Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home

Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home A family owned funeral home in Eastman, GA operating to meet the needs of the citizens in our community.

MRS. CAROLYN BEAUCHAMP WRIGHT, age 78, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Fairview Park Hospital....
07/30/2026

MRS. CAROLYN BEAUCHAMP WRIGHT, age 78, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Fairview Park Hospital.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00PM Saturday, August 1, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Lewis Miller officiating.

Carolyn was born in Eastman, GA, on October 3, 1947, to the late Miriam Clark Beauchamp and Oscar Felton “Bleu” Beauchamp. She attended school in Dodge County and was a member of Grace Baptist Church. She worked for a number of years as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Middle Georgia Nursing Home before working for the Dodge County Board of Education as Pre-K assistant at Dodge County Pre-School. She later retired as a store clerk for Shorty’s Quick Stop. Carolyn was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her #1 priority and she worked hard to provide and take care of them all. As her children and family grew up, she found a new love in her dogs. She loved her dogs and prioritized their care just as she did her family. She enjoyed crocheting, cross stitching, and listening to music. In her enjoyment of music, she loved to dance and have a good time. She took online dancing and even participated in line dance competitions. In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her former husband, Robert Wright, and sisters, Connie Shaw and Alice Hyde.

She is survived by her Children – Bruce Wright (Twana) of Eastman, Jeff Wright (Stephanie) of Rentz, Paula Wright Gregory of Macon, and Andy Wright (Danny) of South Carolina; Grandchildren – Kaleb Wright, Lace Newman, Cheyenne Hammock, Lauren Hammock, Tristan Ragan, Anthony Ragan, Kelly Wright (Pauly), Nikki Wright, Cynthia Spires, Alex Gregory, Christian Seifert (Brittny), Jacob Wright (Jules), and Kayden Wright(Ashlyn); Great-Grandchildren – Catelyn Spires, Haley Spires, Caden Spires, McKenzie Spires, Makayla Muncey, Brinley Spires, Sawyer Williamson, Addilynn Burch, Beau Horton, and Keri Lynn Warren; Sisters – Jolene B. Noles of Eastman and Jackie B. Kirkley of Jacksonville, FL; Brother – Michael Beauchamp of Cochran; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 12:30PM-1:00PM Saturday, August 1. www.stokes-southerland.com

REV. TONY PAUL HOWELL, age 82, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Atrium Health Navicent Medical C...
07/28/2026

REV. TONY PAUL HOWELL, age 82, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center in Macon.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Thursday, July 30, in Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Trent D***s officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!”” Romans 10:15 NKJV

Tony was born on July 7, 1944, in Wildwood, Florida. He faithfully served as a Free Will Baptist minister for many years, beginning his ministry in 1972. Even after retiring from full-time ministry, he continued filling pulpits whenever he was needed. His greatest desire was to share the love of Jesus Christ, often preaching about humility and loving one another as Christ loves us. His family finds comfort in knowing he is now resting safely in the arms of his precious Savior. Known affectionately as “Bro. Tony,” “Tony,” “Papa Tony,” “Daddy,” and “Bones,” Tony loved his family deeply and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. For more than 50 years, Tony owned and operated Howell’s Painting. He took great pride in his work and was known for his attention to detail, earning the trust of customers who frequently requested him for additional projects.

