Sue Mangham Buffington

Mrs. Sue Mangham Buffington, 79, of Thomaston, Ga., passed away Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. 

Born in Zebulon, Ga. on June 30, 1943, Mrs. Buffington was one of three children born to the late Walt Mangham and the late Lula Mangham of Zebulon. It was in a first-grade classroom in Pike County where she met Johnny Buffington, who stated his intention to marry her almost immediately after they met. The couple married in 1964 and recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary. They moved to Thomaston in 1968, where they raised two daughters, Traci and Christi. 

 

Mrs. Buffington was a 1961 graduate of Pike County High School, studied business at Young Harris (Ga.) College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from Mercer University in Macon. 

 

As a beloved educator, she positively impacted the lives of thousands of children and adults in Upson County during her 28-year career. At James R. Atwater Elementary School, she served as a secretary and then as a third-grade teacher before moving to Upson-Lee Elementary, where she taught third grade until her retirement. 

 

Known affectionally as “Memama” to those who loved her, Mrs. Buffington was a long-time member of Antioch United Methodist Church in Thomaston. She was completely devoted to her family and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends in the North Carolina mountains. She loved to travel, was a talented artist and was an avid fan of the Auburn Tigers. She was known for her gentle demeanor, her kind smile and her tenacious spirit. 

 

She is survived by husband Johnny Buffington of Thomaston; daughters Traci (Butch) Harrison of Thomaston and Christi (Alan) Biddle of Peachtree City, Ga.; grandchildren Kyle (Megan) Harrison of Thomaston and Sara Grace Biddle, Quinn Biddle and Lillian Biddle, all of Peachtree City; brother, Joe (Patsy) Mangham of Zebulon; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Evans (Rosa) Mangham of Pike County. 

 

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Coggins Funeral Home in Thomaston, with the Rev. Judson Barnes officiating. Burial will follow in Fincher Memorial Cemetery in Meansville, Ga. 

 

The family will receive friends at Coggins Funeral Home on Tuesday, Sept. 6th, from 5-7 p.m. 

 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mrs. Buffington may be made to the Upson County Humane Society, PO Box 1152, Thomaston, GA  30286, or to Antioch United Methodist Church, PO Box 1300, Thomaston, GA  30286.

Patricia Ann Swanger

Patricia Ann Swanger, age 79, of Griffin, passed away August 31, 2022.

Patricia was born on September 12, 1942, to the late Paul and Margaret Jackson. She grew up in Newcomerstown, Ohio alongside four sisters and one brother. Patricia worked for several years as a cook and server for Davis Brothers Cafeteria. She spent another eight years caring for children in the childcare center of Club Fitness.

 

Patricia was a hard worker. Never one sit around, Patricia was always on the move as the caregiver for her husband and family. She enjoyed cooking, particularly her famous meatloaf. Patricia loved her kids immensely. She will be remembered as a loving mother and Grandma.

 

Along with her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Joe Swanger, and one sister.

 

She is survived by her children: Daniel Duff of Jackson, Marie Alexander and her husband Ramon of Barnesville, Annette Caswell and her husband Alan of Winder; grandchildren: Justin Duff, Kyle Duff, Kalob Duff, Daniel Dean Duff II, Michael Alexander, Samuel Alexander, Travis Alexander, Christopher Caswell, Ryan Caswell, Carly Caswell; numerous great-grandchildren; three sisters and one brother.

 

Funeral services will be held at 3 PM on Saturday, September 3, 2022 in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home. Friends may visit the family beginning at 2 PM at the funeral home.

Frances Gennell Ard Royal

Mrs. Frances Gennell Ard Royal age 80 of Zebulon Ga, passed away Tuesday August 30, 2022, at her residence. 

Mrs. Royal was born on March 14, 1942, in Upson County, to the late Jack Lincoln Ard Sr. and the late Albertina Matthews Ard.  She worked in the lawn care business and was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Jarrett Green Royal, son, Michael Andrew Mitchell, brothers, Eddie, Ben Jeff, and Jans Ard, sisters, Sheila Aliene Finley, and Della Clarisa Durham.

