Funeral services for Willie James Rice, better known as “Ricky” of Orlando, Florida, formerly of Montezuma, Georgia will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at El Bethel Temple in Orlando, Florida. The service of Committal and Interment will follow on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 1:00 at Harrison Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery in Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend Biggs officiating. 

Willie James Rice was born February 20, 1957 in Macon County Georgia to Jannie Mae Ogburn and Timothy Ogburn. He attended D.F. Douglass High School, where he graduated with the Class of 1975.  He worked at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida as a cook for thirty-two years before retiring in November 2016.

Willie passed away on October 4, 2017. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jannie Mae Ogburn and stepfather, Timothy Ogburn. “Ricky” had a heart of gold. He was a son, brother, nephew, uncle, and a friend. Precious memories of his life will forever live on in the hearts of his brother, Tony (Stephanie) Rice of Orlando, FL, his sisters: Conswalla Ogburn of Montezuma, GA and Kathy (Roger) Shuford of Severn, MD; two nieces: Kendra Rice (Kiki) and Kimberly Rice (Gerry) both of Orlando, FL; two nephews: Tony Rice (Kemshia) and Odarius Rice (Charlotte) both of Orlando, FL; great-nephews, Tony Rice III and Odarius Rice, Jr.; great nieces : Kendall Williams, Olivia Rice and Khloe Rice; a host of other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services for Ms. Laura Lee Porter of Macon, Georgia formerly of Montezuma, Georgia will be held Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in the Chapel of West’s Mortuary in Montezuma, Georgia with Minister James Harrison officiating.

Laura Lee Porter was born June 28, 1957 in Montezuma, Georgia. She grew up in Montezuma and attended the Macon County Public Schools. She lived in Macon County most of her adult life but later moved to Macon, Georgia.

On Wednesday morning, October 4, 2017, God called the spirit of our dearly beloved home to be with Him throughout eternity. Loved ones who preceded her in death are her parents: Catherine Porter and John Bogan, Sr. and one sibling, Wilmatine P. Turner. Left to cherish her memories are her sons: Carlos (Tomika) Porter and Alvin B. Dunn and her daughter, Shalanda E. Dunn all of Macon, Georgia; sisters and brothers: Cynthia P. (Dr. A.L.) Owens of Cleveland, Ohio, Joan P. Haugabook, Kathyann P. Simmons, James K. (Cheryll) Porter, John (Ida) Bogan, Jr. and Sherry Robinson all of Montezuma, Georgia; aunts and uncles: Dianne Porter of McDonough, Georgia, Landis Ogburn, Emma J. Jackson, Donald (Geneva) Porter and Frederick (Alice) Jackson of Montezuma, Georgia, and Bernice (Arthur) Barrett of Bronx, New York, sixteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Willie Bell Clinkscales Jones of Fitzgerald, Georgia formerly of Plains, Georgia will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Zion Hope Baptist Church with Rev. George F. Monts officiating. Burial will follow at the Greater New Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Willie Bell Clinkscales was born on July 27, 1951 to the parentage of the late Mr. Willie Clinkscales and the late Mrs. Leola Clinkscales. At an early age she joined Bethlehem Baptist Church, Plains, Georgia.  She attended Plains High School and was employed by Sumter Regional Hospital in Americus, Georgia. She was married to the late Samuel Jones. Mrs. Jones died on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Navicent  Healthcare in Macon, Georgia. She is preceded in death by her siblings: Johnny Clinkscales, James Clinkscales, Robert Clinkscales, Jimmy Sims, Jennie Barner and Christine Smith.

She is survived by two devoted sisters: Mrs. Fannie Bradley and Mrs. Alice Bradley both of Sumter City, Georgia; one brother, Andrew Clinkscales Sr. of Montezuma, Georgia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends, including a devoted nephew Henry Bradley also survive.

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Funeral services for Mr. S.L. Ward of Dawson, Georgia will be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the Beulahland Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia.

