CARMICHAEL, Georgia
Georgia CARMICHAEL, died September 6, 1906. In Memory of our beloved Sister. Georgia Carmichael was borned Feb. 13th, 1881 and died Sept. the 6th, 1906. She joined the church 1902 (was among the list of original members also), from then until her death, she lived a Christian life and tried to do her duty in the way of serving the Lord. She peacefully fell asleep, that Dreamless Sleep, when the tired hands are folded and the body ceases to be racked with pain and the infirmities of age are felt and feared no more, hers was a Christian life and she was not afraid of death although in poor health for some time. Leaves a father, mother, 4 brothers and 5 sisters, a husband and little son to mourn her death. She was a faithful and true wife to her husband. She was loved by all whom she met. She was kind to all, one precious to our hearts has gone, the voice we loved is still, a place made vacant in the home can never more be filled, tis hard, so hard, to speak the words, we must for ever part. Dearest loved one, we must by thee in thy peaceful grave embraced, but thy memory will be cherished till we see thy heavenly face. We could wish her back again, but say Dear Sister, with God remain, we will try to gain that peaceful shore where those who meet part no more. Dear Sister, we will miss thee, but may thy loving hand beckon us to that shining shore where we will part no more, not our will but God’s will be done.
{Signed: Sister Ida Bernard}
[NOTE: Name in minutes has been erased and edited to Bernard from Manard. Ida Bernard and Ida Manard believed to be the same person]
Taken from Dorminys Mill Baptist Church minutes.
Submitted by Paul A. McDonald, Jr.
DORMINEY, A. S.
A. S. Dorminey, The death of this highly esteemed pioneer resident of Ben Hill County occured at this country home May 15, 1927 following a long period of impaired health in which serious attacks were succeeded by surprising recuperations that kept his family discouraged or hopeful by turns, especially during the past year. Mr Dorminy was born on Jan. 28, 1856 in Irwin County, GA, the son of John B. and Nellie Paulk Dorminy. He was the tenth son of a family of fourteen of which he has been the last to die. On April 14th, 1877, Mr. Dorminy married Miss Martha Malinda Hanes at Jonesboro, GA bringing his bride to the home of his birthplace to reside, and this has been their home ever since, except for five years when the importunities of their children brought them into Fitzgerald to make their home. Mr. Dorminy has always been a man of influence in his community. He was a representative of Irwin County in the legislature in 1900 and 1901. When the new county of Ben Hill was formed from Irwin, he served as one of the first jurors. During his prime, Mr. Dorminy took a great interest in the Masonic order and was at one time an officer. Mr. Dorminy was the father of ten children, two dying in infancy, A. S. Jr. and George B. Those surviving with the bereaved widow are: John D., Julia L.Turner, Nellie E. Henderson of Ocilla, Mollie L. McDonald, Mittie E. McInnis, H. Edwin Dorminy, May Lille Crenshaw of Ft. Lauderdale, S. Inez Watkins. There are also 19 living grandchildren and almost every one of these and every close survivor were present at the funeral services which were held at the country home on Tuesday afternoon. Many Fitzgerald friends were in attendance and from miles around and other towns were gathered to pay the last respects, friends made through long years by the deceased and those too of his large esteemed family. Floral offerings were many and beautiful. Rev. Green C. Ball of Ashton, and Rev. J. F. Singleton of the local Baptist Church officiated at the funeral. A quartet choir was composed of Mesdames R. L. Littlefield and W. R. McLendon and Messrs. C. L. Bradshaw and Burr Stokoe. Interment was made in the family burying grounds near the country home. The pall bearers were Mr. Dorminy of Alapaha, Wiley Dorminy of Moultrie, J. B. Dorminy, Riley Dorminy, Jake Dorminy, and E. L. Dorminy, nephews of the deceased.
Submitted by Paul A. McDonald, Jr.
