People and Places: Organist honored for 50 years of service; NOBTS seminary grads

Deaths

Mary Wade Bell, who served alongside her husband, Bob, at several churches throughout Alabama and Georgia as well as at Hephzibah/Kilpatrick Baptist associations, died Jan. 8. She was 84. 

A native of Salem, AL, Bell was a longtime resident of Thomson who served at churches such as Boynton Baptist in Ringgold and The Hill in Augusta with her husband for 50 years before his death. A member of Raysville Baptist Church, she is survived by her current husband, Ron Bell; sons Steve Wade (Debra) of Kathleen, John Wade (Dianne) of Maineville, OH, and Mike Wade (Stephanie) of LaFayette; brothers Lee Trotter of Gadsden, AL and Lester Trotter of Dothan, AL; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, contributions are asked to be made to Raysville Baptist Church, 5264 Lincolnton Hwy., Thomson, GA 30824.

Charles Taylor, longtime pastor in Laurens Baptist Association, died Jan. 27. He was 78.

A graduate of Truett McConnell College (now Truett McConnell University) and the University of Georgia, Taylor served as pastor of Tiger Baptist, Nicholson Baptist, Dexter Baptist in Dublin, Cross Roads in Hinesville, Mt. Carmel in Demorest, Pleasant Hill in Dawson, and Toccoa Creek in Toccoa. 

Preceded in death by a brother, Howard, and sister, Mary Morrison, he is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda. Other survivors include daughters Debbie Jenson (Wes) of Hilton Head, SC and Stephanie Clancy (Keith) of Dublin, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brothers James and Stanley, and sisters Inez Bennett and Barbara Payne. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

On Dec. 31 Springdale Baptist Church in Dublin celebrated the Jananne Tanner's 50 years of service in playing the organ during worship services. Pictured at left is Pastor Paul Wilkes presenting Tanner with a Faithful Servant Award plaque. At right is her husband, Don. A covered dish meal accompanied the celebration.

Honors

On Dec. 31 Springdale Baptist Church in Dublin honored Jananne Tanner's 50 years of service playing the organ. 

Graduates

Several students with Georgia ties received their diplomas at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary's commencement Dec. 16.

Those earning their Master of Divinity include:

• G. Seth Dunn, a member of Rowland Springs Baptist Church in Cartersville;
• Yancey Hartman, a member of Corinth Baptist Church in Lake Park;
• Reginald Rutherford, a member of Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta.

Receiving his Doctor of Ministry was Brett Mask, a member of Salem Baptist Church in Lexington. 

Held at Leavell Chapel on the school's New Orleans campus, NOBTS president Chuck Kelley was the featured speaker at the event commemorating the achievements of some 273 graduates.