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By Amy Hancock One year ago, the winds howled, the skies darkened, and Hurricane Helene changed the landscape of South Georgia overnight. But in the days that followed, something more powerful emerged – the strength and resilience of those who call South Georgia State College (SGSC) and the region home. September 27, 2024, is forever etched in our collective memory. Trees fell, power lines snapped, and lives were upended in a matter of hours. On the Douglas campus alone, thousands of trees were scattered across campus, making it almost impossible to navigate from one entrance to another. The Waycross campus…

Robert E. Lee Highsmith, age 89, of Cleveland, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2025.Mr. Highsmith was born on April 18, 1936, in Ocilla, Georgia, to the late Luther and Betty Griffin Highsmith. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his daughters, Charity Mayo, Kim Arrington, Teresa Harper, Marjorie Highsmith, and Hattie Mae Highsmith; brothers, Daniel Highsmith and Raymond Highsmith.Survivors include his wife, Shirley Highsmith; children, Sherry and Sammy Reed, Marsha and Phil Laster, Marie Dick, Marvin Highsmith, and Jan Merrifield; siblings, Grace Kirkland, Shirley Deems, Jack Highsmith, Billy and Nita Highsmith, Glenda Soles, and Evelyn…

Mr. Christopher Scott Grimes, age 60, of Nicholls, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, September 18, 2025 in Broxton, Georgia. Christopher was born November 7, 1964, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Johnny Grimes and the late Wanda Ann Raulerson. He made his career in the heating and cooling industry and attended Harvest Time Church of God. He enjoyed fishing, spending time with his family, and cooking, especially grilling. It was said that he could cook up something delicious out of anything. Along with his parents he was preceded in death by 2 sisters: Donna Black and Brenda Grimes. Christopher…

Mrs. Judith Pitts Andrews, age 89, formerly of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Tuesday afternoon, September 23, 2025 at her residence in Valdosta, Georgia, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Andrews was born January 5, 1936 in Sharon, Pennsylvania, to the late Kenneth Pitts and the late Lucille Harshman Pitts. She was a homemaker, and married to her late husband, Robert Andrews for 42 years, prior to his passing. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who found great joy in caring for her family. She was a member of 1st Presbyterian Church. Along with her husband and parents,…

Pearl Drew Shattler, age 83 of Douglas, Georgia and formerly of Kite, Georgia passed away Saturday, September 20, 2025 at The Landings of Douglas, Georgia. Pearl was born January 5, 1942, in Kite, Georgia to the late Gladys Sherrod Drew and Georgia Washington Drew. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband John Wesley Shattler, II and two brothers, Tony Drew and Billy Drew. Mrs. Shattler retired from the banking Industry where she held many positions starting as a teller and completing her career as a bank officer. She was a lifetime member of Rehoboth…

Mr. Rex Edward Adams, Sr., age 63, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at his residence following a sudden illness. Rex was born January 9, 1962 to the late James Edward Adams and the late Sarah Janice Sauls Adams. He loved God, his family and his friends. He was a sheet metal machinist by trade and a gifted handy man. He will long be remembered for his willingness to help others. Rex was a dedicated employee of Lyon Management Company for the past 10 years where he was more than an employee, he was family. He…

Mrs. Sena Mae Flanders Crosby, age 74, of Moultrie, Georgia, formerly of Lakeland, Florida, passed into the arms of Jesus on Monday morning, September 22, 2025 at her residence surrounded by loved ones, following a lengthy illness. Mrs. Crosby was born October 21, 1950 in Pearson, Georgia to the late James Flanders and the late Louise Benefield Flanders. She made her career with Singleton Seafood Factory where she retired after 35 years of faithful service and she was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Moultrie, Georgia. She found great joy in eating catfish and traveling to the fair…

William Henry “Buddy” Spikes Jr., age 81, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at his home. He was born on December 10th, 1943, the son of Mr. William Henry Spikes Sr. and Frances Lee Garren Spikes. His survivors include: his beloved wife, Margaret Spikes of Douglas, GA; one son, William Boys Spikes of Douglas, GA; one daughter, Martha Frances (Danny) Simmons of Brooklet, GA; three grandchildren, Madelynn Simmons, Matthew Simmons and Hailey Spikes; three brothers, Winston (Donna) Spikes of Ocilla, GA, Tommy (Cheryl) Spikes of Nashville, GA, and Teddy (Polly) Spikes of Enigma, GA; two…

Suzette Ludwig, age 68, of Douglas, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 25th, 2025, at her home. She was born on December 2nd, 1956 the daughter of Fred Brooker and Vivian Taylor. Her survivors include: one son, Stanley Jason O’steen of Douglas, GA; three sisters, Pat Niebor of St. Augustine, FL, Beverly Thomas of Douglas, GA and Buffy Waters of Douglas, GA; four grandchildren, Desiree Nettles, Brianna Nettles, Carter O’Steen and Keaton O’steen; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Brooker, and mother, Vivian Taylor. The family will receive friends on…

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College has recognized Brent Warren and Tom Feagle as its 2025-2026 Employees of the Year. These employees were honored for their dedication, hard work, and leadership skills by the faculty and staff of the college. Wiregrass employees annually nominate staff members and supervisors for their exemplary performance on the job. The nominations are narrowed down by a committee, and the finalists are interviewed by a panel of judges to decide who will be honored. Brent Warren, Student Success Coordinator, was awarded the annual James A. Bridges Vanguard Award for the staff member of the year. Here is…