Person Page - 497

     Betty Jo Harden was born on 10 August 1937. As of before 1958,her married name was Bagwell. She married Jimmy Melvin Bagwell, son of Virgil Hoyt Bagwell and Melva Lucille York, before 1958. Betty Jo Harden died on 29 June 2022 in Empire, Alabama, at age 84

Betty Harden Bagwell, age 84, of Empire, Alabama passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022. Betty was born August 10, 1937.
Betty was preceded in death, by parents, Marvin and Huldie Harden of Warrior, AL; her husband, Jimmy Melvin Bagwell of Empire, AL; brother, Theron Harden, Pinson, AL; daughter, Cynthia Jo Moore, Empire, AL; granddaughter, Erica Michelle Rice, Corner, AL. She is survived by her son, James Daniel Bagwell and his wife Teresa Buchholz of New York, New York.

Betty worked in partnership with her husband for many years in the development and success of Jim Bagwell Farms. Additionally, she worked in the pharmacy department of Carraway Hospital in Birmingham, AL. She was also an award-winning sales associate at Rich’s Department Store in Birmingham. Betty loved travel and took particular pride in the landscaping of her home in Empire, AL. A graduate of Warrior High School, she was active in the alumni association there. She viewed herself most importantly as a loving mother to Cynthia and James, and as grandmother to Michelle. Known for her grace, style, and kindness, Betty will be deeply missed in the community where she lived since 1956.

Services for Betty will be held Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, 2029 Decatur Highway, Gardendale, AL 35071. A time of visitation will begin at 10:00 AM; funeral service at 11:00 AM: followed by her burial at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, Gardendale, AL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridoutsgardendalechapel.com for the Bagwell family.

She was buried on 2 July 2022 at Oakwood Memorial Gardens, Gardendale, Jefferson County, Alabama.

     Cynthia Jo Bagwell was born on 29 May 1958.¹ She was the daughter of Jimmy Melvin Bagwell and Betty Jo Harden. As of after 1975,her married name was Moore. Cynthia Jo Bagwell married Calvin Wayne Moore after 1975. As of after 1976,her married name was Brakefield. Cynthia Jo Bagwell married (?) Brakefield. Cynthia Jo Bagwell died on 4 September 2013 at age 55 Cynthia Jo Bagwell Brakefield, age 55 of Empire died Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at her residence. Memorial services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Bell Sumiton Chapel with Rev. Doug Tate officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 to 2:00 PM Saturday prior to the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.
Mrs. Brakefield graduated from Corner High School and received her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Samford University. She was employed at Surgical Care Affiliates Outpatient Surgery Center for 15 years. An avid sports fan and animal lover, she rode horses as a teenager. She also studied music and remained connected to the arts throughout her life. Preceding her in death were her daughter, Erica Michelle Rice and father, Jimmy Bagwell.

Survivors include her husband, Calvin Wayne Moore of Empire; mother, Betty Jo Harden Bagwell of Empire; and brother, James Bagwell of New York, NY.¹ She was buried at Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery, Corner, Jefferson County, Alabama.¹

     Calvin Wayne Moore married Cynthia Jo Bagwell, daughter of Jimmy Melvin Bagwell and Betty Jo Harden, after 1975.

     James Daniel Bagwell is the son of Jimmy Melvin Bagwell and Betty Jo Harden. James Daniel Bagwell married Teresa Buchholz before 2021.

     Sarah Lindsey Bagwell is the daughter of Marion Wilbert Bagwell Jr. and Gene-Watt Stokes. Sarah Lindsey Bagwell married (?) Strope after 1973.

     Virginia Stokes Bagwell is the daughter of Marion Wilbert Bagwell Jr. and Gene-Watt Stokes. Virginia Stokes Bagwell married Royal Gosser after 1973. Virginia Stokes Bagwell married Billy Cecil Smith on 31 May 1980 at Rockingham County, North Carolina. Virginia Stokes Bagwell and Royal Gosser were divorced on 15 December 2000 at Guilford, North Carolina.

     Marion Wilbert Bagwell III was born on 18 November 1953. He was the son of Marion Wilbert Bagwell Jr. and Gene-Watt Stokes. Marion Wilbert Bagwell III lived in 1993 in Greenville, North Carolina. He died on 21 March 2026 at age 72


Marion W. Bagwell III., 72, of Greensboro, NC, died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

He was the son of the late Mike Bagwell Jr. and Gene-Watts Stokes Bagwell.

His survivors include his sisters, Lindsey Bagwell and Virginia Bagwell, along with his nieces and nephews, their children, and many good friends. To them, we extend our deepest sympathy.

Beyond business and travel, Marion will be remembered for his positive and outgoing personality, his kindness, generosity, and the love of a "Good Game, Go heels!".

