April 20, 2024
Claude Sawyer "Bob" Boatwright, pastor of Atlanta Japanese Baptist Church from 1990-2008, died Nov. 15. He as 92.
Boatwright served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a missionary to Japan from 1958-1990. At the time of his death he was a member of Peachtree Corners Baptist Church and the Japanese Mission. Preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Betty, he is survived by daughters Mary Linda Boatwright and Judy Boatwright Stewart, son David Boatwright, twin sister Eleanor Casey, and a granddaughter.
A funeral service was held Nov. 22 at Peachtree Corners Baptist Church with Pastor Hiro Sakamaki officiating.
Janis Hanson Garrett, 92, died at home in Pleasant Grove, AL from natural causes surrounded by her family. Garrett served alongside her husband Justus, a a pastor, at the Georgia churches of Eastside in Marietta, Walker in Monroe, Parkway in Macon, and Big Sandy in Irwinton. In retirement the Garretts were members of Pine Forest Baptist in Macon and active in the Christians on Duty ministry.
A native of Celoron, NY, she met her husband while attending Bob Jones University. They soon were working for the Slavic Gospel Association in Chicago before moving to Louisville, KY, where Justus attended Southern Seminary. Before moving to Georgia they ministered at several Mississippi churches. During this time Janis Garrett served as an accompanying pianist or organist to her husband's preaching.
Garrett was preceded in death by her husband and twin sister, Phyllis Marshall of New Castle, PA. She is survived by her children: son Stephen Garrett of Birmingham, AL; daughters Donna Covey of Boynton Beach, FL, Patty Bates of Pleasant Grove, AL, Joan Wilson of Woodstock, and Laurie Boden of Atlanta; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Nov. 18 at First Baptist Church in Milligan, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mission Dignity or by calling (888) 98-GUIDE.
First Woodstock pastor Johnny Hunt stands Oct. 2 with newly-ordained deacons, left to right, Ray Beauchamp, Matthew Mosley, Andrew Lee Oberlies, Michael T. Sproul, and Bart Glasgow. FBCW/Special
First Baptist Woodstock pastor Johnny Hunt stands with Brian Jennings at the latter's ordination service into the ministry Oct. 2. FBCW/Special
