Newspaper Page Text
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
BARROW NEWS-JOURNAL
PAGE 7A
Obituaries
We were blessed that visitation guidelines in June 2021 per
mitted a small celebration of her 86th birthday with her daugh
ters and granddaughter.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Jack; her
husband of 62 years, Robert Dempsey Morgan; and daughter,
Lori Amelia Morgan.
Left to treasure her memory are her children, Laura Kimber
ly Morgan, Arkansas, Lisa Kathryn Dean (Ralph), Leslie Karen
Sylvester (Shawn), North Carolina, and Clifford Worth Morgan
(Irene), Iowa; sister, Carol Glass, Georgia; sister-in-law, Mary
Gay McKinney, Illinois; 14 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchil
dren; and her nieces, nephew, and great-nieces.
In consideration of current concerns with travel and group
gatherings, a service is not planned at this time.
The family suggests those wishing to honor Pat’s memory do
so via a contribution to The Presbyterian Homes Foundation,
Inc., 2109 Sandy Ridge Road, Colfax, N.C. 27235.
Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.
cumbyfuneral.com. Cumby Family Funeral Service, High Point,
N.C. handled the arragnements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
Tommy Gene McDonald
ELLENWOOD — Tommy Gene McDonald, 79, Ellenwood,
entered into rest Friday, August 27, 2021.
Mr. McDonald was bom in
Hiawassee, a son of the late
Nathan A. and Della Carroll
McDonald. Mr. McDonald
was retired from Gulf Oil
Corporation and was a mem
ber of Berean Baptist Church
in Ellenwood. In addition to
his parents Mr. McDonald is
preceded by 10 brothers and
sisters.
Survivors include his wife,
Betty Nicholas McDonald,
Ellenwood; son, Tommy
Gene McDonald Jr., Flowery
Branch; two daughters, Mar
sha McDonald Robinson (Scott C.), Pell City, Alabama, and
Julia Diann Pontsler (Tim A.), Jefferson; sister, Shirley Keller
(Ben), Clarkesville; six grandchildren, Trevor McDonald, Kaira
McDonald, Larissa McDonald, Taylor Robinson, Kaleb Robin
son and Megan Pontsler; and two great-grandchildren, Bentley
McDonald and Harper McDonald.
Graveside service: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 12 p.m. from
the Galilee Christian Church Cemetery with Pastor Mike Pinson
ofhciating.
Family to receive friends: Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the
graveside. Those attending should wear protective masks and
maintain safe social distancing due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mr.
Tommy Gene McDonald to the Berean Baptist Church, 2843
Rex Road, Ellenwood, Georgia 30294.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.
com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
Billie Sue Page
Billie Sue Page, 84, formerly of Winder, passed away Thurs
day, August 26, 2021 in Milledgeville.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William Albert
"Billy” Page Sr.; and her daughter, Debra Elaine Fournier.
In her life she was known as, daughter, sister, friend, wife,
momma and nanny. She was loved by all and will be greatly
missed.
Survivors include her children, William Albert Page Jr.(Glen-
da) and Elizabeth Darlene Shackelford (Jim); seven grandchil
dren; and several great-grandchildren.
Per Mrs. Page’s request, the family will have no services.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder is in charge of arrangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
Evelyn “Rebecca” Kesler Poole
BALDWIN — Evelyn "Rebecca” Kesler Poole, 63, Baldwin,
passed away on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at Northeast Georgia
Medical Center following a brief illness.
Mrs. Poole was bom on
March 13, 1958 in Stephens
County to Gene and Aleene
Stevens Kesler. She was pre
ceded in death by her son,
Justin Bishop Poole; a sister,
Laura Jean Kesler; and grand
parents, O.B. and Evelyn Eu
banks Stevens and J.B. Kesler
and Alma Eubanks Kesler An
derson.
Mrs. Poole was a member
of Line Baptist Church, where
she was the church clerk for
27 years. Rebecca was the one
who initiated the first church
bulletins and continued to print them for over 34 years. She also
served over the years in many other areas at the church including
teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Rebecca was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was
known to her grandchildren as “Nana”. Rebecca enjoyed sew
ing, photography, tending to her flowers and genealogy.
Survivors include her husband of nearly 43 years, Johnny
Poole, Baldwin; daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Casey
Sheriff, Martin; grandsons, Jared and Jacob Sheriff, Martin;
brother, Beacher Kesler, Commerce; and several aunts, nieces,
nephews and cousins.
Funeral service: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 3 p.m. in the
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel with the Revs. Jerrell
Beatty and Brandon Crunkelton officiating. Interment will fol
low in the Line Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Ken
neth McEntire officiating. The following gentlemen will serve
as pallbearers, Jared Sheriff, Jacob Sheriff, Judson Irvin, Joseph
Irvin, Chris Harper and Nick Irvin.
Family to receive friends: Tuesday, August 10,2021 from 6 to
9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers are optional, however the family request that memori
als be made to the Gideon’s International Banks-Jackson Camp,
P.O. Box 225, Commerce, Georgia 30529.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral
Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boule
vard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
Nancy Patricia Randolph Russell
Nancy Patricia Randolph Russell was bom on June 2,1930
to Dr. William Tandy Randolph and Martha Evelyn Patrick
Randolph in Winder. She departed this earth on Tuesday, Au
gust 24, 2021. at the age of 91.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; and her brothers.
