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Funeral Notices
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Mary Rowell Bennett
     Mrs. Mary Rowell Bennett, age 96, a resident of Dothan, formerly of Thomaston, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 at her residence.
     Graveside services were held Saturday, Feb. 20 at Upson Memorial Gardens in Thomaston, with Rev. Joey Smith officiating and Glover Funeral Home directing. Contributions can be made to East Thomaston Baptist Church, P.O. Box 329, Thomaston, GA 30286, or Gideon’s International North Camp P.O. Box 5554 Dothan, AL 36301.
     Mrs. Bennett was born June 10, 1924 in Thomaston to Johnny Rowell and Iris Bussey Rowell. She graduated from R.E. Lee Institute and she retired after 36 years from Thomaston Mills as a data entry specialist. She was a member of East Thomaston Baptist Church in Thomaston.
     Mary was predeceased by her parents, husband, and two brothers, Elbert Rowell and J.M. Rowell.
     Survivors include her son, Robert Bennett of Dothan; two grandchildren, Chris Bennett (Lynn) of Headland, Alecia Bennett (Alan Hudson) of Madison, Ala.; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
     Glover Funeral Home of Dothan has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please sign the guestbook online at gloverfuneral.com.
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Mr. Ronny Howell Blackstock
     Mr. Ronny Howell Blackstock, age 76, of Thomaston, died Thursday, Feb. 18, 2021 at The Medical Center, Navicent Health in Macon.
     Mr. Blackstock was born in Upson County Nov. 19, 1944, to the late William “Bill” Hardy Blackstock and the late Elizabeth “Betty” Howell Blackstock. He was a 1962 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute and a 2016 graduate of Gordon State College.
     Mr. Blackstock was a proud veteran of the United States Marines. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service in 2006 and formerly taught drafting at Upson Tech. He was a Past Master and Emeritus member of Morning Star Masonic Lodge and a member of the charitable T Town Toyz Car Club. Because of his faithful companions Maggie, Gunner, and Ada, he was a volunteer for the Upson Humane Society as recycle director.
     Mr. Blackstock was a member of Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church, where he served as assistant coordinator of the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Project.
     Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Brenda B. Blackstock; a daughter, Rhonda B. Davis; a sister and brother-in-law, Barbara B. and Mark Staples. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Diane B. Hammond and Debbie B. Fallin; brother and sister-in law, Mike and Cindy C. Bridges; and cousins Marsha G. and Bill Lipham. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
     Funeral services for Mr. Blackstock were held Sunday, Feb. 21 at Clark's Chapel Baptist Church, with Rev. Dean Hemphill officiating. Burial followed at Southview Cemetery. The service was live streamed from Clark’s Chapel Facebook page.
     In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Upson Humane Society, PO Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286.
     You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mr. Blackstock’s family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfuneralhome.com.
     Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being entrusted with the arrangements.

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Mrs. Brenda Lowe Boyt
     Mrs. Brenda Lowe Boyt, age 75, of Meansville, passed away Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at her residence.
     Mrs. Boyt was born Dec. 15, 1945 in Thomaston, to the late Edward Lowe and the late Lillian Birdsong Lowe. She was formerly employed with 1888 Mills and Sherilynn, where she was the supervisor over the sewing department. Mrs. Boyt was a member of Lighthouse Pentecostal Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Elmo Boyt; grandson Chais Boyt; and numerous siblings.
     Survivors include her daughter, Lori (Jeannie) Boyt of Thomaston; sons Chris (Cathy) Boyt and Dale (Kayla) Boyt, all of Thomaston; brothers, Ronnie (Teresa) Lowe of Thomaston and Ray (Susie) Lowe of Thomaston; sisters Sheila Holtapp of Griffin, Susie (Jack) Boyt of Thomaston, Gloria (Conrad) Smith of Thomaston, Janelle (Tommy) Howell of Thomaston, and Juanita Morgan of Yatesville; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
     Funeral Services were held Tuesday, Feb. 23 from the chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial followed in Crystal Hill Cemetery.
     You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mrs. Boyt’s family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfuneralhome.com.
     Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being entrusted with the arrangements.

