Sabrina Marie Dempsey, 28, of Liverpool, Texas, passed away Jan. 23, 2019, in Hitchcock, Texas, due to a fatal car accident along with her fiance Bradley Holcomb.

Sabrina was born Aug. 26, 1990, in Jacksonville, Fla., to Annmarie Murphy and Jerry Matt Dempsey Sr. Sabrina had a huge heart that she wore on her sleeve. She had a way of lighting up a room with her smile. She had a love for laughter, music, writing, coloring and talking to her loved ones on the phone.

Sabrina was the mother of her three beautiful children, Brenton Dempsey, Chyanne Phipps and Alexiah Phipps, that she loved more than life itself. The love she carried for her family and friends was undeniable. She will be dearly missed and forever remain in our hearts.

In addition to her children, Sabrina is survived by her mother, Annmarie Waggoner (Milan); father, Jerry Dempsey Sr.; brothers, Jerry Dempsey Jr. (Katie) and Brian Dempsey; a sister, Shelly Dempsey (Robbie Bachman); nieces, Shayla Rebstock and Cali Dempsey; and nephew, Chael Dempsey.

Sabrina was preceded in death by a brother, Derrick Murphy, and her fiance, Bradley Holcomb.

Memorial services were held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Allison Memorial Chapel with Rev. Wilford McCormick.

Allison Memorial Chapel was in charge of the arrangements.

Ceola Eugene Hubbard was born June 25, 1935, in Kingsland to the late Vivian Mae Hubbard and Arthur Hubbard. He was the eldest of 13 children.

Eugene was educated in the public schools in St. Marys. After high school, he attended and graduated from Savannah State College, majoring in chemistry and mathematics. He furthered his education by receiving a master of operations research from Georgia Washington University and a master of business/public administration from Southeastern University.

Eugene accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Young Zion Baptist Church in Woodsville. When his career led him to the Washington, D.C., area, he became a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church. When a prolonged illness caused him to move to Hampton, Va., he became a part of Word, Will, Way of God Deliverance Ministry.

On June 1, 1963, he married Josephine Pollard in a double wedding ceremony with her sister, Lavinia. From this union, two children were born, Christopher Eugene and Cynthia Loraine. Though they only had two natural children, their house was always open for anyone who needed that family touch.

He was a civic-minded individual and served on many community boards and auxiliaries in leadership positions. His most recent committees were the Arlington View Civic Association, Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization, Arlington County Form Base Code Committee, Arlington Housing Solution Board, Arlington Community Action Program and Arlington Transportation Commission.

Eugene was also the guiding force behind the Character Club for a diverse group of young men from Hoffman-Boston Elementary School.

Eugene was a devout man of God. He ministered at all times and spoke only when necessary. He was a longtime member of Gideons International, Boy Scouts of America and the Baptist General Convention of Virginia. His service to the Baptist Training Union, Sunday school, trustee board, deacon board and many other ministries at Mount Olive and beyond are more than any sheet of paper can hold.

On Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2019, God reaped the harvest seed we affectionally call Daddy, Grandpa, Pop, Deac and Gene from labor to the place prepared for him by Jesus Christ.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 43 years, Josephine P. Hubbard; and two brothers, Arthur Lewis Hubbard and Michael J. Hubbard.

Eugene leaves to cherish his memory and legacy, one son, Christopher E. Hubbard; one daughter, Cynthia L. Wooten and son-in-law Wesley I. Wooten Jr.; Linda A. Briggs as one who is like a daughter; a nephew he viewed as a son, Wesley L. Days Sr.; sister-in-law, Lavinia P. Barnes; six brothers, Hosea Hubbard Sr. (Sarah), Wardell Hubbard Sr., Willie Hubbard Sr. (Willie Marie), Jack Hubbard, Sterling Hubbard Sr. and Enoch Hubbard Sr.; four sisters, Evelyn Sabb (Lee), Vola McCartney, Fannie Richo and Fostina Mitchell; four grandchildren, Wesley I. Wooten IV, Cherise I. Wooten, Warren I. Wooten and Cerena I. Wooten; one great-grandchild, Kobe X. Wooten; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends that became family and two church families Mount Olive Baptist Church of Arlington, Va., and Word, Will, Way of God Deliverance Ministry of Hampton, Va.

