Pearson-Dial Funeral Home

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is Pierce County's oldest family owned & operated funeral home.

Our family has been proudly serving families in our area since 1966 with the most compassionate care.

Please join us in lifting up the Still family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their wife, mother, grandmother, g...
05/26/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Still family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Virginia Ann Alderman Still, 62, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday evening, May 23, 2026, at her residence.

Born in Plant City, FL on July 25, 1963, she lived there until moving to Pierce County 35 years ago. Mrs. Still was a former manager of Michael’s Deli in Blackshear as well as Subway in Blackshear. She had spent the last several years being a homemaker and devoted granny to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mrs. Still enjoyed fishing in her younger days and attended Living River Church of God.

She was a daughter of the late Norman Russell & Virginia Tyson Alderman. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Alderman.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph Leroy Still, Sr. of Blackshear; two daughters, Jennifer Driggers (Joshua Moody) and Jasmine Still all of Blackshear; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph L. & Brandi Still, Jr. and Russell Still all of Blackshear; two sisters, Nora Jean Jackson and Amber (Jorge) Gonzalez both of Blackshear; three brothers, Steven (Stella) Alderman of Blackshear, Mark (Bonnie) Alderman of Lake Wells, FL, and Leo (Kitty) Alderman of Plant City. 15 grandchildren, Joseph “JoJo” Still, III, James Still, Brittney Still, Gabby Still, Emily Still, Kasey Still, Samantha Still, Sonny Still, Sophia Still, Russell Still, Jr., Shelby Drigger, Thomas Driggers, Hailey Driggers, Ruth Still, and Buddy Still; 4 great grandchildren, Kingsten Still, Hudson Driggers, Daxsten Still, and Kannon Ross; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Still will be held Thursday afternoon, May 28, 2026, at 2:00 from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor R. B. Gaskins officiating.

Mrs. Still will be taken to her son’s (Joseph, Jr.) residence on Wednesday afternoon at 2 o’clock and will remain there until 10 Thursday morning. The address is 6552 Philip Road, Blackshear, GA 31516.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Still family during this time.

This year, we were honored to help lay Pvt. Bennett Hubert Waters to rest after 81 years. He's buried just a few feet a...
05/25/2026

This year, we were honored to help lay Pvt. Bennett Hubert Waters to rest after 81 years. He's buried just a few feet away from Major Millard Leon Treadwell who was killed in a helicopter crash in Vietnam. He's the reason I'm here. Both men, along with thousands of other men and women, paid the ultimate sacrifice and never made it home to their families. We honor these soldiers for not only their sacrifice but for standing up to protect their country, their families and their families future. Our upmost gratitude and our deepest condolences to these soldiers and their families. May God continue to bless our great country! 🇺🇸🙏🏻

Please join us in lifting up the Sims family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, and sist...
05/24/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Sims family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, and sister-in-law. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Dola Laverne King Sims, 81, of Blackshear, passed away Saturday morning, May 23, 2026, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.

Born in Blackshear, GA on February 7, 1945, she lived in Pierce County all of her life. Mrs. Sims was a 1963 graduate of Blackshear High School and retired from AT&T where she had worked as a telephone operator.
She enjoyed reading her Bible as well as watching faith-based tv shows and movies. Mrs. Sims also enjoyed watching game shows and spending time with her family.

She was a daughter of the late William Hampton & Mary Alma Crosby King. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas “Tommy” William Sims; her sister, Martha Lee Raulerson; her brother, Buddy King; her in-laws, John Henry & Martha Hutto Sims; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Lou Dubberly, Betty & Perry Hesters, Edward Sims, James Raulerson, and Michael Alderman; and by a niece, Tonya King Williams.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Keith & Megan Sims of Blackshear; two sisters-in-law, Susan King and Shirley Cauthen both of Blackshear; a brother-in-law, Jimmie Dubberly of Waycross; her grandson, Michael Sims; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Graveside services for Mrs. Sims will be held Wednesday morning, May 27, 2026, at 11:30 from the Rehobeth Cemetery in Pierce County with Rev. Mitch Hall officiating. In the event of inclement weather, the service will be held at the funeral home.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 10 until 11 Wednesday morning.

Interment will be in the Rehobeth Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice Satilla Hospice House, 811 Beacon St., Waycross, GA 31501.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Sims family during this time.

Please join us in lifting up the Lynn family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, son, and...
05/21/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Lynn family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their father, grandfather, son, and brother. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. David Edgar Lynn, Jr., 56, of Patterson, passed away early Tuesday morning, May 19, 2026, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born in Beaufort, SC on January 19, 1970, he lived in Pierce County most of his life. Mr. Lynn was a cabinet maker working for Architectural Innovations. He was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, and planting gardens.

