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Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, 206 5th Avenue, Eastman, GA (2026)

06/01/2026

With deep love and profound gratitude for a life well lived, we honor the legacy of Bessie Beatrice Harrell Barron McCranie, who at 97 years old leaves behind a remarkable imprint on generations of family, friends, students, and colleagues. Mama Bea, as she was affectionately known to everyone who knew her, was born October 23, 1928, in Dodge County and passed away May 31, 2026, at her favorite place, her home in Rhine, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Mary “Minnow” Daniels Harrell and Perry Harrell.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, June 3, at Rhine Baptist Church, with Mr. Gary Ryals, Rev. Ricky Gilmore, and Mr. Ronny Barron officiating, with interment in Bay Springs Cemetery in Rhine, GA.

For more than 60 years, Mama Bea dedicated her life to education. She graduated from Rhine High School in 1945 and attended Martha Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville, Georgia and her Master’s Degree alongside her daughter, Dale, from Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Georgia. Teaching was more than a profession for her. It was a calling. Throughout her career, she educated students in many different capacities. For 40 years of her career, she taught at Rhine Elementary School which was located less than 100 yards from her front porch. She also taught at Milan State Prison and South Dodge Elementary. Countless students were shaped not only by what she taught, but by how she taught - with patience, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to their success. To many, she was more than a teacher; she was a mentor, a guide, and a steady source of encouragement and love. Her lessons extended far beyond textbooks. She taught resilience, kindness, discipline, and the importance of hard work and showing up for others.

Mama Bea’s passion for education was matched only by her love for her family. She was the heart of every gathering, the keeper of the stories, and the quiet strength that held generations together. Gathering at her house for every special occasion was something she insisted on carrying out year after year as long as she could. Before anyone would fix a plate, Mama Bea would always remind everyone how thankful she was they were there and how proud she was of them all. She never missed one of her 50 plus family members’ birthdays and prided herself on her mailed greeting card arriving on the day of their birthday. Her familial legacy is one of unwavering love, selfless devotion, and a family forever strengthened by the warmth and care she gave so freely.

In her spare time, Mama Bea enjoyed a variety of activities, including reading, sewing, shopping, spending time with her family, cooking, keeping up with her beloved Braves, tending to her flowers, and scrolling Facebook. Mama Bea ensured that her nails were immaculate and never missed a weekly hair appointment.

Mama Bea lived through nearly a century of change, yet remained constant in her values: integrity, curiosity, compassion, and most of all, her faith in Jesus Christ. She was an active member of Rhine Baptist Church where she loved attending the Ladies Sunday School Class, Women’s Missionary Union, and Bobby Ryals’ Bible Study Group. She approached life with grace and purpose, leaving behind a legacy not measured in years, but in lives touched.

She is preceded in death by her husbands, John William “Baby” Barron and Emory McCranie; her sisters, Nina Kennedy and Fronnie Maddox; her brothers, James, Herman, Dewitt, and Carlton Harrell; her son, Billy Barron; her son-in-law, Paul Rogers; and her grandson, Kyle Barron.

She is survived by her children, Dale Rogers and Ronny (Donna) Barron; her daughter-in-law, Kay Barron; her grandchildren, Paula (Matt) Jones, Jana (Lee) Mullis, Kaycie Rogers, Darci Rogers, Spence (Amy) Barron, Melissa (Michael) McCranie, Miranda (David) Bush, Kimberly (Chris) Adler, Kellie Robertson, Katrina Barron, Christy Hightower (Travis Logue), and Brandi (Dwayne) Williams; her great-grandchildren, Ellie (Colby) Lee, Leighton Jones, Jack Jones, Riley-Kate Mullis (David Bennett), Gibson Mullis, Garrett Mullis, Jacob Barron, Sarah Barron, Jordan (Katie) Morgan, Tanner Morgan, Madison (John Barclay) Jessup, McKenna McCranie, Hannah Grace McCranie, Gunnar (Leslie) Rogers, Tucker Rogers (Abbie Sanders), Sailor (Chance) Pittman, Peyton Bush, Jakob Robertson, Aaron Robertson, Ethan Robertson, Kole Barron, Kylie Barron, Kailie Barron (Mason Yeomans), Jais Hightower, Kade Hightower, Axel Hightower, Lex Williams, and Lake Williams; her great-great-grandchildren, John Michael Jessup and Sanders Rogers; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Mama Bea would like to acknowledge the following special groups and individuals for their deep love and support shown throughout her illness over the past months: Elma “Crip” Solomon, Ann Patrick, Hospice Care Options, Nurse Kayla Myers, Nurses’ Aide Ernestine Glasco, Chaplain Doug Stevens, Priscilla and Robby McIntyre, and Rhine Baptist Church. The family may be contacted at the home of Dale Rogers, 5728 Windsor Way Eastman, GA and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 6:00PM-8:00PM, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. www.stokes-southerland.com