In remembrance of Marion, the family states you can attend a Sunday service in his memory at Main Street United Methodist Church where he was a member, go enjoy a UNC Chapel Hill game, where he was an Alumni, attend and have fun at the State Fair, go to the Jesse Helm's Center, or visit Wingate Museum, where he will join you in spirit!

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to "The Jesse Helms Center", PO Box 247, Wingate, NC 28174.


He was cremated.

     Willard Otis Bagwell was born on 7 April 1915 in Wake County, North Carolina. He was the son of Walter Clarence Bagwell and Emma Hannah Poole. Willard Otis Bagwell married Lillian Louise Brummett on 23 November 1935 at Dillon, South Carolina. Willard Otis Bagwell died on 8 December 2001 in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, at age 86


Willard Otis Bagwell, 86, passed away on Dec. 8, 2001.A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2001, in Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh.
W.O. Bagwell worked for Seaboard Coastline Railroad / Amtrak for over 35 years.
He is survived by four children, Shirley B. Raynor of North Hollywood, Calif., Dr. and Mrs. Willard Ray Bagwell of Reidsville, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Tex Bagwell of Savannah, Ga. and Donna Kay Bagwell and Kathleen A. McHugh of Kennebunk, Maine; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his dog, Tobi. Tobi now resides in Kennebunk, Maine.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to New Hope Valley Railway, P.O. Box 40, New Hill, N.C. 27562. This is the East Carolina Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society.
Arrangements with Mitchell Funeral Home, St. Marys Street.


He was buried on 11 December 2001 at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

     Lillian Louise Brummett was born on 23 March 1918 in Wake County, North Carolina. As of 23 November 1935,her married name was Bagwell. She married Willard Otis Bagwell, son of Walter Clarence Bagwell and Emma Hannah Poole, on 23 November 1935 at Dillon, South Carolina. Lillian Louise Brummett died on 4 July 2001 in Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, at age 83 Lillian Louise Bagwell, 83, passed away Wednesday, July 4, 2001.A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 6, 2001, in Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh.
She is survived by her husband, Willard Otis Bagwell; four children, Shirley B. Raynor of North Hollywood, Calif., Dr. and Mrs. Willard Ray Bagwell of Reidsville, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Tex Bagwell of Savannah, Ga., and Donna K. Bagwell and Kathleen A. McHugh of Kennebunk, Maine; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her dog, Tobi.
Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 5, 2001, at Mitchell Funeral Home, 600 St. Marys Street, Raleigh. She was buried on 6 July 2001 at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina.

     Dr. Willard Ray Bagwell is the son of Willard Otis Bagwell and Lillian Louise Brummett. Dr. Willard Ray Bagwell married Nancy Lee Suttles, daughter of Lee Suttles, on 20 December 1959 at Park Baptist Church, Rock Hill, South Carolina.

     Donald Tex Bagwell is the son of Willard Otis Bagwell and Lillian Louise Brummett. Donald Tex Bagwell married Sharon Kethryn Elam in February 1963. Donald Tex Bagwell married Virgie Parker circa 1998.

     Shirley Jean Bagwell is the daughter of Willard Otis Bagwell and Lillian Louise Brummett. Shirley Jean Bagwell married Michael Franklin Raynor on 21 December 1957 at Wake County, North Carolina. Shirley Jean Bagwell and Michael Franklin Raynor were divorced on 23 July 1982 at Hillsborough, Florida.

     Donna Kay Bagwell is the daughter of Willard Otis Bagwell and Lillian Louise Brummett.

     Kathleen A. Bagwell is the daughter of Willard Otis Bagwell and Lillian Louise Brummett. Kathleen A. Bagwell married (?) McHugh after 1960.

     Michael Franklin Raynor married Shirley Jean Bagwell, daughter of Willard Otis Bagwell and Lillian Louise Brummett, on 21 December 1957 at Wake County, North Carolina. Michael Franklin Raynor and Shirley Jean Bagwell were divorced on 23 July 1982 at Hillsborough, Florida.

     Ella Lynn Oetgen is the daughter of Robert Eric Oetgen and Jennifer Lynn Ginner.¹

     Katherine Mays was born on 17 April 1901 in South Carolina.¹ As of 17 March 1917,her married name was Oetgen. She married Ernest Julian Oetgen Sr., son of William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer, on 17 March 1917. Katherine Mays died on 5 July 1977 at age 76.¹ She was buried at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.¹

     Ernest Julian Oetgen Sr. was born on 15 January 1895 in South Carolina.¹ He was the son of William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer. Ernest Julian Oetgen Sr. married Katherine Mays on 17 March 1917. Ernest Julian Oetgen Sr. lived in 1958 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. He died on 20 March 1964 at age 69.¹ He was buried at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.¹

     Emma Katherine Oetgen also went by the name of Katherine Oetgen.¹ She was born on 25 August 1922 in Savannah, Georgia.¹ She was the daughter of Ernest Julian Oetgen Sr. and Katherine Mays. As of 1955,her married name was Woods.¹ Emma Katherine Oetgen married John Toby Woods Jr. in 1955.¹ Emma Katherine Oetgen lived in 2015 in Harris Point, Georgia.¹ She died on 29 April 2016 at age 93
Emma Katherine Woods, 93, died at her residence surrounded by her family on Friday, April 29, 2016.