Dr. Rivington H. Randolph, Dr. W. Quentin Randolph and Lt.
Col. John R. Randolph.
Pat’s childhood in rural Georgia involved riding in the car
with her father and mother to deliver babies or visit sick pa
tients. often down dirt roads in the country where she would
entertain other children with games or candy while the pa-
tient(s) was being treated by her parents. She loved riding her
bike to neighboring relatives’ homes for visits and resorted
to using her charms to avoid conflict with her older brothers.
The Randolph family attended the First Baptist Church in
Winder where her mother (Evelyn) played the piano and or
gan.
Pat enjoyed public Winder schools and participated in the
drama club, dances, cheerleading and by gathering with her
closest girl friends in a secret club called S.A.P. (Sunday Af
ternoon Pals). Her class at Winder Barrow High School was
the last group of students whose education was completed
after finishing the 11th grade.
College plans sent her to Stephens College in Columbia.
Missouri for two years, and afterwards, to The University of
Georgia, completing her education with a degree in Home
Economics. She proudly put her degree to work in homemak
ing, child rearing and entertainment opportunities throughout
her life. After graduation, Pat turned down a job opportunity
with Kraft Foods as a food stylist for print media because it
required moving to Chicago and distanced her from her goals
of becoming a wife, mother, homemaker, and volunteering in
the community in her hometown.
Pat met her future husband during childhood as his parents
and her parents were best friends. She married the love of her
life, Richard Brevard Russell III at the age of 21, and was
married to him for over 65 years before his death in 2016.
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Ina Russell Ingram.
Pat is survived by her four children, Vickie Russell Smith,
Bethlehem, Tandy Russell Green (Craig), Ponte Vedra
Beach, Fla., Nannette Russell Kallestad (Eric), Winder, and
Richard Brevard Russell Jr. (Scott Lynn), Clayton and Wind
er; nine grandchildren, Justin Hall. Caren Pulliam. Jennifer
Curell (Craig). Robert Green (Becca). Emily Wells (Mark).
Cedric Jemigan III (Amy), Baxter Russell (Christine), Mol-
lie Russell Chafin (Casey) and Emory Russell (Sara); 13
great-grandchildren, adding #14 in January; and a host of
nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families complete her
much loved family.
Pat was preceded in death by her son-in-law Mike Smith.
Wearing many hats to help in the local community, Pat vol
unteered at the Winder Public Library, even learning Braille,
and providing some Braille books for the library. She volun
teered at the health department, as well as transporting pa
tients for cancer treatment. She cooked and delivered meals
to families in poverty-stricken areas of Barrow County, often
bringing clothing, toys, and candy with her.
Pat was active in the Winder Barrow Athletic Boost
er Clubs, helping to raise money for needed equipment, or
by working in the concession stand. She played in a tennis
league, and she was an excellent bridge card player, often
playing in 2-3 clubs a week. But for her children, having
their Mom learn information about them from the “bridge
club grapevine” was equivalent to someone calling the police
on them and often instilled enough fear in them to make good
choices.
Pat was the “hostess with the mostest”, pulling out all her
etiquette protocol know how, creating properly set tables,
exquisite meals and the gift of conversation with engaging
topics.
But she loved to also get her hands deep in the soil while
in her garden, growing vegetables and fruit with Richard, as
well as beautiful flowers. Both the vegetables and the flow
ers were quickly converted into beautiful meals with floral
arrangements. An avid reader, she always had a book nearby,
and read daily, until her eyesight began to fail.
Winder First Presbyterian Church had the benefit of Pat’s
assistance for covered-dish dinners, Bible school teachers,
floral arrangements, youth group,and women’s club, where
she and her family sat on the same pew for Sunday church
for their entire adult lifetime. Her faith, scripture reading, and
prayers were all offered with grace and optimism. Her smile,
humor, and laughter made complete strangers comfortable
and happy to be around her.
Pat and Richard would often retreat to their pond cabin en
joying the sunshine, flowers and fishing, which provided a
local refuge for many families and friends. They also valued
their empty nest times by spending winters in Islamorada.
Florida where they had friends and outdoor activities.
Alzheimer’s disease crept quietly in and began to slowly
take Pat away from her family, friends, and her way of life
when she was in her late 70’s. Her love of hymnals and gos
pel music, good meals, and the attention from her loved ones,
kept her going when she doubted herself. Pat died peaceful
ly after a life of service to others, the social butterfly who
bloomed where she was planted, leaving a legacy of friends
and family who have great stories of their time with Pat.
A private family graveside service will be held later.
Contributions in her memory may be made to Eagle Ranch
Children’s Home, Winder Public Library, and First Presbyte
rian Church of Winder.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder is in charge of arrangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
Imogene Lawrence Watts Rylee
HOMER — Imogene Lawrence Watts Rylee, 83, Homer,
went to her heavenly home on Monday. August 23,2021.