05/28/2026

MR. DONALD LEWIS DUNN, age 86, of McRae, GA, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, GA.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Tuesday, June 2, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Wayne Poole officiating, with interment in Ryals Cemetery.

Donald was born on December 22, 1939, in Wrightsville, where his family lived before moving to Chauncey, in his teenage years. He attended Chauncey School and was a graduate of Dodge County High School. He was a surveyor for the Georgia Department of Transportation for over 34 years, retiring in the early 2000s. During his years with the DOT, he lived in Brunswick and returned home on the weekends. He served in the National Guard from 1964-1970. He enjoyed farming, tractors, cattle, guns, and skating at Jaybird Springs. He was a son, brother, and favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews. He was affectionately known as ‘Uncle Donald’. He loved the Lord and knew the Bible well. He was the son of the late Virginia Dunagan Dunn and Lewis Dunn and was preceded in death by his siblings, Joyce Brewer, Edna Giddens, Margaret Brewer, Gerald Dunn Sr., and Bobby Dunn, and niece, DeLisa Crawford.

He is survived by his Brother – Bruce Dunn (Dale) of Cadwell; Sister-in-law – Helen Horton Dunn of McRae; Brother-in-law – Larry Brewer of Cadwell; Nieces and Nephews – Tina Holt (Rodney), Clayton Brewer, Ginny Beck (Ricky), Melinda Moore (Ken), and Monica Gunn (Greg), Rebecca Hope (Chris), Gerald Dunn Jr., Joseph Dunn, Heather Koerperich (Jeff), Kale Dunn; Numerous great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to flowers, contributions can be made in Donald’s memory to the donor’s favorite charity. The family may be contacted through Monica Gunn at 229-315-4368 and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM, Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
www.stokes-southerland.com

05/26/2026

MRS. ETHEL “TOOTSIE” GAY BROWN, age 84, of Eastman, GA, died Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Dodge County Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Friday May 29, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Ron Jones, Rev. Arnold Rye, and Rev. Chad Hendley officiating, with interment in Bowers Cemetery in Empire.

Ethel was born in Eastman, GA on September 27, 1941, and was a member of Hillside Baptist Church. As a skilled factory worker, Mrs. Brown worked for numerous employers including Reeves Brothers Cotton Mill, C & J Manufacturing, Goody’s, Sara Lee, Royden Wear, and retired from Standard Candy Company, after many years of service. She was a dedicated wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoyed taking care of and spending time with her family. Ethel enjoyed painting, coloring, solving jigsaw puzzles, completing word searches, and spending time with her beloved husband, Jimmy Lee Brown. She had a special place in her heart for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spent countless hours with them. She was affectionately known as “Tootsie” to everyone. Ethel was preceded in death by her Husband of 63 years, Jimmy Lee “Pop” Brown, Father and Mother, Newbern Gay, Sr. and Minnie Lee Gay, Stepson, Jimmy Ray Brown, and Siblings, Pauline Brown, Margaret Donald, Newbern Gay, Jr., William Gay, Earl Gay, and Verlin Gay.

