Sympathy Saturday

    Sympathy Saturday will be where I share the obituaries and my condolences for members of my family tree who passed recently.  When you get to be a certain age, you begin to read the obituaries every day.  As the days go by, you read about more and more of your friends and family members who have died.  You compare their age to your own and get a jolt. "That could have been me." 

    For genealogists, checking obituaries and visiting cemeteries is as normal as breathing. I learn so much from an obituary, i.e., maiden names, parents' names; children's' and grandchildren's' names, funeral and burial locations, sometimes even a cause of death.  I want to learn these things not for any purpose but to put it on the family tree for future generations to see and learn about the family that went before them. I admit, most of these relatives I have never met, but I think it is important to share that they were here on this Earth, and they were important.

    So I am signed up with at least three funerals homes from Swainsboro, Vidalia, and Wrightsville to get daily notices of obituaries sent to my email.  Every day, I peruse them and with the help of the family tree, figure out who is related to me and add any new information to the tree. Some weeks there are several, and some weeks there are none. This week there are two who actually passed away a few months ago as I got behind on email for while. So I may be doubling up for a several weeks.

    Please join me in offering condolences to their families and holding them in the light.

Brenda Cheryl Galbreath Foss

August 17, 1951 - June 22, 2026

Mrs. Cheryl Galbreath Foss, age 74, of Ailey, died Monday, June 22, 2026, at the Community Hospice House in Vidalia following an extended illness. She was a native of the Sharpespur Community in Montgomery County and was a 1969 graduate of Montgomery County High School. She moved to Augusta where she lived for several years, and returned to Montgomery County, living in Ailey for the past forty years. Cheryl was a homemaker and a member of New Corinth Baptist Church. She enjoyed canoeing and white water rafting with her husband and family.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Allen “Bob” Foss; parents, Samuel Lawton “S.L.” Galbreath and Doris “Dot” Tapley Galbreath; and two brothers, Duane Galbreath and Terry L. “Lucy” Galbreath. 

Mrs. Foss is survived by one sister, Kim Galbreath Corley and husband Jim of Sharpespur; one stepson, Christopher Foss of Texas; one brother, Dennis Thornton and wife Lisa of Vidalia; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Per her request, a private graveside funeral service was held on Wednesday morning, June 24th, 2026, at 10:00 at Galbreath Cemetery with Pastor Reece Mincey officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the Community Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

Deborah Darlene 'Debbie' Tapley Stogner Arceneaux

December 23, 1952 - July 03, 2026

A celebration of life for Deborah "Debbie" Darlene Arceneaux, 73, of Saint Joseph, LA will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Vidalia on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at 11AM. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10AM until service time at 11am.

Debbie was born on Tuesday, December 23, 1952 in Ringold, GA and passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026 at her residence surrounded by loved ones. Debbie was a woman of unwavering faith whose love for the Lord guided every step of her life. A strong and resilient Christian, she faced life's journey with courage, grace, and peace. When her time came, she was ready to meet her Savior, trusting completely in His promises. Debbie found joy in traveling, always looking forward to new adventures, whether near or far. At home, she loved working in her yard, tending her beautiful gardens, sewing thoughtful creations, and preparing delicious meals that brought family and friends together. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a personality that could brighten any room. Her infectious smile, quick wit, and joyful spirit made everyone around her laugh and feel welcome. Debbie never met a stranger, and those who knew her couldn't help but love her kind heart. Above all, she cherished her husband, delighting in every opportunity to spend time by his side. Her love, laughter, faith, and gentle spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed.

She is reunited with her parents, Francis Doyle Hazel Tapley and Andrew Doyle Tapley; and husband, Jimmy Stogner.

Those left behind to cherish Debbie's memories are her husband, Mike Arceneaux; brother, Danny Tapley & Sallie; sons, Eric Stogner and Jerimiah Stogner; grandchildren, Taylor Stogner and Kenley Stogner; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

To leave an online condolence for the family please visit www.youngsfh.com.