April 2024
Miss Jaelynn Marie Johnson
Miss Jaelynn Marie Johnson of Soperton went to Heaven to be with Jesus on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Higgs Funeral Home in Soperton. Reverend Cameron Kennison will officiate. The family will begin receiving friends at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Jaelynn was born in Gainesville, FL on October 11, 2015 and was a second-grade student at Treutlen Elementary School and Heartland Academy. She loved her school teachers, playing on the playground and fishing with her family. She also loved “McDonald French Fries” and inventing new things with her own toys.
She is survived by her mother and father, Crystal Johnson Morris and James Morris; brother, Xavyer Johnson; sister, Zayda Braddy and maternal grandmother, Kathleen Little, all of Soperton; aunt, Brittany Mummert; uncle, Gerald Chataginer and six cousins, Eric, Tiffany, Betty, Cadence, Oakley and Lawson.
Miss Jaelynn Marie Johnson of Soperton went to Heaven to be with Jesus on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
A Memorial Service will be held Monday, April 22, 2024 at 7:00 PM in the Chapel of Higgs Funeral Home in Soperton. Reverend Cameron Kennison will officiate. The family will begin receiving friends at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.
Jaelynn was born in Gainesville, FL on October 11, 2015 and was a second-grade student at Treutlen Elementary School and Heartland Academy. She loved her school teachers, playing on the playground and fishing with her family. She also loved “McDonald French Fries” and inventing new things with her own toys.
She is survived by her mother and father, Crystal Johnson Morris and James Morris; brother, Xavyer Johnson; sister, Zayda Braddy and maternal grandmother, Kathleen Little, all of Soperton; aunt, Brittany Mummert; uncle, Gerald Chataginer and six cousins, Eric, Tiffany, Betty, Cadence, Oakley and Lawson.
Bertha Sue McDaniel Meeks
Funeral services for Mrs. Bertha Sue McDaniel Meeks of Soperton will be held, Monday April 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Treutlen County. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Reverend Jimmy Dupree will officiate.
Mrs. Meeks died Friday, April 12, 2024.
Mrs. Meeks, 81, was the daughter of the late Lonnie B. & Geneva Gillis McDaniel. She was born in Treutlen County on November 14, 1942 and was a lifelong resident. She was a “Class of 1960” graduate of Treutlen High School and was the longtime owner of Town and Country Beauty Shop in Vidalia. She had been a beautician for over 60 years and was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church for almost 50 years. At the church she served as Choir Director and Sunday School Teacher among many other duties. Mrs. Sue was an avid homemaker because she loved to cook and raise flowers in her yard and home. She also loved her family, her church and all of her “friends” that she had fixed their hair over the years. She was preceded in death by her four siblings, Clyde McDaniel, Betty Ann Hinson, Brenda Jackson and Linda Clark.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Sammie Meeks of Soperton; two sons, Michael Meeks of Midlothian, TX and Mitchell (Monty) Meeks of Soperton; two daughters, Tammie (Don) Hooks of Soperton and Suzette (Roger) Smith of Statesboro;
three sisters, Lois (Buddy) Byrd of Soperton, Sybil Cloud of Vidalia and Sandra Arrieta of Soperton; eleven grandchildren, April Leffew (Roby), Adam Hooks (Natalie), Michael Meeks, Jr., Misty Mayden, Michelle Meeks, Blake Meeks, Marley Meeks, Riley Smith (Megan), Coleby Smith, Buddy Smith and Josalynn Smith (Shane) and four great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Riley Smith, Coleby Smith, Roby Leffew, Kevin Wheeler, Robbie Byrd and Rodney Byrd.
Mrs. Meeks will lie in state at the church beginning at 10:00 AM Monday.
Visitation will be held Sunday Night from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family will also be receiving friends at the home of Sammie & Sue Meeks at 1425 Georgia Ave in Soperton.
Funeral services for Mrs. Bertha Sue McDaniel Meeks of Soperton will be held, Monday April 15, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Treutlen County. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Reverend Jimmy Dupree will officiate.
Mrs. Meeks died Friday, April 12, 2024.
