Rev. Dr. Albert Elliott Simmons joined the Church Triumphant on Sunday, January 29th, 2017.
Funeral services for Dr. Simmons will be held on Wednesday, February 1st, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston with Dr. Glenn Gilstrap and Rev. Melana Scruggs officiating. The family of Dr. Simmons will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 until 7:00 PM.
Dr. Simmons was born at Fort Macpherson, Atlanta, GA, on September 9, 1927, son of Lt. Col. and Mrs. Albert E. Simmons, Sr.
Dr. Simmons was educated in the public school systems of Florida, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, Georgia, and Virginia. He held graduate degrees from Ben Franklin School of Accounting, Washington, D. C.; King College, Bristol, TN, Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, VA; and McCormick Seminary, Chicago, IL. It was while he was at Union Theological Seminary that he met and married Mary Jean Ivey.
He served two churches in Virginia and Georgia and the larger denomination as Executive Secretary of the Athens Presbytery. He came to Thomaston in November 1979 and served as pastor of First Presbyterian until he retired on June 30, 1994. Mary Jean directed the choirs and, at times, played the organ in the churches where Al served.
While pastoring churches and serving as a church executive, he served in leadership positions in the various courts of the Presbyterian Church. He served in Ecumenical alliances, often in a leadership capacity. He helped start hospital chaplaincy programs where needed and also taught the Bible in a local private school in the Ben Hill area of Atlanta.
As pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston, Dr. Simmons was an active member of the Ministerial Alliance and served as its President and chairman of the Empty Stocking Program for many years. Upon his retirement from First Presbyterian he was elected Pastor Emeritus of the congregation. Dr. Simmons ministered to people of all faiths when they were in need of comfort.
Dr. Simmons was active in the community in civic clubs and was a supporter of educational opportunities and recreational and arts activities. He served on the local board seeking educational opportunities for children with special needs. He was the Commissioner for Little League Baseball in Gainesville, Georgia, as well as one of the organizers of the Gainesville Ballet Company, serving as its first President. He was a long-time member of the Chamber of Commerce and served as a board member. He was a member of Class Four of Leadership Upson, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Thomaston since 1980, and served as a member and President of the Recreation Commission. He was involved in all sports programs for our youth, especially programs for girls. He was a founding member and enthusiastic supporter of the Thomaston-Upson Arts Council and also served on a committee that successfully campaigned for the construction of the Thomaston-Upson Fine Arts Center.
Many in Upson County became acquainted with Dr. Simmons and his growing family through the columns he wrote for The Thomaston Times, a task he enjoyed for 28 years. He wrote first for the religious page and, when he retired, his column was moved to the opinion page.
Dr. Simmons was predeceased by his wife, Dr. Mary Jean Simmons. He is survived by two sons and one daughter:
Albert E. "Bert" Simmons, Jr., (Melana) of Aurora, MO, Ann S. Browning of Birmingham, AL, and James C. Simmons (Barbara) of Chester Springs, PA; seven grandchildren, Jennifer McInnish and Jeannette Bohde, both of Birmingham, AL, Jordan Browning of Jeffersonville, IN, Alexandra Simmons Erwin of Atlanta, Rachel Simmons of Chester Springs, PA, and Erin Simmons and Shannon Simmons, both of Aurora, MO; and six great grandchildren Tripp and Mary Elliott McInnish, Gabrielle and Bennett Browning, and Grant and Nolan Bohde. He baptized all of his great-grandchildren.
Dr. Simmons will be laid to rest in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Richmond, VA, beside his beloved wife, Dr. Mary Jean Simmons.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston, 403 Birdsong St., Thomaston, GA 30286.
Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed on-line at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com
Monday, January 30, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
LEAH NICHOLSON PAVLEKOVICH
Leah Nicholson Pavlekovich, age 25, of Thomaston, died Monday, January 23, 2017 at her residence.
Leah was born on December 9, 1991 in Thomaston Ga, to Ronald Houston Nicholson and Phoebe Pettis Beckham. She was employed with Taco Bell and was attending Southern Crescent Technical College. Leah was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Kathy Louise Nicholson and Ronnie Houston Nicholson.
Survivors include her daughter Alyssa Louise Pavlekovich of Thomaston Ga, son Ace William Pavlekovich of Thomaston Ga, mother Phoebe (Nick) Beckham of Thomaston Ga, father Ronald Houston Nicholson, brother Dallas Shane Nicholson of Thomaston Ga, grandparents Loren "Pete" (Brenda) Pettis , Emily Beckham, Johnny C. (Dixie) Beckham, several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday January 26, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Thursday January 26, 2017 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Leah was born on December 9, 1991 in Thomaston Ga, to Ronald Houston Nicholson and Phoebe Pettis Beckham. She was employed with Taco Bell and was attending Southern Crescent Technical College. Leah was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Kathy Louise Nicholson and Ronnie Houston Nicholson.
