Mr. Arlie Ben Davis Jr. of Jacksonville, Florida died in the morning hours of Monday, Oct. 1, 2018, at St. Vincent’s Riverside in Jacksonville, Fla.

A visitation will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4, in the Woods-Wainwright Chapel of Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland.

Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland is entrusted with Mr. Davis’ arrangements.

Randa Mimi Klawuhn, 47, of St. Marys passed away Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018, at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.

Randa was born Jan. 15, 1971, in Bangor, Maine. She had been a resident of Camden County since 1993 and taught at Matilda Harris Elementary School for 25 years. Randa was also former Georgia Teacher of the Year. She was a member of the St. Marys First Baptist Church and Sunday school teacher for the children. She enjoyed reading and inspiring children to read.

Funeral services and a celebration of Randa’s life were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30, at St. Marys First Baptist Church with Pastor Steve Kegley officiating. The family received friends at the church one hour prior to service time at 2 p.m. A private interment will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

Survivors include her husband, Jack Klawuhn; three children, Garrett Klawuhn, Jonah Klawuhn and Kalista Klawuhn, all of St. Marys; sister, Amanda McCullough of Austin, Texas; her fur babies, Daisy and Pumpkin; and extended family at Matilda Harris Elementary School.

The family requests contributions in memory of Randa be made to the Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Golden Isles Parkway, Brunswick, GA  31525.

Allison Memorial Chapel and Funeral Home of St. Marys is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Carl H. Stoeffler, 82, of St. Marys died at his residence on the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018, surrounded by his beloved family.

Calling hours for the Stoeffler family will be from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Westside Baptist Church, 201 S. Dandy St. in St. Marys. Funeral services will follow there at noon. Interment will be held following the service in Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland is entrusted with Mr. Stoeffler’s arrangements.

Violet Burch, 92, of Woodbine died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, at Community Hospice Warner Center in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Funeral services and a complete list of survivors are to follow.

Allison Memorial Chapel and Funeral Home of St. Marys is in charge of arrangements.

Kathleen “Kathy” Marie Wilson, 77, of Kingsland passed away peacefully at her residence September 2, 2018 with her family by her side.

Kathy was born the eldest of five children to George and Jane Crockett in Aurora, Ill., on Aug. 19, 1941. She married her soul mate and best friend, Charles “Chuck” Wilson, on Jan. 21, 1961, and had three boys in Aurora, Ill. She was a legal secretary for more than 20 years in-between raising their children. Chuck and Kathy moved to Kingsland on May 25, 1997.

A loving, devoted and strong wife and mother best describes her. Everyone who had the privilege of meeting her understood just how incredible of a lady she was and how much better they are for knowing her. 

She enjoyed family and friends, crafting, pottery, stained glass and perfecting her famous food dishes. She loved camping and supporting their children during a variety of sporting and school events.

Kathy may not be physically with us today but she can be found in each one of us that she has touched.

She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Chuck; their sons, Dan, Steve and Pat; grandchildren, Matt, Andrew, Katelyn, Nicholas and Samantha; great-grandchildren, Gracie and Chase; brothers, Pete, Jeff and Andy; and sister, Karen.

Father Stephen Gergel will preside over a memorial prayer service at noon Saturday, Oct. 20, held at Allison Memorial Chapel in St Marys. All are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.

Allison Memorial Chapel and Funeral Home of St. Marys is in charge of arrangements.

Sharon Darlene Ratliff, 61, of Woodbine passed away Friday, Oct. 5, 2018, at UF Health in Gainesville, Fla.

Sharon was born Feb. 10, 1957, in Jacksonville, Fla. She had been a resident of Camden County for the past 30 years and was of the Baptist faith. Sharon was a liver transplant survivor and enjoyed her gardening, animals and was an excellent cook. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her father, William Ratliff, and two sisters, Pamela O’Shields and Antoinette Herrin.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys with Pastor Eddie Rawls and Dawn Drury officiating. Burial to follow at Lawnwood Cemetery in Kingsland.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, at Allison Memorial Chapel.

Pallbearers will be Beau Copher, Tyler Cobb, Bill Ratliff, Jimmie Williams, Mark Ratliff, Terry Pierce and Chris Ratliff.