He was preceded in death by his father, David Edgar Lynn, Sr.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Micalla & Kyle Suggs of Blackshear; his son, David E. Lynn, III of Patterson; his mother, Regina Hodge Lynn of Blackshear; two brothers, Jake (Amanda) Lynn of Hortense and Willie (Ranee) Lynn of Blackshear; two grandchildren, Colten Courson and Cypress Suggs; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A memorial service for Mr. Lynn will be held Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 o’clock from the Laura Chapel Baptist Church in Patterson with Pastor Ronnie Sharpe and Rev. Daniel Harris officiating.

The family will be receiving friends in the sanctuary immediately following the service.

Memorialization is by cremation.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Lynn family during this time.

Congratulations to the Classes of 2026! All the way from kindergarten to college, we are proud of your achievements and...
05/16/2026

Congratulations to the Classes of 2026! All the way from kindergarten to college, we are proud of your achievements and wish you all a very prosperous school career as well as work career. Go do great things!

Please join us in lifting up the Barsness family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, and ...
05/14/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Barsness family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, and sister. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Clara Jene Gunnels Barsness, 82, lovingly known as "Jene", passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A lifelong resident of Allons, TN, Jene was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and generosity touched all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held Friday May 15th, 2026, at Livingston Methodist Church at 3 pm with the family receiving friends prior from 1 until 3 pm. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Jonathan Maynard, Andy Gunnels, Alex Gunnels, Aeric Gunnels, Brandon Gunnels, Joshua Gunnels, Sam Officer & Cade Pritchett.

Jene was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, Dennis Barsness; her parents Harry and Ina Mary Gunnels; and her cherished nephew, Jeremiah Maynard.

She is survived by her two daughters, Bethany Barsness Strickland and her favorite son-in-law, Steve Strickland of Blackshear, Georgia and Jordan Barsness of Cookeville TN. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Bennett, Ryan, Campbell, and Beau Strickland, who were the absolute joys of her life. Jene and Dennis never missed an opportunity to cheer them on, whether at soccer games, football fields, golf matches, graduations, or any milestone worth celebrating. She also leaves behind her sweet sister, Reba (Gerald) Maynard of Livingston; loving brothers James (Jerekay) Gunnels of Mt. Juliet TN; David (Debbie) Gunnels of Livingston; and several beloved nieces, nephews, & cousins.

On April 12th, 1968 Jene married the love of her life, Dennis. From the moment they met, it was truly love at first sight, and together they built a beautiful life marked by nearly six decades of devotion, laughter, perseverance, and unwavering love. hand in hand through every season of life, they were a perfect example of commitment and partnership. And as anyone who knew Dennis would surely agree, Jene deserved sainthood status for lovingly putting up with him all those years, a testament to both her patience and her wonderful sense of humor.

She dedicated her professional life to helping other through her work in the medical insurance field, serving for many years at Overton County Medical Center and later alongside DR. Gray Smith until her retirement. Her compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on both her colleagues and the countless patients she helped over the years.

Jene found her greatest happiness in caring for others. She was an exceptional cook, known for opening her home and table to friends and family. Her meals were more than food; they were an expression of love, hospitality, and community. Cooking was her love language, and her recipes will continue to be cherished by all those who were blessed to sit at her table or enjoy a jar of her legendary candied jalapeños!

A gifted and prolific artist, Jene spent many hours in her basement studio creating meaningful works for those she loved. From hand-painted holiday decor to custom birth samplers, each piece reflected her thoughtful spirit and creative talent.

Music was another great love in Jene's life. Whether gathered on the shores of Dale Hollow Lake, enjoying live performances at local venues, or filling a friend's living room with laughter and song, music was always woven into the moments she cherished most. She especially loved all genres of music and the simple joy of people coming together to share it.

For her 80th birthday, Jene celebrated in the most fitting way possible, surrounding herself with family, friends, and the sound of local bluegrass musicians filling her home with music and happiness. It was more than a party; it was an evening full of love, storytelling, laughter, and togetherness. A memory that everyone fortunate enough to be there will cherish forever.

Jene's life was a testament to love, service, creativity, and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she nurtured, the traditions she created, and the countless memories shared around her table.

In lieu of flowers, the family has established the Dennis Barsness Memorial Scholarship through the Overton County Educational Foundation: 2632 Bradford Hicks Drive, Livingston TN 38570.

Speck Funeral Home is handling arrangements. A special thanks to Pearson-Dial Funeral Home for additional Care in Blackshear, GA.