A viewing was held at 9 a.m. Jan. 29 followed by a celebration of life at 11 a.m. at Mount Olive Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. James E. Victor Jr. officiating.

Ralph Wesley Batten Sr., 78, of St. Marys passed away Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, at UF Health in Jacksonville, Fla.

Born May 17, 1940, in Pearson, he was the son of the late Elisha and Myrle Batten. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Jane E. Batten; brothers, Walter Batten and Aubrey Batten; and sister, Alice Marie Batten White.

Mr. Batten was retired from Gilman Paper Company with more than 30 years of service.

A memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Three Rivers Church on Miller Street in St. Marys with Pastor Mike Roddy officiating.

Survivors include his children, Ralph W. Batten Jr. (Sherry), David R. Batten (Chris) and Lonnie J. Batten (Susan); sister, Mildred Deen; brothers, Clinton Batten and Herman Batten; a grandchild, Calib D. Batten.

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

Niakia Desré Fontes, 23, of St. Marys passed away on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, as a result of an vehicle accident.

She was born on June 27, 1995, to Keisha Tanksley-Jones and Derick J. Fontes in Berkeley, Calif. Niakia was a graduate in Camden County High School Class of 2013 where she participated in cheerleading, gymnastics, theater, drama club, basketball, track and an all-American dancer all before entering college.

Niakia attended Savannah State College and graduated from Valdosta State College with a bachelor's degree in mass communication. While at Valdosta State, she served as Miss Black and also served as an intern at Lowndes Associated Ministries to People Inc. (LAMP) and as a mentor to many. Her employment included T-Mobile, Buffalo Wild Wings, Longhorn, Paula Deen's and her most recent job was with Ops Pizza.

Niakia was a devoted member of Abundant Life Harvest Center under the leadership of Pastor Byron Dawson where she also participated in the dance team.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Joe Tanksley and Curtis Bey.

Survivors include her parents, Keisha (Duane) Jones of St. Marys and Derick (Chardé) Fontes of Fairfield, Calif.; her siblings, Annamarie Jones of St. Louis, Nicole Jones of St. Marys, Deandre Echols, Bailey, Franklin, Logan and Damien Fontes; her grandparents, Linda Tanksley of Kingsland, Virginia Fontes of Alexandria, La., and Shirley Jones of Columbus; her aunts, Eve Fontes of Alexandria, La., Kasie (Marcus) Moore of Kingsland and Tihira Jones of New Jersey; her uncles, Roy Jones of Long Island, N.Y., Willie Jones of Columbus and Kasil Jones of Kansas; one niece, Hannah Marie Jones; and a host of other relatives and close friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at First African Baptist Church, 495 N. Lee St. in Kingsland.

Final arrangements entrusted to Royal Funeral Home Inc. of Jesup.

John Ole Evenson passed peacefully on Jan. 23, 2019, while in the hospital in Brunswick. He currently lived on St. Simons Island.

John is survived by his wife of 63 years, Doreen Ann Evenson (Lukehart); four children, Elizabeth J. Evenson, Eric J. Evenson (LuAnn Tipton), Peter M. Evenson and Nancy J. Evenson; and two grandchildren.

John was born Feb. 12, 1933, the youngest of 15 children to Ole and Inga Evenson in Austin, Minn. He always had a passion for the outdoors and grew up enjoying hunting and fishing around his home in southeastern Minnesota with his older brothers. After graduating from Iowa State with a forestry degree, he had a prosperous career in forest product industry that led him to live in many states. He believed in wildlife conservation and was a lifelong member/volunteer of various conservation organizations.

There will be a memorial service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at Lord of Life Lutheran Church on St Simons Island. John would be honored in your remembrance of him with your contributions to charities of your choice

Russell Keith Thomson, 90, of Kingsland died Jan. 26, 2019, at his residence.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, at King of Peace Episcopal Church in Kingsland.

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

William Haze Buchanan of St. Marys died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at his residence.

