.

The family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 from 5-7 PM at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel of Metter.

Interment will be in Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Statesboro.

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

10/01/2025

Mary Louise Bird Lanier, age 89, of Metter, Georgia, passed away on October 1, 2025 at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro.

She was born in Candler County to the late George Walter Bird, Sr. and Mary Lou Hattaway Bird. Louise was a 1953 honor graduate of Metter High School. She graduated from Georgia Southern College, now Georgia Southern University. She was also president of her senior class and class reunion planner for approximately 30 years. Louise was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and a devoted teacher. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, working, puzzles, and reading. She was always happiest when the whole family was able to gather around her table and enjoy the food she had prepared. Louise was a member of the Georgia Retired Educators Association. She was included in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, the First Edition, 1990, and Third Edition, 1993 and 1994. She was a member of Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church. Louise was a faithful member until disabilities in her later years kept her from attending as she wanted. She felt blessed to have a loving and caring church family.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, George Walter Bird, Jr., and William Howard “Billy” Bird, both of Metter; a sister and her husband, Marjorie Irene Bird Collins and Jerry Gene Collins of Augusta; and the father of her children, James Clyde Lanier, Jr.

Surviving are her four children, James Clyde Lanier, III (Montell), of Metter, Johnny Lanier (Lisa), of Vidalia, Janie Lou Lanier McCook (Len) of Statesboro, and Jill Ann Lanier Bowen of Statesboro; Seven grandchildren, Landon Lanier (Malinda) of Statesboro, Mallory Lanier Rosche (Geoff) of Augusta, Spencer Lanier (Erica) of Statesboro, Laura McCook Thompson (Trey) of Newnan, Josh McCook (Charlie) of Statesboro, Brock Bowen of Pooler, and Johnathon Bowen of Statesboro; Eleven great grandchildren, Madelyn Lanier, Blair Lanier, J.B. Lanier, John Thompson, Nora Thompson, Jack Thompson, Emma Lanier, Eli Lanier, Adam McCook, Sawyer McCook, and Anders Rosche; also, a step grandson, Logan Hall of Vidalia and his daughter Phoenix Hall. Louise is also survived by one niece and four nephews. Surviving is also a sister-in-law, Martha Rooks Bird of Metter.

Pallbearers will be Landon Lanier, Spencer Lanier, Josh McCook, Brock Bowen, Johnathon Bowen, Geoff Rosche, and Trey Thompson. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Newton, Danny McGowan, Randy McGowan, Morgan Trapnell, Robert Collins, Gene Collins, George Walter Bird, III (Bubba), William Harold Bird (Bill) and Lane Schuckers. Junior Honorary Pallbearers will be J.B. Lanier, Eli Lanier, John Thompson, Jack Thompson, Adam McCook, Sawyer McCook and Anders Rosche.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the care and love shown to Mrs. Lanier by Southern Manor in Statesboro and Ogeechee Area Hospice

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, October 4 from 1:00 – 2:30 PM at Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow visitation at 2:30 PM. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church, 60491 GA Hwy 121 N., Metter, GA 30439.

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

09/20/2025

Anthony Donald Smith (Tony), 58, of Collins Ga was born June 1, 1967, to the late Donald B Smith and Linda Faye Dunn Collins. Tony retired from Roger's State Prison, Canning plant, where he worked for 29 years.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter and Turkey Guide. He coined the screen name "Swampthang" on the Outdoor channel, Chasin' Beards and Bones. He made many friends and took some nationally recognized names on successful turkey hunts.
As an excellent marksman, He held the 6-time 1st place title in the National Association 1000-yard benchrest competition. He also held a grand slam turkey hunting record. He is best remembered for his vivacious personality and often loved to tell a good story, especially when it came to hunting. Above all,
He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was a master fingernail painter, tea party planner, bug and lizard catcher. He loved to spend days at the river fishing with his family.
He loved to cook, using his late mother's best recipes for canning fruits and vegetables and baking the most delicious pound cakes. He was a master fry cook, greeter and "company boss" at Cowart's Restaurant in Hagan.

Tony is proceeded in death by his father, Donald B Smith of Reidsville; mother, Linda Faye Collins (Gary)of Collins; father in law, Benton Bragg of Statesboro; grandfather, Hobb (Agnes) Smith of Reidsville and Clarice (Iris) Dunn of Reidsville; aunts Carolyn (Brian) Adams of Jesup and Betty (Arthur) Platt of Waycross; cousin, Richard L Platt of Waycross and Chip Dunn of Savannah; uncle, Genell Dunn of Reidsville and loyal companions "Jake" & "Bailey".

