Author: Submitted

Ruth Griggs, age 96, of Douglas, GA passed away on Monday, September 19, 2016, at Shady Acres. Mrs. Griggs was born on September 19, 1920, in Greymont, GA to the late Lemual Kitchens and Elizabeth Adkins Kitchens. Survivors include: her two sons, Tim (Sherry) Griggs of Douglas, GA and Robin (Regina) Griggs of Ft. Valley, GA; nine grandchildren; twenty-four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Olin Griggs; and a son, Danny Griggs. The family will receive friends Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home. Funeral Service…

South Georgia State College (SGSC) is pleased to announce the addition of a spring cohort for the Bachelor of Science in Management (BSM) degree. The new degree launched in August after approval from the University System of Georgia Board of Regents in March 2016. Dr. Charles Smith, Chair of Business and Assistant Professor of Management, will host an information session to learn more on the BSM on Tuesday, September 27th from 6:00 – 7:00 pm in the Alumni House on the Douglas Campus and on Tuesday, October 4th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm in the President’s Dining Room in the…

Mrs. Ethel Carter Musgrove, age 94 of Ambrose, GA, passed away Monday afternoon at Coffee Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Musgrove was born September 17, 1922 to the late Jim Carter and the late Sarah Tanner Carter. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Raymond Musgrove; 2 Sons, Jerry Musgrove and Wallace Musgrove; 1 Daughter, Lutrell M. Lott; 1 Son-In-Law, Donald Spell; 1 Grand Son, Carlton Eugene Musgrove; 1 Grand daughter, Syanne Musgrove; 5 Brothers, Troy Carter, Jimmy Carter, Barry Carter, Kermit Carter and Ray Carter; and 2 Sisters, Janell C. Douglas and Olean…

Students at Indian Creek joined in celebrating Constitution Day on Friday, Sept. 16. Many students showed their patriotism by dressing in red, white, and blue. Local attorney, Mrs. Julee-Brooke Lewis, visited Mrs. Jaime Taylor’s class and talked with kindergarteners about the importance of our U.S. Constitution. After examining a replica, the students wrote and signed their own constitution. It goes something like this: “We the kids of Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Stacy’s Class…In order to learn and have fun, we will follow the rules and be kind to one another. We will take care of one another and be a…

Conzuelo Lerma Ruiz, age 45, of Douglas, GA passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at Tift Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Ms. Ruiz was born on November 8, 1970, in Mexico to Angela Ruiz and the late Aldolfo Lerma. Survivors include: her mother, Angela Ruiz of Brownsville, TX; three sisters, Naty Lerma of Mexico, Magdalena Anguiano of Ambrose, GA, and Erika Anguiano of Seattle, WA; six brothers, Carlos Lerma of Minnesota, Fabian Lerma of Mexico, Fernando Lerma of Texas; Jose Lerma of Texas, Martin Lerma of Virginia, and Guadalupe Lerma of Texas; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends…

James Edward Burkett, age 88, of Douglas, GA passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness. Mr. Burkett was born on December 11, 1927, in Hazlehurst, GA to the late James Freddie Burkett and Dora Beatrice Alexander Burkett. Survivors include: his two daughters, Ann (Donald) Hall of Douglas, GA and Rhonda (Arley) Waters of Nicholls, GA; three sons, Freddie (Denise) Burkett of Alma, GA, Eddie (Connie) Burkett of Douglas, GA, Gary (Sheila) Burkett of Denton, GA; eighteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by…

Indian Creek kindergarteners had a special visitor recently to help them learn the letter M. Jake Grantham, son of Cray and Greta Grantham, played his mandolin for each class. What a great way to help students make the connection between the letter “M” and its sound in the word, mandolin! Thank you, Jake, for sharing your talents with us! – Submitted

Students at Eastside Elementary School recently participated in Constitution Day, and everyone was invited to wear red, white, and blue while we celebrated our government’s birth. Various activities were planned in all grade levels that included learning more about the separation of powers, a “messed up” version of the Constitution in which students had to find and correct the mistakes, and some even read the Preamble! We had a great day celebrating America’s history. – Submitted

Loraine Joyce Abercrombie DeFreitas, age 87, of Broxton, GA passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016, at her Residence. Ms. DeFreitas was born on July 10, 1929, in Newnan, Georgia to the late Gilbert Abercrombie and Katie Huffmaster Abercrombie. Survivors include: Daughters: Felisha Moseley of Broxton, GA, Libby Defreitas of Nicholls, GA. Son: Maj. Gen. John (Mina) DeFreitas of Clarksville, MD. Sisters: Helen (Mickey) Huddleston of Thomasville, GA, Ellen Edgar-Wolfe of Thomasville, GA. Grandson: Neil (Brittany) O’Steen , Granddaughter: Katie (Kevin) Adams, Grandson: John Moseley, Grandson: Donnie (Amy) Hodges, Grandson: Michael (Hillary) Hodges. Preceded by: Father: Gilbert Abercrombie, Mother: Katie…

The Okefenokee Heritage Center will celebrate the arts with one of our longest running programs – The Annual Ben Smith Juried Art Competition. This year marks 40 years that the competition has been held. Entrants have the opportunity to win cash prizes for first and second place in the categories of painting, photography, graphics, and three-dimensional. The late Judge Ben Smith was an icon in many different ways to the people in southeast Georgia, as a judge and as an historian, but his impact on the arts will be celebrated at the OHC through the contest and exhibit. Judge Smith,…