Tony enjoyed traveling to the Great Smoky Mountains, often making the trip twice a year, and he also enjoyed trips to St. Simons Island. He loved watching SonLife Broadcasting Network, Westerns, classic movies, Georgia Bulldogs football, Atlanta Braves baseball, and Atlanta Falcons football. He enjoyed playing golf with his son, Danny, his longtime friend, James Dixon, and many other family members and friends. Music was one of Tony’s greatest joys. He loved playing the guitar and singing gospel hymns before delivering God’s Word. He and his wife enjoyed spending time together searching for bargains at Goodwill stores, watching Wheel of Fortune, and reading the Bible. Above all, Tony loved the Lord, faithfully served Him throughout his life, and dearly loved his family and church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Howell and Susie Strickland Howell; Sons, Toby Anthony Howell, Danny Paul Howell, and Timothy Paul Howell; grandson, Jonathan Lynn Tripp; brothers, Gerald Howell, Gene Howell, Steve Howell, and Mickey Howell; sisters, Willene Howell Carrigg, Susan Howell Chapman, Judy Mae Howell Brown, and Jo Howell Dunn; brother-in-law, David Carrigg; sister-in-law, Janelle Faulk Howell; and mother-in-law, Mary Anne McDaniel.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jewel Mullis Howell; daughters, Debbie Howell Sheffield and Mary Ann Howell Horne (Kevin), both of Eastman; nine grandchildren, Casey Anthony Howell, Danny Howell Jr. (Marli), David Andrew Howell (Felicia), Anna Horne Holland (Lance), Gina Horne, Kara Howell Tatum (Brian), Shelby Horne, Joshua Tony Howell, Gracie Sheffield, and Amber Beck (Jason); eleven great-grandchildren, Tucker Howell, Breanna Howell, Raelei Fletcher, Branch Howell, West Holland, Addison Sheffield, Gray Howell, Lane Holland, Ellie Holland, Grayson Beck, and Ava Grace Beck; sisters-in-law Alice Mullis Wimpey and Florenda Yawn Howell; brothers-in-law Homer Vaughn, Terry Dunn, and Hank Chapman; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM Thursday, July 30, and may be contacted at the residence of his wife, Jewel Howell, 22 Beechwood Drive, Eastman. In addition to flowers, contributions in Tony’s memory can be made to Debbie Griffin Mission Fund at First Freewill Baptist Church, % Durward Williams, 4266 Abbeville Hwy., Eastman, GA 31023. www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. ANGELYN MARILYN GARRETT, age 90, of Perry, GA, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at her residence. Graveside se...
07/27/2026

MRS. ANGELYN MARILYN GARRETT, age 90, of Perry, GA, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2026, at her residence.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM Tuesday, July 28, at Pleasant Olive Cemetery in Chester, GA, with her beloved cousin, Keiland Hairrington, officiating.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest William Garrett and Ethel Gladys Hairrington Garrett; her brother, Ronald E. Garrett; and sister-in-law, Syble R. Garrett.

She enjoyed reading, sewing, and cooking, and loved God, the United States of America, the late Hank Snow, and listening to country music.

She is survived by her very dear friends, Kelly and Mike Hamsley of Perry, and Judy and Neil Hobbs, of Chester; first cousins, Keiland Hairrington of Perry, Barbara H. Lee of South Carolina, Mike Hairrington of Dublin, Dianne Giddens of Augusta, and Myron Lane of Eastman. www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. KATHLEEN MARJORIE “KATHY” (KEELER) MARSHALL, age 68, of Eastman, GA, died Friday, July 24, 2026, at Fairview Park H...
07/26/2026

MRS. KATHLEEN MARJORIE “KATHY” (KEELER) MARSHALL, age 68, of Eastman, GA, died Friday, July 24, 2026, at Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin.

A celebration of life service will be held 1:00PM Sunday, August 2, at Grace Baptist Church, with Rev. Lewis Miller officiating.

Kathy was born on September 23, 1957, in Elmont Long Island, NY and was raised in Mohegan Lake, NY. She was a graduate of Lakeland High School in Shrub Oak, NY. After finishing school, she moved to Florida to be with family and lived there for many years before relocating to Rochelle, GA and making a home there with her husband Keith. She worked as a veterinarian’s assistant for several years. Kathy was a caretaker of many pets over the years including her canine companion, a rottweiler named Mathias. She loved animals and, in her lifetime, cared for Puddles, her pet duck, Coco Puff, the cockatiel, and Buddy, the Parrot, all of which she considered her family. She lived in Eastman and in her later years she found a church home at Grace Baptist Church in Eastman which became her family and her closest friends. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her Siblings – Nancy Juillet of North Port, FL, Laurie Nemeth of Staatsburg, NY, Carole Wyland of Rotonda West, FL, and Warren Keeler (Lisa) of Limington, ME; Numerous Nieces and Nephews and great Nieces and great Nephews; Several Cousins and Her Grace Baptist Church Family.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions in Kathy’s memory to Grace Baptist Church, 511 Hawkinsville Hwy., Eastman, GA 31023.
www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. MARGARET GIBSON GAY, age 82, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Heart of Georgia Nursing Ho...
07/25/2026