Mrs. Meeks, 81, was the daughter of the late Lonnie B. & Geneva Gillis McDaniel. She was born in Treutlen County on November 14, 1942 and was a lifelong resident. She was a “Class of 1960” graduate of Treutlen High School and was the longtime owner of Town and Country Beauty Shop in Vidalia. She had been a beautician for over 60 years and was a member of Faith Missionary Baptist Church for almost 50 years. At the church she served as Choir Director and Sunday School Teacher among many other duties. Mrs. Sue was an avid homemaker because she loved to cook and raise flowers in her yard and home. She also loved her family, her church and all of her “friends” that she had fixed their hair over the years. She was preceded in death by her four siblings, Clyde McDaniel, Betty Ann Hinson, Brenda Jackson and Linda Clark.
Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Sammie Meeks of Soperton; two sons, Michael Meeks of Midlothian, TX and Mitchell (Monty) Meeks of Soperton; two daughters, Tammie (Don) Hooks of Soperton and Suzette (Roger) Smith of Statesboro;
three sisters, Lois (Buddy) Byrd of Soperton, Sybil Cloud of Vidalia and Sandra Arrieta of Soperton; eleven grandchildren, April Leffew (Roby), Adam Hooks (Natalie), Michael Meeks, Jr., Misty Mayden, Michelle Meeks, Blake Meeks, Marley Meeks, Riley Smith (Megan), Coleby Smith, Buddy Smith and Josalynn Smith (Shane) and four great grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Riley Smith, Coleby Smith, Roby Leffew, Kevin Wheeler, Robbie Byrd and Rodney Byrd.
Mrs. Meeks will lie in state at the church beginning at 10:00 AM Monday.
Visitation will be held Sunday Night from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. The family will also be receiving friends at the home of Sammie & Sue Meeks at 1425 Georgia Ave in Soperton.
Mrs. Kathy Darnell Garrett Smith
Funeral services for Mrs. Kathy Darnell Garrett Smith of Rockledge will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Higgs Funeral Home in Soperton. Interment will be in the Blue Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurens County. Mrs. Smith died Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Mrs. Smith, 71, was the daughter of the late Reverend William E. Garrett, Jr. & Vivian Lord Garrett. She was born in Sandersville, GA on April 20. 1952 and had lived most of her life in Laurens County. She was retired from Mohawk Industries in East Dublin and was a longtime member of Blue Springs Baptist Church. She loved to be outdoors buzz working in her flower garden with her family along with many other outdoor activities. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Richard Smith, Sr.; two sons, Marvin Richard Smith, Jr. and Lance Ruben Smith and brother, William E. Garrett, III.
Survivors include her two brothers, Monte (Beverly) Garrett and Mike (Sonya) Garrett, all of Dublin; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Garrett of Riddleville and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM.
Funeral services for Mrs. Kathy Darnell Garrett Smith of Rockledge will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Higgs Funeral Home in Soperton. Interment will be in the Blue Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Laurens County. Mrs. Smith died Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Mrs. Smith, 71, was the daughter of the late Reverend William E. Garrett, Jr. & Vivian Lord Garrett. She was born in Sandersville, GA on April 20. 1952 and had lived most of her life in Laurens County. She was retired from Mohawk Industries in East Dublin and was a longtime member of Blue Springs Baptist Church. She loved to be outdoors buzz working in her flower garden with her family along with many other outdoor activities. She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Richard Smith, Sr.; two sons, Marvin Richard Smith, Jr. and Lance Ruben Smith and brother, William E. Garrett, III.
Survivors include her two brothers, Monte (Beverly) Garrett and Mike (Sonya) Garrett, all of Dublin; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Garrett of Riddleville and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 PM.
James Edward Snelgrove, Jr.
A “Celebration of Life” service for Mr. James Edward Snelgrove, Jr. of Rockledge will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at 1624 Church Loop Road, Rockledge GA. Danny Raburn will officiate. Mr. Snelgrove died Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Mr. Snelgrove, 55, was the son of the late James Edward “Jimmy” Snelgrove, Sr and Elaine Taylor Snelgrove. He was born in Plant City, FL on February 25, 1969. He was a truck driver and co-owner of J & E Trucking in Rockledge. He also owned several other businesses throughout his life. Mr. Snelgrove enjoyed being around his family, riding motorcycles and working. He was a man of all trades from lawncare, mechanic, contractor and truck driver. His son, James Eric Snelgrove, preceded him in death.
Survivors include seven children; Natasha Lynn Snelgrove (Glynn), Stacy Michelle Fulghum (Mitchell), Melinda Jo Snelgrove (Cornelio), Jason Snelgrove (Chynna),
Bret Sanford (Britnee), Jathon Eric Snelgrove and Chase Randolph; two brothers, Scott Snelgrove (Rebecca) and Joe Snelgrove (Deena); three sisters, Gena Davis (Jim), Donna Dean and Missy Timken and eight grandchildren.