Born in Savannah, she was a resident of Midway. She was a 1940 graduate of Savannah High School and completed her Private Duty Nurse training at St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1943. In 1945, she joined the US Navy, serving as a nurse in WWII for 16 months, and, after graduating Vanderbilt University in 1952, was commissioned a LTJG. She married John T. Woods, Jr., in 1955. She became a Public Health Nurse for the Liberty County Health Department and continued there until her retirement.

Mrs. Woods was a member of Midway United Methodist Church where she served as President of the UMW and was a charter member of the Happy Hearts.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Holly Woods Waller, and brothers, Ernest and Frank Oetgen.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, John T. Woods, Jr., of Midway; son, John T. Woods, III, (Sissy); granddaughter, Bonny Katherine Woods; son-in-law, Steve Waller; brother, Bobby Oetgen; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1:30-3 p.m., Sunday, May 1, 2016, at Midway United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will follow at 3 p.m. with Reverend Dan Pegram officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in Dorchester Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be David Little, Glenn Little, Craig Watson, Benny Chapman, Lupert Miles, Paul Papour, Buck Meeks, and Ennis Hager.

Remembrances may be made to Midway United Methodist Church, 215 Martin Road, Midway, GA 31320.

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.carteroglethorpe.com. She was buried on 1 May 2016 at Dorchester Cemetery, Liberty County, Georgia.

     Ernest Julian Oetgen Jr. was born on 24 November 1926 in Georgia.¹ He was the son of Ernest Julian Oetgen Sr. and Katherine Mays. He served as a Seamen 1st Class in the United States Naval Reserve during World War II.¹ Ernest Julian Oetgen Jr. died on 15 April 1955 at age 28.¹ He was buried at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.¹

     Frank Edward Oetgen was born on 29 February 1928 in Georgia. This was a leap year so they celebrated his birthday on February 28th every year.¹ He was the son of Ernest Julian Oetgen Sr. and Katherine Mays. Frank Edward Oetgen married Murial Nelson after 1950. Frank Edward Oetgen died on 3 July 1993 at age 65.

     William Hottendorff Oetgen was born on 31 January 1873 in Charleston, South Carolina.¹ He was the son of John Herman Gerhardt Oetgen and Marguerite Rebecca Katharine Meyer. William Hottendorff Oetgen married Emma Johanna Meyer before 1893. William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer lived in 1900 in Ward 3, Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina. William Hottendorf Oetgen and spouse, Emma J., are listed in the 1906 City Directory for Savannah for the address of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.

Also John Herman Gerhardt Oetgen and spouse, Maggie, are listed at the same address. William Hottendorff Oetgen lived in 1910 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. He and Emma Johanna Meyer lived in 1911 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. He was the Superintendent of Mail for the United States Government. on 12 September 1918. William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer lived on 12 September 1918 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer lived in 1920 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. William Hottendorff Oetgen lived in 1927 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. He died on 17 July 1939 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, at age 66 of angina and diabetes. He was buried at Laurel Grove Cemetery (North), Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.

     Emma Johanna Meyer was born on 12 August 1874 in South Carolina.¹ She married William Hottendorff Oetgen, son of John Herman Gerhardt Oetgen and Marguerite Rebecca Katharine Meyer, before 1893. As of before 1893,her married name was Oetgen. Emma Johanna Meyer and William Hottendorff Oetgen lived in 1900 in Ward 3, Charleston, Charleston County, South Carolina. William Hottendorf Oetgen and spouse, Emma J., are listed in the 1906 City Directory for Savannah for the address of Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.

Also John Herman Gerhardt Oetgen and spouse, Maggie, are listed at the same address. Emma Johanna Meyer and William Hottendorff Oetgen lived in 1911 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. Emma Johanna Meyer and William Hottendorff Oetgen lived on 12 September 1918 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. Emma Johanna Meyer and William Hottendorff Oetgen lived in 1920 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. Emma Johanna Meyer lived in 1928 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. She died on 28 March 1928 at age 53.¹ She was buried at Laurel Grove Cemetery (North), Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.¹

     Frank P. Oetgen was born in January 1900 in South Carolina. He was the son of William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer.

