Mr. Paul Thomas Pokines, 75, of Kingsland passed away on the evening of Feb. 17, 2019, at the Warner Center in Fernandina Beach, Fla.

Mr. Pokines was born on March 27, 1943 in Troy, N.Y., to the late Stephen and Elizabeth Pokines.

Mr. Pokines is survived by his beloved wife, Georgia Pokines of Kingsland; his sons, Steven (Connie) Pokines of Vermont, Shaun (Ann) Pokines and Scott (Barbara) Pokines, all of Kingsland, Shane (Nicole) Pokines and Shannon (Carolyn) Pokines, all of Yulee, Fla.; his sister, Donna Marie Johnson of New York; his grandchildren, Jessica, Steven,Jr., Brett, Tyler, Kailynn, Allison, Shaun Jr., Samantha, Sebrina, Cody, Jordan, Hayden, Logan and Emily; and his great-grandchildren, Carson, Kennedy, Abi, Alice, Evelyn and Lillyan. 

A memorial visitation will be held for Mr. Pokines at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mr. Pokines’ name to the Nemours Children’s Hospital by phone at 1-888-494-5251 or online at https://secure.qgiv.com/event/931769/

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

Mr. Ellis Cluren Morris, 87, of Folkston (formerly of Blackshear) went to be with his Heavenly Father early Tuesday morning, Feb. 19, 2019, following an extended illness.

Born Sept. 9, 1931 in Pierce County, he was a son of the late Ralph Howard and Nora Lee Morris. He grew up in Pierce County and lived in Camden County for 48 years and retired as a welder from Gilman Paper Company. Following retirement, he moved back to Blackshear in 1987, where he lived until November 2018 when he moved to Folkston. He was also a retired cattle farmer, which was his passion that he took pride in to raise some of the finest cows in southeast Georgia. He was also an avid fisherman. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Folkston and attended the Steve Nance Sunday School Class.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Viva McGhin Morris; two sisters, Lee Esther McMullen and Alta Fern Riddle; and three brothers, Wilfred Morris, Jehu Morris and Ralph Morris.

He leaves behind his loving wife of seven years, Mary Lewis Morris of Folkston; two sons, Rev. Dr. Wallace Morris (wife Susan) of Huntington, Ind., and Michael Morris (wife Debbie) of Graniteville, S.C.; three step-children, James Lewis (wife Sarah) of Richmond Hill, Melody Coble (husband Scott) of St. Augustine and Suraya Walker (husband Mike) of Folkston; 16 grandchildren, Katie Larson (husband Phillip) of Northglenn, Colo., Jared Morris (wife Stephanie) of Mooresville, N.C., Daylen Morris of Tifton, Steven Standridge (wife Samantha), Brian Standridge (wife Anna) and Mark Standridge (wife Heather), all of Graniteville, S.C.; Anna Love (husband Craig) of Yulee, Fla., Jay Lewis (wife Kimberly) of Hahira, Evan Lewis and Janet Lewis, both of Richmond Hill, Bill Pullin of Killeen, Texas, Mary Pullin, David Pullin and John Pullin, all of St. Augustine, Kyle Walker (wife Hong) of Atlanta and Elise Walker of Key West, Fla.; 13 great-grandchildren and one more expected soon; a sister, Norene Dukes of Augusta; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at First Baptist Church in Folkston with Rev. R.C. James and Dr. Randy Jacoby officiating. Burial will follow in the Patterson Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church on Friday one hour prior to the service.

The family requests that the members of the Steve Nance Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church in Folkston serve as honorary pallbearers. Please be at the church by 1:40 p.m.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements

Ronald A. Wernke, 60, died Dec. 28, 2018.

Services will be held Saturday, March 30, at The Community of the Good Shepherd Church in Cincinnati. Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m.

Arrangements are under the care of Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home in Bremerton, Wash.

Darlene Marie Willis Walker, 75, of Woodbine passed away Thursday afternoon at St. Vincent Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla.

Born in Pittsburgh, her parents were Tony and Ethel Haughk Willis. She was also preceded in death by her two daughters, Denise Wilson and Shelly Reneé Walker, and a grandson, Chad Walker.

