James Ellis Wilbanks, Jr. (Jimmy) passed away on January 12, 2026, at the age of 82, near Vidalia Georgia. He was born on February 15, 1943, in Commerce, Georgia, the son of James Ellis Wilbanks, Sr. and Margie Elizabeth Cheatham. He grew up in Commerce during his early years and Dublin, Georgia, where the family moved in 1955. He died as the result of injuries sustained in a car accident.
Long-time resident of Vidalia, Jimmy was known for his upbeat attitude, his sense of humor, and his willingness to reach out to others. His love of animals and distinctive walking style made him a known figure. He was born singing, and used his gift in churches, community choirs, and on any and all occasions.
He attended Commerce elementary School and graduated from Dublin High School in 1961. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s in business administration and minored in music, played in the Dixie Red Coat Band, and sang in the Glee Club and with the University Singers.
Jimmy spent his career in the textile industry, primarily with Oxford Industries as well as Georgia Home Exteriors. He was a consultant with the National Federation of Independent Business. In later years, he served as youth director of First United Methodist Churches of Vidalia and Lyons and enjoyed leading young people on skiing trips to West Virginia and elsewhere. For many years, he served the Vidalia Presbyterian Church as a principal singer in the church choir and as a faithful worshiper.
He enjoyed a happy marriage to Nan Fulmer for forty years. He is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Cheatham Wilbanks; his sister Jane Wilbanks Bowden Pressly (Paul), nephew; Rob Bowden (Jessica); great niece, Elizabeth Anne Bowden Wright (Ben); great-great nephew, Noah Christoper Wright; great nephew, Henry Walker Bowden ( Kailey); step great nieces, McCall and Jamison Deloach; and “adopted” grandchildren, Chase Moye and Zach Moye, and their mother Stephanie Moye.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nan Fulmer Wilbanks; his father, James Wilbanks; his brother-in-law, Ralph O. Bowden III; and his niece Betsy Bowden.
The funeral service will be held at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home on Wednesday morning, January 21, 2026, at 11:00 with Pastor Ben Martin officiating. Interment will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday morning from 10:00 until just prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SOAPS (Sweet Onion Animal Protection Society) PO Box 210, Vidalia GA 30475 or Vidalia Presbyterian Church, 400 Church St., Vidalia, GA 30474.
Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jimmy" Ellis Wilbanks, Jr., please visit our floral store.
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In loving memory of Nilda Murillo Colson, who passed away at her home on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the age of 81, following a recent health complication. Born in the Philippines on June 20, 1944, she became a lifelong resident of Toombs County in 1989. For many years, she worked as a seamstress at a clothing manufacturing, Lyons Manufacturing. She was the beloved wife of the late Mr. Wesley “Buddy” Colson, Jr. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories that will be forever held in the hearts of her family and friends.
Our mom was a fabulous force of nature. Mom enjoys dressing up wherever she goes. She also likes to call her family and friends at ungodly hours. Cleaning and organizing were her therapeutic hobbies, and you knew you were truly loved when she'd come to visit and immediately start organizing your place, which was her signature way of showing her love for her family. Additionally, the military would have been proud of her legendary punctuality, unwavering mission focus, and constant follow-up that could make a general sweat.
Though her passing leaves a space in our hearts that can never be filled, we find comfort in the simple, profound lessons she taught us: live life to the fullest, never be late, and take care of ourselves. She survives by her loving children and grandchildren, who will strive to honor her memories.
We will carry her love and laughter with us forever, remembering her with warmth and moments of joy.
A celebration and funeral service in honor of her incredible life will be held at the Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Brian Durden officiating. Interment will follow at Old Anderson Cemetery near Collins. All who knew and loved this unforgettable woman are welcome to attend.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday afternoon from 2:00 until just prior to the service.
Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.
The Obituary was written by her family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nilda (Murillo) Colson, please visit our floral store.
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- Written by Kathy Hilt
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Mr. Brian Alan Kight, age 60, of the Kibbee Community, died Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Memorial Health in Savannah after a brief illness. He was a native of Candler County where he lived most of his life; he attended Metter High School and moved to Montgomery County a few years ago. He was a truck driver most of his life, working at Wal-mart Distribution Center in Statesboro and currently working with Randy’s Wrecker Service in Metter. He enjoyed going to Georgia Southern football games and high school football games, and attending go-cart and late model racing events.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lester Rufus Kight and Audrey McGowan Kight; and a brother, Dale Clemons.