DORMINEY, Mollie
Mollie Dorminey, Mrs. William G. Dorminey passed away Friday evening, May 10th, 1918 at 7:15 o’clock. One of the saddest duties that fall to the lot of a publisher is writing of the death of one of those whose personal acquaintance has endeared them to the writer. The motherly solicitude of Mrs. Dorminey for all her neighbors; the friendly, cheerful greeting given daily as we passed her late residence, and the many neighborly kindnesses extended since her residence in the city, has indelibly stamped her memory upon our hearts and upon the hearts of all those who for nearly half a century have known the ministering influence among the former neighbors who, in large numbers, came to the city Sunday to pay the last tribute to the memory of their departed friend. Scores of automobiles gathered near the residence on West Central Avenue, and hundreds of her old friends mingled their tears with those of the immediate family, whose grief was fully shared by the entire community. The beloved dead had only been ill for about a week when the death angel came and relieved the noble soul from her earthly habitation to share in the hereafter–the life promised to the faithful, noble and true. The deceased was 72 years old and was married to William G. Dorminey forty-eight years ago, and to that grand old man, who survives his loving mate, our sincere sympathies are extended; also seven sons, honored citizens of the county: Dr. W. D. Dorminey, John Henry Dorminey, J. L. Dorminey, A. B. C. Dorminey, B. H. Dorminey, E. L. Dorminey, of Fitzgerald, and J. A. Dorminey of Douglas; and two daughters, Mrs. J. D. Robeson of Quincy, Fl and Mrs. D. R. Henderson of Ocilla, besides a number of grandchildren, to all of whom the sympathies of the community go out in this sad hour of their bereavement. Two sisters; Mrs. A. S. Dorminy of Fitzgerald, and Mrs. Renfroe of Valdosta, and two brothers; Messrs. J. M. and B. H. Hanes, also survive her. The funeral services were held at her late residence on West Central avenue Sunday morning, Revs. W. O. Blackwell and G. C. Ball officiating. At Evergreen Cemetery, where the remains were laid to rest, several of the favorite hymns of the departed were sung by a select choir, led by her nephew, Mr. George Dorminey. Hundreds of friends and neighbors surrounded the grave to see the last sad rites performed and for the last time view the earthly remains of their beloved friend. Beautiful floral offerings in great profusion from friends in the city and elsewhere covered the casket and grave. The pall bearers were Graley Haile, J. E. Turner, W. W. Hughes, J. Y. Paulk, D. W. M. Whitley, J. R. Horton, J. C. Glover and J. W. Morris.
Submitted by Paul A. McDonald, Jr.
HESTERS, J. R., Sr.
J. R. HESTERS, Sr., died November 5, 1906 at the age of 86 years. Sacred to the memory of Brother Hesters, who was borned in 1821. He joined the Baptist church several years ago and was a charter member of Dorminys Mill Church, and was a faithful member until death at the age of 86 years on the night of Nov. 5th, 1906. The father who doeth all things well, called him we hope to a better land. He leaves seven children, a number of friends to mourn his loss. Grieve not Dear children, for he has passed over the Dark rines of life to enter in to that beautiful land of rest that the Savior has gone to prepare for all who do his will.
{Signed: J. O. Prescott}
Taken from Dorminys Mill Baptist Church minutes.
Submitted by Paul A. McDonald, Jr.
HORTON, Mrs. E. J.
Mrs. E. J. HORTON, died September 28, 1904 at the age of 42 years. Sacred to the memory of our Sister, Mrs. E. J. Horton, who became a member of the church at an early age and a charter member of Dorminys Mill Baptist Church. She was a faithful member and a devout Christian always willing and ready to do her part. She was a devoted and faithful wife and a loving mother. Mourn not, dear children for thy mother, for she is asleep in Jesus Blessed Sleep from which none ever wake to weep. She can not come to us but we can go to her in that Home where there will be no more tears and parting, but Joy and Peace for all. Dear Sister, how we miss thee, we miss thee at thy place, we miss thy loving smiling face. A precious one from us has gone, a voice we loved is stilled, a place is vacant in our church which can never be filled, God in his wisdom has recalled thee above, His love had given and though the body slumbers now the soul is safe in heaven, her work is done, the record of her life is complete. Let us humbly strive to say thy will be done, not ours, and in the end be able like her to say all is well, I am ready, and then death will be unto us as to her, only a dream, only a dream. Glory beyond the Death Stream, how peaceful the slumber, how happy the watching, for death is only a Dream.