The family requests that any food/flowers may be delivered to the home at 1624 Church Loop Road, Rockledge, GA.
A “Celebration of Life” service for Mr. James Edward Snelgrove, Jr. of Rockledge will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at 2:00 PM at 1624 Church Loop Road, Rockledge GA. Danny Raburn will officiate. Mr. Snelgrove died Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
Mr. Snelgrove, 55, was the son of the late James Edward “Jimmy” Snelgrove, Sr and Elaine Taylor Snelgrove. He was born in Plant City, FL on February 25, 1969. He was a truck driver and co-owner of J & E Trucking in Rockledge. He also owned several other businesses throughout his life. Mr. Snelgrove enjoyed being around his family, riding motorcycles and working. He was a man of all trades from lawncare, mechanic, contractor and truck driver. His son, James Eric Snelgrove, preceded him in death.
Survivors include seven children; Natasha Lynn Snelgrove (Glynn), Stacy Michelle Fulghum (Mitchell), Melinda Jo Snelgrove (Cornelio), Jason Snelgrove (Chynna),
Bret Sanford (Britnee), Jathon Eric Snelgrove and Chase Randolph; two brothers, Scott Snelgrove (Rebecca) and Joe Snelgrove (Deena); three sisters, Gena Davis (Jim), Donna Dean and Missy Timken and eight grandchildren.
The family requests that any food/flowers may be delivered to the home at 1624 Church Loop Road, Rockledge, GA.
March 2024
Elizabeth Kathleen Odom Collins
Graveside services for Mrs. Elizabeth Kathleen Odom Collins of Vidalia will be held Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3:00 PM in the Braddy Cemetery in Montgomery County. Reverend Owen Waters will officiate. Mrs. Collins died Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Community Hospice in Vidalia.
Mrs. Collins, 83, was the daughter of the late Cleo & Stella Whitaker Odom. She was born in Kibbee, GA, was a resident of Montgomery County for most of her life and had been a resident of Vidalia for the past 10 years. She was the former owner of Moxley TV and Appliance in Kibbee, had also been employed by Summers Landing Assisted Living and was a longtime member of Bear Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her five siblings, Hazel Davis, Jack Odom, Christine Peacock, Susie Nell Taylor, Mack Odom and seven nephews, Grayson Turner, Walter Kight, Jimmy Bridges, Allan Peacock, Douglas Davis, Glen Williford and Bruce Hoard.
She is survived by her stepson, George E. King of Soperton; 14 nieces/nephews, Angie Davis Turner of Guyton, Roy & Sherry Taylor of Mt. Vernon, Judy & Dwayne Sharpe of Lyons, Sherri & Mike Sharpton of Mt. Vernon, Eddie Peacock of Vidalia, Nina Bridges of Glenwood, Jackie Kight of Vidalia, Linda Davis of Nevils, Marlene Hoard of Athens, Dennis & Debbie Odom of Pembroke, Kenneth Odom of Statesboro, Debbie Moore of Elijay, Timothy Williford of Vidalia and Mark Williford of Elijay.
Graveside services for Mrs. Elizabeth Kathleen Odom Collins of Vidalia will be held Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3:00 PM in the Braddy Cemetery in Montgomery County. Reverend Owen Waters will officiate. Mrs. Collins died Saturday, March 30, 2024 at Community Hospice in Vidalia.
Mrs. Collins, 83, was the daughter of the late Cleo & Stella Whitaker Odom. She was born in Kibbee, GA, was a resident of Montgomery County for most of her life and had been a resident of Vidalia for the past 10 years. She was the former owner of Moxley TV and Appliance in Kibbee, had also been employed by Summers Landing Assisted Living and was a longtime member of Bear Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her five siblings, Hazel Davis, Jack Odom, Christine Peacock, Susie Nell Taylor, Mack Odom and seven nephews, Grayson Turner, Walter Kight, Jimmy Bridges, Allan Peacock, Douglas Davis, Glen Williford and Bruce Hoard.
She is survived by her stepson, George E. King of Soperton; 14 nieces/nephews, Angie Davis Turner of Guyton, Roy & Sherry Taylor of Mt. Vernon, Judy & Dwayne Sharpe of Lyons, Sherri & Mike Sharpton of Mt. Vernon, Eddie Peacock of Vidalia, Nina Bridges of Glenwood, Jackie Kight of Vidalia, Linda Davis of Nevils, Marlene Hoard of Athens, Dennis & Debbie Odom of Pembroke, Kenneth Odom of Statesboro, Debbie Moore of Elijay, Timothy Williford of Vidalia and Mark Williford of Elijay.