Mrs. Rylee was bom February 8,1938 in Banks County to
the late William Andrew and Alice Nellie Waters Lawrence.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her
first husband, Hollis Clifford Watts; second husband, Grover
Harrison “G.H.” Rylee; sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and
Joe Miller Coile; brother and sister-in-law. Swayne and Jose
phine Lawrence; and brother-in-law, Charles Ansley.
Imogene was a life long member of Damascus Baptist
Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher. Imo
gene had a giving nature, helping anyone that needed any
thing. She did such things as taking people to doctor’s ap
pointments. fixing and delivering food, as well as going and
visiting many.
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Anthony
and Candie Watts, Crawford; grandson. Beau Watts, Craw
ford; step-children and their spouses. Dave and Sandra
Rylee. Randy and Sue Rylee and Dennis and Carol Rylee;
several step-grandchildren; sister. Guynell Ansley, Mt. Airy;
sister and brother-in-law, Joann and Leo Ladzinske, Warner
Robins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Imogene was known for her giving nature, and she contin
ues to give through her passing. Her request was for her body
to be donated to Emory University School of Medicine.
Due to her donation, memorial services will be held at a
later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider contuining Imogene’s
Legacy by donating in her memory to Georgia Baptist Chil
dren’s Home, P.O. Box 329, Palmetto, Ga. 30268; Damascus
Baptist Church. 1526 Damascus Road. Homer. Ga. 30547; or
Johnson Drive Baptist Church, 145 Johnson Drive, Athens,
Ga. 30605.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral
Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Bou
levard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29=September 4
Lucille Dove Sexton
DANIELSVILLE — Lucille Dove Sexton, 91, Daniels
ville, passed away on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at the
Comer Health and Rehabilitation Center in Comer.
Mrs. Sexton was bom in Danielsville on June 7, 1930,
a daughter of the late Dewitt Dove and the late Dell Evans
Dove. She was a lunchroom lady having worked for 27 years
for the Madison County School System and was a member of
the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by
her husband, Doyle Ray Sexton; brothers, Neal Dove, John
Dove, Anthony Waymon Dove and James Wyma Dove; and
sister, Betty Craig.
Survivors include her sons, Terry F. Sexton (Jane), Com
merce, and Ricky Sexton (Susan Morgan), Danielsville;
brother, Wesley Dove, Colbert; sisters, Sophie Wally, Gaines
ville. and Rita Sorrow, Danielsville; grandchildren. Dwayne
(Christie) Dickerson and Crystal Sexton; great-grandchil
dren, Alexa Hill, Cloie Dickerson, Anabelle Dickerson and
Ariana Arnold; and great-great-granddaughter, Ruby Jack
Hill.
Funeral service: Sunday, August 29.2021 at 2 p.m. at Jones
Chapel United Methodist Church with the Revs. Kyung Kim
and Dwayne Dickerson officiating. Mrs. Sexton will lie in
state in the church beginning at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Inter
ment will follow in the church cemetery.
Family to receive friends: Saturday, September 28, 2021
from 6 until 8 p.m. at Pruitt Funeral Home. The family is at
the home.
Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to the Jones
Chapel United Methodist Church. 5601 Highway 29 N. Dan
ielsville, Ga. 30633.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting
www.pruittfhroyston.com. Pruitt Funeral Home in Royston
is in charge of arrangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
John Wiley “Junior” Tolbert
NICHOLSON — John Wiley “Junior” Tolbert, 90, Nich
olson passed away on Monday, August 30, 2021 at his res
idence.
Mr. Tolbert was born in Nicholson to the late Wiley Mon
roe and Nellie Lucille Seagraves Tolbert. Mr. Tolbert was
the owner of Granite City Acoustic, a member of Erastus
Christian Church and a U.S. Air Force veteran.
Mr. Tolbert is survived by his wife, Maureen Wilson
Tolbert, Nicholson; son, Jeff Tolbert (Cindy), Nicholson;
daughter, Deborah McGauthiar (John), Athens; two grand
children, Kayla and Morgan Tolbert; one great-grandchild,
Landry Tolbert; and sisters, Merle Burroughs, Nicholson,
and Linda Lowry, Lawrenceville.
Graveside service: Wednesday, September 1, 2021 at
11 a.m. from the Erastus Christian Church Cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of ar
rangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
Ann Vess
DANIELSVILLE — Ann Vess, 71, Danielsville, passed
away Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at her home.
Born April 30, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Ce
cil Van and Ella Mae Beckum Anderson. She was the moth
er of the late William Christopher Smith; and sister of the
late David, Troy and Freddy Anderson. She was a retired
nurse and worked for many years for Dr. Robert Marshbum
in Commerce. She was a member of Middle River Baptist
Church.
Survivors include her husband, Edward Vess; daughter,
Angela Leigh Poole, step-children, Ann Marie Modlin and
Brian William Vess; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchil
dren; and friends of the family, Trade Smith and Grade
Payne.
Graveside service: Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2 p.m.
at the Middle River Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev.
Phillip Garrett officiating.
Condolences may be left at ginnfuneralhome.com. Ginn
Funeral Home, Camesville handled the arrangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 29-September 4
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