Surviving is his wife of 38 years, Melissa Smith of Collins; sons, Jordan Smith (Shayna) of Collins and AJ Smith, of Uvalda; daughter, Candace Bragg (Brandon) of Statesboro; mother-in-law, Juanita Bragg of Statesboro; sisters, LaDonna Cowart (Jimmy) of Pembroke, Jean Wiggins (Earl) of Baxley; grandchildren, Alex, Xena, Libby, Jenson, Ellie Shay, Kimber, Cayden and Cameron; a special friend, Lucy and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12 noon at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.
Interment will follow at Collins City Cemetery in Collins, Ga.
Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

09/18/2025

Leila Mae Maricle, of Centreville, VA, passed away on August 20, 2025.

Leila was born in Metter, GA, and was the daughter of Tracie Webster and Bill Maricle. Leila grew up in Statesboro and Jesup, GA. She attended Wayne County High School and York Tech. She worked as a Vet Tech at the time of her passing. Leila loved motorcycles and was a member of the Wind Sisters Motorcycle Club.

Leila was preceded in death by her grandmother, Helen Sheppard; and her grandfathers, Bob Hassol and Hicks Callaway.

Leila is survived by her mother and father, Tracie and Dean Webster; grandmother, Rhoda Weinstein; sister, Deanna Webster; aunt, Nancy (John) Reese; uncles, Doug (Debbie) Hassol, and Chip (Ihori) Callaway; as well as numerous cousins.

The Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, September 20th at 2 PM at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be sent to the American Cancer Society.

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

09/09/2025

Deborah “Machelle” Lynn, age 59, of Collins, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 in the care of Community Hospice in Vidalia.

Machelle was born on October 5, 1965, and was a daughter of Clifton Palmer and Hilda Oliver Palmer. A lifelong resident of Collins, Machelle worked for Environmental Wood Products as a cabinet builder for many years. She enjoyed playing pool, fishing, dancing, and most of all spending time with her grandchildren. She was also a member of Hammonds Baptist Church.

Machelle was preceded in death by her mother and father, as well as her husband, Billy Ray Lynn; daughter, Amber Lynn; brothers-in-law, Charles Lynn and Stevie Lynn; and sisters-in-law, Wanda Sue Sanders and Lisa Smith.

Survivors are her Daughter, Shelley (Deven) Bradham; Brother, Donnie (Donna) Palmer; Sister, Pam (Johnny) Davis; brother-in-law, Clyde (Karen) Lynn; sisters-in-law, Dianne (George) Holland, and Diana Lynn; Niece, Macie (Rob) Davis; nephew, Patrick Palmer as well as several other nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Braxton Bradham, Kahne Bradham, Paytyn Bradham, and Kolby Mobley.

The funeral service for Mrs. Lynn will be on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 11 AM at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will take place at Collins Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Trent Aldrich, Regan Bradham, Lew Grahm, Chris Guthrie, Greg Kersey and Morgan Durrence.

Honorary Pallbearers include Environmental Wood Products.

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

09/09/2025

Martha Helen Rushing, 92, passed away peacefully Saturday evening, September 6, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Statesboro, GA, under the home care of Ogeechee Area Hospice.

She was born in Metter, GA, to the late John Matthew Miles and Bertha Mae Prosser. Martha lived in Pulaski, GA, where she and her late husband, Carrol Brooks Rushing, farmed. Martha retired from FW Woolworth as their Buster Brown merchandiser. After retirement, she worked at Southern Manor and then worked as a private in-home caregiver.

She loved to cook and was featured in the Metter Advertiser as the “Good Cook of the Month.” She was a great home economist, preparing jams, jellies, canning, and freezing foods harvested from the family orchard and garden. Her true spiritual gift was hospitality. No one who visited her home left hungry, and most of the time, left with a to-go plate.

Martha was a member of Pulaski Missionary Baptist Church and attended there until she remarried the late Johnnie George Underwood. She is also preceded in death by her two brothers, Herman and John Miles, her daughter Hilda Houle, son-in-law Patrick Houle, and great-granddaughter Elena Luckett.

Surviving are her daughter, Dianne Luckett (Lee Luckett), and their three children, Brooks Alan Luckett (Amy) of Glen Ellyn, IL, Leann Luckett Miller (Donald) of Roseville, CA, and Lisa Luckett Blount (Bill) of Statesboro, GA. Also surviving are grandchildren Tammi Laurie Henderson of Pulaski, GA, and Joseph Christopher Houle of Pulaski, GA. She was blessed to have five great-grandchildren: Savannah Woodard, Leo Blount, Caroline Blount, Matthew Luckett, and Andrew Luckett.

The family will receive family and friends at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel of Metter on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 2 o’clock, followed by a graveside service at Lake Cemetery at 3 o’clock, officiated by Tom Alderman.