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Roger Eden Bradley
     Roger Eden Bradley, age 81, of Thomaston, passed away Feb. 18, 2021 at Riverside Nursing Home. He was born Oct. 2, 1939 in Bogart, to the late Guy Bradley and Doris Wilson. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Roger “Skip” Bradley, Jr.; and one great-granddaughter, Miriam.
     He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Brenda Bradley; son, Kirk Bradley (Teri); daughter, Debbie Bray (Scott); daughter-in-law, Jan Bradley; five grandchildren, Matthew, Mark, Rebekah, Rachel, and Abbigayle; three great-granddaughters, Lillian, Claudia, and Penelope; brother, Norman Wilson; and sister, Murrell Cording; numerous nieces and nephews; friends; and beloved pets.
     The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date.
      In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Upson County Humane Society, PO Box 1152, Thomaston, GA 30286, or contact them at upsonhumanesociety@gmail.com or 706-647-1881

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Mrs. Mary Osbolt Brannon
     Mrs. Mary Osbolt Brannon, age 96, of Thomaston, died Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021.
     Mary was born in Benton, Ala. Dec. 15, 1924. She lived on a farm in lower Alabama, the daughter of a local farm girl and a hardworking 1907 Croatian immigrant. Later her family moved to Thomaston, where she grew up and lived the rest of her life.
     She was preceded in death by her husband, William Brannon; her son, Billy Brannon; her grandson, Travis Brannon; and three siblings.
     She is survived by her children and daughter-in-law, Nita Brannon, Tom (Mary) Brannon of Thomaston, Kenny (Eleanor) Brannon of Wedowee, Ala., Donny (Karen) Brannon of Hoschton; grandchildren, Wendy (Troy) Brooks, Michelle (Gary) Kilby, Jeff Brannon, Bill (Stacey) Brannon, Sam Brannon, Keeley (Nick) Grow, Scott (Hillary) Brannon, Rachael (Matt) Solik, and Mitchell (Jacklyn) Brannon.
     She was a proud mother of four boys, a loving mother-in-law, grandmother of nine, and great-grandmother of 15. So many others claim Mimi as their second mother, an honor she cherished. Mary was a devoted Christian who never wavered in her faith and love for her church. She worshiped at Shiloh Baptist Church for many years, where she sang in the choir and supported the soup kitchen by regularly baking cornbread.
     Mary worked for BF Goodrich/Martha Mills for many years. After retirement, she shared her many talents and love for people as an employee keeping records and supporting social activities at Providence Nursing Home until she once again retired at 80 years old. She then regularly volunteered at Upson Regional Medical Center and organized class reunions and Silvertown Community reunions.
     She loved people and people loved her. She often hosted bunco and bridge at her home and is remembered by her longtime friends as a fierce competitor. She was an avid fan of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Atlanta Braves.
     Mary was affectionately known as Mimi by her family and by most of those who knew her. She had a natural talent for making everyone she met her family. She was a gracious hostess who welcomed all into her home. Mimi was a precious gem to all she encountered, and a true southern lady.
     She will be laid to rest in a private, graveside service of immediate family. Later this year, all loved ones and friends will be graciously asked to a local celebration of her life and an outpouring of love from those who were so loved by our beloved Mimi.
     While our family is heartbroken, we know she impacted so many lives through her Christ-led example and take comfort knowing that she is walking with and rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.
      The family would like to express appreciation to the nurses and staff of Riverside Health and Rehab for the love and care given her during the last 19 months following her devastating stroke in 2019, and Thomaston Hospice during her last three weeks of fighting the good fight before going home to the Lord.
     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Silvertown Baptist Church in her memory.
     You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mrs. Brannon’s family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfuneralhome.com.
    Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being entrusted with the arrangements.

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Mr. Kenneth Donald Hatchett
     Mr. Kenneth Donald Hatchett, age 82, of Thomaston, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at his residence.  Funeral services for Mr. Hatchett were held Saturday, Feb. 20, at East Thomaston Baptist Church. Rev. Joey Smith officiated, and burial followed in Upson Memorial Gardens.
     Mr. Hatchett was born in Pike County June 27, 1938, to the late Thomas Hatchett and the late Ida Bell Morris Hatchett. He served his country in the United States Air Force and later earned an associate's degree from Gordon College.
     Mr. Hatchett was the owner of Hatchett Plumbing and Heating Company. He was a member of the Thomaston Masonic Lodge and the Al Shirah Shrine Temple. Mr. Hatchett was a member of East Thomaston Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon.
     Survivors include his wife, Ruth B. Hatchett; a daughter, Ann H. Hoard; a sister, Geneva H. Helms; two grandchildren, Shannon Craven and Tim Moreland; and four great granddaughters, Kinslee Ann Craven, Makenna Cobb, Brookelyn Rogers, and Adrianne Morgan, all of Thomaston. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
     Those desiring may make memorial contributions to East Thomaston Baptist Church., PO Box 329, Thomaston, GA 30286.
     Fletcher-Day Funeral Home of Thomaston was in charge of all arrangements.
     Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.