Darlene was a faithful member of Billyville Church of God in Woodbine. She was a homemaker and she loved making quilts, going fishing and crocheting.

Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Bishop Tommy Eugene Walker of Woodbine; one son and his wife, Skip and Beth Walker of Woodbine; one daughter and her husband, Angela and Thomas O’Berry, also of Woodbine; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Christine Short of Parkersburg, W.Va. Also several nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

A graveside service for Mrs. Darlene will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Colesburg Cemetery in Woodbine with Rev. Chris Ogden officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at Colesburg Cemetery.  

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home in Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing our online registry at fryefh.com.

LaVerne “Vern/Skip” Bush Jr., 88, of Kingsland passed away on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, in a Jacksonville hospital.

Mr. Bush was born in Manor, Pa., and was son of the late LaVerne Bush Sr. and Sarah Strazinsky Bush.He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and enjoyed fishing and camping.  

Mr. Bush moved to Camden County during the 1990s and lived here until his passing. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Bush’s memory may be made to the Marine Toys for Tots Program at www.toysfortots.org/donate or 8251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172.

Public graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Jacksonville National Cemetery (Lane No. 2) with military honors.

Services under the direction of Peeples Family Funeral Homes, 14165 N. Main St., Jacksonville, FL 32218.  

Robert “Bobby” Powell, 71, of Eastman passed away Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2019, at the VA hospital in Dublin after an extended illness.

Bobby was born in Charleston, S.C., on March 19, 1947, to the late Owen Powell and Lorraine August Lewis. After high school, Bobby enlisted and served honorably in the United States Army. After his service to his country, he moved around a little living in Nahunta and Kingsland but Bobby finally made his home in Eastman. He worked for a building contractor for 20 years where he ultimately retired at 65.

Bobby is survived by a son and two daughters of Seattle; his mother, Lorraine Lewis, a brother, Roger Lewis (Donna), a sister, Edie Lewis Ellis (Larry), all from Woodbine; a sister, Donna Kelly (Gerald) from Brantley County; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and grandchildren.

Bobby wished to be cremated. There will be a memorial service in his community at a date to be determined.

Barbara Rhone, 99, passed away Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at her home in St. Marys.

Mother Barbara Raysor Rhone was born to Johnnie and Sarah Butler Raysor on May 5, 1919, in St. Marys. She was raised in the North River community as a child and attended the Camden County Training School from the second to the seventh grade.  After elementary school, she attended Dorchester School for Girls and graduated from the 12th grade in 1937 from Dorchester High School in McIntosh. She was married to Nelson Rhone Sr., who preceded her in death.

She is survived by four sons, James (Mary A.) Campbell of Kingsland, Bishop Jimmy (Mary Louise) Campbell, Nelson Rhone Jr. and Paul Rhone, all of St. Marys; 31 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral celebration will be held at noon Saturday, March 2, at Young Zion Missionary Baptist Church. A wake will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Wheeler Street Church of God. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Helen C. Smith, 84, passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019.

Helene was born Feb. 6, 1935, in Youngstown, Ohio. Helene was the beloved wife of Wayne E. Smith Jr. She raised five children with enough energy to also be a wife, mother, award-winning poet, writer, artist, historian and musician. 

As an artist, she gained recognition with a few blue ribbons for her works. We remember her best of show conquistador painting from the Monroeville, Pa., art festival and her blue parrot at the Kennerdell Music and Arts Festival. She enjoyed a good contest and entered a doll contest as a youngster and was thrilled that Ed Sullivan selected her doll, a Raggedy Andy style on live TV out of the winners during a segment showing off the toy dolls distributed to children in Europe post-World War II.

As a local Western Pennsylvania historian, she was a lifetime member of Westmoreland County Historical Society in Greenburg, Pa., and served on the board.

She led a research project for Pittsburgh’s urban planning of its light rail system. Her lifelong interest in history found her co-authoring the book titled “A Guide Book to Historic Western Pennsylvania” published by the University of Pittsburgh.

She had the distinction of locating Fort Hannastown during her years volunteering as an amateur archaeologist. Hannastown was the first seat of justice west of the Allegheny Mountains.