 

Survivors include her daughter, Tracy (Payton) Alexander of Forsyth, Howard (Mischelle) Mitchell of Meansville, brothers, J.L (Lee) Ard of Virginia Beach, VA., Lee Ard of Molena, Byran (Rhonda) Ard of Molena, Aubrey (Janice) Ard of Crawfordville, FL., sisters, Annette Sandefur of Griffin, GA.,Daphene Caraway of Griffin, GA., Kay Coggins of Thomaston, Mavis Garner of Flovilla, Faith Elaine Walton of Thomaston, eight grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

 

Memorial services will be held on Friday, September 2, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends of Friday, September 2, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

Gayle Evelyn Mittelsteadt and Wayne Louis Burkett

Gayle Burkett May 23, 1946 - January 05, 2021

Wayne Burkett July 13, 1946 - July 23, 2022

 

Gayle Evelyn Mittelsteadt and Wayne Louis Burkett met when they were in kindergarten at Main Street School in Farmingdale, NY. Gayle was born in New York, NY, daughter of the late Edward A. F. Mittelsteadt and Evelyn Hazel MacIntosh Mittelsteadt. Wayne was born in Amityville, NY to William St. John Burkett and Josephine Cerny Burkett.

 

They grew up in the same church, Farmingdale United Methodist, where they shared many adventures with their youth group friends.  They began dating during their junior year at Farmingdale High School and graduated together in 1964.  Gayle then went on to Centre College in Danville, KY, while Wayne went to Northeastern University in Boston, MA.  True love prevailed, however, and Gayle returned to New York where the two were married on December 23, 1967 in the church they had grown up in.

 

Shortly after the wedding, they relocated to Massachusetts, eventually settling in Needham, MA where Wayne began working for the William Carter Company.  Gayle also worked at Carter’s for a short time before they began building a family of their own.  After spending a few years as a stay-at-home mom, Gayle eventually began working again, providing in-home childcare for several different families. Wayne and Gayle lived in Massachusetts for 22 years before moving to Griffin, Georgia when Wayne was transferred with his company. 

 

After relocating to Georgia, Gayle continued to work as an in-home daycare provider while Wayne continued to work for the William Carter Company.  With their children grown and out of the house, they spent much of their time traveling and pursuing their own interests. Gayle was an avid quilter and would drag Wayne to many a quilt shop during their travels. Wayne eventually retired from the William Carter Company after 45+ years and Gayle retired from daycare. They spent much of their retirement participating in various Masonic organizations and traveling.

 

Gayle was a 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She served as Worthy Matron 5 times, Deputy Grand Matron in Massachusetts, Grand Representative of Quebec and Grand Martha in Georgia, and was serving as Associate Grand Conductress in Georgia at the time of her passing. She was also involved with the International Order of Rainbow for Girls, serving as a Mother Advisor and advisory board member for several assemblies, both in Massachusetts and Georgia. She was a holder of the Grand Cross of Color for Rainbow.  Gayle was an avid quilter.  She belonged to many quilt guilds in Georgia, had earned several honors and awards for her quilts, and was a documenter for the Georgia Quilt Project.

 

Wayne was a 50+ year Mason and a member of the Norfolk Lodge in Needham, MA and Meridian Sun Lodge in Griffin, GA. He also attended Montgomery Lodge #31 in Zebulon.  Wayne was an active member of several other Masonic organizations, including Order of the Eastern Star, York Rite, and Scottish Rite.

 

They are survived by their children: Edward W. Burkett (Sharon) of Framingham, MA, and Janice Burkett Davis of East Bethel, MN; grandchildren:  Eleanor, Natalie, and Theodore Burkett of Framingham, MA and Amanda, Brett, and Christian Davis of East Bethel, MN.

 

Gayle is also survived by cousins: Susan K. Ellinghaus (Robert), Roger Burke, Kevin Burke (Nadine), Alison Winters (Richard), and Glynis Eble (Raymond).

