Obituaries

Elaine Anderson Jones

Elaine Anderson Jones

May 23, 2025

Elaine Anderson Jones, a lifelong resident of Matthews and Wrens, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025. She was 83.

Born on December 31, 1941, to the late G.C. “Pete” Anderson and the late Virginia Goodin Anderson, Elaine’s life was marked by kindness, dedication, and love for her family and community. A 1959 graduate of Wrens High School, she went...

Margie Louise James

Margie Louise James

May 14, 2025

Margie Louise Holley James, 93, affectionately known as "Ma," peacefully transitioned into her eternity Wednesday morning, May 14, 2025, at her home. Born on June 14, 1931, Margie was a lifelong resident of the Matthews-Wrens area and a proud 1949 graduate of Wrens High School. She embraced life with a unique blend of humor, hard work, and a strong spiritual...

Douglas Correll Mahaffey

Douglas Correll Mahaffey

May 8, 2025

Douglas Correll Mahaffey, born on March 8, 1937, in Gramling, South Carolina, peacefully entered into his eternal rest surrounded by his family early Thursday morning, May 8, 2025, at his residence. He led a life filled with devotion, love, and a warm sense of humor that endeared him to many.

After graduating from Chapman High School in Inman, South Carolina, Douglas...

Mary Norton Watson

Mary Norton Watson

May 7, 2025

Mary Ann Norton Pederson Watson, 87, born on October 2, 1937, peacefully entered into Heaven's gates Wednesday night, May 7, 2025, at the Gibson Health and Rehabilitation Center. Her departure leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion to family, faith, and the craft that defined so much of her life.

Mary grew up at Norton's Dairy outside of Wrens and...

Rebecca Anglin Battle

Rebecca Anglin Battle

May 4, 2025

Rebecca Mae Anglin Battle, 90, a cherished member of the Wadley community, peacefully entered into Heaven on Sunday evening, May 4, 2025, at Piedmont Augusta Hospital. Born on June 23, 1934, Rebecca was a native and lifelong resident of Wadley, where she left an indelible mark through her spirited dedication to family and business.

Rebecca's educational journey began at Wadley High...

Emma "Nelda" Rooks Williams

Emma "Nelda" Rooks Williams

Apr 26, 2025

Emma "Nelda" Rooks Williams, 83, a cherished member of the Stapleton community, peacefully transitioned into her eternal Heavenly home Saturday morning, April 26, 2025, at Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

Born on January 17, 1942, Nelda was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County. She attended grade school and middle school in Stapleton and graduated from Wrens High School in June...

Stella Mae Presley Barker

Stella Mae Presley Barker

Apr 21, 2025

Stella Mae Presley Barker, born on September 18, 1942, in Spencer Curve, West Virginia, peacefully transitioned into her eternity Monday evening, April 21, 2025, at Piedmont Summerville in Augusta.

Stella was a loving and devoted homemaker, who dedicated her life to ensuring her family had a clean home and provided them a safe haven. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her household,...

Lex Leonard Howard

Lex Leonard Howard

Apr 14, 2025

Lex Leonard Howard told stories, coached young people, wrote songs and poetry, collected jokes and broken-down cars, and loved the people around him with a wide smile, a sly twinkle in his eye and open arms for nearly everyone he met.  He lived his entire life on his own terms by a code that venerated personal freedom, unrestrained emotion, creative...

George "Ronnie" Ronald Pope

George "Ronnie" Ronald Pope

Apr 11, 2025

George Ronald “Ronnie” Pope, 70, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, entered into his eternal rest on April 11, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Ronnie was born on November 6, 1954, in Macon, Georgia. Ron graduated from Wrens High School in 1973, where he lettered in baseball and football. He hit the first home run in Colts history in April...

Odamae Smith Hernandez

Odamae Smith Hernandez

Apr 9, 2025

Odamae Smith Hernandez a beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, gained her angel wings on April 9, 2025 at the age of 72.

Born in McDuffie County GA on April 17, 1952, Odie was a woman of remarkable strength and courage. She was a woman who always put others first, a true embodiment of kindness and compassion. Most people remember Odie...