He is survived by two sons, Brandon Kight and fiancé Anna Mahanor of Ludowici, and Chris Kight of Metter; his fiancé, Chrissy Turner of Kibbee; four stepchildren, Austin Johnson, Spencer Johnson, Brandon Veal, and Justin Veal; one sister, Cindy Kight Cobb and husband Dean of Emanuel County; one brother, Ricky Kight of Metter; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday morning, January 17th, 2026, at 11:00 at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Kibbee with Pastor Gaynor Ridgdill officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday morning from 10:00 until just prior to the service.
Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian Alan Kight, please visit our floral store.
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Mrs. Jean Harden Moore, age 86, of Lyons, died Monday, January 12, 2026, at Select Medical Hospital in Savannah following an extended illness. She was a lifelong resident of Toombs County. She worked at Lyons Manufacturing for ten years, Max Smith’s Department Store in Vidalia for twelve years, and she was a CNA at Metter Nursing Home and Toombs Nursing Home for nine years. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and attended Lyons Holiness Church. She enjoyed flower gardening, playing cards, word search, softball, and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry W. Moore; son, Kenneth Terrel; two granddaughters, Brittani Moore and Amanda Moore; parents, Euthen Harden and Juanita Edwards Harden; and sister, Mary Harden Anderson.
She is survived by five children, Terry Moore of Lyons, Chris Moore and Judy of the Five Points Community, Tony Moore and wife Wanda of Lyons, Kathy Beasley of Metter, and Pam Marin of Cedar Crossing; two sisters, Minnie Harden Higgs of Vidalia and Annette Harden Sizemore of August; two brothers, Larry Higgs of Oak Park and Darrell Higgs of Lyons; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews, and her dog, Socks.
The funeral service will be held on Friday morning, January 16, 2026, at 11:00 in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Caraway officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Moriah Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday morning from 10:00 until just prior to the service.
The family will assemble at the residence of a daughter, Pam Marin, 1177 Durham Mosley Road, Uvalda.
Pallbearers are T.J. Moore, Eric Pruitt, Tracy Pruitt, Jesus Mata, Joseph Moser, and Theodore Marin.
Flowers are accepted or memorial donations are suggested to the Mt. Moriah Cemetery Fund, c/o Jane Riner, 685 Ernest Webber Road, Lyons, GA 30436.
Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jean (Harden) Moore, please visit our floral store.
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- Written by Kathy Hilt
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Mrs. Faye Kirkley NeeSmith, age 74, of the New Branch Community, died Sunday, January 11, 2026, at her daughter’s home following an extended illness. She was a native of Toombs County, attended Toombs Central School, and lived in Cedar Crossing most of her life before moving to New Branch in 2016. She worked with her sisters at Sister’s Restaurant in Hazlehurst and worked at Altamaha Restaurant in Uvalda. She attended Cedar Crossing Baptist Church and Mt. Vernon Pentecostal Church. Faye enjoyed thrifting and vacationing with her sisters and family, spending time at Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee, taking care of plants, and feeding birds.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray NeeSmith; parents, Monroe Kirkley and Elsie Mae NeeSmith Kirkley; two brothers, Johnny Kirkley and Claude “T-Model” Kirkley; and two sisters, Geraldine “Geri” Kirkley and Matalice Kirkley Cox.
She is survived by two children, Alicia NeeSmith and husband Lester of New Branch, and Rayford NeeSmith and wife Vickie of the Petross Community; five grandchildren, Ramie Davis and husband Ryan of New Branch, Jeffrey NeeSmith of New Branch, Raylee NeeSmith of Connecticut, Allison Conrad of Savannah, and Craig Conrad and wife Laurie of Fitzgerald; two great-grandchildren, Slayden and Samuel Davis; four sisters, Shelby Stephens and husband Larry of the Providence Community, Christine “Christy” Wood of Mt. Vernon, Kaye Hitchcock and husband Alvin of Cedar Crossing, and Kathy Rentz and husband John of Hazlehurst; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held Thursday afternoon, January 15th, 2026, at 3:00 in the chapel of Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home with Sister Sarah Rhoden and Sister Rachel Wood Nelms officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Crossing Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday afternoon from 1:00 until just prior to the service.
Flowers are accepted or memorial donations are suggested to Low Country Cancer Care, 1 Meadows Parkway, Vidalia, GA 30474.
Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Faye (Kirkley) NeeSmith, please visit our floral store.
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- Written by Jeff Raiford
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