Survivors include her husband, Robert Pierce of Woodbine; mother, Ann Herrin of Jacksonville, Fla.; three children, Nicole Fletcher, Bobbie Jo Williams (Jimmy) and Beau Copher; three brothers, Bill Ratliff (Tammy), Mark Ratliff and Chris Ratliff; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Allison Memorial Chapel and Funeral Home of St. Marys is in charge of arrangements.

James Edward Roberts, 62, of the Kinlaw community in Woodbine died Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018, at Baptist North Medical Campus in Jacksonville, Fla.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, at Sunset Funeral Home.

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of final arrangements.

Mr. Brad Bond, 69, of St. Marys died on the evening of Sunday, Oct. 7, at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.

A private service will be held by the family at a later date.

Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland is entrusted with Mr. Bond’s arrangements.

Ernest Baker, Sr., 88, of Kingsland fell asleep in death on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.

Brother Ernest Baker Sr., son of the late James and Corine Baker, was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on June 12, 1930. Predeceased by him in death were both parents and siblings, Leroy Baker, Esley Baker, Jimmy Baker, Edith Donaldson, Hattie Mae James, Corine Henderson and Annie Mae Bowers.

Brother Baker moved to St. Marys where he met and married Erthalene Jones. Before her death, they were married more than 55 years. He was employed at Gilman Paper Company for more than 32 years.

Dedicating his life to serving Jehovah, Brother Baker was baptized in 1958. He enjoyed his responsibilities and privileges in the Christian congregation. He understood that divine education was very important to him. He devoted his life to Jehovah and he was always an encouragement to all around him. He taught others to serve Jehovah to the end, and that is what he did.

Brother Baker leaves behind his precious memories and love to his two sons, Ernest (Cathy) Baker Jr. and Ernest Lee (Desiree) Jones; three daughters, Connie (Robert) M. Singh, Veronica O’Flaherty and Patricia (Paul) Forrand; one sister, Doris Fearon; grandchildren, Anila, Nadiya, Tamika, Rickey Jr., Jerry, Christa, Tony, Tina, Pamela, Terrell, Terra, Richard Jr. and Eric; a great-granddaughter that was dear to him, Natalia Bernard; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness.  There will be no wake. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Susan Laurine Porter Mercer, 75, of St. Marys died in the late evening hours of Friday, Oct. 12, 2018 in Brunswick.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, in Burnt Fort Chapel Cemetery in While Oak.

Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland is entrusted with Mrs. Mercer’s arrangements.

Violet May Henderson Burch passed away Oct. 7, 2018, at Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

She was born in Lolo, Mont., on Dec. 24, 1925. Violet married Clyde Burch in August 1944. They had four children, Bruce (Carol) of Rushville, Ind., Wayne (Kathy) of Connersville, Ind., Dean (Donna) of Crawfordsville, Ind., and Lois (GK) Burch of Woodbine. There are 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren with No. 15 due in January 2019.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde, and six great-grandchildren. 

Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys and Urban-Winkler Funeral Home in Liberty, Ind., are in charge of final arrangements.

Services will be held Saturday, Oct. 20, at Urban-Winkler Funeral Home in Liberty, Ind. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with services to follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville, Ind. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to First Baptist Church of Woodbine, Building Fund, 300 W. Eighth St., Woodbine, GA 31569.

Joseph Kevin Barber, 44, of Kingsland passed away Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018, at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla.

Kevin was a lifelong resident of Camden County. He was born March 21, 1974, in St. Marys. Kevin influenced many children and was like a father figure to them. He worked with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office from 1994 to 1997 and the Glynn County Sheriff’s Office from 1997 to 2000, then returning to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office in 2000 and became a deputy in March 2001. He was named Officer of the Year in Camden County in 2003 from the VFW.

Kevin loved boating, shrimping, law enforcement, K-9 work, but most of all he loved his family and being a father. He had an amazing heart and a thirst for life, always giving hugs to warm your heart. Kevin was a loving father, son, brother, best friend and was always good for an awesome story with a lot of laughs to follow. He was full of love and laughs with tons of jokes and pranks up his sleeve. He will so sadly be missed and loved. He was of the Baptist faith.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, at Evergreen Baptist Church in Woodbine with Dale Williams officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys. Private inurnment services will be held by the family at a later date.

Pallbearers will be Chris Sears, Brian Barber, Kevin Chaney, Matt Turner, Rob Avedisian and Sean Billington.