She wrote and published more than 50 books (macdonaldsward.com), movie scripts and plays including a one-woman monologue of Nellie Bly traveling around the world in 72 days in which she played Nellie Bly for several years. She co-authored a colorful one woman play, “Carry’s Hatchetation” about Carry A. Nation. She documented and published an investigation about the pesticide use on the Shoshone-Bannock reservation. Her book titled "Export, A Patch of Tapestry out of Coal Country America" is in the works of its third printing. Export, Pa., was the first to export coal from USA.

Helene helped form the Center Seven all-girls band that played on Friday nights in the Grove City, Pa., Youth Center. Helene played clarinet in her Grove City high school and Westminster College bands. She played in the Murrysville Symphony, the Kennerdell Music and Arts Festival orchestra and then developed an interest in the fife and was a longtime member of the Caboom fife and drum corps. She led opening and closing ceremonies for the Women’s Curtis Cup matches held at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh. Her Caboom fife and drum corps played in events through the USA and Lugano, Switzerland, participating in musters, marches and celebrations.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John B. Snyder and Francis A. Snyder; sons, Michael W. Smith and Gregory M. Smith; and a sister, Dorothy Sloan.

She is survived by her husband, Wayne E. Smith Jr. of Kingsland; daughters, Cheryl H. (SP Singh), Jennifer L. (Michael Benzer) and Laurel A. (Howard G. Bowen Jr.); and grandchildren, Luke A. Smith (Justine), Caleb A. Smith (Sean), and Hannah J. Smith.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to an animal rescue charity or her favorite local theater, St. Marys Little Theatre, 803 W. Alexander St., St. Marys, GA 31558.

No services are scheduled at this time.

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

Ernestine Balk, 86, of St. Marys died Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, at her residence.

Graveside services will be held at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, N.Y.

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

Justine Lillian Aleschus, 93, passed into the Lord’s hands on Feb. 23, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla.

She was born and raised in New Brunswick, N.J., and was the daughter of the late Walter and Mildred Lawrence. After graduating high school, she attended Rutgers University then worked in New York City where she met her late husband, John Aleschus Jr.

Justine was a loving, charismatic and highly intelligent woman who distinguished herself in both her private and business life. As a pioneer in Long Island real estate for more than 40 years, she owned her own real estate firm, Justine Aleschus Realty. She was inducted into the Who’s Who of Women in America and Who’s Who in the World publications.

Besides raising a family and working full-time, she distinguished herself with her volunteer activities: Suffolk County Real Estate Board, president; Long Island Coalition for Sensible Growth, president; Nassau-Suffolk County Hospital Auxiliary, president; Nassau/Suffolk County Boy Scouts of America, vice president; Suffolk County Citizen Police Academy; Jacksonville Beach Citizens Police Academy; Mayo Clinic Optical Shop; Cypress Village activities; and also as a Stephen’s minister with Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Always giving of her time and energy, her joy and love touched the lives of all she encountered.

Justine is survived by her daughters, Jan (Dan), Kim (Gary) Gildersleeve and Lauren (Mike); grandchildren, Leah, Christopher, Michael, Jeremy and Kristin; and four great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home, 3600 Third St. South, Jacksonville, FL 32250.

A church service and reception will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1423 Eighth Ave. North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. Entombment to follow at 1:30 p.m. at Beaches Memorial Park, 1500 Main St., Atlantic Beach, FL 32233.

Flowers are welcome or contributions may be sent to Bethlehem Lutheran Church at the above address.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance, 2 Peter 1:2.

Please visit our online tribute at www.quinn-shalz.com. Arrangements by Quinn-Shalz Family Funeral Home, Jacksonville Beach, Fla.

Richard "Ricky" Harold Nowell, 53, of Woodbine, former owner and operator of Now-Co Construction, crossed our Savior’s finish line on Jan. 30, 2019, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jean Rowan Siniard, and sister, Rhonda Jean Lord.

Born on April 5, 1965, in Marietta, Ricky enjoyed many things in his life, No. 1 being the love of racing. He always wanted to go fast and play around with cars. As a young man, he loved putting together model cars. He built, owned and drove a race car at Golden Isles Raceway and in Waycross. His car was No. 24. He was also crew chief for his good friend Rick Post's No. 72 Superstreet Camaro.

