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Ms. Sally Ann Vining
Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home
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Sally Ann Vining, 77, of Atlanta and formally of Covington, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, September 14, 2016.

She was born November 5, 1938, in Loganville to the late Hugh Farmer and Lizzie Bell Farmer. She was the third of six children. She accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Murray C.M.E Church and attended Washington Street School.

A domestic worker in her teens, Vining later worked for the Poultry, Bibb Manufacturing and Hercules Companies. She later got her GED from Newton County High School and received her Real Estate License in 1979 and worked for Century 21 in Decatur, Georgia. Vining was also Co-Owner of Vining's Grading and Landscape Inc. and Vining's Concrete Service. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association (ABWA) and was an active member of Community Affairs.

She moved to Marietta and Atlanta, where she resided for 22 years. She attended Dekalb Tech and Southern Poly Tech, where she obtained a Computer Automation Graphic Design certificate. She worked for AT&T, A.K.A. Lucent Technologies and Mastec for 11 years. Prior to retiring, she worked for the Atlanta Housing Authority as an Assistant Property Manager.

Vining was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, cousin and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Mary L. Johnson and Brenda J. Harris.

She was married to the late Robert Walter Cooksey. From this marriage of five years, a daughter, Valerie Yvonne Cooksey was born. She later married William Vining, Jr. and from this marriage of 26 years a son, William Vining III, was born.

She leaves to cherish her memories: loving daughter, Valerie Yvonne Cooksey; her loving son, William "Rooster" Vining III; daughter-in-law, Janet Roxanne Vining; two loving grandchildren, William "Trooper" Vining and Taylor Marie Vining; sisters, Ruby L. Henderson and Bobbie N. Farmer; brother, Hugh Farmer, Jr. and a host of other close relatives, sisters and brothers in law, nieces, nephews and other loving relatives and dear friends.

The service was held Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Murray C.M.E. Church in Covington with Rev. Bobby Hall as pastor, Rev. W.J. Reid as eulogist and assisted by others. She was interred at Westside Cemetery.

The family of the late Sally Ann Vining would like to thank each and every one of you for all of your acts of kindness you have shown to us during our time of sorrow.

 

Obituary: Otis Daniel Criswell
Otis Daniel Criswell

Otis Daniel Criswell, age 72, of Covington, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on February 26, 1953, in Athens, Georgia to Melvin Daniel (Coach) Criswell and Veeda Claire Kirkland. 

A proud graduate of Newton County high school, class of 1971. Otis went on to join the army National Guard, serving 6 years. He dedicated 30+ years of his career as a senior Claims representative for George Farm Bureau.

Beyond his professional life, Otis was a passionate University of Georgia football fan. During football season, he could always be found on the deck grilling with family and friends with at least two TVs playing the game. He also loved traveling with his family for martial arts tournaments across the country and cherished time spent relaxing on the beach.

Otis is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Daniel (Coach) Criswell, Veeda Claire Kirkland and brother, Duane Criswell.

Left to cherish his memory or his children, Jamie (Tony) Pascale Loganville, Georgia, Brian (Carlie) Criswell of Barnesville, Georgia, and Matt Criswell of Covington Georgia; Grandchildren: Kayla and Emma; sister, Donna Criswell Hiett; brother, Dallas (Robin) Criswell; nieces and nephews, Michael, Kimberly, Kevin, Brandon, Preston, and Destiny. 

Otis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched. A celebration of Otis ‘s life will be held at Faith Tabernacle Church. 631 Ralph Rd - Conyers, Georgia 30094 on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 3:00 pm.