MRS. MARGARET GIBSON GAY, age 82, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00AM Monday, July 27, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Myron Parkerson officiating, with interment in Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Margaret was born in Baxley, GA on May 27, 1944, to the late Gladys Mae Lester Gibson and Dan Gibson. She was raised in Helena, GA, where she attended school in Telfair County. She later earned her CNA certification and worked at Golden’s Personnel Care Home for several years. After leaving the medical field, Margaret provided childcare and helped raise and tend to many children over the years. But Margaret truly loved being a homemaker and looking after her husband, daughter, and grandchildren, who brought her much joy. She was a member of Freedom Worship Center and deeply loved her church and her church family. She loved fishing, gardening, and listening to music. In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, William Gay, her siblings, Ida Ann Wright, Olen “Bud” Gibson, Ola Mae Morris, Cletus Gibson, and Helen Gibson.

She is survived by her Daughter – Peggy Lee Gay Duron (Jorge) of Chauncey; Grandchildren – Katie T. Barrett (Josh), Danny Thompson (Anna), and Daniel Thompson, all of Eastman; Great-Grandchildren – C.J. Barrett, Leigha Barrett, Harper Barrett, Danny William Thompson, Jr., Alyssa Atkins, Aleaha Merritt, and Brantley Reese; Sisters – Bobbie Jane Wells of Warner Robins and Patsy Brown of Eastman; Sisters-in-law – Dot Gay of Eastman and Wanda Gay of Rentz; Several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM Monday, July 27. www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. LINDA WILLIAMS RALEY, age 84, of Cochran, GA, passed away on Wednesday July 22, 2026, at her residence. Graveside s...
07/23/2026

MRS. LINDA WILLIAMS RALEY, age 84, of Cochran, GA, passed away on Wednesday July 22, 2026, at her residence.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM on Friday July 24, 2026, at Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery, in Chauncey, GA, with Pastor Tom Jackson officiating.

Linda was born in Milan, GA on August 29, 1942, and was a member of Sweet Home Baptist Church. She was raised in Milan and was a 1961 graduate of Milan High School. She worked at Robins Air Force Base from 1966 until she retired in 2004, as a C-12 Gyro Technician. She later worked as a contract employee at Robins AFB until 2020. Linda was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed working in her yard and taking care of her family, especially her grandchildren. She was affectionately known as “Big Mama” to her family who she loved dearly. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Dell Tripp Williams and Sidney D. Williams, and her brothers, Ellis Williams, Felton Williams, Alton Williams, Glen Williams, Jimmy Williams, and J.B. Williams.

She is survived by her Sons – Burton D. Tedders of Milan and Robert Reeves, Jr. of Hawkinsville; Grandchildren – Haley Tedders, Holly Tedders, Rob Reeves (Alyssa), and Ryan Reeves, all of Cochran; Great-Grandchildren – Kayden Reeves, McKayla Reeves, Lydia Tedders, Julie Williams, Chastan Reeves, and Rhen Reeves; Numerous Nieces and Nephews.

The family will receive friends following the graveside services at Sweet Home Baptist Church Cemetery. The family requests omission of all flowers and would prefer donations be made to Sweet Home Baptist Church, P.O. Box 65, Chauncey, GA 31011 in memory of Linda and her love for her church.

www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. SYLVIA CAROL MILLWOOD EVANS, age 65, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Augusta University M...
07/22/2026

MRS. SYLVIA CAROL MILLWOOD EVANS, age 65, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Augusta University Medical Center in Augusta, GA.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.