Also as a young man, he tinkered in wood work and wood burning. He had great skills as a carpenter. He could build almost anything from nothing. Whether it be a house or a custom porch and stairs, he did it with pride and precision. He also enjoyed detailing his cars and shining the chrome on the motorcycle. Here recently, he was learning how to operate drones and model airplanes. Sometimes Ricky was a hard man to love, that just made us love him more.
Survivors still in the race are his father and stepmother, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence H. Nowell of Dallas, Ga.; three daughters, Candice (Josh) Brownlee of Woodbine, Daphne Nowell of PCB, Fla., Ashlie Nowell of Augusta and his son, Bradly H. Nowell of Kingsland; five grandchildren, Jaden, Micah, J.J., Austin and Alexis; sister, Dixie (Jody) Chauncey of Lakeland; stepsister, Penny Crider of Dallas; stepbrother, Eddie Jones of  Dallas; good friend and second dad, Clifton and Elaine Roberson of Woodbine. A special thank you to dedicated friends Fred Arnold and Michelle Arnold, both of St. Marys and one furbaby, Ms. Kitty. Ricky also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, good friends and some good-looking roofs and trim work around southeast Georgia.

Per Ricky's request, he will be cremated with no formal service. A memorial/celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 5, at 727 W. Third St. in Woodbine. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American heart or cancer foundations.

Ralph Neal Miller, 65, of Kingsland passed away Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, at Baptist Medical Center in Jacksonville, Fla.

Ralph was born May 29, 1953, in Woodbine and was the son of the late Everett and Agalene Miller.  He was also preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Miller.

Ralph was a lifelong resident of Camden County. He enjoyed music, hunting and coloring and was of the Baptist faith.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 2, from the graveside at Colesburg Cemetery with Pastor Eddie Rawl officiating. The family received friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Allison Memorial Chapel.

Survivors include his sisters, Caroline Taylor (JB) of Brunswick and Jannie Miller of St. Marys; brothers, Calvin Miller, Glenn Miller (Tammy) of Woodbine, Roy Miller, Clyde Miller (Ann) of Woodbine, Noel Miller and Nick Miller (Patricia) of Kingsland; uncle, Roy E. Miller of Browntown; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

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

William Jeffrey (Jeff) Kelley passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, surrounded by his loving family. Jeff made the decision to return home for his final days after a sudden diagnosis of leukemia (AML). 

Jeff was the son of the late William Matthews and Elnora Kelley and was born in Griffin, Ga., on May 26, 1946. He was preceded in death by both parents and his son Matthew. He is survived by his wife, Cissy; his son, Patrick; daughter-in-laws, Corey and Julie; stepson, Josh; stepdaughter, Amanda; and his Aunt Betty. He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Ambrose, Maddie, Everett, Lucy and Emerson.

Jeff graduated from Griffin High School and attended Georgia State University. Shortly after joining the U.S. Navy, Jeff was deployed to serve overseas in the Vietnam War. He was later commissioned as an officer and, among many other positions and duty stations, he served his country as a radioman, communications officer, ship’s navigator and operations officer. Jeff came to St. Marys in 1979 with the USS Simon Lake and served his last years in the military at Kings Bay naval base.

After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Jeff began his second career in the information technology field in private industry. Ten years later, he accepted the position of information technology director for the Camden County school system and retired from there in 2011. Jeff expected no more and no less from his staff and coworkers than their personal best. These expectations and his reputation for excellence were well-known in the community.  

Jeff had a passion for everything outdoors. This passion lead to his dedication, devotion and service to the Boy Scouts of America, which spanned several decades and was renowned throughout Camden County. Gardening, watching and identifying birds and nurturing anything living were some of his many interests and joys. Reading, however, was his greatest joy, and he was well-versed in many disciplines of the written word, poetry being his favorite.

Jeff was actively involved in numerous other community organizations including Rotary and Kiwanis. As a volunteer with St. Marys Fire Department, he spent many hours cooking meals, making ice cream and baking delicious cakes for firefighters then sitting around their large kitchen table enjoying camaraderie with his friends, the firefighters. He was a mentor, a teacher and a leader.