Survivors include her daughter Alyssa Louise Pavlekovich of Thomaston Ga, son Ace William Pavlekovich of Thomaston Ga, mother Phoebe (Nick) Beckham of Thomaston Ga, father Ronald Houston Nicholson, brother Dallas Shane Nicholson of Thomaston Ga, grandparents Loren "Pete" (Brenda) Pettis , Emily Beckham, Johnny C. (Dixie) Beckham, several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday January 26, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Thursday January 26, 2017 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 23, 2017
MRS. DOROTHY STATHAM WALLER
Mrs. Dorothy Statham Waller, age 96, of Thomaston, Died Friday, January 20, 2017, at Riverside Health and Rehab Center.
Mrs. Waller was born March 29, 1920, in Spalding County, to the late Fred R. and Nellie Statham. She retired for the B.F. Goodrich Martha Mills Spinning Room with 38 years of service and member of Shiloh Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Buck Waller; sisters, Lucile Berrong, and Margaret Widner; brothers, Alvin Statham, Edward Statham, Wilbur Statham, Richard Statham, and Carson Statham. Survivors are her daughter, Carol (Steve) Ellerbee of Thomaston; sons, Fred (Rose) Waller of Gastonia NC, and Wayne Waller of Griffin; sisters, Joan Gibson and Becky (Perry) Presley both of Griffin; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Waller will be held on Monday, January, 23, 2017 at 4:00 PM in the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 23, 2017 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM at Coggins Funeral Home.
Mrs. Waller was born March 29, 1920, in Spalding County, to the late Fred R. and Nellie Statham. She retired for the B.F. Goodrich Martha Mills Spinning Room with 38 years of service and member of Shiloh Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Buck Waller; sisters, Lucile Berrong, and Margaret Widner; brothers, Alvin Statham, Edward Statham, Wilbur Statham, Richard Statham, and Carson Statham. Survivors are her daughter, Carol (Steve) Ellerbee of Thomaston; sons, Fred (Rose) Waller of Gastonia NC, and Wayne Waller of Griffin; sisters, Joan Gibson and Becky (Perry) Presley both of Griffin; 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Waller will be held on Monday, January, 23, 2017 at 4:00 PM in the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 23, 2017 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM at Coggins Funeral Home.
MRS. ELAINE S. ELLERBEE
Mrs. Elaine S. Ellerbee, 90, of Thomaston, died Saturday, January 21, 2017, at West Village Retirement Center. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 24, at 11:00 AM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home, and burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Fletcher-Day Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:00 until 11:00 AM. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.
MR. WENDELL DARRYL PREAST
Mr. Wendell Darryl Preast, age 52, of Thomaston, died Friday, January 20, 2017 at the Upson Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Preast was born August 20, 1964, in Thomaston to Joyce Preast and the late Larry Laneil Preast SR. He was a civilian contractor at Warrner Robbins Air Force Base.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Preast of Thomaston; mother, Joyce Preast of Griffin; brothers-in-law, James Michael Dishion, Steven Lee Dishion, and Christopher Allen Rogers; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Preast will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with entombment in Upson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 23, 2017, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Coggins Funeral Home.
Mr. Preast was born August 20, 1964, in Thomaston to Joyce Preast and the late Larry Laneil Preast SR. He was a civilian contractor at Warrner Robbins Air Force Base.
He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Preast of Thomaston; mother, Joyce Preast of Griffin; brothers-in-law, James Michael Dishion, Steven Lee Dishion, and Christopher Allen Rogers; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Preast will be held on Monday, January 23, 2017, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with entombment in Upson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Monday, January 23, 2017, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Coggins Funeral Home.
MRS. AVEY JOSEPHINE TAYLOR
Mrs. Avey Josephine Taylor, age 72, of Thomaston, died Monday, January 23, 2017, at Providence Health and Rehab Center.
Services for Mrs. Taylor will be announced later.
Services for Mrs. Taylor will be announced later.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
MRS. BETTY PASLEY
Graveside Services for Mrs. Betty Pasley will be held on Monday January 16, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. from Upson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Monday January 16, 2017 from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
MR. DARRELL BELL
Mr. Darrell Bell age 56 of Atlanta Ga, died Tuesday January 10, 2017. Funeral Arrangements will be announced later.
