Mrs. Rita Thurman Vickers, age 95 of Ambrose, GA passed away earlier this morning, January 11, 2026, at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation following a decline in her health. Mrs. Vickers was born July 9, 1930, in Coffee County, GA to the late Thomas Thurman and the late Lilla Traynham Thurman. She was a homemaker and enjoyed being with her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a member of New Hope Baptist Church for approximately 77 years. Along with her parents, Mrs. Vickers, was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Melvin Vickers; 4…
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Shirley Ann Morris, age 89 of Douglas, GA passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, January 11th, 2026. She was surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 20th, 1936, the daughter of the late Mr. Henry Morris and the late Mrs. Ethel Morris. Her survivors include: one son, Stephen Michael (Bobbie) Stephens of Douglas, GA; three grandchildren: Kaitlyn Stephens, Dalton Stephens, and Kaitlyn Lewis; three great-grandchildren: Michael Stephens, Amari Devries, and Jeremiah Devries; one brother, Thomas “Peck” (Gail) Morris of Orlando, FL; sister in law, Lorene Morris; along with several nieces and nephews. She was preceded…
Nell Loree Steptoe Smith, age 90 of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Vista Park in Douglas, GA. Mrs. Smith was born on October 25, 1935 in Johnson Country, to Thomas F. “Bud” Steptoe and Lorena Garnto Parker. Survivors include: five grandchildren: Chris Huckaby, Walter “Gary” Huckaby, II, Andy Huckaby, Katie Loy, and Jennifer “Renee” Hunt; fifteen great-grandchildren: Kylie, Gunner, Garrett, Gray, Beau, Conner, Makenzie, Jasten, Braxton, Jaedyn “Victoria”, Emily, Shelby, Gabrella, Athena and Jocelyn; three great-great-great grandchildren; Jazlynn, Weston, and Samantha. She was preceded in death by: father, Thomas F. “Bud” Steptoe; mother, Lorena Garnto…
The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) has confirmed a measles case in a baby too young to receive routine measles vaccination. The baby, who acquired the virus while traveling internationally, lives in the Coastal Health District. DPH is working to identify individuals who may have been exposed to measles through contact with the child. Measles is very contagious and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The measles virus can stay in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. Measles symptoms typically appear 7…
Recognition Lists, according to an announcement today by Vice President for Academic & Student Affairs, Sara Selby. 182 students earned a spot on the President’s List, 203 on the Dean’s List, and 322 on the Academic Honors List. Students enrolled in 12 or more semester hours of study with a grade point average of 4.0 are placed on the President’s List for the semester. Students with a semester average of 3.5 to 3.9 on 12 or more semester hours of study are placed on the Dean’s List for that semester. Students enrolled in 5 to 11 semester hours of study…
The GBI has arrested and charged David Jackson, age 44, of Bacon County, with one count of Improper Sexual Contact by Employee and one count of Items Prohibited for Possession by Inmates. Jackson was also charged with Violating Oath of Office as a Jailer with the Bacon County Sheriff’s Office in relation to the above charges. All three charges are felony offenses. On January 8, 2026, the Bacon County Sheriff requested the GBI to investigate allegations that a jailer at the Bacon County Jail had engaged in sexual contact with a female inmate at the jail. The investigation shows Jackson…
James Edward Vickers, age 86, of Ambrose, GA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, at his home. He was born on October 21st, 1939, the son of the late Howell Vickers and Louise Vickers. His survivors include: his beloved wife of 65 years, Judy Vickers of Wray, GA; two daughters, Donna (Vance) Rogers of Wray, GA and Luanne (Oscar Collins) Boggan of Valdosta, GA; five grandchildren: Autumn (Justin) Riley, Courtney (Andrew Spivey) Rogers, Clay (Sara) Rogers, Rachel Hagen, and Daniel Boggan; seven great grandchildren: Zain Riley, Tucker Riley, Levi Sanders, Gabe Hagen, Bri Hagen, Theoden Rogers, and Evie…
Mr. Orie Douglas Kellogg, age 72, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away Saturday Evening, January 10, 2026, at Coffee Regional Medical Center following a recent decline in health. Mr. Kellogg was born August 18, 1953, in Clewiston, Florida to the late Willis Kellogg and the late Ethel Langdale Kellogg. He was a proud United States Army veteran where he served a 2-year tour, including a brief stint in Korea. Following his military service he worked in the pest control industry. He enjoyed hunting, working, NASCAR, and spending time with his family. Along with his parents, Mr. Kellogg was preceded in death…
Mr. Bobbie John Arnold, age 88, of Douglas, Georgia, passed away in the early morning hours of Monday, January 12, 2026, at this residence following a lengthy illness. Mr. Arnold was born on January 20, 1937, in Booneville, Mississippi, to the late Lilly Bell Bullock Arnold and Bobbie Smith Arnold. He was a lifelong logger and truck driver, and he was a member of West Ward Church of God. He married the love of his life, Jean Carolyn Taft Arnold and they spent 54 years married and raising a family prior to her death in December 2011. Along with his…
Mae Wilkins Morris, age 78, of Nicholls, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Vista Park Health and Rehabilitation following an extended illness. Ms. Morris was born on July 9, 1947 in Douglas, GA, to the late Cozy Carswell Morris and Clara Wilkins Morris. Her survivors include: one brother, Johnny C. Morris; one sister, Connie Leis; four nieces: Paige Williams, Shelly Yeomans, Stacy Yeomans, and Ashley Spivey; three nephews: Jimmy Leis, Morris Leis, and Brent Morris; and many great nieces and nephews. Ms. Morris was preceded in death by: grandparents, Clayton and Constance (Scrap) Morris and Johnny and…