He was a great friend, grandfather, father, nephew and loving husband. Jeff loved and cared deeply for his wife, sons, daughters, daughter-in-laws and his five grandchildren and he enjoyed every opportunity and moment he spent with them. Jeff was loyal, faithful, stalwart, hard-working and dependable. 

Jeff admired the lines from Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar” in which Mark Anthony said of Brutus, “His life was gentle, and the elements mixed so well in him that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, ‘This was a man.’” 

A memorial service was held Saturday, March 2, at the St. Marys United Methodist Church and a celebration of life ceremony is being planned for a later date. Donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Wounded Warrior Project are being taken in lieu of flowers.

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

James Arthur Hill Sr. died Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019, at his family home in Kingsland. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Banner of Truth, 705 Garrison St., in Darien with burial in Ebenezer Cemetery in Eulonia. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Mark A.M.E. Church, 1270 Ardoch Road in Townsend.

He is survived by his children, James Arthur (Nina) Hill Jr., Evangelist Donna (Bishop Samuel L.) Sneed, Michelle (Calvin) Wilson, Petrina Hill and Georgette (Mark) Quarterman; 14 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Dorothy Whitaker, Rosie Thomas, Dr. Vera Booth, Deloris Hill, Calvin (Ervina) Hill, Cassandra (Kirk) Logan, Vernellen Rauls, Luther (Eloise) Hill, Bishop Lewis (Rachel) Hill, Carrie (Marvin) Mobley and Almetia Sanders; and other relatives.

Born in Townsend, he was a member of St. Mark A.M.E. church where he served in various capacities, a veteran of the US Army and retired from Gilman paper mill.

Darien Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Kenneth "Wild Child" Emery Back, 55, of St. Marys passed away in the early morning hours of Feb. 28, 2019, at UF Health Shands in Jacksonville, Fla.

Mr. Back was born on Jan. 29, 1964, in Caldwell, Idaho, to Patricia Ann Back and the late Kenneth Eugene Back. 

Mr. Back was a truck driver for 30-plus years. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and spending time with his kids and grandchildren. If you knew "Wild Child,” you know he could sit and talk for hours.

Mr. Back is survived by his mother, Patricia Ann Back of Nampa, Idaho; his fiancee, Malicia Dunlap of St. Marys; the mother of his kids, Margaret Back of St. Marys; his kids, Chris and Pam Clink of Alabama, Amanda and George Thomas of St. Marys, Dustin and Michelle Back of St. Marys, Robert Back and Timber Back of St. Marys, RJ Garza of Indiana, Ben Garza, Tim Garza, Amanda Neilson and Auryanna Dunlap, all of St. Marys; his brother, Kevin Back of Nampa, Idaho; his sisters, Katherine Back of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Kimbalina Back-Ward of Boise, Idaho; his grandchildren, Glenda, Christopher, Crystalynn, Georgia, Hunter, Gabi, Brayden, Lillian, Carson, Ford, Temperance, AJ, Gavin, Lakiah, Bella, Skylar, KK, Isiah, Trinity, Warren, Raven, Logan and Aubree; and a number of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends.

A celebration of Mr. Back’s life was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the Woods-Wainwright Chapel of Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland.

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

Mrs. Dora Faye Smith, 79, of Kingsland passed away at her residence on Sunday, March 3, 2019.

Mrs. Smith was born on July 30, 1939 in Fitzgerald. She was the daughter of the late BL and Estelle Rutherford Rabon. 

Her family said of her, “Mrs. Smith was a kind and gentle woman, who loved helping others. She was an avid solitaire player. She was always watching ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ ‘Jeopardy,’ Hallmark movies or old westerns. She loved going to Waffle House and riding around with her family. She will be missed greatly by all who knew and loved her.”

Mrs. Smith is survived by her daughters, Tammie Ward and her fiancé, Clarence Burbage Jr. of Woodbine, and Pam (Robert) Intravia of Kingsland; her sister, Kaye Myers of Dublin; her grandchildren, Brian Pierce, Stacey Smith, Kyle Ward, Corey Pierce, Kellie Weegan, Khris Ward, Kassidy Ward and Carson Ward; and her great-grandchildren, Cameron, Christian, Banner and Charlie.

