By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Steve Owenby
steve owenby
Published: May 17, 2024, 2:40 PM

Steve Owenby, age 63, of Covington passed away Sunday, May 12, 2024. He was born on July 3, 1960 to Charles and Nina Owenby, who have both preceded him in death. Steve grew up in Blairsville and Covington Georgia. A longtime time Covington resident he graduated from Newton County High School and opened his own business, Just a Hair Better, serving the community since 1989. Steve lived and breathed University of Georgia football, he also loved playing golf. He was a great outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Steve also loved traveling to the beach and the mountains. But what defined him more than anything was his love for his savior Jesus Christ.

Steve is survived by his son Gary Taylor Owenby, his wife of 23 years and good friend Donna Owenby; His sisters Pam Forrest (Steve), Vicki Bailey (Garrick), and his precious Baby Sister Valerie Blankenship (Allen); along with a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his four best friends Luther Bouchillion, Billy Bouchillion, Paul Stevens, Buddy Bellew and his longtime co-worker Wain Stowe.

A Gathering of Friends will be held from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home.
Obituary: Rev. Thomas Halliburton Johnson, Sr.
Rev. Thomas Halliburton Johnson, Sr.
Published: Mar 17, 2025, 5:53 PM

The Rev. Thomas Halliburton Johnson, Sr. of Oxford, Georgia, died January 19, 2025, age 95 1/2. 

A graduate of Emory University, as a United Methodist minister from 1950 to 1994, he served the following appointments: Carrollton First as associate pastor; then these South Georgia congregations: Martha Bowan (Macon); Alpha (Bloomingdale)/Meldrim; White Bluff (Savannah); Baxley First/Graham; Park Avenue (Valdosta); Statesboro First; Perry. As superintendent he served the Thomasville District, Epworth by the Sea/St Simons Island, and the Waycross District. As a retired supply pastor, he then served Mansfield UMC. 

In retirement, the Johnsons moved to Mrs. Johnson’s homeplace in Oxford, Georgia where they were active at Allen Memorial UMC, continued and expanded W.A. Carlton’s muscadine vineyards and camellias, and planted new patches of daylilies, blueberries, irises, roses, blackberries, and more. He became an active member of The Kiwanis Club, Covington, and they were both active in the Oxford Historical Cemetery non-profit and more. 

Rev. Johnson was preceded in death by wife, Emmie Stewart Carlton Johnson; parents, George M. & Louise H. Johnson; older siblings, George, Jr. & Betsy J. Carter; and in-laws, W.A. & Annie Lou B. Carlton. He is survived by three children - Tom, Jr. of Pine Mountain, Nancy (Jeff) of N. Hall, & Betsy (John) of Roswell - six grandchildren - Melissa (Ryan), Russell, Jesse (Shay), Emmy (Micah), Evan, & Thomas III (C’Lee) - & three g-grandchildren: Caleb, Noah & Jude - five nieces and nephews & numerous great nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Epworth by the Sea, St Simons Island, The Methodist Home for Children and Youth, Macon, The Vashti Center, Thomasville, The Open Door Community House, Columbus, The League of the Good Samaritan, Magnolia Manor, Americus. Addresses can easily located on those websites. Please, NO Flowers.