 

Wayne is also survived by a brother: William E. Burkett (Jaye); nephew: William G. Burkett (Bobbi Jean), and daughter Callie; niece: Sandra B. Coughlin (Bryan) and children Liam and Louisa; cousin: Sharon Ogden

 

A service to celebrate their lives will be held on Sunday, September 4, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home. The masons from the Meridian Sun Lodge #26 in Griffin and The Grand Family from the Eastern Star will be assisting with the service.

 

Friends may visit the family after the service at the funeral home.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Grand Chapter of Georgia Service Dogs Fund, P.O. Box 2436, Kennesaw, GA 30156.

Ricky Owen McManus

Ricky Owen McManus was born April 7, 1954

Rick an accomplished musician played piano, organ and harp. Rick has been the organist and choir director for many churches in South Florida and Georgia. Rick has been the organist and choir director at the First Methodist Church in Thomaston, Georgia.

 

Rick worked for Colonial House of Flowers and Boat Blossoms in Hollywood, Florida, which supplied and designed flowers for Holland America Cruise Lines. Rick was able to travel to Canada for several months a year designing the flowers for the cruise lines.

 

Eventually Rick left Colonial House and purchased All Occasion Florist in Davie Florida. He subsequently expanded and opened a second shop in Fort Lauderdale.

 

Rick also began to work with Publix Supermarkets, where he trained florist for a pilot project of opening floral departments in their stores. The successfulness of this program eventually led to the opening of florist in all of Publix markets. It was Rick that they turned to at its inception and who should be credited with the success of this venture.

 

Rick was President of Broward County Florist Association for several years.

 

Rick and his partner Ivan Smith closed the flower shops and began a new venture with All Occasions, a company that specialized in parties, weddings and special events. All Occasions was located in Boynton Beach, Florida. The Boca Raton Resort and Club worked closely with Rick and Ivan. Eventually the resort offered to purchase All Occasions as they wanted to set up their own “in house” business.   The hotel renamed the brand “Boca by Design” and Rick became the Director of Floral Services.   It is said that Boca by Design was conceived at Rick’s kitchen table whilst Ivan cooked dinner.

 

Rick found that the Render Plantation was for sale in Greenville, GA. Rick fell in love with the house and decided that he would move to Greenville, GA and begin to restore the plantation and open a Bed and Breakfast. After relocating to Greenville, Rick became the organist and choir director for the First Methodist Church in Thomaston.

 

Rick became the sole caregiver for his father who lived with him for many years.

 

Rick began teaching school for Meriwether School District and later for Flint River Academy. At Flint River, Rick taught music and drama. Rick’s students always placed high in many of the Statewide competitions. Rick also taught private piano lessons to students in his home.

 

Rick taught himself to play the concert harp. He also taught and conducted several bell choirs.

 

Rick loved to go to Americus where he started playing the piano at the Historic Windsor Hotel. This began when he played happy birthday on the hotel piano as an impromptu performance. The hotel manager told Rick that he was welcomed to play anytime. Rick would play on the weekends and the hotel would pay for his dinner and accommodations. He was excited that President Carter was able to hear him play while the President and first lady visited the hotel.

 

Rick was a lifelong learner. He loved learning about history, music and art. Recently Rick completed his third Master’s degree in Fine Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. Rick then enrolled in a doctoral program which he unfortunately was not able to complete due to his illness. Rick was looking forward to spending the summer in Paris as part of the curriculum.

 

Rick loved the University of Kentucky and rarely missed a game. He even named one of his miniature horses REBEL.

 

Rick served on the Board of Directors of the President Theatre in Manchester, Georgia.

 

Rick also loved Art and Antiques. He had a dealership at several locations including a booth at High Cotton in Woodbury. His home was always decorated with his fine eye for design.

 

Rick also loved Christmas. He loved the music and all the ceremony. He had 14 fully decorated Christmas trees in his home, which he kept up year-round.

