All Obituaries

Deaconess Annette V. Hightower Butler was born on October 16, 1932, to Rosa and Cora Bell Hightower.  Annette was educated in Blakely, Early County, Georgia, graduating from Washington High School.  Annette was baptized as an infant at Pleasant Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church, but later moved her membership to Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Usher Board for over 68 years. Deaconess Annette V. Hightower Butler had been an active member...

On January 3, 2023, at 8:30 pm, David Filmore Jr. entered into Eternal Rest at JFK Hospital in Edison, New Jersey.  David was born August 11, 1944, in Blakely, Georgia, to the late Rosie Lee Dawson and the late David Filmore Sr.  He was the fourth of nine children.  David was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Arthur Flowers, Jessie James Filmore and Houston Dawson; and sisters Johnnie Johnson and Annie Ruth Gray. David, also known as “Dave” and...

Minnie Gilbert Alexander was born on August 2, 1939, to the late John Calvin Gilbert and Corrine Severson Gilbert.  Ms. Alexander was summoned by GOD’S Heavenly Angels and departed this life on January 3, 2023, in Columbus, Georgia. Ms. Alexander was married to George L. Alexander Jr. who preceded her in death in 1972.  Ms. Alexander joined the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church at an early age and remained a faithful member for many years.  She raised her...

Hortense Alexander Whindleton (affectionately known as “Tina”), was born on September 25, 1939, in Blakely, Georgia, to the late Tillman Alexander and Pauline Alexander. Hortense received her formal education in the public school system of Early County, graduating from Washington High School in the Class of 1957.  Upon graduation, she moved to Newark, New Jersey, and attended Essex County College to satisfy her thirst for knowledge.  She also went to nursing school and...

CATHRYN JEAN BROWN  was the youngest child born to the late Andrew James Brown and Melvina Norfus Brown in  Blakely, Early County, Georgia, on June 9, 1957.  She was affectionately known as “ROTTEN GUT” to family members.  She was nurtured by her second mother Carrie McDaniel Brown.  She received her education through the schools of Early County School System. Cathryn was known to always have a big smile on her face.  She was a fun-loving...

On Friday, December 16, 2022, a beloved Son, Father, Pop Pop, and Brother, Leonard John Boll, Jr., passed away. He was 44.Lenny was born to Catherine and Leonard Boll, Sr. on July 9th, 1978, in Libertyville, Illinois.Lenny was best known for his hilarious sense of humor that could brighten anyone’s day. His fierce love and loyalty to family was never more evident than when he was around his children and grandchild.  His friends and family will miss his infectious laugh that always...

Sharon Louise Watkins, on the afternoon of Dec. 8, 2022, passed away at her home in Blakely, Georgia while comforted by her husband Tim. She was 81 years old. Sharon was born on Nov. 23, 1941, in Huntington, Indiana, and was the daughter of the late Dean and Ruby (Hunt) Stouder. Sharon was the second born of seven children. Sharon was an adventurous child and described herself as mischievous. She and her six siblings were all remarkably close growing up. They often played at Elmwood Park...

Gary was born July 17, 1955 in Oakland, California. He joined the United States Army shortly after high school and served for 8 years before moving to Blakely, Ga. He was a long time resident of Blakely, Ga where he work at the City at the landfill scalehouse for many years. He loved everyone who came by and always had a smile on his face. Gary was called home on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Survived by the love of his life Theresa Smithart, daughters Mary (Sam) Smith, Crystal (Brian)...

Darlene Freeman Lavette was born on September 11, 1962.   She departed this life and entered into the Gates of Heaven on November 28, 2022.  She was born in Donalsonville, Georgia.  She loved her children dearly, was very devoted to her family, and most of all, was faithful to God.  She dared to be different and had a fulfilled life living in Georgia, North Carolina, Detroit and making Virginia her home. No one she met was a stranger.  She made it her business...