She is survived by her Daughter – Gail Miller (Lisa) of Panama City, FL; Granddaughter – Brittany White (Mark) of Gresston; Grandson – Ben Sheffield (Taylor) of Eastman; Step-Grandson - John Lowery of Dublin; Great-Grandchildren – Hunter White, Corbin White, Grayson Sheffield, Sophia Sheffield, and Kennsley Sheffield; Brothers-in-law – Gene Edward Brown (Betty), William Derrell Brown (Sue) and Walter Donald; Sisters-in-law - Bertie Faye Brown, Dorothy “Dot” Gay, Wanda Gay, and Margie Gay; Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 10:00AM-11:00AM Friday, May 29. Anyone wishing to contact the family can call Gail Miller, 850-326-8762, or Brittany White, 478-231-4971. In addition to flowers contributions can be made to Hillside Baptist Church, 1100 Chester Hwy., Eastman, GA 31023. www.stokes-southerland.com

05/26/2026

MR. BRUCE ALTON BREWER, age 62, of Ruskin, Florida, passed away on May 19, 2026. He was born on April 5, 1964, in Plant City, Florida, and lived a life marked by devotion to his family, faith, work, and the simple joys that brought him lasting happiness.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00PM Sunday, May 31, at Middle Ground Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Mike Gr***de officiating.

Bruce was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He shared 38 beautiful years of marriage with his wife, Evelyn Brewer, and together they built a life centered on love, loyalty, and steadfast commitment. He was a proud father to Bruce Brewer Jr., and his wife, Maidelys, and Devin Brewer, and his wife, Ashton. Bruce took great pride in his family and treasured every moment spent with them. His greatest joy came from being a grandfather to Aiden, Lynix, Makenna, Ellie, and Jackson Brewer, whom he loved dearly and cherished beyond measure.

He was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Vivian Brewer and was a dear brother to Elton Brewer, Dennis Brewer, and Lindy Murray. Bruce valued the bonds of family deeply and carried those relationships with him throughout his life. The love and guidance he received from his parents helped shape the kind, dependable, and hardworking man that so many came to know and admire. His siblings were an important part of his life, and the connection they shared remained meaningful throughout the years.

Bruce was a faithful member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where his presence and quiet strength were appreciated by those who worshiped alongside him. His faith was an important part of his life and served as a foundation for the way he treated others. He lived with humility, integrity, and a genuine care for the people around him. Those who knew Bruce will remember his steady nature, his warm heart, and the way he made others feel valued and respected.

Professionally, Bruce dedicated many years of service to Avaya and AT&T, where he worked as a communications engineer. He was known for his skill, dedication, and strong work ethic. His career reflected his intelligence and commitment, and he took pride in doing his job well. One of the notable experiences of his career included working with the World Cup in Germany to help bring it to the United States, an accomplishment that stood as a testament to his expertise and the trust placed in him. He approached his work with seriousness and professionalism, earning the respect of colleagues and those who worked with him.

Outside of work, Bruce enjoyed the outdoors and found great pleasure in hunting and fishing. These were pastimes that brought him peace and satisfaction, and he especially valued the time spent in nature. He also loved his grandchildren deeply and cherished every opportunity to be with them. Whether sharing stories, offering encouragement, or simply enjoying their company, Bruce found joy in the role of grandfather and embraced it wholeheartedly.

Bruce will be remembered as a man of strength, devotion, and quiet generosity. He lived his life with purpose and left behind a legacy of love that will continue through his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His memory will remain a source of comfort and gratitude to those who loved him most.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Brewer; his children, Bruce Brewer Jr. and his wife, Maidelys, and Devin Brewer and his wife, Ashton; his siblings, Elton, Dennis, and Lindy Murray; and his five grandchildren, Aiden, Lynix, Makenna, Ellie, and Jackson Brewer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Vivia Brewer.

Bruce Alton Brewer's life was one of faith, family, hard work, and love. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched, and his legacy will continue through the many lives he helped shape with his kindness, devotion, and example. www.stokes-southerland.com

05/25/2026

TERRY LEE DUNLAP, age 69, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Community Hospice in Vidalia, GA.

A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00PM-6:00PM Thursday, May 28, at Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, for all friends and family to gather and reminisce about Terry.

Terry was born in Eastman, GA on March 30, 1957, to the late Rosa Lee Parkerson Dunlap and Samuel Ray Dunlap. He was raised in the Gresston Community of Dodge County, was a 1976 graduate of Dodge County High School, and was of the Christian Faith. He was the father to two amazing sons, Brandon and Brent, and was the loving husband to his wife, Mary, for seven years. He was a retired correctional officer for Dodge State Prison and Eastman YDC. Terry served his country faithfully abroad in the United States Navy, most notably in the Mediterranean Sea. He loved fishing, gardening, doing yard work, being outdoors, and spending time with his wife and family.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Rosa Lee Parkerson Dunlap and Samuel Ray Dunlap, his Brother-in-law, Glenn Dukes, and his Sister-in-law, Bethene Baxley.