{written by Rachel Hanes}
Taken from Dorminys Mill Baptist Church minutes.
Submitted by Paul A. McDonald, Jr.
MAHONEY, Evie Adean Rouse
Evie Adean Rouse Mahoney, {Mrs. Ed Mahoney}, 60, Route 1, died March 17, 1982 at Dorminy Memorial Hospital after a long illness. Services were held at 3 p.m. Friday, Mar. 19, at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel, with burial at Evergreen Cemetery. The Revs. Lawrence Adkinson and Bobby Rodgers officiated and organist was Mrs. Inez Hopper. Pallbearers were E. D. Hunter, Julian Hunter, Jack Laminack, Ennis P. Veal, Erris Paulk and Joey Veal. The former Evie Adean Rouse, daughter of George Leonard and Martha Elevena Gibbs Rouse, was born Sept. 3, 1921, in Ben Hill County, and she had lived here all her life. She was a member of Holt Baptist Church. Survivors are: Husband: The Rev. Ed Mahoney, Fitzgerald. Son: Pat Mahoney, Tallahassee, Fla. Daughter: Mrs. Diane Jackson, Fitzgerald. Two grandchildren.
Submitted by Brenda Rousseau
MINTER, Helen Eugenia Walker
Helen Eugenia Walker Minter, Funeral services will be held at Odum Funeral Home Chapel in Waycross at 3 PM Friday for Mrs. Frank Minter, the former Helen Eugenia (Jean) Walker, who died Tuesday afternoon in Waycross Memorial Hospital at the age of 31. Mrs. Minter is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Garnett Walker of Waycross, former residents of Fitzgerald and the granddaughter of Mrs. A. J. McDonald and Scott Walker of Fitzgerald. She is survived by her husband and four children.
30 April 1963
Submitted by Paul A. McDonald, Jr.
McDUFFIE, Bessie Smith
Bessie Smith McDuffie, 88, of Rt. 7 died Friday, Jan. 20, 1989, at Fitzgerald Nursing Home. The funeral was held Monday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. at Paulk Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. David Fisher officiated. Interment was in Evergreen Cemetery. Organist was Shirley Fisher. Pallbearers were Jerry A. Giddens, Gary C. Jones, Ken Jones, Roy Jones, William Melton, Bernie Stafford and Robert Barnwell. Survivors include: four sons, Donald McDuffie of Rochelle, Dellis McDuffie of Macon, George McDuffie of Chesnee, S.C., and Franklin McDuffie of Fitzgerald: five daughters, Mattie Faircloth of Cocoa, Fla., Nellie Jones of Jacksonville, Fla., Annie Ruth Giddens of Fitzgerald, Margaret McCall of Georgetown and Mary Melton of Jacksonville, Fla.; two sisters, Ella Couch and Odel Jones, both of Fitzgerald; 21 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. Mrs. McDuffie was born October 11, 1900, in Laurens County. She was the daughter of Will and Mary Evans Smith. She was the widow of George David McDuffie. She was a homemaker and a member of Bluff Creek Baptist Church in Pulaski County. She had lived in Fitzgerald since 1949. She is survived by her husband and four children.