Sylvia was born in Eastman, GA on March 26, 1961, to the late Carolyn Woodard and James S. Millwood. She was raised in Dodge County and attended school in Telfair County, was a member of Vilula Baptist Church, and was a retired package handler and fabrications technician for Brown and Williamson To***co Company in Macon, GA for many years. She also worked for over 20 years at American Yard Products and Husqvarna in McRae. Sylvia enjoyed crafts, tending her plants and flowers, and most importantly spending time with her family. She was affectionately known as “Nana” to her grandchildren, who she dearly loved. In her earlier years she enjoyed trips to Florida with her husband Henry and they loved casino trips, browsing flea markets along the way. Her top hobby in life was aggravating her son, John. Sylvia was preceded in death by her mother and father, Carolyn Woodard and James S. Millwood, son, Richard Kenneth “Bobo” Evans, granddaughter, Lisa Butler, and grandson, John Henry Evans.

She is survived by her Husband of 31 years – Henry Evans of Eastman; Children – Jeanine Tompkins (Jason), Jennifer Williams, Paul Evans, Donnie Evans (Mandy), Pauline Johnson (Tim), all of Eastman, John Evans (Selena Manning) of McRae, Susan Loginidis (Harry) of Old Lime, CT, Connie Hamrick (George) of El Dorado, MO, and Tina Wagner (Brian) of Seymour, MO; Grandchildren – Cheyenne Lutwinski, Kamryn Williams, Tiffany Planchon (Paul), Cindy Evans, Heather Evans, Randy Evans (Brittany), Elizabeth Johnson, Sarah Johnson, Rebecca Johnson, Yianni Loginidis, Sacrapi Loginidis, Amy Loginidis, George Lee Hamrick, III (Dorothy), Doug Hamrick, Amanda Simmons (Shaun), B.J. Wagner (Amber), Jessica Geotz, Colby Wagner, Tyler Geotz (Robin), and Noelle Johnston (Eddie); Numerous Great-Grandchildren and Several Great-Great-Grandchildren; Mama – Merry Y. Chesser Millwood of Yulee, FL; Sisters – LeDene Doberly of Hawkinsville, Malinda Floyd (David), and Vicky Avery (Terry Scott), both of Cochran; Sister-in-law – Sue Thomas of Eastman; Several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to Vilula Baptist Church, % Ann McCranie, 2662 Chauncey Rhine Hwy., Eastman, GA 31023. The family may be contacted at the Evans residence, 72 Daisy Lane, Eastman, GA.
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Dr. James Harrell Burnham “Jim”, 76, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026 at UF Health N in Jacksonville, Florida.A nativ...
07/21/2026

Dr. James Harrell Burnham “Jim”, 76, passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026 at UF Health N in Jacksonville, Florida.

A native of Eastman, Georgia, he was a son of the late Roy and Margaret (Harrell) Burnham. He was preceded in death by his brother Walter Burnham; a niece Delane Mullis and a brother-in-law George Acker.

He is survived by his wife Nancie (Caudill) Burnham of Yulee, Florida; sons, Josh Burnham (Shannon) of Brooklet, Georgia; James Burnham (Steffi) of Richmond, England; sister Kathy Acker of Jacksonville, Florida; sisters and brothers in-law Loucenia Pritchett of Eastman, Georgia, Bo Poland (Penny) of Yulee, Florida, Allan Poland (Mary Alice) of Yulee, Florida; grandchildren: Noah Burnham and Ansley Burnham of Brooklet, Georgia; Wendy Masterson (Alex) of Syracuse, New York; Sammy Artiga (Lewin) of Charlestown, West Virginia; and Lexi Spikes of Nashville, Tennessee; great-grandchildren Lydia Artiga, Azlan Artiga, and Braxton Spikes; niece Diana Johnson (Paul) of Eastman, Georgia; aunt Jerry Harrell of Rhine, Georgia and numerous cousins.