Mr. Bell was born on May 2, 1960 in Atlanta Ga, to the late Johnnie Bell Jr, and the late Julia Gulledge Bell. He was employed with ToTo industries where he worked as a supervisor.
Survivors include his brothers Mr. Dennis (Melissa) Bell of Fayetteville Ga, Mr. Don (Becky) Bell of Locust Grove Ga, Mr. Dwain Bell of Locust Grove Ga, sister Mrs. Dana Bell (Marc) Brown of Jenkinsburg Ga.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Darrell Bell memorial fund at 321 Hannah's Mill Rd. Thomaston Ga. 30286.
Mr. Bell was born on May 2, 1960 in Atlanta Ga, to the late Johnnie Bell Jr, and the late Julia Gulledge Bell. He was employed with ToTo industries where he worked as a supervisor.
Survivors include his brothers Mr. Dennis (Melissa) Bell of Fayetteville Ga, Mr. Don (Becky) Bell of Locust Grove Ga, Mr. Dwain Bell of Locust Grove Ga, sister Mrs. Dana Bell (Marc) Brown of Jenkinsburg Ga.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Darrell Bell memorial fund at 321 Hannah's Mill Rd. Thomaston Ga. 30286.
Coggins Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 6, 2017
MRS. YVONNE ROYAL STEPHENS
Mrs. Yvonne Royal Stephens, age 79, of Thomaston, died Thursday, January 5, 2017, at her residence.
Mrs. Stephens was born November 11, 1937, in Thomaston to the late Robert and Minnie Lee Royal. She was a Spinner in the B.F. Goodrich's Martha Mills, and member of Mountain View Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald O. Stephens. Survivors are her daughter, Shelia (Wesley) Hunt of Meansville; son, Andy O. Stephens of Thomaston; sisters, Carol (Jarrell) Roberson and Lane Royal both of Thomaston; brother, Rusty (Jeanell) Royal of Meansville; 4 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Stephens will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 8, 2017, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Coggins Funeral Home.
Mrs. Stephens was born November 11, 1937, in Thomaston to the late Robert and Minnie Lee Royal. She was a Spinner in the B.F. Goodrich's Martha Mills, and member of Mountain View Baptist Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald O. Stephens. Survivors are her daughter, Shelia (Wesley) Hunt of Meansville; son, Andy O. Stephens of Thomaston; sisters, Carol (Jarrell) Roberson and Lane Royal both of Thomaston; brother, Rusty (Jeanell) Royal of Meansville; 4 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Stephens will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Crystal Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 8, 2017, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at Coggins Funeral Home.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
MR. CLAUDE LEROY SIMPSON
Mr. Claude Leroy "Sam" Simpson, age 84, of Thomaston GA, died Monday, January 2, 2017, at his residence.
Mr. Simpson was born November 12, 1932, in Butler GA, to the late Clarence Samuel and Claudia Erlene Simpson. He is a graduate of Gordon College with a degree in Journalism, owner of Sam's 7-11, Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Nora Simpson of Thomaston; daughter, Christie Gail (Mark) Overturf of Roberta GA; sons, Claude Mark (My) Simpson of Roberta, Eric Michael (Cynthia) Simpson of Roberta GA, Kamon Leroy (Paula) Simpson of Salem OR; brothers, Robert William "Bill" Simpson of Santa Maria CA, Albert Russell "Pete" (Shari) Adams Philadelphia MS, and Thomas Jordan (Linda) Alsobrooks of Thomaston; 7 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mr. Simpson will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at 2:00 PM at Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Hampton GA. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Hampton GA.
Mr. Simpson was born November 12, 1932, in Butler GA, to the late Clarence Samuel and Claudia Erlene Simpson. He is a graduate of Gordon College with a degree in Journalism, owner of Sam's 7-11, Veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Nora Simpson of Thomaston; daughter, Christie Gail (Mark) Overturf of Roberta GA; sons, Claude Mark (My) Simpson of Roberta, Eric Michael (Cynthia) Simpson of Roberta GA, Kamon Leroy (Paula) Simpson of Salem OR; brothers, Robert William "Bill" Simpson of Santa Maria CA, Albert Russell "Pete" (Shari) Adams Philadelphia MS, and Thomas Jordan (Linda) Alsobrooks of Thomaston; 7 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Graveside services for Mr. Simpson will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at 2:00 PM at Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Hampton GA. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, from 1:00 - 2:00 PM at Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Hampton GA.
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