Obituary for Gloria Blue
 
Gloria Blue, born on April 6, 1953, in Marion County Georgia to the parents of Dorothy and Richard Slaughter, Sr.

Gloria spent her formative years in Marion County, attending local schools and graduating from Marion County High School. Driven by a passion for education and a deep commitment to her community, she went on to further her studies at Fort Valley State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree. Gloria’s love for learning did not stop there—she continued her education completing a Master’s and an Education Specialist degree, a testament to her dedication and perseverance.

After college, Gloria returned to her roots and began a long and fulfilling career as a Pre-School Educator for the Tri-County Head Start Program. From there she went on to become a Kindergarten teacher at Marion County Elementary School later known as LK Moss Elementary School. For twenty-seven years, she inspired young minds and left a lasting impression on countless students. Her nurturing spirit, coupled with her commitment to fostering a positive learning environment, made her an exceptional teacher and mentor.

Gloria was a devoted wife to her husband, Ralph Blue. Together, they built a life filled with love, respect, and mutual support. Their partnership was a true testament to enduring love, and their home was a gathering place for family and friends alike.

As a mother, Gloria was a pillar of strength and love to her two children, Ralph Elliott Blue and Kristy Juenelle Blue. She instilled in them the values of kindness, hard work, and integrity. Her legacy continues through her six cherished grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who will remember her warmth, wisdom, and the joy she brought into their lives.

Gloria passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, Dorothy and Richard Slaughter, Sr. She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Ralph Blue.

Children: Ralph Blue (Shunta), Kristy Blue (Marcus Bell) 

Grandchildren: Kori Blue, Marcus (Natasha) Shaw, Kwandon (Dominique) Blue, Andre Blue, Caleb Roberts and Camren Bell

Great grandchildren: Kayden Blue, Naomi Blue and Arlo Blue
 
Siblings:  Mary Ann Thornton, Richard Slaughter, Jr. (Angela), Larry Slaughter, Connie English (Danny), Lisa Slaughter

Brother and Sister-in-laws: Maude (Mary Alice) Blue, Claude Blue, Mary (Phillip) Perry, Yvonne (Richard) Brown, Lawrence (Virginia) Brown

And a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.

Her family was her pride and joy, and she never missed an opportunity to express her love and support.

Gloria was a long-standing member at Mt Olive Missionary Baptist church where she served on the Usher board faithfully since 1973. She loved serving at her church and had an even deeper love for her church family whom she spent countless Sunday’s worshipping and fellowshipping together. 

As an alumni, Gloria was a dedicated member of the Fort Valley State University National Alumni Association “West Central Georgia Chapter”. In addition to that, she also served as secretary and treasurer for the Marion County High School Class of 1971.

Gloria’s life was one of service, compassion, and unwavering faith. She was a woman who believed in the power of education, the importance of family, and the strength of community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 109 Moody Road, Tazewell, Georgia with services beginning at 11AM on Saturday, August 31, 2024. Burial will follow at New Prospect Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Pineville Road, Buena Vista, Georgia.  The family invites all who knew and loved Gloria to join them in remembering and honoring her remarkable life.

​John Edwards, Jr., age 76, passed on August 20, 2024.

The funeral service will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc., 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Interment will follow in the Andersonville National Cemetery, 496 Cemetery Road, Andersonville, Georgia.

John was born December 10, 1947, in Reynolds, Georgia to the late John Allen Edwards and Eura Edwards.

John was educated in the public school system of Macon County, whereas he graduated from the historic D.F. Douglass High School in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force on December 13, 1966, where he received an award for Air Force Commendation Medal. He was a Security Specialist and Supervisor. He served in the Vietnam War where he received the Vietnam Service Medical, a life member of the Veteran of Foreign War Post 3808 in Henderson Nevada.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Alonzo Edwards.
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Survivors are his one daughter Teaunya Edwards, Wichita, Kansas; two granddaughters, Essence Brown and Cierra Williams both of Wichita, Kansas; a very devoted cousin Gwendolyn Callaway, Montezuma Georgia; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Deacon John Henry Wiggins, Sr., age 70, of 1154 Law Street, Dooling, Georgia passed on Monday, August 19, 2024, in the surrounding of his beloved family.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Dooling Georgia. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Reverend Jerry Sanders pastor will officiate.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such a high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Eathern Times, Jr., age 82, passed on August 14, 2024.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Josh Gibson Center, 20 Gibson Way, Buena Vista, Georgia. Interment will follow in the Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Georgia Hwy 41, Buena Vista, Georgia.

​Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such a high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Eathern Times Jr was born January 18, 1942, to the parentage of the late Eathern Tymes Sr. and Annie Slaughter Tymes in Buena Vista Marion County, Georgia.

Eathern Times Jr. received his formal education at Marion County Elementary/High School where he was a 1961 graduate.

​Eathern accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, Buena Vista, Georgia. He served as Usher, Stewart, member of Lay Organization, Chairman, Head Trustee, Sons of Allen, Honorary Missionary and Choir Member.

Eathern Times was united in holy matrimony with Ardessa Russell Times on July 14, 1968, in Buena Vista, Georgia. To their union they were blessed with three children.

Eathern’s employment began at a young age on the family farm with his dad. Farming was his passion. He loved working the fields and harvesting the crops, which was one of his greatest accomplishments. Other employments include Redman Home Builder, carpentry and the last 18 years at Tyson Poultry Foods, Buena Vista, Georgia.

During his leisure time he enjoyed being of service to the church and singing the gospel. Eathern is better known as “Buddy” and “Hey Hey” and the “Handy Man.” He was very gifted in carpentry. He built many structures including his own house.

Eathern Times departed this life on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 8:05 a.m. He was preceded in death by his parents Eathern Times Sr and Annie Slaughter Tymes, and his brother, Herman Tymes.

Siblings, Eva Thornton, Nora Pless, Hubert Tymes, Adam Tymes, Jonah Tymes, Johnny (JD) Tymes.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Ardessa Times. Sons: Eric (Gloria) Times, Patrick Times, Frederick (Taidra) Times. Siblings: Edward (Ed) (Roslyn) Tymes, Patricia (David) Nixon.

Brothers-in-Law: Rudolph (Maude) Russell, George Pless Jr., Hubert Russell Sr, Sisters-in-Law: Dessie (Timothy) Perdue, Rosabell Tymes, Frances Tymes.

Grand Children: Darren, McKinley, Ryan, Kierra, Madison, Alyssa, Mallory

Great Grands: Kaleigh, Nala.

A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.

​Viola Harris Robinson, age 82, passed on August 12, 2024.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 281 Mask Road, Americus Georgia. Burial will follow at Staley Memorial Garden Cemetery, Americus Georgia.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such a high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Irene Tookes Bias, age 97, passed on August 4, 2024.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Ga. Burial will follow at the Davis Chapel A.M.E. Church Cemetery, Hwy 26, Oglethorpe, Georgia. 

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such a high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Irene Tookes Bias, the 5th child born to the late Mr. Edward Tookes and Mrs. Florinda Nelson Tookes, was born March 13, 1927, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Her siblings, (LulaPearle, Goodman, Katherine “Kat”, Edward Jr., Evonne and Alfred) preceded her in death. Many things are destined to be with us for only a certain period of time. On August 4, 2024, Irene departed this earthly life while convalescing at her home in College Park, Georgia.

January 13, 1945, Irene was united in holy matrimony to her beloved the late Fred Bias. The union was blessed with five children. In the year of 1950, the family relocated to Harlem, New York. Irene was employed with the Board of Education dietician staff and at Ms. Ross’ daycare center as a caregiver. In 1994, Irene and Fred Bias relocated to College Park, Georgia. At that time, Irene worked part time at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Irene, better known as “Lela" by her family, was very lucky with numbers and in her later years, she can be described as a giving person to her family and friends.

May she continue to live through the lives of her survivors, which includes three daughters, Bernice Silver, Bertha Manigault (Cliff), Gloria Bailey (Tony), two sons Willie Bias and Jerome Bias, six grandchildren (Lamont, Chvette, Cedric, Tosha, Brian and Antoinette), five great grandchildren (Antanaysa, Azalea, Tiana, Isaiah and Anicia), a devoted nephew, Milton, a close family friend Paula, dedicated home health aide, Lucille and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other close relatives and friends.

​Eddie Reath Golden, age 78, passed on August 1, 2024.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery, 1153 Hwy 280 W, Plains, Georgia.

Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such a high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.

Johnnie Mae Burrell, age 78, passed on August 1, 2024.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, from 5:00-6:00 P.M. at the Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, 607 Kaigler Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia. 

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Union Tabernacle Baptist Church, 900 Adderton Street, Americus, Georgia. Burial will follow at the Eastview Cemetery,  Ashby Street, Americus, Georgia. 

​Graveside services, including burials, are likely to be held on ground that is uneven, which is out of the control of Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. We ask that you take this into consideration when choosing footwear, such a high, thin heels. Please be advised that Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc. will not be held responsible for injuries at a grave site because of this.