He was born July 5, 1930, on the family farm in Day, Fla., the oldest of three children born to Rutherford Hayes and Vera Winderweedle Buchanan. He spent his elementary and high school years in Day and Mayo, Fla., graduating in 1948. He learned teamwork skills at an early age through playing on his school basketball team in his high school years.      

The son of a farming family, Haze used the opportunity to work the land during summers to earn the funds needed toward higher education, earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida in 1952. After college, he entered military service and served in the United States Air Force. 

Following military service, Haze moved to St. Marys to work with Gilman Paper Company, embarking on a career lasting 41 years where his calm and stable demeanor earned him the respect and admiration of all with whom he worked. He retired in 1996.

In 1957, he married Judy Trapnell in the historic Catholic chapel in St. Marys and they and their sons, Eric and John, spent their growing-up years traveling on long road trips. Their many trips to historic sites and mountains aroused his interest in the craft of wood working and he became adept in the art of furniture making. He built furniture for their young sons and beautiful pieces for their home and helped build the house that they shared for 58 years until his death. For more than 62 years, he was an active member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ralph Buchanan.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy Trapnell Buchanan; sons, Eric Buchanan (Martha) and John Buchanan (Anne) of Atlanta; sister, Ola Belle Mebane of Ellicott City, Md.; five grandchildren, Hayes, Meg, Ellen, Laurel and Ian Buchanan; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at noon Saturday, Feb. 9, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church with visitation in the church social hall following the service. Remembrances may be made to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in St. Marys.

Tammy Darlene Watts White of Alford, Fla., passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 31, 2019.

She is survived by her husband, Kevin, and son, Keith of Alford; sisters, Joyce Ruble and Marilyn Whitson of Waycross and Melba (Steve) Roberts of Folkston; and brother, Charles Cleveland Watts Sr. of St. Marys.

Tammy was preceded in death by her parents, Willie Melvin Watts Sr. and Annie Pearl Watts Rollins; sisters, Annie Madelina Watts, Geneva Christine Watts and Willie Nell Watts Anderson; and one brother, Willie Melvin Watts Jr.

You could always find Tammy smiling and laughing. Everyone loved being around Tammy with her free-spirited personality. She loved being around her family. Her husband and son were her world. She always said that Keith was the greatest thing that happened to her, that he was perfect! She will be greatly missed!

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Church of the Nazarene, 2505 Alice St. in Waycross.  

Mr. Leroy Davis, 77, of Folkston passed away on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2019, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

He was born on March 5, 1941, in Sparks, Ga., to the late Arlie and Beatrice (Lamb) Davis.

He grew up in Georgia and was employed by Gilman Paper Company, starting out in 1960 as a floor sweeper and moving up in the ranks to printing in the Kraft Bag Division in 1963. In the mid 1970s, his job with Gilman Paper sent him to St. Louis to run the print department as the manager. In the early 1980s, he relocated to Fernandina Beach, Fla., when the company sent him back to its St. Marys location. After Gilman closed down, he worked for Simplex Paper in Jacksonville as their print manager until they closed in 1998. Mr. Davis became a truck driver for US Express Truck Lines until his retirement in 2003.

Mr. Davis loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He enjoyed going fishing and he would give his last dollar to anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sons, Warren Lee Davis Sr. and David Leland Davis; and brother, Arlie Ben Davis Jr.

He leaves behind his daughter, Joan (Marcel) Pierrain of Folkston; son, Aaron Ben Davis of Kingsland; siblings, Betty Jo Colson of Yulee, Fla., Helen Thrift of Yulee and Niearl Schultheiss of Stuart, Fla.; grandsons, Warren Lee Davis Jr., Jeremy Hendricks and Nathan Hendricks; great-grandchildren Isaiah Davis, Payton Hendricks and Taquan Pierrain; and former wife, Sharon Davis of Kingsland.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home in Fernandina Beach with Mr. Marcel Pierrain officiating.

The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Please share your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors

Doris Green, 74, of White Oak died Thursday morning, Feb. 7, 2019, at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, at Browns Chapel AME Church in White Oak. There will be no wake. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in White Oak.

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Cornice Brewton, 72, of Fernandina Beach, Fla., died Feb. 2, 2019, at Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla.  