Survivors include his mother, Linda Nash-Strickland; children, Jacob Allan Barber, Joshua Aaron Barber, Ashley Elizabeth Barber, Austin Perry Barber, Katlyn Cheyanne Barber, Ethan Fuller and Austin Googe; brother, Nicky Barber (Krystal); fiancee, Julie Browning; and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father, Perry Barber.

The family requests contributions in memory of Kevin be made to the Camden County Sheriff’s Office K-9 fund, c/o Camden County Sheriff’s Office, 409 E. Fourth St., Woodbine, GA 31569.

Allison Memorial Chapel and Funeral Home of St. Marys is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Ann Ruth Hutchinson, 83, of St. Marys died unexpectedly at her residence on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018.

Funeral services will be held privately by the family locally and then in Massachusetts.

Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland is entrusted with Mrs. Hutchinson’s arrangements.

George F. McDuffee Jr., 79, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018, at Windsor Place in Coffeyville, Kan. He was born Feb. 25, 1939, in Kansas City, Mo., to George F. (Mac) McDuffee Sr. and Betty Henderson McDuffee. 

He is survived by his brother, Col. Frank W. McDuffee, USMC (Ret.), of Fayetteville, Ark.; his beloved nephew and niece, Jeff Turner of Woodbine and Paige Davis of Radford, Va.; and numerous grand- and  great-grand-nephews and -nieces.

George’s parents had said they determined that he was an extraordinary child very early on. When he was learning to speak, it was in multiple languages, reflecting the nationalities of their immigrant neighbors. He was found to be ambidextrous and possessed a nearly photographic memory.

George was raised in Oklahoma and Kansas, graduated from Caney High School and served in the U.S. Army as an infantryman. He then attended Coffeyville Junior College and Kansas State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Illinois University. While working, George’s inherent quest for knowledge subsequently resulted in him earning a Master of Science degree from Pittsburg State University.

George’s inquisitive mind and restless curiosity caused him to make his home wherever his profession(s) led him — New York, California, Connecticut, Canada and Brazil to name a few. Some of the many career paths in which he excelled were sales, law enforcement, automotive R&D, quality control, computer technology, import/export, customer relations, real estate, insurance, statistical analysis and manufacturing. 

But it was not until later in his midlife that George discovered his true calling, that of education. While employed by Berg Manufacturing in Iola, Kan., he became an adjunct faculty member at Allen County Community College. That opportunity ignited his passion for teaching and mentoring. This commitment led him to achieve his specialist in education degree from Pittsburg State University.

George savored his commitment as a full time educator at college/university level. A personal academic milestone was reached when he attained his doctor of education degree from Oklahoma State University. When he retired from Frank Phillips College, Borger, Texas, he continued mentoring and consulting on a variety of subjects from his home in Coffeyville.

Some of George’s hobbies were leather-working, calligraphy, technology, history, econometrics, linguistics, motor scooters, metallurgy, reading, welding, needlecraft and gunsmithing.

George’s various affiliations included the American Society of Engineers, the National Association of Industrial Technology, Vocational Industrial Clubs of America, OSU Foundation, the American Rifle Association and the MacDuffee Clan of America.

Our “Unca" George will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues and countless numbers of students whose lives have been enriched by his servant leadership. We can be comforted by remembering the words of an unknown author: “What a teacher writes on the blackboard of life can never be erased.”

Per George's wishes, cremation has taken place under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel in Coffeyville, Kan. You are invited to a memorial celebration of the life of “Unca" George at his very favorite restaurant. In his remembrance, we want to serve you a margarita (or cerveza) and a delicious Mexican meal of your choice Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 5-8 p.m. at El Pueblito, 600 Northeast St., Coffeyville. In lieu of any flowers, it is requested that charitable contributions be made, in George McDuffee’s name. To leave a message of condolence, visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com.

Sandra Karen Ortega, 64, of St. Marys passed away Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 at her residence with her family by her side.

Sandee was born Oct. 24, 1953, in New Rochelle, N.Y., and was the daughter of the late Harry and Colene Thomas. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Dawn Del Rio.

Sandee had been a resident of Camden County for the past 16 years and was a victim’s advocate with Camden County for 15 years. She not only loved what she did with helping victims, but also helping others in need of help. Sandee loved spending time with her family and friends and enjoyed playing Bunko, gardening and collecting rocks. She was a member of Southeast Community Church. Sandee will be loved and missed by everyone she knew and came in contact with.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26, at Southeast Community Church in Kingsland with Pastor Steve Curtis officiating. A private inurnment will be held by the family at a later date.