Dr. Burnham graduated from Dodge County High School, Middle Georgia College, and later attended Palmer Chiropractic College in Davenport, Iowa. He graduated from Life College in Marietta, Georgia. In 1977, he moved to St. Mary’s, Georgia and established St. Mary’s Chiropractic Clinic in 1978. He was a member of the St. Mary’s Methodist Church, where he was active in Sunday School and served in the church in several capacities. He most recently attended Callahan Baptist Church and participated in the Iron-Sharpens-Iron men’s Bible Study group. Dr. Burnham was an active member and former chairman of the Camden County Republican Party and in 1992 was the Republican nominee for Camden County’s seat in the Georgia House of Representatives. He served several terms as Chair of the First Congressional District of the Georgia Republican Party and served for over two decades on the State Committee of the Georgia Republican Party. In 1997, he was elected statewide serving as 2nd Vice-Chair of the Georgia Republican Party. Dr. Burnham was an active member and officer of the St. Mary’s Fraternal Order of Eagles #4379. He served the Grand Aerie in numerous roles on the local, state, and international levels, including Georgia State President, Inside Guard, Grand Worthy Conductor, and was a Grand Representative for the Georgia State Aerie. He was selected to the FOE Georgia State Hall of Fame in 2011.

Visitation will be held on Saturday July 25, 2026 at 10:00-11:00 a.m. and service starting at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Methodist Church, 106 Conyers St. E, St. Mary’s, GA 31558. A second visitation, Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 2:30-3:30 p.m. at Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, 206 5th Avenue, Eastman, GA 31023. Burial will be held at 4:00 p.m. in Woodlawn Cemetery, Eastman, Georgia.

Allison memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home assisted the family locally. www.stokes-southerland.com

MRS. LAVERNE BLAND EVANS, age 95, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home...
07/18/2026

MRS. LAVERNE BLAND EVANS, age 95, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM on Tuesday, July 21, at Orphans Cemetery, with Rev. Daniel Cook officiating.

LaVerne was born in Eastman, GA on November 3, 1930, to the late Helen Haley Bland and Virgil Clarence Bland. She was a member of Friendship Methodist Church and a 1947 graduate of Eastman High School. She married in 1948 to Carl Evans, and was blessed with a son, Joey, in 1957. She worked as a bank employee for Citizens Bank and Trust Company and was a dedicated employee for many years. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoyed cooking for her family, playing bridge with her friends, and watching Atlanta Braves Baseball. LaVerne was preceded in death by her parents, Helen Haley Bland and Virgil Clarence Bland, husband, Carl Evans, and sisters, Dorothy Howell and Faye Atkinson.

She is survived by her Son – John J. “Joey” Evans (Dawn) of Hawkinsville; Grandsons – Bret Evans (Kayla) of Valdosta and Cole Evans (Kellie) of Savannah; Great-Grandchildren – Braylyn Evans, Cayden Evans, Lakelyn Iler, and Grayson Evans; Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

The family will receive friends following the services at Orphans Cemetery. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to the American Heart Association, the Methodist Children’s Home, or the Orphans Cemetery Fund. www.stokes-southerland.com

MR. ELI TRAVIS WHITE, age 68, of Milan, GA, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Memorial Health University Medical ...
07/08/2026

MR. ELI TRAVIS WHITE, age 68, of Milan, GA, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Friday July 10, at Milan House of God, with Rev. John Conley and Rev. Darrell Barlow officiating, with interment in Milan City Cemetery.

Eli was born on October 12, 1957, in Milan, GA and was a member of the Milan House of God. He was a lifelong resident of Milan and a 1976 graduate of Telfair County High School. Eli was employed by Stanley LaFavor for many years and was known around Milan for his love of walking and singing. He was a songwriter and had written many songs over the years. He enjoyed worshiping at his church and loved talking and spending time with friends, especially his pal, S***t Lowery. Eli was preceded in death by his parents, James Truitt White and Nan Louise Touchdon White, and 4 siblings, Allen Truitt White, James Thomas White, Ricky Lee White, and Judy White Woodard.

He is survived by his Brother – Joe Henry White (Tammy McGowan) of McRae; Best Friend and "Honorary Brother" – Jerry “S***t” Lowery (Sharon) of Milan; Nieces and Nephews – Joseph White (Jamie), Stevie Woodard, Billy Woodard, Sherry White, and Jennifer Edgar; Several Great-Nieces and Nephews; Numerous Cousins and Many Friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Joseph and Jamie White, 315 N. Railroad Avenue, Chauncey, GA, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 6:00PM-8:00PM Thursday, July 9. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Milan House of God, 402 Lee Street, Milan, GA 31060. www.stokes-southerland.com

Address

206 5th Avenue
Eastman, GA
31023

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