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​Meagan Nichole McNair
     Meagan Nichole McNair, age 35, of Lamar County, died Friday, Feb. 12, 2021.
     Meagan was born Aug. 1, 1985, in Albany, to Rhonda Inez Shehee and John E. McNair. She worked as a waitress and caterer at Olive Garden, and was a member of Central Baptist Church in Albany. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ronald L. Shehee and Eleanor Shehee.
     Survivors include her son, Harrison Hyatt of Columbus; mother, Rhonda Shehee of Barnesville; grandparents, Alfred "Phil" and Dorothy Hyatt; and uncle, Ronald Lee Shehee, Jr.
     Memorial graveside services for Ms. McNair were held Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021 in Southview Cemetery.
     You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Meagan’s family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfuneralhome.com.
     Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being entrusted with the arrangements.

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Mr. Corstell Neal
     Mr. Corstell Neal, age 89, of Fossett Road in Concord, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at his residence. Graveside services were held Sunday, Feb. 21 at Bush Chapel Cemetery of Concord.
     Mr. Neal leaves to cherish his memories, a loving and devoted wife, Lucy Walker Neal of Concord; one brother, Roger Neal of Concord; two nieces that were like daughters, Pam Willis of Thomaston and Annette Hughley of Riverdale; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that will miss him dearly.
    Bentley’s Funeral Home was in charge of all professional services.