Survivors include her son, Ryan Kilgo and wife, Dominique; two brothers, Wesley Thomas and Roddy Thomas; and two grandchildren, Lindsey Dawn Kilgo and Emerson Grace Kilgo.

Allison Memorial Chapel and Funeral Home of St. Marys is in charge of arrangements.

Clinton Williams Carper, 47, of Monroe, Ga., passed away on Oct. 20, 2018.

He was born on March 10, 1971, to Carla Culbreth Carper and Max George Corder. He was preceded in death by his brother, the late Alexander Heath Corder.

Surviving members of the family are wife, Amber Carper of Monroe; daughters, Callie Maxine Carper, 10 and Reagan Elizabeth Carper, 5; mother, Carla Culbreth Carper, longtime resident of St. Marys; Max George Corder of Bigfork, Mont.; brother and sister-in-law, William Rush and Melissa of Bigfork, Mont.

Clint’s funeral was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, in the chapel of Meadows Funeral Home. The visitation was held prior to the funeral service from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m.

Meadows Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Please sign the guestbook online at www.meadowsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Mrs. Helen Elizabeth Ray Smith, 71, of Kingsland passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, after a long illness surrounded by family. 

She was born in Berrien County on June 28, 1947, to the late Henry J. Ray and Edna Mae Herring Ray. She served many roles in our community and was a member of Kingsland First Baptist Church. Mrs. Smith loved hunting, fishing, cooking, watching baseball, playing cards and gatherings with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Harrell Smith; her son, Kevin Smith (Katie); her daughters, Carol English (Wade) and Carla Mimbs (Dale); her grandchildren, Brian English, Lindsey LePierre (John), Kyle LePierre, Christina Mimbs, John Mimbs (Parrish) and Ian Smith; her great-grandchildren, Kari Chandler, CJ Chandler, Marian Chandler, John Flexon and Ivy Mimbs. In addition, she is survived by her sister, Ouida Bennett, and brothers, Vernon Ray and Monty Ray, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Saturday, Nov. 3, at Kingsland First Baptist Church. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon with the memorial services immediately following. 

Donations can be made on behalf of Helen Smith to Georgia Hospice Care, American Cancer Society or the American Kidney Fund.

Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland is entrusted with Mrs. Smith’s arrangements.

Melissa Gray Trumble, 51, of Camden County died Oct. 29, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla.

A celebration of life service will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Burnt Fort Chapel in Woodbine. Private family graveside services were held in the Burnt Fort Cemetery.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.

Robert Lee Brown Sr., affectionately known as “Bimp,” died Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, after a lengthy illness at UF Health in Jacksonville, Fla. 

Robert was born Jan. 14, 1954, to the late Mr. Thurley W. Brown and the late Ella Hutchinson Brown in Woodbine.

He attended the public schools of Camden County and graduated in 1973 from Camden County High School. 

His pastime hobby was fishing and football. He was a die-hard fan of the Camden County Wildcats.  He would travel everywhere supporting the Wildcats. 

He was the first African American public works director for the City of Woodbine, where he worked for more than 35 years. 

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Reverend Mack Donald Knight, and a sister, Patricia Brown. 

Robert leaves to cherish his memories, his children, Melba Ferrell of Woodbine, Varshawn Brown of Kingsland, Tonya Brown of North Carolina and Robert “Smacky” Brown Jr. of Woodbine; sisters, Mackie Lou Council of Cocoa Beach, Fla., and Evangelist Ella K. Gavan of Philadelphia; brothers, Lucious Brown Sr. (Anna Bell) of Woodbine and Hamp Brown Sr. of Kingsland; two aunts, Dorothy Hutchinson of Woodbine and Anita Sherman of Yulee, Fla.; a loving companion, Crystal Butler of Woodbine; 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other sorrowing friends.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Woodbine. There will be no wake. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. His nephew, Pastor Mack De’Von Knight, will be officiating. 

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Gladys Bryant Collie, 95, died peacefully on Oct. 28, 2018, at Community Hospice in Fernandina Beach, Fla., following a short hospitalization for a brain aneurysm.

Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, at Spring Hope Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service at Spring Hope Memorial Gardens.

A memorial service will be held in Kingsland at a later date.

Coastal Camden Funeral Home is entrusted with her arrangements.