Please join us in lifting up the Groover family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, great...
05/11/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Groover family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and sister-in-law. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Nancy Carole Howell Groover, 86 of Ellabell, Ga went peacefully to be with her Lord Thursday, May 7th, 2026. The Lord was merciful and took her home, while she was sleeping.

She was born February 23, 1940 in Pierce County, the second oldest of eleven children born to the late Harvey and Lottie Howell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thurmond S Groover Sr., a sister, Irma Groover, a brother Danny Howell, a son-in-law Alan Shuman and eight brothers-in-law, Rothell Groover, Terry Best, Burt Peacock, Eugene Crawford, John White, Allen Sapp, Wayne Hutchinson and Joe Overstreet.

At 18 years of age, after her High School graduation in 1958, she began working at “The Blackshear Times” newspaper. She loved working there and learned a lot about newspaper production. On November 21st of that same year, she would marry her High School sweetheart, Thurmond. They had a great marriage and she was a faithful and devoted wife for 57 years until God called him home on October 19, 2015. She was a very loving mother and grandmother to her 2 children, 9 grandchildren and 11 great-grand children.

Her married life began in Blackshear living on a dairy owned by “Skinny Byrd” where Thurmond was employed. They then moved to Savannah for Thurmond to pursue a career as a heavy-machine operator. Carole continued office management for both local print shops and newspapers during her career while trying to balance the responsibilities of motherhood. In 1976, the family of four moved to Bryan county, Ga and bought a 106 acre farm. Life was tough for the family trying to balance work for the parents and school for the children while farming “full-time”. Carole was a farm girl at heart and loved farm life. You could find her most mornings out feeding the animals and milking the cow before putting on her office attire and heading to work at the “Bryan County Times”, our local newspaper.

Later in life, she was blessed to get a job as Probate Clerk where she excelled due to her great memory, love for people and attention to detail. She loved the “court house life” and enjoyed the people she worked with, and around each day. As recently as a year or two ago, she could still remember the inner workings and legal aspect of the probate court system and helped others make informed decisions. Her last 10 years of public work was as the Probate Clerk for Bryan County before her retirement.

She enjoyed retirement which gave her more time for travel and her “recliner” for “tablet” time. She was naturally very tech savvy and would never shy away from technology and looking up public records or other pertinent information online. Her son remembers her joining LinkedIn online and a motorcycle forum so she could follow his professional career and hobby!

She was a wealth of knowledge and loved to help others. Her memory was exceptional and everyone in her family considered her the “family historian”. She could remember the slightest details and timing on encounters that happened decades ago. She would often mention or remind someone of an event in their life that they no longer remembered, but she had it stored away “just in case”.

She loved the Oak Ridge Boys and followed them on YouTube and Facebook. Sammy and Nancy thought they were related to them for the longest time because of the details Carole knew about their lives. She loved to travel and see them in concert and in September 2025, she went to see them in Myrtle Beach, SC for the last time. She also loved to follow young families out West on YouTube that were homesteading. It brought up memories from her earlier days on the family farm that were hard, but so rich in memories and family time. With the first 8 children born to her parents being girls, they had to learn to do all the chores around the farm including driving tractors, tending row crops and handling the animals. Later when the 3 brothers came long, everyone was thankful for the extra hands to help out.

Carole was a good friend and loved people. She was easy to talk to and fun to be around. Her smile was infectious, and she loved to laugh. She loved her siblings and often traveled with several of them to Dollywood, Missouri, Arkansas, and other places for sightseeing and family visits. She also enjoyed ocean cruises with her sisters and always had funny stories from their time together. Her daughter Nancy has a favorite story about karaoke and the “Howell Sisters” that she would love to share.

Survivors include her 2 children, Sammy Groover (Sheri) of Pembroke, GA and Nancy Shuman of Pembroke, GA; grandchildren, Sam Groover, Ashley Henderson (Matthew), Laura (Jeremiah), Anna, Katelyn (Chris), Daniel, Joshua, Taylor (Donovein) and James; eleven great grandchildren, Luke, Eden, Nathan, Nora, Phoebe, Riley, Avery, Joseph, Jackson, Camden and Evelynn; her siblings, Leola Crawford (Donald) of Savannah, Linda Sapp of Blackshear, Margie Hutchinson of Blackshear, Charlene Best of Savannah, Verdia White of Blackshear, Sandra Peacock of Alma, Harvey Howell (Dorothea) of Centerview, Missouri; and Tommy Howell of Blackshear; sisters-in-law, Norene Bennett (Jerry) of Valdosta, and Judy Howell of Blackshear along with several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Visitation will be held 5 - 7 PM, Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at Flanders Powell Funeral Home in Pembroke, GA., with a funeral service following at 7 PM in the Chapel of Flanders Powell Funeral Home.