Along with her parents, Mrs. Smith joins her husband, Harry Morgan Smith; her sons, Donald and Kenneth Smith; and her brothers, Cecil L., Virgil O., L. Wayne and Ben C. Rabon in Heaven.

Calling hours for the Smith family were from 2 to 2:50 p.m. with the funeral service at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 6, in the chapel of Coastal Camden Funeral Home in Kingsland. Pastor Mike Sanes presided over the service. Interment and committal prayer followed in Lawnwood Cemetery in Kingsland. Pallbearers were Christian NeSmith, Alan Weegan, Corey Pierce and Kyle, Khris and Carson Ward.

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

Barbara Rhone, 99, passed away Friday, Feb. 22, 2019, at her home in St. Marys.

Mother Barbara Raysor Rhone was born to Johnnie and Sarah Butler Raysor on May 5, 1919, in St. Marys. She was raised in the North River community as a child and attended the Camden County Training School from the second to the seventh grade.  After elementary school, she attended Dorchester School for Girls and graduated from the 12th grade in 1937 from Dorchester High School in McIntosh. She was married to Nelson Rhone Sr., who preceded her in death.

She is survived by four sons, James (Mary A.) Campbell of Kingsland, Bishop Jimmy (Mary Louise) Campbell, Nelson Rhone Jr. and Paul Rhone, all of St. Marys; 31 grandchildren; 46 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral celebration will be held at noon Saturday, March 2, at Young Zion Missionary Baptist Church. A wake will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 1, at Wheeler Street Church of God. Interment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery.

Sunset Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Horatio “Rocky” L. Taylor Sr., 59, of Kingsland passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 6, 1960, to the late Deacon James Taylor and Helen Waye-Taylor in Camden County. He was educated in the public school system of Camden County and graduated in the class of 1978.

“Rocky,” as he was affectionately known in the community, was well-known for his abilities on the turntable and microphone as a DJ, his abilities as a mechanic but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Horatio was employed many years at Gilman paper mill and 10-plus years at Cyber Optics Underground Cable before becoming disabled. He was a member of First African Baptist Church in Kingsland since his early childhood years.

Horatio was preceded in death by his father, Deacon James Taylor; and his brothers, Eric Taylor Sr. and Timothy Taylor.

Those left to cherish his memory: his loving mother, Helen Waye-Taylor of Kingsland; his devoted fiancée, Wanda Simmons of Kingsland; his loving children, Thamechia Bob of Atlanta and Horatio L. Taylor Jr. of Kingsland; his sisters, Adell (Linwood) James of Kingsland and Jeanette Stevenson (Matthew) of West Palm Beach, Fla.; his brothers, Cornelius Taylor (Robin) of Kingsland, Kenneth Taylor (Denise) of Brunswick, Leonard Taylor (Sandra) of Jacksonville, Fla., Earl Nightingale (Felicia) and Robert Smith, both of Kingsland; his grandchildren, Alonna, Jayvyn, Horationa, Ja’Marien, Mylan, Jayvian, Jamarcus, Joshua and Aa’siyah Taylor, Ta’yanna and Tristan Bob; and naturally his furry baby Miss April Marie Taylor; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

A viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 15, at First African Baptist Church (old sanctuary side), 495 N. Lee Street in Kingsland.     

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 16, at First African Baptist Church, 495 N. Lee Street in Kingsland. Remains will lie in state one hour prior to services

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

Jodi Diane Blair, 54, of Kingsland passed away Saturday, March 9, 2019, at Hospice of the Golden Isles in Brunswick.

Jodi was born June 24, 1964, in Groton, Conn. She had been a resident of Camden County since 1979 and was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in St. Marys.

Jodi enjoyed art work and jewelry making, and especially taking care of her children whom she adored.

A visitation will be held on Friday, March 15, at Allison Memorial Chapel in St. Marys. The rosary will be recited at 5 p.m. with visitation to follow from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Survivors include her father, Richard Blair of Kingsland; three children, Cory Edward Brown and Bryant Brown, both of Fernandina Beach, Fla., and Bailey Johnsen of St. Augustine, Fla.; and sister, Shelley Ann Blair of Kingsland.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Georgia Ann Zwirlein Blair.

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