Author: Submitted

Mrs. Doris Helen Anderson Sweat, age 75 of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Thursday afternoon, August 8, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her loving family following an extended period of declining health. A Coffee County native, Helen was born April 10, 1950 in Douglas, Georgia to the late Jake Albert Anderson and the late Malisa Hutcheson Anderson. She married the love of her life, the late Billy G. Sweat, on June 27, 1970 and went on to share 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2020. Helen devoted her life to caring for others. She and Billy spent more…

Mrs. Gillerene “Gilly” Samons Bryant, age 82, of Douglas, Georgia passed away Thursday afternoon, August 7, 2025 at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Bryant was born August 5, 1943 in Martin, Kentucky to the late Gilbert Samons and the late Helen Rickman Samons. She graduated from high school in Atkinson County and went on to become a skilled beautician and a dedicated homemaker. Mrs. Bryant is survived by her loving husband of more than 13 years, Robert Stanford Bryant of Douglas, Georgia; a son, Johnny Murphree of California; a brother, Oscar Samons of Kentucky; 2…

The GBI has arrested and charged Prince “PJ” Thomas, age 18, of Douglas, with Felony Murder, three counts of Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime in connection to the death of Jameria Studivent, age 18, of Blackshear. On Thursday, August 7, 2025, at about 9:10 a.m., Studivent was riding in a car with two other people when she was shot while traveling in the 400 block of Miller Road in Douglas. They then drove to Coffee Regional Medical Center, where she was provided medical care, but eventually died from her injury. The GBI…

Wendell Hubert Sasser, age 69, of Nicholls, GA, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Memorial Health in Savannah, GA following an extended illness. Mr. Sasser was born on August 18, 1955 to the late Hubert and Inez Sasser. Survivors include: his wife, Shirley Sasser of Nicholls, GA; one daughter, Brooke (Tyler) McKinnon of Savannah, GA; two sons, Steven (Boone) Sasser of Jesup, GA and Gregory (Brittany) Sasser of Douglas, GA; seven grandchildren, Ruby Sasser, Dean Sasser, Grey Sasser, Patrick McKinnon, Annabelle McKinnon, James McKinnon,and Aiden McKinnon; two brothers, Kim (Sandra) Sasser of Alma, GA and Glenn (Esperanza) Sasser…

The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has investigated a case involving deposit account fraud. The investigation stems from a report filed on July 2, 2025, in connection with a bad check written for $20,000 to cover wedding catering. 68-year-old Larry Wiggins of Douglas was charged under Georgia State Law 16-9-20(b)(3), relating to felony-level deposit account fraud for amounts of $1,500 or more. Wiggins was arrested and transported to the Coffee County Jail on August 4, 2025, and was later bonded out.

Johnny Christopher Kinnett, age 54, of Broxton, GA, passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Kinnett was born on January 22, 1971 to the late Claude Thomas Kinnett and Susie Hulett Kinnett. Survivors include: one daughter, Cari (Cameron) Creech of Goose Creek, SC; one sister, Lynn (Ray) Fussell of Douglas, GA; one brother, Greg (Lynn) Kinnett of Jacksonville, GA; one grandson, Carter Dockery; one brother-in-law, Dennis (Becky) Trowell; two nieces, Jodi (Colton) Rogers of Douglas, GA and Shelby (Landon) Dorminey of Highland Ranch, CO. Mr. Kinnett was preceded in death…

Dennis Franklin Harris, age 68, of Douglas, GA, passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at his residence following a brief illness. Mr. Harris was born on January 16, 1957, in Wayne County, GA to the late Geraldine and Harley Davis, Leroy Harris. Mr. Harris was a painter by trade. Survivors include one sister, Virginia Fussell; one brother, Roy Harris (Marlene); sister in law, Eva Harris; niece, Tammy Maze (Chris); nephew, Jerry Harry (Wanda); Lisa Harris Mullaly (Jerry), Brandi Harris Furjanic (Don), Jennifer Harris, Angie Guy, Ben Guy, special nephews Matthew Taylor (Mackenzie), Chandler Maze, Jordan Maze (Jayci), Bentley Taylor,…

Mrs. Judith “Judy” Diane Born Meeks, age 82, of West Green, Georgia, passed away Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2025, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Judy was born October 23, 1942 in Atlanta, Georgia to the late James L. Born and the late Martha Rustin Born. She worked in the school cafeteria, was assistant church librarian and church clerk at Shades Crest Baptist church in Hoover, Alabama for many years. She later became WOM director and a singer at Central Baptist Church. Aside from her church work she found great joy as an artist and homemaker. Judy…

On August 3, 2025, deputies with the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic violence incident involving 62-year-old James Teston of Douglas. According to the investigation, Teston had been drinking when he began damaging property inside the home and verbally belittling the victim. He ultimately struck the victim in the face with an open hand. Deputies observed visible swelling consistent with the victim’s account. During questioning, Teston admitted to hitting the victim and was taken into custody. Teston was arrested and charged with simple battery – family violence, a misdemeanor offense. He was transported to the Coffee County Jail…

The City of Douglas encourages citizens to attend or join various city committees and boards. The following is a list of August 2025 City of Douglas Boards and Committees meetings. The city currently has one vacancy on the Airport Commission. The volunteer would need to live in the city limits and have an interest in aviation. Volunteer forms are available for download on the city website at cityofdouglasga.gov/volunteer.