Pallbearers will be Brooks Luckett, Matthew Luckett, Bill Blount, Leo Blount, and Joseph Houle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to Ogeechee Area Hospice.

Guestbook: www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com

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

09/09/2025

William H. “Bill” Lanier, 66, of Bainbridge, passed away Thursday, September 4, 2025.

The funeral service will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church with Rev. Warren Fox officiating. A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery (Metter) with Elder Craig Lanier officiating. John Parker, Justin Lanier, Parker Lanier, Will Parker, Gary Nichols, Paxton Parker, Fisher Parker, Hunter Lanier, Wade Kirkland, and Bo Griffin will serve as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends immediately following each service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bethany Baptist Church Building Fund, 216 Bethany Church Road, Brinson, GA 39825.

William Hardwick Lanier was born October 15, 1958, in Metter, GA, the son of Homer Lewis & Billie Edenfield Lanier. He was reared in the Union Community of Candler County and the Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church. Bill was a graduate of Candler County-Metter High School and pursued an associate in agribusiness from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He was the comptroller for Meherrin Ag (Barber Fertilizer). Bill was a devoted member and deacon at Bethany Baptist Church.

Known affectionately as “Big Papa” by his grandchildren, Bill was a man who lived with a big heart and simple joys. He loved nothing more than casting a line with his best girl and always relished in the fact that D’Nena usually had the bigger fish. He enjoyed gathering around the table with family and friends sharing a good meal; this was the best day ever for Bill. (And Bill knew where ALLLL the good places to get fried catfish, fried shrimp, and good ol’ southern cooking were in town.) Legend has it that “Mama B” and “Papa John” are largely responsible for taking Bill from a lean 28 to husky in record time. The secret was introducing him to the likes of fried chicken, fish, cornbread, and all the goodness Mama B could muster. Papa John strutted the streets as Bill grew (literally) in his role as favorite son-in-law.

The radio in the truck was always tuned to the Elvis channel, Bill’s favorite. A man of faith, the calm in the storm, Bill regularly read from the 1611 King James Version of the Bible, drawing wisdom, strength, and comfort from its words. He prayed beautiful, heartfelt prayers and was known to preface some conversations with, “Now Sweetheart…” Bill leaves a legacy of unconditional love and absolute devotion to his family.

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, D’Nena Parker Lanier; his children, Justin & Jennifer Lanier, Parker & Melanie Lanier, John & Mandy Parker, and Will & Catie Parker; his grandchildren, Hunter, Presley, Meredith, Fisher, Paxton, Ellie, and EmmaKate; his sister, Becki Lanier; and his mother & father-in-law, Johnson & Betty Parker. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Robbie Parker.

08/16/2025

Joan Donahue Baugh, of Metter, passed away early Saturday morning, August 16, 2025 at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

Joan was born on May 27, 1958, and was a daughter of Danny Donahue and Betty Moseley Donahue. She was a homemaker and was of the Christian faith. Joan loved traveling and spending time with Andy, kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she cherished her pets.

She was effectively known as Mama Joan, she had a servants heart. She loved hard. She was a caretaker and always told everyone “I Love You More”. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Donahue;grandfather, Arthur Moseley; brother-in-law, James Ballesteros; aunt Donna Carden; and a grandson, Hunter Baugh

Survivors are her parents Danny and Betty Donahue, her husband of thirty-eight years, Andy Baugh; three sons, Hank Baugh and his wife, Joanne, Eric Baugh and his wife, Jessica, Chris Brown and his wife, Kylie; brother, Skip Donahue and his wife Ann; a sister, Angela Ballesteros; grandchildren Nathan Grosso, Paul Grosso, Brooke Malone, Emily Rogers, Ty Brown, Madison Morris, Alexis Morris, Ean Baugh; great-grandchildren Harlee Guyer, Grayer Baugh, Dawson Wood; and several nieces, and nephews.

The memorial service for Mrs. Joan will be held 3 o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday, August 23, 2025 at the family residence located at 746 Turkey Ridge Road, Metter.

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

08/10/2025

Debbie H. Collum,82, passed early Sunday, August 10, 2025, at The Gardens Senior Living in Statesboro.
Mrs. Collum was born on February 15, 1943, and was the daughter of Lonnie and Alef Spears Holloway. She was married to Charles Collum for 55 years and raised two sons, Mark and Andrew. Graduating from the Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing, she worked in several hospitals while moving frequently for Charles' military career in the Army. She volunteered on multiple Army bases with the American Red Cross and the Army Community Services. After settling in Metter upon her husband’s retirement, Debbie was a member of the Metter First Baptist Church where she also worked as the church secretary for twenty years. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles Collum.
Surviving are her two sons, Mark Collum of Chattanooga, TN and Andrew Collum of Owensboro, KY; brother, Stephen (Karen) Holloway; sister, Linda (Gary) Starr; four grandchildren, Jed Collum, William Collum, Garet Collum and Hailey Collum; Great Grandchild, Violeta Collum and several nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held Friday, August 15, 2025, from 9:30-10:30 at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel with a graveside service following at 11 o’clock at Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Tom Alderman officiating.
Kennedy Funeral Home, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of the arrangements.

