Obituaries

Obituary Listing

Willie L. Colbert, Jr.

Willie L. Colbert, Jr.

Nov 3, 2025

Mr. Willie Louis Colbert, Jr. was born on March 14, 1960, in Montezuma, Georgia, to the late Clara and Willie L. Colbert, Sr. On November 3, 2025, Willie peacefully entered eternal rest, surrounded by his loving family.

He graduated from Macon County High School in 1979 and went on to attend Fort Valley State University. Willie later began his career with...

Fredrick Douglas Way, Sr.

Fredrick Douglas Way, Sr.

Oct 30, 2025

Mr. Frederick Douglas Way Sr., age 72, of Fort Valley, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Born on January 29, 1953, in Lumpkin, Georgia, Frederick’s life was a testament to resilience, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Frederick was born and raised in Lumpkin, GA, where he attended Lumpkin High School and graduated with...

Willie James Rogers, Sr.

Willie James Rogers, Sr.

Oct 29, 2025

Willie James West Rogers was born in Macon County on April 7, 1950, to the late Annie Maude West Larry and Junior Rogers From a young age, Willie carried a strong work ethic, a determined spirit, and a deep love for his family that would define his life.

Willie was educated in the Macon County School System. After leaving high school,...

Washington Marshall, Jr.

Washington Marshall, Jr.

Oct 27, 2025

Washington Marshall, Jr., 90, of Fort Valley, GA, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

 Affectionately known as “Dub”, Washington was born on April 7, 1935 in Macon County, Georgia. He was the fourth of twelve children born to the union of Washington Marshall, Sr. and Flora Bell Marshall. HIs parents and all of his siblings preceded him...

Derrick Meadows

Derrick Meadows

Oct 25, 2025

Derrick DeFrances Meadows was born on June 4, 1971, in Reynolds, Georgia, to the proud parents of Willie James and Dianne Meadows.

Derrick was educated in the Peach County School System and was a proud graduate of the Peach County High School Class of 1989.

Following high school, he continued his education at Fort Valley State University. He was also a dedicated...

Ruby Lee Roberts

Ruby Lee Roberts

Oct 23, 2025

Ruby Lee Roberts was born on January 13, 1937, to the late Willie George and Priscilla Thomas. Affectionately known as “Big Ma,” Ruby was the heart and foundation of her family. She loved deeply and lived joyfully, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her delicious cooking. Sharing her home and her meals brought her great...

Marilyn Jones

Marilyn Jones

Oct 22, 2025

Marilyn Jones was born in Marshallville, Georgia, to the late Willie and Sarah Jones. She peacefully transitioned from this earthly life on October 22, 2025, in Macon, Georgia.

Marilyn was educated in the public schools of Macon County and was a proud graduate of D. F. Douglas High School. She dedicated many years of service to the Bibb Company, where she...

Marcus Leftwich, Sr.

Marcus Leftwich, Sr.

Oct 15, 2025

Marcus Lebron Key Leftwich, 64, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 15, 2025.

Born in Fort Valley, Georgia, Marcus was raised with a deep sense of family, faith, and humor by his beautiful mother, Blonnelle Kendrick Leftwich, and veteran father, Hilliard Leftwich - values that shaped the man he became.

Upon moving to Chattanooga, TN, Marcus was...

Bessie Mae McCrary Brown

Bessie Mae McCrary Brown

Oct 15, 2025

Bessie Mae McCrary Brown was born October 30, 1943 in Fort Valley, GA to Turner McCrary and Mary Knight McCrary. She departed this life on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

Bessie attended the public schools of Peach County and was later employed at Fort Valley University for 20 years.

At an early age, Bessie joined Richland Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully served...

Betty Jean Smith

Betty Jean Smith

Oct 10, 2025

Betty "Bet" Jean Smith was born September 24, 1959 in rural Peach County, she suddenly departed this life for eternal life on October 10, 2025 at the Piedmont Hospital in Macon, Ga. following a lengthy.

