Author: Submitted

Mrs. Celia Rodriguez-Hernandez, age 58 of Axson, Ga., passed away, Monday afternoon, April 19, 2021 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. A native of Guanajuato, Mexico, Mrs. Celia was born December 8, 1962, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albaro Rodriguez and Remedios Hernandez. She was a homemaker who took great care of her family. Mrs. Celia was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Paul Catholic Church in Douglas, Ga. Survivors include: Husband: Andres Tinajero of Axson, Ga. Sons: Jose Antonio Tinajero and wife, Felipa Miranda of Axson, Ga. …

Mr. William “Bill” Otis Cater, age 79 of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away, Saturday, April 07, 2021 at his home following an extended illness. Born November 24, l941 in Berrien County, Mr. Cater was the son of Otis and Ruth Sykes Cater. He had made his home in Willacoochee for most of his life. He was a certified electrician and had worked for Coley Electric and Plumbing in Douglas for several years. He was a Deacon and member of Willacoochee First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Clyde Cater. Survivors include:…

Mr. Manning D.J. Tanner, age 33, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2021 at his home in Axson, Ga. Survivors include: Mother: Brenda Tanner and husband, Carl Kimmerling of Willacoochee, Ga. Wife: Ashley Tanner of Axson, Ga. Sons: Nevel Kayden Tanner and D.J. Leonidis Tanner of Axson , Ga. Sisters: Kamara Kintop of Willacoochee, Ga. Serenity Kintop of Willacoochee, Ga. Maternal Grandmother: Ammie K. Davis of Axson, Ga. Several Aunts, Uncles and other relatives also survive. Mr. Tanner was preceded in death by his…

Eva Paulette Schultze Courson, age 69, of Pearson, Georgia, passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Georgia. Mrs. Courson was born on August 15, 1951, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Robert Roy Schultze and Naomi Belch Schultze. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Joseph Larry Courson, Sr. Her unique wit, style, and larger than life personality will be greatly missed and often remembered by the countless people she touched over her all too short lifetime. “Miss Paulette,” as she was affectionately known far and wide, led a…

Mr. Melvin Ben Higgs, age 102 years old from Axson, Ga., passed away Friday, April 9, 2021 at his home following an extended illness. A native of Waycross, Ga., Mr. Higgs was born, November 22, 1918, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elisha and Sarah Ann Bagley Higgs. He was a farmer and pulpwood producer who worked hard all his life and took great pride and joy in hunting, fishing, and providing for his family, whom he deeply loved. He was a member of Millwood Baptist Church and also attended Indian Mound Church. Mr. Higgs was a U.S. Marine Corp…

An ongoing and lengthy investigation by Coffee County Sheriff’s Office detectives and drug agents in connection with a string of catalytic converter thefts in the area has yielded several arrests. The investigation led authorities to obtain multiple search warrants at local residences, where amounts of illegal drugs and evidence of the recent thefts were discovered. Those facing drug and theft charges in connection to the incidents thus far include Richard Corbett, Ricky Lyman Lott, Tremaine Clemmons, Amber Grantham, and Anthony Woods. Authorities would like to inform the public that these investigations are ongoing and urge anyone with…

Ms. Karon Denise O’Steen Taft, age 72 of Douglas, passed away Monday, April 12, 2021 at her residence following a short illness. Ms. Taft was born August 21, 1948 to the late Dennis O’Steen and the late Olif Harper O’Steen. Ms. Taft, a native of Douglas, GA, had worked 30 years for Campbell’s and she had also worked in home healthcare with Altamaha Health Care. She was a member of Tanner Baptist Church. Survivors include: Daughter: Renee Warner and husband Steve of Valdosta, GA Sister: Barbara Cauley of Douglas, GA Several other relatives and friends, including a nephew Floyd Cauley…

Mr. Ronnie Hancock, age 66 of Douglas, passed away Friday afternoon, April 9, 2021 at Ascension St. Vincent’s in Jacksonville, FL following a short illness. Mr. Hancock was born March 11, 1955 to the late John Hancock, Sr. and the late Lester Faye Leavens Hancock. Mr. Hancock, a native of Coffee County, was a diesel mechanic in a shipyard that was contracted by the United States government. Survivors include: Siblings: Faye Hancock Yates of DeLand, FL Benjamin Hancock of Jacksonville, FL Tommy Hancock and Lester Hancock, both of Douglas, GA Many friends and other relatives also survive. A memorial service…

The No. 21 seed South Georgia State College Hawks have advanced to the second round of the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament with a 93-89 overtime upset of the No. 12 seed Salt Lake Community College Bruins. The two teams traded scoring runs throughout the game, with Salt Lake building a 22-11 lead in the first half. The Hawks answered with a 38-18 run of their own to take a 49-40 lead into the locker room. SGSC’s scoring spark included three consecutive three-pointers by Zae Wiggins in the closing minutes of the half. The Hawks held Salt…

Carleene Gourley, age 86, of Hazlehurst, Georgia passed away on Friday, April 16, 2021 at Tifton Health & Rehabilitation Center, Tifton, Georgia. Mrs. Gourley was born on January 6, 1935 the daughter of the late Perry and Annie Floyd. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Gourley, son, Terry Gourley, brothers, Billy Floyd and Grant Floyd and a sister, Ruby Mason. Mrs. Gourley was a homemaker and of the Mormon faith. Survivors include daughter, JoAnn Taylor (James) of Douglas, GA; sons, David Gourley Jr (Diana) of Pembroke, GA and Charles Gourley…