08/10/2025

Lucille Woods Sikes, of Collins, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, August 9, 2025, at Oxley Park Health and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Sikes was born in Metter and lived most of her life in Collins. She was a daughter of the late Henry Woods and Belle Saturday Woods. On September 26, 1947, she married Edward “Buddy” Sikes, and they shared 67 loving years together until his passing.

Throughout her life, Mrs. Sikes was a dedicated worker, employed as a trimmer at JD Sportswear in Cobbtown and later with Toombs County Manufacturing. She was also a devoted partner to her husband in their farming efforts, particularly with the to***co crop. She was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bud Woods; sisters, Annie Laura Edenfield, F***y Bell “Skeater” Edenfield, and Exbee Goodman; and a grandson, Heath Sikes.

She is survived by her loving children: Edward Jackson Sikes, Jr. and Larry Gene Sikes, both of Collins; Earl Sikes (Darlene Lockwood) of Lyons; Willard Sikes of Reidsville; and her daughter, Susan Rose Sikes Eason (Louis) of Collins.

Her legacy also lives on through her grandchildren: Nick Sikes, Clayton Sikes, Clint Sikes, Jeffery Eason, Shannon Eason-Fugitt, Jessie Sikes Powell, and Amy Sikes Willet; and her great-grandchildren: Mason Sikes, Layla Sikes, Eva Sikes, Kase Sikes, Katlyn Eason, Taylor Eason, Cassie Riner, Brandon Powell, Carson Montford, Jaycie Willett and Beau Sikes.

She is also survived by her sister, Yvonne Tyler of Metter; sisters-in-law, Mary Collins of Lyons, Erlene Lively and Peggy Lively, both of Collins; brother-in-law, Buford Sikes of Collins; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel. The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at the funeral home prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Hebron Cemetery.

Condolences may be shared at: www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com

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

08/07/2025

Donnie Jo Lanigan, 90, of Metter, Georgia passed away in Vidalia, Georgia on August 6, 2025, after a brief illness.

She was a lifelong resident of Candler County and the daughter of the late Don Rivenbark and Eliza Jo Mercer Rivenbark.

After graduating from Metter High School, she went to work for the Excelsior Electric Membership Corporation until her retirement after 40 years of employment. She thoroughly enjoyed reading, shopping, dancing, and watching Judge Judy on television. She attended the Metter Primitive Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Eliza Jo Rivenbark; her sister, Peggy Hand; and her husband, H.L. Lanigan.

Donnie Jo is survived by her nephew, Keith Hand (Jule) of Fruitland Park, Florida; great-nephew, Ethan Hand of Tavares, Florida; and great-niece, Stephanie Luttfring (Taylor) of Summerfield, Florida.

The funeral service for Donnie Jo will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 3 PM at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter.

The family will receive friends for visitation an hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow at Lake Cemetery in Metter.

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

08/06/2025

Krista Dawn Beasley, age 53, of Twin City, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA, following a brief illness.

Mrs. Beasley was born on September 16, 1971, in Bulloch County, GA, to the late Bunnie Williford. She devoted her life to caring for others, spending many years as a nurse and later serving her community as a paramedic with Emanuel County EMS.

In her spare time, Krista enjoyed cross stitching, watching football, and following NASCAR racing. She leaves behind lasting memories with those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Bunnie Williford, and stepfather, Tom Williford, Jr.

Survivors include her husband, Paul Beasley of Twin City, GA; her daughter: Sierra (Wesley) Peebles of Savannah, GA; her son, Tommy Beasley of Twin City, GA; her Sister: Barbara (Marty) Payne; her Brothers: Steve (Linda) Byrd and Rick (Terry) Byrd; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11 am in Lake Cemetery in Metter, GA, with Rev. Johnny Beasley officiating.

The family will receive friends at Kennedy Funeral Homes – Hooks Chapel on Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6 PM until 8 PM.

Pallbearers will be Marty Payne, Wesley Peebles, Chris Griffith, Lance Griffith, Mark Beasley, and Bryan Beasley. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of Emanuel County EMS.

Guestbook: www.kennedyfuneralhomechapels.com

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

Kennedy Funeral Homes

10/14/2025

10/01/2025

09/20/2025

09/18/2025

09/09/2025

09/09/2025

09/09/2025

08/16/2025

08/10/2025

08/10/2025

08/07/2025

08/06/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

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