 

Rick also loved animals. He had chickens, goats, dogs and miniature horses.   At one point he had over 20 basset hounds and miniature horse named Eddie.   There was a report of a hurricane while he was in Florida with Eddie. Rick decided that the horse would be safer in the house, and so he put Eddie in the shower stall in the house so that he would be safe should the hurricane hit. Rick most recently adopted an Old English Sheepdog named Rufus. Rufus was deaf and somewhat blind, but Rick decided he needed a companion. He also had several chickens named after American First Ladies.

 

Always a sense of humor.

Memorial services for Rick will be held on Sunday, September 11, 2022, at 2:00 pm, at The Thomaston First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Rick McManus Fund C/O Thomaston First United Methodist Church, 132 Cherokee Rd., Thomaston GA 30286.

 

Coggins Funeral Home

Jacquelyn Roberts

Mrs. Jacquelyn Roberts age 87 passed away Tuesday August 30, 2022 at Sunny Grove Assisted Living. Memorial Services will be announced later.

Cogging Funeral Home

Vicki Lynn Brooks

Vicki Lynn Brooks, age 55, of Thomaston, passed away August 27, 2022, at her residence.

Vicki was born on February 11, 1967, in Griffin, daughter of the late Charlie Goddard, Jr., and the late Syble Jones Goddard. When her kids were growing up, she was the neighborhood mom. She never met a stranger and would do all she could to help others. She was a truck driver for many years under the call sign Dynamite. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Wayne Goddard, and sister, Jane Peace.

Survivors include her sons, Anthony Brooks (Kelly Henley) of Thomaston, Shawn Brooks (Brandy McDaniel) of Thomaston; sisters and brothers in law, Debra and Tony Dias of Griffin, Brenda and Geneo Fallin of Pike County; grandchildren, Bella, Kaizley, and Karter; many nieces, nephews , and friends. 

Friends may visit the family on Friday, September 2, from 5-7 PM, at Moody Daniel Funeral Home.

Constance “Connie” Baldwin Wynne

Constance “Connie” Baldwin Wynne, age 85, of Griffin, passed away August 27, 2022.

Connie was born on March 11, 1937, to the late Stephens and Lucille Baldwin. She owned and operated Wynne’s Jewelry store for more than 40 years. She worked at United Bank for another 10 years.

 

Connie was a member of Griffin First United Methodist Church for over 60 years. She faithfully attended the Seekers Sunday School class. She also volunteered at the church help desk. Connie enjoyed flowers and hummingbirds. She was known to work in her garden and cut her grass, even well into her eighties. Connie loved playing cards and gathered with friends every Friday for a friendly card game. She loved her family and her grandsons. Connie was a beloved mother, sister, “Monie” and friend to many.

 

Along with her parents, Connie was preceded in death by her husband, John Taylor Wynne, son, John “Jay” Wynne, Jr., and several special dogs: Bella, Charlie and Chauncy.

 

She is survived by her daughter: Kelley Wynne of Griffin; brother: Stephens L. Baldwin, Jr. and his wife Kay of Spartanburg, SC; grandsons: John Taylor Wynne and Justin Taylor Wynne, both of Griffin; great-grandchildren: Abbigail and Hunter Wynne; brother-in-law: Morgan D. Wynne of Greenville, SC; cousins: Terry and Bunny Wynne of Milner; loyal canine companion: Bernie.

 

Services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive, Griffin, GA 30224.

Moody Daniel Funeral Home 

Floyd Nelson

Mr. Floyd Nelson, age 47, of Gray, Georgia, died Thursday, August 25, 2022, at his residence.  

 

Mr. Nelson was born on June 27, 1975, in Thomaston to the late Jerry Nelson and the late Vickie Harris Nelson.  He worked for Twin Rivers Logging and was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Randall and Judy Harris Sr.

Survivors include his wife, Candice Miller Nelson of Gray, daughter, Amber (Bailey) Hooks of Greenwood, IN., sons, Dylan and Jay Nelson of Thomaston, brothers, Glynn and Darren Nelson of Thomaston, sister, Sandra (John) Crook of Thomaston, grandchildren, Kaylee and Connor Hooks, uncles, Bill and Robbie Harris, many nieces and nephews.