Submitted by Brenda Rousseau
NUNNERY, Delmar Preston
Delmar Preston Nunnery, The death of young Mr. Nunnery occurred at his parental home in Fitzgerald, on Saturday morning after almost a year of impaired health from tuberculosis, but following only four days confinement to his bed. He had been for sometime the subject of most tender care from his loving parents, a young wife and many kind friends and neighbors who could foresee the end but were powerless to avert the dreaded day. Mr. Nunnery was born in Rochelle, GA, on September 15, 1900, and with but a brief absence has spent his life in this city getting his education in the schools here. His father Mr. E. L. Nunnery has been a foreman in the cotton mills here during this time. About four years ago he went to Valparaiso, Indiana, where he took a course in telegraphy and became an employee of the A. B. & A., and in 1921 took a position with the G. & F. in Douglas where he continued until the breakdown of his health last February. He then returned to the home of his parents in Fitzgerald, GA, where he remained until the end. Not realizing the real seriousness of his condition, Mr. Nunnery was married in April 1924 to Miss Effie McCall, the marriage occurring in Ocilla, GA, and the couple making their home with his parents since. Mr. Nunnery was a quiet, unassuming young man, well liked by his associates and at the time of the Bosworth meetings he was happily converted. His funeral services were conducted at the home on Monday afternoon, Rev. Whitley Langston of the Central Methodist church officiating, assisted by Rev. J. F. Singleton of the First Baptist Church. Music was furnished by Mesdames J. A. Parrott, D. B. Lovett, H. A. Owens and Messrs J. E. Turner and S. G. Pryor, Sr., and J. H. Mayes. Floral offerings were made by the Missionary Society and the circles of the Central M. E. Church of which the mother has been a member, and from the O. R. T. and from many other friends. Funeral Director N. N. Littlefield was assisted by the following pall bearers: J. E. Turner, J. L. McCarty, R. L. Maffett, W. O. Mars, E. H. Beall and Cliff Saunders. Interment was made in Evergreen Cemetery. The survivors are the parents Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Nunnery, one brother Lindsey Nunnery and the wife Mrs. Effie Nunnery. Relatives coming from out of town to the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Nunnery from Headland, Alabama, and Mrs. Moses McCall from Miami, Florida, the mother of the widow who will now return to Miami to make her home with her parents.
November 16, 1923 Newspaper Obituary
Submitted by Susan Nunnery
PRESTON, Crawford F.
Crawford F. Preston, (b. Clay Co., Ga.) January 10, 1858-July 23, 1934 Husband of Leola Bartlett (m. January 4, 1885) Son of Ned Preston (native of Virginia) and Julia Peacock Preston (Clay Co., Ga.) Children: Edward Preston, Carl C. Preston, Mrs. Edwin Dorminy, Miss Nelle Preston and Two sons, Roy and Ernest preceded their father in death. Services were held from the home on Tuesday July 24, 1934 with Interment in the Frank Cemetery, near here.
Ocilla Star July 26, 1934.
Submitted by Lisa Guerra
SWAILS, Julia
Julia SWAILS, died September 23, 1903 at the age of 56 years. Sacred to the memory of our Dear and beloved Sister Julia Swails, who was united with the Baptist Church and has since lived a faithful and Christian life and was a dutiful wife and loving mother, one whom Jesus has taken out of our midst, one who has suffered so long, but now with Jesus is at rest, dear Sister it was sad to give thee up. Dear children, weep not for thy mother, for she is at rest with Jesus. She can not come to us but we can go to her. We miss thee from thy home dear sister, we miss thee from thy place, we miss the sunshine of thy face, we miss thy kind and willing hand. Sleep on beloved and take thy rest. We love thee well but Jesus loves thee best. We could not wish her back again but say, Dear Sister, with God remain. We’ll try to gain that peaceful shore where those who meet shall part no more.
{written by Rachel Hanes, Ida Manard, Sarah Carmichael, Committee}
Taken from Dorminys Mill Baptist Church minutes.
Submitted by Paul A. McDonald, Jr.
Ben Hill County Funeral Homes
- Cummings Funeral Home, 112 N. Monitor Dr., Fitzgerald
- Hall Funeral Home, 415 E. Pine St., Fitzgerald
- Henderson Memorial Chapel, 505 E. Central Ave., Fitzgerald
- Paulk Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Fitzgerald
Please feel free to submit your obituaries for posting on this site.