Sammie Lee Ward, known as “S.L.” was born on November 4, 1929 in Dawson, Georgia, to the late Mr. Sammie Lee Ward, Sr. and the late Mrs. Johnnie Bee Lewis Ward. He was educated in the public schools of Terrell County. At an early age, “S.L.” confessed his love for Christ and joined Jerusalem Baptist Church.  Later he joined Beulahland Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia, where he served as a Deacon for many years. He was a man who believed in prayer and the power of prayer.

On Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Sammie Lee Ward transitioned to his eternal resting place peacefully. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two children: Forrest Ward and Sherry Ann Ward Shanks; two brothers: Frank and J.C. Ward and a host of family and friends.

“S.L.” obtained his license as a Funeral Director and in 1969 his dreams of becoming a funeral home owner became true. “S.L.” befriended local funeral directors and they taught him the trade of funeral service.  In 2009, the Georgia Funeral Directors Association recognized him with an achievement award for 40 years of service.  He also served as a council member on the Board of Commissioners of Dawson, Georgia. He was given an award in appreciation for 9 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Ward 6 in Dawson, Georgia, from March 3, 2004 to December 31, 2013.

His memories shall be cherished by his surviving family members. To include, his wife Elmyra Whitehead Essix Ward, devoted brother: David Lee (Annie Mae) Ward, of Dawson, GA; Loving sister: Amie Lee Ward of Dawson, Georgia, loving and caring children, step-children, grandchildren, great – grandchildren, great -great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, godchildren, family, and friends.  A special friend that he considered a brother, Mr. Lawrence Williams and one he looked at as a son, Mr. Robert Eric West.  His legacy shall be forever remembered and never forgotten by all.

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Funeral services for Mr. Willie Lee Laster of Montezuma, GA formerly of Plains, GA will be held on Saturday, September 9 at 11:00 A.M. at the Greater New Lebanon Baptist Church on Hwy 308 in Plains, GA with Pastor Glenn Bryant, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Mr. Willie Lee Laster was born on May 9, 1960 in Plains Georgia to the late Mrs. Irene Watts Laster and the late Mr. L.C. Laster. Willie was affectionately known to some as “Sho Nuff“ and to others as “Snoop Dog”. At an early age Willie joined the Greater New Lebanon Baptist Church. On February 23, 2012 he married Ms. Carlessa Tookes. Willie died on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at his home in Montezuma, Georgia. He was preceded in death by two brothers: Ernest Monts and Joe (Earlean) Laster and two sisters: Irene Grier and Sarah Roberts. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Carlessa Tookes Laster of Montezuma, GA; his children : Adayshia Laster of Montezuma, GA, Janisia Wicker, Kanetria Laster (Kevin), Lakeisha Hightower (Nikki) all of Americus, GA,  Kizzy (Henry) Edmundson, of Jackson, North Carolina,  James (Victoria) Jordan, Willie Laster Jr, Marcus Laster all of Americus, GA; two step sons: Jontavous Jackson, Brandon Jackson both of Montezuma, GA; his siblings:  Vera (James) Robertson of Ellaville, GA, Charlie (Ida) Laster of Albany, GA, L.C. (Lorraine) Laster of Americus, GA; four sisters-in-law: Maryland Tookes, Lydia Oliver (Vinson) all of Montezuma, GA, Vernell Marks and Annie Tookes (Micheal) all of Decatur, GA;  three nieces including two devoted nieces: Mary Baisden (Calvin) of Americus, GA and Shanica (Bryant) Floyd of Warner Robins, GA and Lillie Myers, Americus, GA who was like a sister.  Several other relatives and friends also survive.

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Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Lizzie Dorsey Brown of Smithville Georgia will be held on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at the Zion Hope Baptist Church with Minister Frankie Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at the Israel Cemetery.

Mrs. Mary Lizzie Dorsey Brown was born on January 28, 1933 to the parentage of Mr. Roosevelt Dorsey and Mrs Mabel Barlow Dorsey. Mrs. Mary was a person of beauty and charm. Her beauty was internal as well as external. She was a woman who took great pride in being a wife, mother and homemaker. Curtis Brown her husband, proceeded her in death. Mrs. Mary devoted many years of service to the textile industry through employment with Manhattan Shirt Factory. Retirement became imminent due to illness.