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at River of Praise Church in Yulee, Fla. A visitation will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at Sunset Funeral Home. Interment will be in Kinlaw Cemetery in Kingsland.  

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel Ruth Lloyd Wise, 90, of Woodbine passed away Feb. 10, 2019, in Brunswick.

She was born Dec. 6, 1928, in Homeland to the late John Rufus Lloyd Sr. and Winnie Mae Guinn Lloyd. She retired from Gilman Paper Company in St. Marys. She was a member of Forest View Baptist Church.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Archie Theodore Wise; and two brothers, Carl Clifford Lloyd and Ronald Roy Lloyd.

She is survived by three stepchildren, Ted D. Wise, Sandra E. Williamson and Patricia A. Morrison; two sisters, Judith Annette Dixon and Linda Gail Brown; three brothers, George Albert Lloyd, Glenn Richard Lloyd and John R. Lloyd Jr.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home Chapel.  The family received friends an hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial followed in Homeland Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard-Roberson Funeral Home in Folkston.

Rosa Elba Nieves, 76, of Kingsland died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at the Senior Care Center in St. Marys.

Arrangements will be announced at a later date.

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

Christopher Alan Treml of St. Marys, 62, passed away on Jan. 16, 2019, from long-term health issues.

Chris was born and raised in Philadelphia but called St. Marys home for more than 30 years. He dedicated his life and career to being a government worker and spent more than 37 years as a shipfitter and lofter for Trident Refit Facility on Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base. He loved his job and family and spent his spare time at his home in his yard with his garden. He was a passionate and vested man and paid close attention to details, regardless of the task.

Chris was a brother, father, husband, grandfather and friend. He leaves behind his wife of nine years, Marina; and two sons, Clifton, 34, and Matthew 31. Chris also had two stepchildren, Mark, 20, and Odensa, 17; a daughter-in-law, Jamie; and granddaughter, Ella Grace.  

A warm and heartfelt thank you is extended to the intensive care unit staff at Southeast Georgia Health System in Camden County for taking such good care of Chris during his last two weeks of life. We are grateful for all the health professionals for making his transition as peaceful as possible.  

The family received friends at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at 105 Bernardey Way in St. Marys. 

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

Stanley Crawford, 77, of St. Marys died Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, under the care of Georgia Hospice Care at his home.

The Ware County native had lived in Camden County most of his adult life and was a member of Harbor Worship Center Church of God where he enjoyed ushering. Stanley was owner and operator of Crawford Mower and Saw and loved to work. He and his wife, Elenore, loved to travel throughout their lives. His hobbies included biking and reading. His most favorite pastime was spent with his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his sister, Vina Bullard; and seven brothers, Blanchard, Virgil, James, Chester, Junior and twins Owen and Lester.

Survivors are a wife of 59 years, Elenore Margaret Crawford of St. Marys; two daughters, Renee (Scott) Hickson of Brunswick and Pam (Bill) Shannon of Orlando, Fla.; two adopted-in-love sons, Paul and Leonard Crawford; three grandchildren, Brandon (Taylor) Hilbert, Olivia Hickson and Valerie Hilbert; a sister, Ruth (Thomas) Martin of Waycross; a brother, Harold (Frances) Crawford of Blackshear; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Harbor Worship Center Church of God, 140 Colerain Road Kingsland with Pastor Mike Sanes officiating. Interment will follow in the Lawnwood Cemetery in Kingsland. Active pallbearers will be Paul and Leonard Crawford, Brandon Hilbert, Travis and Greg Martin and Jim Kight.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Georgia Hospice Care, 777 Gloucester St., Suite 303, Brunswick, GA 31520.

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

Martha Ann Walden, 85, of Kingsland died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, at Lakes Crossing in Kingsland.

Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18, at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys. Burial will follow in Memphis, Tenn.

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

Ernest Robert Barnes III, 51, died Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019, at his residence.

A visitation and celebration of his life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys.

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

Linda Dowling Hill, 69, of St. Marys passed away Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.

Linda was born Oct. 26, 1949 in Folkston. She had been a resident of Camden County most all of her life and had been employed as a bookkeeper with Superior Sheds in Orange City, Florida for 25 years. She was a member of Kingsland United Methodist Church and loved teaching Sunday school for the Disciples Sunday School Class, helping with the children’s ministries and being involved with the church finances as church treasurer. Linda was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and nana to her grandchildren whom she adored.