He is survived by his Wife – Mary Jean Dukes Allen of Eastman; Sons – Brandon Dunlap and Brent Dunlap (Brittany) both of Eastman; Stepchildren – James Hughes (Olivia), Harry Hughes (Jessica), and Sandra Svendsen (David); Sister – Cindy Dunlap Gamboa (Felipe) of Bonaire; Brothers – Sammy Dunlap (Kathy) of Eastman and Kenny Powell (Tammy) of Gresston; Brother-in-law – David Dukes (Pam) of Baxley; Aunts – Earlene Mullis of Eastman, Louise Gulledge of Riverdale, and Faye Dunlap of Lizella; Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.

Anyone wishing to contact the family may reach out to Terry’s sister, Cindy Gamboa, at 478-397-9603. In addition to flowers, the family ask for contributions to the American Heart Association in honor of Terry. www.stokes-Southerland.com

05/24/2026

MRS. CINDY ANN FONDREN BOWEN, age 69, of Abbeville, GA, died Friday, May 22, 2026, at her residence.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Cindy was born in Macon, GA on May 27, 1956, and was a 1974 graduate of Jones County High School. She was of the Baptist faith and was a homemaker for her family. Cindy and Mike Bowen were married on September 3, 1987, and spent many happy years together. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister who enjoyed taking care of her family and loved animals, especially her canine companions, Hercules and Oreo. She loved gardening, cooking, and watching daytime television shows, especially soap operas. She was daughter of the late Vernice Burnett. Cindy was preceded in death by her husband of 31 years, Larry Michael “Mike” Bowen, and her parents-in-law, Wylene Pearl Burnham Bowen and Laurie A. “L.A.” Bowen.

Survivors: 2 Daughters – Hope Bowen of Kennesaw and Nicci Drummond of Fitzgerald; 2 Sons – Brett Bowen (Maral) of Holly Springs and Jimmie Frank Drummond of Abbeville; 5 Grandchildren – Kaylee Quattlebaum, Karli Quattlebaum, Kaigen Quattlebaum, Olivia Bowen, and Beau Bowen; Sister – Sandy Callaway of Warner Robins; Several Nieces and Nephews including Summer Hardee and Autumn Bass; Several Cousins and Friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Hope Bowen, 2100 Ellison Lakes Drive NW, Apt. 518, Kennesaw, GA 30152 or by phone at 678-602-0474.
www.stokes-southerland.com

05/22/2026

MRS. GERALDINE BOWEN HORNE, age 83, of Eastman, GA, died Friday, May 22, 2026, at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00PM Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev Kenneth Hayes and Rev. Patrick Barnett officiating, with interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Geraldine was born on July 9, 1942, in Eastman, GA and was a member of Greenlawn Baptist Church. She was a 1959 Graduate of Dodge County High School. She and her husband Ed were married in 1960, and they were parents of 4 sons, Mike, Jeff, Kevin, and Alan. Mrs. Horne worked for several years as a mental health aide for the State of Georgia and was a former nurse’s aide at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home. She was also a teacher’s aide for the Dodge County School System and a private sitter for the elderly for several years. She was a dedicated wife and a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt, who enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening and working in her yard. Mrs. Geraldine was a devout Christian lady who loved the Lord and enjoyed being a part of activities at Greenlawn Baptist Church. She was the daughter of the late Nancy Helen Lowery Bowen and Rev. Graham Bowen and was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Edward Horne, and her sister, Carolyn Hayes.