Robert Clayton Beckum

Robert Clayton Beckum

Apr 8, 2025

Robert Clayton Beckum, age 64, passed away peacefully at his residence in Dearing on April 8, 2025. Born on May 2, 1960, Robert was a cherished son of Martha Martin Beckum and Ray Fleming Beckum, both of whom preceded him in death.

Robert’s journey began in a family that spent time in Augusta and the Wrens area. He attended schools in...

John Maxwell Holt

John Maxwell Holt

Apr 8, 2025

John Maxwell Holt, 65, peacefully passed away on April 8, 2025, at Piedmont Summerville in Augusta. Born on March 28, 1960, in Goffstown, New Hampshire, John lived a life marked by devotion to his family, faith, and livelihood.

A proud graduate of Con-Val High School in Peterborough, NH, John began his career as a dairy farmer in New Hampshire before making...

Katie Kneece Myers-Carswell

Katie Kneece Myers-Carswell

Mar 24, 2025

Katie Kneece Myers-Carswell, 91, beloved matriarch of her family, peacefully transitioned into her forever home in Heaven Monday afternoon, March 24, 2025, at the Keysville Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Born on March 16, 1934, in Richmond County, Katie lived a life characterized by love, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her family.

Katie’s early education took place within the Richmond...

John "Ed" Edward Shepherd

John "Ed" Edward Shepherd

Mar 15, 2025

John "Ed" Edward Shepherd, 82, peacefully entered into his eternal home in Heaven Saturday night, March 15, 2025, at Piedmont Summerville in Augusta.

Born on December 13, 1942, to the late Alma Combs Shepherd and the late Herndon Shepherd, in Virginia, Ed completed his education at Norway High School in Norway, South Carolina, graduating in 1961.

Following high school, Ed dedicated himself...

Lynn Jay Schultz

Lynn Jay Schultz

Mar 11, 2025

Lynn Jay Schultz, 70, departed this life Tuesday evening, March 11, 2025 at his home in Thomson. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, March 15, 2025 in the Harmony Springs Mennonite Church.

Lynn was born to the late Frances Nichols Schultz and the late Jonas Schultz on November 8, 1954, in Fredonia, Kansas. At...

Harry Batchelor

Harry Batchelor

Mar 6, 2025

Mr. Harry Batchelor passed away peacefully at his residence Thursday morning, March 6, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on May 21, 1943, in Millen, Harry resided on a family-oriented farm in Midville and lived there until his health decline in 2022 when he moved moved to live with his daughter in Avera not long after the passing of...

Muguette Strulus Sawden

Muguette Strulus Sawden

Mar 4, 2025

Muguette Francoise Strulus Sawden, born on July 3, 1935, in France, peacefully transitioned into her eternity Tuesday night, March 4, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at her daughter's residence in Wrens. A remarkable woman, Muguette’s life was marked by resilience and dedication, traits that she carried throughout her 89 years.

Growing up in France during the tumultuous period of German...

Peggy Dyches McNeely

Peggy Dyches McNeely

Feb 27, 2025

Peggy Dyches McNeely, 80, a beloved member of her church, community and a cherished family matriarch, peacefully entered into her eternal Heavenly home on February 27, 2025, at Viva Senior Living in Albany. Born on April 12, 1944, in Norway, South Carolina, Peggy's life was marked by her unwavering dedication to her family, her remarkable contributions to her community, and...

Annie Holton Yonce

Annie Holton Yonce

Feb 26, 2025

Annie Kate Holton Yonce, 81, passed away peacefully at her residence Wednesday evening, February 26, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family. 

A native of Davisboro, Annie grew up on a farm and attended school in Washington County. She later moved to Augusta to begin her career at Murray Biscuit, later known as Kellogg. She dedicated an impressive 42 years of service...

Kimberly Prickett Blackwell

Kimberly Prickett Blackwell

Feb 24, 2025

Kimberly Marie Prickett Blackwell, 39, passed away peacefully at Wellstar Medical College of Georgia in Augusta on February 24, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her beloved family, who provided unwavering support and love during her journey.

Kimberly was a vibrant spirit who lit up the lives of everyone around her. A native of Jefferson County,...