Survivors include her loving husband of 48 years, Tripp Hill of St. Marys; children, Chris Hill of Alexandria, La., Jana Hill and Andrea Hill of Jacksonville, Fla.; parents, Walter and Jeanette Dowling of Kingsland; sisters, Gwen Harris (Rickey) of Brunswick and Von Crumley (Harvel) of Yulee; brothers, Keith Dowling (Linda) of Kingsland and Wayne Dowling (Renee) of Wisconsin; grandsons, Peyton Hill and Davis Hill; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Kingsland United Methodist Church with Rev. E. Bruce Vaughn and Dr. John R. Harris Jr. officiating. Interment to follow at Lawnwood Cemetery in Kingsland.

The family requests memorial contributions in memory of Linda Hill be made to the Kingsland United Methodist Church Youth and Children Ministries Fund.

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

Gerline Baker of Woodbine passed away on Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at Southeast Georgia Health System, Brunswick.

Gerline Anthony Baker, daughter of the late Horace and Edna Anthony was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on Jan. 14, 1938. She had two known siblings and was preceded in death by both parents.

Gerldine, as she was called, was a native of Duval County, Fla., where she attended the Florida public school system.

In 1956, she was joined in holy matrimony to Jenkins Baker Jr. (Pete). From this union six children were born, two girls and four boys. She joined Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Woodbine where she worked diligently as a deaconess. Gerline worked as a machinist for Gilman Paper bag plant.  She loved doing this type of work, however, she loved fishing even more. For this reason, in her spare time she was a catfish skinner. She was known for her love of fishing and shopping.

In late 2010, Gerline’s health began to fail her. One day at a time, she continued to participate in the Order of Eastern Star, the senior citizen center and she never failed to attend church services.

However, on Feb. 16, 2019, this beautiful spirit, while a patient at the Southeast Georgia Health System, departed this life for a home on high with her Heavenly Father.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at First African Missionary Baptist Church. A wake will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church in Woodbine. Interment will be in Woodbine Cemetery.

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carlton Gill was born on Dec. 22, 1940, in Savannah and chosen by God to go to his eternal home on Feb. 18, 2019. 

Carlton was known by many as a kind and gentle man with big hands and a big heart who gave the best hugs. As husband, father and papa he served, loved and provided for his family well. His life is a legacy of faithful service to his God, family, church and community, of generosity that he shared with so many and of integrity that was evident in all that he did. He was known as a man of big stature, big love, big generosity, big values and big fields to plant and harvest. He loved God’s creation and enjoyed many rides on family land, looking at and checking on birds, flowers, trees, roads and his cattle.   

He graduated from the University of Georgia in 1963 with a master’s degree in forestry. He played basketball for the Georgia Teacher’s College, Georgia Southern College and the University of Georgia. He served as a county commissioner of the 20th GMD for two terms, as county commissioner chairman for three terms and as the ACCG president from 1982-1983. He was employed at S.A. Allen for 37 years (1964-2001) as a procurement forester. A portion of Interstate 95 in Bryan County was dedicated to him in 1998. He served in church leadership as a deacon and elder at Compassion Christian Church. He was a member of many other civic organizations and leadership boards.

He is preceded in death by his parents Louis C. Gill Sr. and Ella H. Gill; a sister, Mary Gill; and a nephew, Freddie Bevill.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joy B. Gill; daughters, Zandy Wilbanks (Mark), Carlyn Longgrear (Bo) and Heather Gill; grandsons, Tripp and Lance Longgrear; granddaughters, Maddie and Lexie Wilbanks; and many extended family members.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m Thursday, Feb. 21, at Carter Funeral Home, 10512 Ford Ave. in Richmond Hill. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at Compassion Christian Church, 55 Al Henderson Blvd. in Savannah. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1 Oak Hill Road in Richmond Hill.

Remembrances may be given to Africa Development Mission, 3565 Bixby Road, Groveport, OH 43125 or Global Servants, PO Box 740737, Orange City, FL 32774-0737.