She is survived by her 4 Sons – Mike Horne (Brenda) of Eastman, Jeff Horne (Zenda) of Rhine, Kevin Horne (Mary Ann) of Eastman, and Alan Horne of Eastman; 9 Grandchildren – Nathan Horne, Anna Holland (Lance), Zane Horne, Bowen Horne, Gina Horne, Brenden Horne, Alanna Horne, Shelby Horne, and Chancy Horne; 6 Great-Grandchildren – Bentley Horne, Barrett Horne, West Holland, Brigham Horne, Lane Holland, and Ellie Holland; Several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and Friends.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Mike and Brenda Horne, 1350 Locust Lane, Eastman, and will receive friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 2:00PM-3:00PM Sunday, May 24, 2026. In addition to flowers, the family request contributions to Greenlawn Baptist Church, 1016 Soperton Hwy, Eastman, GA 31023.
www.stokes-southerland.com

05/16/2026

MRS. LISA RENAE MILLER NOBLES, age 61, of Albany, GA, died Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, GA.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00AM on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Sugar Creek Congregational Methodist Cemetery in Chauncey, GA, with Rev. Bill Jones officiating.

Lisa was born on September 19, 1964, attended Telfair County High School, and was of the Christian faith. In the early 1980s she moved to Twiggs County and later moved to Atlanta and became a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines. She flew the friendly skies into the late 1990s, seeing many places around the world. Later she worked for several years as a call receptionist for a company in Atlanta. Lisa enjoyed shopping and spending time with her canine companions, Concorde and Maeson, who she loved dearly for many years. She also enjoyed beach trips, NASCAR racing, and listening to music, especially her favorite band Pink Floyd. She was preceded in death by her father, Harris Miller, mother and stepfather, Barbara and Ben Thompson, sister-in-law, Jean Fish Miller.

She is survived by her Brothers – Harris “Junior” Miller of Eastman, Darrell Miller (Deana) of Cochran and Brandon Lynn (Sheila) of Texas; Step-Mother – Peggy Wright Miller of Eastman; Step-Sisters – Angie Kirkland (Mike) of Hawkinsville and Lisa Ann Clark of Chester; Step-Brother - Joseph Wesley Stokes of Cadwell; Aunts and Uncles - Bill Jones (Karen) of Milan, Betty Jean Anderson (Dane) of Abbeville, Marsha Jones Conley of Hawkinsville, and Bill Malcott (Karen) of Macon. Several Nieces and Nephews and Great Nieces and Nephews. Several Special Friends who Lisa considered her family.

The family may be contacted at the residence of Junior Miller, 62 Fish Road, Eastman, GA 31023, and will receive friends at Sugar Creek Congregational Methodist Cemetery from 10:30AM-11:00AM, May 18, 2026.
www.stokes-southerland.com

05/16/2026

Berthene Gilmore funeral service

05/12/2026

Berthene “Thene” Gilmore
Sunrise: April 3, 1944 • Sunset: May 3, 2026
“Her love, kindness, and legacy will forever remain in our hearts.”

Berthene “Thene” Gilmore, age 82, of Milan, GA, peacefully departed this life at her home on Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Ms. Gilmore was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and strength touched the lives of many. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Teresa Gilmore of Milan-Chauncey, Georgia; Jasper Jones of Sun River Terrace, Illinois; and stepchildren, Glen Young (Ruby), Denise Gilmore, Kenneth Gilmore, and Dwayne Gilmore, all of Chicago, Illinois; brothers, John Calvin Jones Jr. of Copperas Cove, Texas, and Robert Jones of Hazlehurst, Georgia; sisters, Catherine Davis of Woodbine, New Jersey, and Jeannette Jones (Carlton) of McRae, Georgia.

She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: Ariel Foster and Noel Butler of Bourbonnais, Illinois; Jasmine Jones and Jamisha Jones of Manteno, Illinois; Khadija Butler of Springfield, Illinois; Syeer Randall and Brianna Moore of Milan-Chauncey, Georgia; and Jasper J. Jones, Jr. of Bloomington, Illinois, along with a host of cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Obie Gilmore; daughter, Katie Jones; brother, Tommy Lee Jones; stepson, Darwin Gilmore; and great-granddaughter, C’Yara Clark.

Funeral services will be officiated by Reverend McCloud on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, located at 830 Saint Paul Church Road, Lumber City, Georgia 31549. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services immediately following from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Burial services will follow at Dillard Cemetery, Dillard Cemetery Road, Alamo, Georgia 30411. A repast will be held afterward at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Ms. Gilmore’s life and legacy will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. www.stokes-southerland.com

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