Brian Christopher Horne
Graveside services for Mr. Brian Christopher Horne, 38, will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Westview Cemetery in Soperton, GA. The family will receive friends at Higgs Funeral Home beginning at 10:00 AM. Jessica Clark will officiate. Christopher died peacefully in his sleep on March 13, 2024.
Christopher was born in Dublin, GA on September 30, 1985 and was a graduate of Treutlen High School “Class of 2004”. He worked in the field of computer service and was a Christian by faith. He loved working on cars and had a green thumb when it came to growing plants. He also had an infectious smile and a big heart.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Emmett and Vertie Horne of Soperton, GA.
Survivors include his mother, Tammy Horne (Jeff) Maddox of Macon; his beloved friend, Dr. Stephanie Walker (Chris) Harabaglia of Colorado Springs, CO and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Graveside services for Mr. Brian Christopher Horne, 38, will be held Friday, March 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Westview Cemetery in Soperton, GA. The family will receive friends at Higgs Funeral Home beginning at 10:00 AM. Jessica Clark will officiate. Christopher died peacefully in his sleep on March 13, 2024.
Christopher was born in Dublin, GA on September 30, 1985 and was a graduate of Treutlen High School “Class of 2004”. He worked in the field of computer service and was a Christian by faith. He loved working on cars and had a green thumb when it came to growing plants. He also had an infectious smile and a big heart.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Emmett and Vertie Horne of Soperton, GA.
Survivors include his mother, Tammy Horne (Jeff) Maddox of Macon; his beloved friend, Dr. Stephanie Walker (Chris) Harabaglia of Colorado Springs, CO and several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
James Henry Bennett
Mr. James Henry Bennett of Dublin died Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Higgs Funeral Home in Soperton with burial to follow in the Odomville Cemetery in Johnson County. Reverend Kyle Giddens and Reverend Allen Green will officiate.
Mr. Bennett,69, was the son of the late James Edgar Bennett and Eva Pritchard Bennett. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on October 25, 1954, had lived most of his life in Adrian, GA and had been a resident of Dublin for the past 12 years. He was a retired self- employed builder for Bennett Step & Wedge and was a member of Jefferson Street Baptist Church. He loved to fish and cook along with watching the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons. Most of all he loved when Judy would read the Bible to him. He was preceded in death by his eight siblings; Carol Jane Monroe, Grady Richard Bennett, Randolph Allen Bennett, Della Bennett Beck, Carlton Bennett, James Clinton Bennett, Chester Alton Bennett and Mary Elizabeth Passmore.
Survivors include his longtime companion, Judy McClelland of Dublin, two brothers, Troy W. Bennett of Swainsboro and William M. (Dania) Bennett of Adrian; two sisters, Hazel Christine Bennett of Wrightsville and Erma Jean Hill of Jacksonville, FL and numerous nieces & nephews.
The family will receive friends beginning at noon Saturday at the funeral home.
Mr. James Henry Bennett of Dublin died Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the Chapel of Higgs Funeral Home in Soperton with burial to follow in the Odomville Cemetery in Johnson County. Reverend Kyle Giddens and Reverend Allen Green will officiate.
Mr. Bennett,69, was the son of the late James Edgar Bennett and Eva Pritchard Bennett. He was born in Jacksonville, FL on October 25, 1954, had lived most of his life in Adrian, GA and had been a resident of Dublin for the past 12 years. He was a retired self- employed builder for Bennett Step & Wedge and was a member of Jefferson Street Baptist Church. He loved to fish and cook along with watching the Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Falcons. Most of all he loved when Judy would read the Bible to him. He was preceded in death by his eight siblings; Carol Jane Monroe, Grady Richard Bennett, Randolph Allen Bennett, Della Bennett Beck, Carlton Bennett, James Clinton Bennett, Chester Alton Bennett and Mary Elizabeth Passmore.
Survivors include his longtime companion, Judy McClelland of Dublin, two brothers, Troy W. Bennett of Swainsboro and William M. (Dania) Bennett of Adrian; two sisters, Hazel Christine Bennett of Wrightsville and Erma Jean Hill of Jacksonville, FL and numerous nieces & nephews.
The family will receive friends beginning at noon Saturday at the funeral home.