The joy of her life was her four children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Two of her children preceded her in death, Nina Cooper (James), and Curtis Jerome Brown Junior. The children that remain are Mary Nell Way (James) and Sonja Vernita Pride (Ernest). The grandchildren are Karen Brown, Edmond Way, Cheryl Ward, Sondra Roundtree (Raliegh), James Cornelius Cooper, and Justin C.  Pride. The great grandchildren are Anthony M. Way, Alisha Way, Kolbie B. Cooper, Raleigh Roundtree, Jr. and Mason Ryan Roundtree.

The legacy that Mrs. Mary Brown leaves behind is one of unconditional love, patience, gentleness, meekness and an unrelenting capacity to show kindness. Though a woman of few words, she spoke volumes through her quiet and humble demeanor. There are many that remain to cherish her memory. Devoted friends include Mrs. Ethel Brown, Mrs. Jean Gibson and Mrs. Sandra Bradley. She will be greatly missed by her devoted cousin Mr. Thomas Gibson, who visited her daily. Mrs. Mary touched many lives during her 84 years. Her memory will forever be in our hearts.

Funeral services for Mr. Timmy Edward Kaigler will be held at 2:00 on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Brown Chapel Baptist Church in Montezuma, Georgia with Reverend D. C. Bell officiating. Burial will follow in Second Salem Baptist Church Cemetery.

 Mr. Timmy Edward Kaigler was born on March 11, 1968 in Montezuma, Georgia.  He was the grandson of the late Mr. Charlie and Gladys Kaigler and son of the late Mrs. Sarah Kaigler Little and the late Mr. Richard Sanders. At an early age, Timmy joined Second Salem Baptist Church, where he served as an usher. Timmy was employed with Imerys of Andersonville for eleven years as an operator loader technician and loved his job and wonderful co-workers.  He was also a 1986 graduate of D. F. Douglass High School.  Timmy was an avid fisherman.  On most occasions, after work or on the weekends, he and a friend would go fishing, a hobby that he thoroughly enjoyed.  He was a kind, fun loving person and loved his family and friends unconditionally. Timmy passed away on August 19, 2017 at his residence.

He leaves a lifetime of precious memories to his brothers:  Sanford (Sheila) Kaigler, Tony (Lee) Kaigler, both of Oglethorpe, Georgia, Johnny (Lynette) Kaigler of Montezuma, Georgia and his devoted sister, Stephanie (Carroll) Johnson of Warner Robins, Georgia. He was also blessed to have Richard Sanders of St. Petersburg, Florida, Rodney Sanders of Warner Robins, Georgia, Billy Sanders and Glenda Sanders of Montezuma, Georgia, Martha Sanders of Atlanta, Georgia and Cornelia Thomas in his life. He will always have a special place in the hearts of  his daughter, PaiShunci “PaiPai” Kaigler of Warner Robins, Georgia and godchildren Cassie Roberts of Montezuma, Georgia and Nathan Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia;  a host of other relatives and devoted friends.

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Memorial Services for Mrs. Barbara Ruth Stewart will be held on Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. in the Chapel of West’s Mortuary with Pastor Bryan Myers officiating.

Mrs. Barbara Ruth Stewart was born on August 24, 1934 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Joseph and Dorothy Gaynor. For several years she worked in the laundry at Fairview Nursing Center. She was married to the late Bill Stewart. Mrs. Stewart died peacefully on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Magnolia Manor in Americus, Georgia.

Left to cherish her memories are her children: Dorothy Grace, Allen Stallings, Donna Stallings and Ramona Morales; three granddaughters: Librada Whorton, Ramona Smith and Olivia Hunt; six grandsons: Terry Stallings, Tyrone Smith, Jr., Carlos Stallings, Christopher Stallings, Rhue Stallings and Qwan Stallings; her best friend since the age of three, Geraldine Barnes; several other relatives and friends also survive.