Area Obituaries

Mr. Ronald Lee Powell, 76, of Hazlehurst, passed away Aug. 28 at his granddaughter’s residence. Mr. Powell was born July 13, 1947, in Jeff Davis County. He is preceded in death by his parents, Hammond Leon Powell and Estelle Douglas Powell, wife, Shirley Ann Johnson Powell, sister, Marie Murray and brother, Herman Powell. Mr. Powell…

Mrs. Betty Ruth Wilson Simmons, 91, of Hazlehurst, passed away Aug. 31 after an extended illness. Mrs. Simmons was a homemaker and owner/director of Jack and Jill Kindergarten from the mid-1960s until the late 1990s, wherein she taught countless Jeff Davis County children. If a child ever passed through her doors, they were always considered…

William Brubaker Jr. – May 29, 1970 – July 27, 2023 Mr. William Brubaker Jr. AKA “Butch,” of Hazlehurst died July 27 from health-related issues. Butch was born in Bucks County, Pa. He is predeceased by his mother Judy Krail and his dad William Brubaker Sr. Butch leaves behind a son, Zachery, brothers Willie, Brett…

Mr. Jeffrey Lane Ellis, 70, of Hazlehurst passed away after a sudden illness Aug. 22 at his residence under the care of Comfort Care Hospice. Mr. Ellis was born Feb. 18, 1953, in Welch, W. Va., to the late Bill Ellis and the late Connie Cyphers Ellis. He was the owner and operator of Precision…

Mr. Thomas Jason Halsel, 43, of Hazlehurst, passed away Aug. 22. Jason was born on July 27, 1980, in San Antonio, Texas, and was a veteran of the United States Marines. He attended Southside Baptist Church and was a devoted and loving father.  His greatest passion was to spend time with and support his children…

Ms. Laurel Lee Delia Heard, 76, of Hazlehurst, passed away Aug. 22 at Memorial Hospital in Savannah. Ms. Heard was born April 29, 1947, in Chicago, Ill. She had resided in Hazlehurst for the past few years and eventually went to stay at Pineland Personal Care Home. She is preceded in death by her parents,…

Mrs. Louiza “Robin” Robinson Pringle, 71, died Aug. 15 in Cayce, S.C. She was born Dec. 22, 1951, in Lumber City to the late Wesley and Christine Kirk Robinson. She attended Telfair County Schools and graduated in 1970. At an early age, she joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Lumber City. She moved to…

On Aug. 7, Mr. Timmie Hansely transitioned to his heavenly home. Timmie “Tim” Hansley was born Sept. 28, 1957, in Hazlehurst to the late John Robert Hansley and Claudia Mae Benjamin Hansley. Tim attended Jeff Davis High School and Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute in Warm Springs. Upon graduating he utilized his excellent typing and technical…

Ms. Janelle Hamm Strickland, 92, of Graham, passed away Aug. 19 at her residence with her family by her side. Ms. Strickland was born Aug. 24, 1930, in Appling County. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Briley Hamm and Addie Cowart Hamm, husband, R.A. Strickland, granddaughter, Candace Brandi Clotfelter, sisters, Gertrude Miles,…