She was born to the proud Cleveland and Ethel Mae Smith in Peach County, Georgia. Betty "Bet" attended the schools of Peach County, She was a...

Willie Mae Starling McGhee

Willie Mae Starling McGhee

Sep 30, 2025

Willie Mae Starling McGhee was born to the late Willie Starling and Elnora Starling in Fort Valley, Georgia, on June 30, 1945. She peacefully passed on September 30, 2025.

Willie Mae attended the Peach County Public Schools. She married her beloved husband, John Willie McGhee. She was a member of Central Union Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Valley, GA.

Willie Mae leaves...

Barbara Jean Booth

Barbara Jean Booth

Sep 22, 2025

Barbara J. Booth was born on July 11, 1940 in Fort Valley, Georgia to the parents of the Late June Booth and Velma Hatcher Booth.

She attended Fort Valley School and at an early age, she moved to Tennessee with her aunt and finished high school. She later moved to Connecticut, and she began as a cook at IHOP. In later...

Theron Wade Oates

Theron Wade Oates

Sep 13, 2025

Theron Wade Oates also known as “Theo” was born on March 30, 1962, in Fort Valley, Georgia to the late Mary and Lawrence Oates.

Theron was the sixth child of nine siblings (Brenda Oates, Lawrence Oates, Melvin Oates, Terry Oates, Rita Oates, Kimberly Dugger, Amy Oates and Cedric Oates).

In 1980, Theron graduated from Peach County High School with honors where he...

Ronald C. Whittaker

Ronald C. Whittaker

Sep 12, 2025

Edwards Small Mortuary announces with our deepest sympathies the passing of Ronald "Ron" Whittaker.  Our sincere condolences to the family and friends. 

JoAnne Howell

JoAnne Howell

Sep 11, 2025

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the beautiful life and legacy of Ms. JoAnne Howell. Affectionately known as "Miss Ann," she graced this world on August 29, 1948, in Fort Valley, Georgia, as the beloved daughter of Milton, Jr. and Georgia Mae Howell. She was the third of eight children.

JoAnne grew up surrounded by the warmth of...

Kelli L. Rucker

Kelli L. Rucker

Sep 7, 2025

Kelli L. Rucker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and minister, entered eternal rest surrounded by love and faith.

Born to the late Rosemary Fairley and Charles Fairley of Moss Point, Mississippi, Kelli’s life was one of purpose, passion, and service.

Kelli was united in marriage to Alvin Rucker in September of 1994. Their union was blessed with one son, Dylan Charles Rucker.

She was...

SFC William M. Batts, Jr.

SFC William M. Batts, Jr.

Sep 1, 2025

SFC William M. Batts Jr. (Ret.) was born on August 23, 1965 to the late Mr. William M. Batts Sr. and Mrs. Connie Batts of Newport News, VA. He attended Hampton High School before enlisting into the U. S. Army on September 27, 1982. He served his country for 33 years, before retiring on March 1, 2017.

He leaves to mourn...

Devonte Denzel McMillian

Devonte Denzel McMillian

Aug 31, 2025

Edwards Small Mortuary announced with our deepest sympathies the passing of DeVonte Denzel McMillian on August 31, 2025.  Our Condolences to the family and friends. 

Annie Lee Golden-Henry

Annie Lee Golden-Henry

Aug 29, 2025

Annie Lee Golden Henry passed away on August 29, 2025, at Macon Atrium Hospital. She is the daughter of the late John and Luchers Ezell. A native and lifelong resident of Fort Valley, Georgia, Annie’s life was deeply rooted in her community.

Annie was a 1958 graduate of Hunt High School in Fort Valley, Georgia. She served as a nurse for...

Kenton Joseph Crawford

Kenton Joseph Crawford

Aug 29, 2025

Kenton Joseph Crawford was born on March 5, 1956, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Frankie L. Crawford and Kenton Joseph Burt. He attended the public schools of Cincinnati, including Hughes High School and earned his Graduate Equivalency Diploma while in the military.

During his early years, he was regarded as “Mr. Cool,” who always came to the aid of his female relatives...