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Mr. Rickey O’Neal Paige
     Mr. Rickey O’Neal Paige was born Nov. 8, 1958 in Thomaston and Upson County, to parents Mrs. Charlene Walker Paige and the late Mr. Johnny Fred Paige.  
     Rickey grew up in Upson County and was educated in the Upson County School System. He was a member of the Towaliga County Line Baptist Church in Jackson, which he loved and faithfully served for more than 20 years. He was always extremely passionate about helping others.
     Rickey was employed by Berry Global in Griffin for the last 16 years. Past employers include Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital, Dundee Mills, and Signal Mill, where he served as a dedicated employee. He enjoyed detailing cars and as a result, he became an entrepreneur in the car detailing business.
     Rickey was a great father to his three daughters. They were daddy’s girls. He really enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, and he could be seen quite often with them. Sports were an important part of his enjoyment and he could be seen and heard as he watched football, baseball, and basketball games. Other hobbies included listening to music, going to the movies, and visiting with family and friends.
     On Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, Rickey departed this earthly life at Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta. His passing has saddened the hearts of his family and friends who loved him dearly.
     Rickey leaves to cherish his memory, “the love of his life and friend of his heart,” his wife, Jeanette Sims Paige of Griffin; his mother, Charlene Walker Paige of Thomaston; three children, Fallen Vernell Paige of Hampton, Natisha Sha’Rae Paige and LaQuandra Shanae Paige of Griffin; eight grandchildren, Octavius (Lijah) Fletcher, Jr., Yaharria Paige, Javan Reid, Tyler Paige, Christian Paige, Chandler Paige, Chase Mathis, and Chance Cotton; two sisters, Robyn Walker and Earlene Paige of Thomaston; three brothers, Marcus (Cheryl) Paige of Upper Marlboro, Md., Landris Paige and Vinnie (Melinda) Paige of Thomaston; sisters-in-law, Josephine Holloman and Martha Russell Jackson of Griffin and Alice Faye Parks of Hampton; aunts and uncle, Marjorie (Henry) Rhines, Barbara (Lynn Perry) Carter, Vernette (Morris) Myrick, Linda (Charles) Davis, Mary Daniel and Benjamin (Ruby) Walker; four close friends, Michael White, Fred Paige, Anthony Brown and Michael (Diamond) Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will miss his presence.
     Trice Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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Mr. Willie Sparks, Jr.
     Mr. Willie Sparks, Jr., age 67, of Zorn Street, passed Friday, Feb. 19, 2021 at his residence.
     Memorial services will be held Thursday, Feb. 25 at noon in the George E. Trice Jr. Memorial Chapel. Pastor Greg Smith will officiate, assisted by Evangelist Sandra T. Trice.
     Mrs. Sparks was educated in the public schools of Upson County and attended Drake High School. He was formerly employed by the Yahoo Milk Company and the R.C. Company. Mr. Sparks attended Thomaston Seventh Day Adventist Church.
     He was survived by two sisters, Mrs. Diane (Randolph) Dallas and Mrs. Patricia Ann (Harry Lee) Drake, both of Thomaston; two brothers, Mr. Braddy (Aletha) Dennis of Atlanta and Mr. James Albert Sparks of Thomaston; one niece, Jasmine Dennis of Atlanta; six nephews, Raymond Dennis of Barnesville, Tyrone Dennis of Thomaston, Damarcus Dennis, Brad Dennis, and Joshua Dennis, all of Atlanta; and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.
     Trice Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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Mrs. Annie Ruth Kendall Pringle
     Mrs. Annie Ruth Kendall Pringle, age 80, of Logtown Road, passed Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at Harborview Nursing Home.
     Graveside services were held Saturday, Feb. 20, at Kendall Cemetery. Pastor David Kendall officiated, assisted by Minister Martin Johnson and Minister Mary Kendall.
     She received her education in the public schools of Upson County. She was employed by Thomaston Textile Mills, an Avon representative, Noni Juice Sales, and retired from Martha Mills.
     Mrs. Kendall was a lifelong member of Logtown Bethel Church. She served on the usher board, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and served on the kitchen committee.
     She was survived by two daughters, Ms. Mary Denise Kendall of Thomaston and Ms. Toni Searcy of Atlanta; two grandchildren, Ms. Pita Paige (Terico) Harper of Atlanta and Mr. Jameel Kendall of Thomaston; two sisters, Mrs. Lena Murchison of Atlanta and Mrs. Mildred Jordan of Thomaston; one brother, Mr. Curtis Dawson of Thomaston; three sisters-in-law, Mrs. Mattie Carrie Kendall of Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Constance Dawson and Mrs. Ann Pringle Mann, both of Thomaston; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
     Trice Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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Mr. Jerry Bernard Tapley
     Mr. Jerry Bernard Tapley, age 72, of Phenix City, Ala., formerly of Thomaston, died Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021 at his residence.
     Mr. Tapley was born March 3, 1948 in Thomaston, to the late Bernard Tapley and the late Jean Anglin Tapley. He served his country in the U.S. Navy and worked for Anne's Estate Sales in Columbus. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Phenix City, Ala.
     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Teresa Harper.
     Survivors include his son, Mark Tapley of Pine Mountain; half-brother, Scotty Stewart of Meansville; cousin, Gloria Holloway Warr of Sun City, Fla.; aunt, Shirley Salter of Thomaston; and many cousins.
Graveside services were held Saturday, Feb. 20, from Crystal Hill Cemetery.
     You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts with Mr. Tapley’s family by visiting the Coggins Funeral Home website at cogginsfuneralhome.com.
     Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston had the privilege of being entrusted with the arrangements.

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Mr. William Lewis Reviere
     Mr. William Lewis Reviere, age 61, of Thurston School Road, passed Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2021 at his residence.
     Memorial services were held Sunday, Feb. 21 in the George E. Trice Jr. Memorial Chapel. Pastor A.C. O'Neal officiated, assisted by Minister John Stinson and Evangelist Sandra T. Trice.
     Mr. Reviere was educated in the public schools of Upson County and attended R.E. Lee Institute. He was formerly employed by Harper’s Tree service. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.
     He is survived by seven siblings, Mr. Milton Reviere of Thomaston, Mrs. Johnnie Ruth Beach of Carson, Calif., Mr. John Allen (Angela) Reviere, Jr. of Ellicott City, Md., Minister Evelyn Lucille (Marcus) Thompson of Thomaston, Mrs. Mary (Quantez) Asberry of Lithonia, Mr. Edwin Reviere of Thomaston, and Mrs. Loretta Reviere (Anthony) Perry of Fairburn; one aunt, Mrs. Janie Green of Thomaston; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
     Trice Home was in charge of the arrangements.

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