Visitation will also be held at 11AM – 12PM Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Pearson-Dial Funeral Home in Blackshear, GA. Interment will follow in Ramah Cemetery in Pierce County.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ramah Cemetery Fund, C/O Susan Bennett 3434 W. Horseshoe Road, Blackshear, GA 31516.

Flanders Powell Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements and notes of sympathy to the family can be left on their website. www.flanderspowellfuneralhome.com

05/11/2026

Found the old page. Not sure what is really going on but hopefully it is ok now.

Sharon

Please join us in lifting up the Pittman family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their wife, mother, grandmother,...
05/09/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Pittman family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great, great grandmother, sister, and sister-in-law. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mrs. Carolyn Virginia Griffin Pittman, 83, of Waycross, passed away early Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, at her residence.

Born in Waycross, GA on March 28, 1943, she lived in Ware County all her life. Mrs. Pittman was a Manor High School graduate and would go on to work at a sewing factory then later for Brockway in Homerville. She had spent the last several years being a homemaker. Mrs. Pittman loved cooking for her family, gardening, and shopping. She dearly loved her family and enjoyed every minute she got to spend with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren. She was of the Church of God of Prophecy faith.

She was a daughter of the late Okie Matthew & Esther O’Niel Griffin. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Dollie Ruth White; and a brother, Curtis Griffin.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Gerald Pittman of Waycross; her daughter and son-in-law, Debra & Al Denmark of Waycross; two sons and daughters-in-law, Greg & Rose Pittman of Manor and Wayne & Teresa Pittman of Blackshear; a former daughter-in-law, Amanda Boyd of Manor; a sister, Louise Hodges of Waycross; three brothers, Matthew Griffin of Waycross, James (Janelle) Griffin of Jesup, and Jack Griffin of Waycross; a sister-in-law, Paula Griffin of Waycross; 16 grandchildren, Dannon Pittman, Zach (Brooklyn) Pittman, Shelbie (Justin) Spencer, Jesse (Kaylan) Pittman, Will (Katie Beth) Thrift, Clay James, Kelly (Timmy) Manac, Brice Denmark, Brett (Paige) Denmark, Taylor (Kyra) Denmark, Wayne (Stephanie) Pittman, Jr., Chris Pittman, Rachel (Garrett) Daniel, Samantha (Aaron) Cerda, Brad (Tasha)Fitzgerald, and Brandon Pittman; 30 great grandchildren; 1 great, great grandchild with 3 more on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Pittman will be held Tuesday morning, May 11, 2026, at 11:00 o’clock from the Suwanee Chapel Church of God of Prophesy with Pastor Dwayne Tanner and Mr. Al Denmark officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 6 until 8 o’clock. The family will also be receiving friends at the church on Tuesday morning one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be in the Suwanee Chapel Cemetery.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Pittman family during this time.

Please join us in lifting up the Rooks family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their husband, father, grandfather...
05/07/2026

Please join us in lifting up the Rooks family in prayer as they cope with the loss of their husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, brother, and brother-in-law. Our deepest condolences to the family during this time.

Mr. Kenneth “Ken” Harold Rooks, Sr., 84, of Nahunta, passed away early Wednesday afternoon, May 6, 2026, at Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross.

Born in Fort Myers, FL on December 1, 1941, he lived in Fort Myers prior to moving to Nahunta in 2006. Mr. Rooks served in the US Army and would go on to work for the Florida Department of Transportation for 30+ years retiring as a supervisor. He enjoyed doing projects around the house as well as hunting, fishing, and camping. Mr. Rooks also enjoyed watching Westerns and War Movies. In his later years, you could find him playing games on his iPad. He was a devoted husband, an amazing father who taught his children well, and a doting grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather.

He was a son of the late Ellis Garfield Rooks and Irene J. Salters Nash. He was also preceded in death by both of his brothers, Herman Rooks and Timothy Nash.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Karen Rieske Rooks of Nahunta; two daughters, Shirley Garrett of Ft. Myers and Dorothy Crews of Cleveland, TN; two sons, Kenneth Rooks, Jr. (Susan Hall) of Blackshear and John (Brenda) Rooks of Walworth, NY; a sister, Janice Fagan of Florida; a sister-in-law, Heidi Nash of Naples, FL; 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild with a second on the way in August; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mr. Rooks will be held Saturday morning, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 o’clock from the Pearson-Dial Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jason Long officiating.

The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home chapel one hour prior to the service.

Memorialization will be by cremation.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online guestbook at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is honored to serve the Rooks family during this time.

Address

659 Main Street/PO Box 375
Blackshear, GA
31516

Telephone

+19124496626

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