 

Memorial services will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Monday August 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

Charlene Railey

Mrs. Charlene Rogers Railey, age 78 of Thomaston, died Friday, August 26, 2022, at her residence.  

Mrs. Railey was born on June 13, 1944, in Upson County, to the late Charlie Rogers and the late Thelma Walden Rogers.  She worked for Thomaston Janitorial Service and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Billy and Paul Rogers.

Survivors include her husband, Allen Railey of Thomaston, daughters, Wanda (Randy) Watts of Statesboro Linda (Timmy) Coggins of Bessermer City, NC., Terri (Anthony) Garner of Thomaston, Kellie Laughter of Thomaston, Angelia (Domingo) Paiz of Valdosta, Sharon Railey of Thomaston, son, Charles Railey of Thomaston, twenty-five grandchildren, and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.

 

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 29, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Coggins Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Crystal Hill Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Monday, August 29, 2022, from 1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. at Coggins Funeral Home.

Tony Eugene Sweatmon

Mr. Tony Eugene Sweatmon, age 64, of McDonough, passed away August 24, 2022, at his home. For most of his working life Tony was in the heating and air conditioning business. In his early years, he worked at Snapper Power Equipment in McDonough. Tony enjoyed fishing, and trips to St. George Island and Panama City Beach, Florida.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles William Sweatmon, Jr. and Sarah Elizabeth Abbott Sweatmon, and his brother Charles W. Sweatmon III.

He is survived by his son: Zach Sweatmon (Amanda Beam); best friend: Karen Cash; brother: Terry Sweatmon (Gloria); sister: Doreen Miller (Nick); nieces and nephews: Nick Miller (Michelle), Brian Miller (Angel), Scott Miller (Brittany), Terry Sweatmon, Jr. (Angela), Mark Sweatmon (Michelle), Tina Ray (Keith) and Mandy Ayers (Kenny); aunt: Patricia Smith; cousins: Brenda Bailey, Cheryl Farr (Wendell), Suzie Britt, Kim Smith Reindl, Kristie Kinsey.

Friends may visit the family on Sunday, August 28, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the funeral home.

A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home.

Melanie Frix Scoggins

Melanie Frix Scoggins, age 63, of Griffin, departed to her Heavenly home on August 23, 2022.

Melanie was born on February 11, 1959, to the late Otto and Annie Frix. She married Toney Scoggins and the couple had two daughters, Rachel and Rebekah.  Melanie worked as the office manager for Inman & Associates for almost 20 years. She took pride in her work and considered her coworkers family. Melanie was a resident of Griffin for more than 30 years.

 

Melanie was a devout Christian and prayer warrior. She enjoyed watching sermons on television and interacting with her prayer circle friends online. Melanie had a heart for dogs and was supportive of animal rescue organizations. Melanie enjoyed arts and crafts and making care packages. She loved riding motorcycles with her husband. Melanie was an excellent cook. She was known for her biscuits, chicken & dumplings, and fruit cake made from the family’s own recipe. Melanie always looked her best. She loved to dress up and wear her high heels. Most of all, Melanie was the ultimate mom. She was a loving and giving soul who mothered not only her own daughters but was like a second mother to many other children. Melanie will be remembered as a faithful follower of Jesus, a loving wife, and the most wonderful mother.

 

Along with her parents, Melanie was preceded in death by her sisters, Sandra Bishop and Carol Frix, brothers, Wayne Frix and Richard Frix, beloved canine companion, Harry.

 

She is survived by her husband of 43 years: Toney Scoggins of Griffin; daughters: Rachel Scoggins and fiancé Tony Sanzari of Greenwood, SC, and Rebekah Scoggins Boulton and husband Justin Boulton of Houston, TX; brother and sister-in-law: Steve and Becky Frix of Milner; pup children: Ladd and Angel; grand-pups: Leia, Cami and Max.

 

A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 27 in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Moody Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit the family between 5 PM and 7 PM on Friday, August 26 at the funeral home.