     Walter Fuseler Oetgen was born on 25 February 1893 in South Carolina.¹ He was the son of William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer. Walter Fuseler Oetgen married Pansy Bragg after 1915 at Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina.² Walter Fuseler Oetgen died on 5 October 1979 at age 86.¹ He was buried at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.¹

     Pansy Bragg was born on 10 September 1897.¹ As of after 1915,her married name was Oetgen.¹ She married Walter Fuseler Oetgen, son of William Hottendorff Oetgen and Emma Johanna Meyer, after 1915 at Salisbury, Rowan County, North Carolina.¹ Pansy Bragg died on 6 January 1985 at age 87.¹ She was buried at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.

     Walter Fuseler Oetgen Jr. was born on 1 February 1919 in Georgia. He was the son of Walter Fuseler Oetgen and Pansy Bragg. Walter Fuseler Oetgen Jr. married Edith King circa 1940. He enlisted and served during World War II on 1 June 1942. Walter Fuseler Oetgen Jr. died on 7 December 1974 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, at age 55.

     Gloria Oetgen was born on 14 September 1921 in Savannah, Georgia. She was the daughter of Walter Fuseler Oetgen and Pansy Bragg. As of 3 September 1946,her married name was Dillion. Gloria Oetgen married Frederick Bradford Dillion on 3 September 1946 at Savannah, Georgia. Gloria Oetgen died on 13 August 2010 in Gulf Breeze, Florida, at age 88.

     Joseph William Oetgen was born on 1 December 1926 in Thunderbolt, Georgia. He was the son of Walter Fuseler Oetgen and Pansy Bragg. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as an aviation machinist mate 3rd. class. Joseph William Oetgen married Sarah Ford after 1945. Joseph William Oetgen died on 18 June 2008 in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia, at age 81 Joseph William Oetgen, Sr. Born in Thunderbolt, Georgia on Dec. 1, 1926 and Departed on Jun. 16, 2008 Service: Thursday, Jun. 19, 2008 Cemetery: Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park Please click on the links above for locations, times, maps, and directions. Joseph William "Joe" Oetgen, Sr, 81, died June 16, 2008 at his residence. He was born in Thunderbolt, son of the late Walter F. and Pansy Bragg Oetgen. He was a graduate of Savannah High School, Armstrong State Junior College and attended Clemson University and the University of Georgia. He began his work career with Wachtels Physicians Supply Company in Savannah. In 1958, he moved to Augusta, Georgia joining Marks Surgical Supply Company, serving as purchasing agent remaining there for 20 years. Mr. Oetgen later transferred to Houston, Texas living there for 2 years and on to Atlanta, Georgia living there 18 years retiring from Owens & Minor, Inc. after 40 years of service in the surgical supply field. He was a charter member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Thunderbolt and Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta, a former member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Doraville and a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension. During his years, he was involved in many areas of church service to include, councilman, choir member and other areas. He participated in the Crafts Ministry at First Southern Methodist Church. Mr. Oetgen served in the United States Navy during World War II as an aviation machinist mate 3rd. class. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Sarah Ford Oetgen of Savannah; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Joseph W. "Jody" Oetgen, Jr. of Savannah; William E. and Cindy Oetgen of Jacksonville, FL; sister, Gloria Dillon and her husband, Frederick of Pensacola, FL: granddaughter, Tori Nicole Oetgen of Atlanta and several nieces and nephews. Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 19, 2008 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel. Burial: Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park. Remembrances: Enlarge Our Vision, C/O Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension, 120 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401. Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com. He was buried on 19 June 2008 at Hillcrest Abbey Memorial Park, Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.

     Sarah Ford was born on 11 May 1930 in Fair Bluff, North Carolina. As of after 1945,her married name was Oetgen. She married Joseph William Oetgen, son of Walter Fuseler Oetgen and Pansy Bragg, after 1945. Sarah Ford died on 8 February 2022 in Savannah, Georgia, at age 91


Sarah Ford Oetgen, passed at age 91 on February 8, 2022.

She is survived by her eldest son, William Eugene "Gene" Oetgen of Savannah; granddaughter, Tori Oetgen Campbell (Phillip); and great grandchildren, Grant and Miles Campbell, all of Atlanta; nieces, nephews, great nieces and other relatives.

She is preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 57 years, Joseph William "Joe" Oetgen, Sr; brother William Eugene Ford (killed in WWII); sisters Frances Henderson, Diane Strickland, and Margerite Arnett; nephew Dick Oetgen; and son Joseph William “Jody” Oetgen, Jr.

A true southerner, Sarah was born May 11, 1930 in Fair Bluff, NC to Alex Newman Ford and Mamie Bullock Ford. She began her education in North Carolina, attended high school in Florence, SC and college in Savannah, GA. After college and training she became an ASCP registered medical technologist working for 15 years at the Medical College of GA in Augusta. She later became an Associate Broker with ReMax of Atlanta for 15 years while living in Tucker, GA.

Sarah was deeply rooted in her Christian faith. As a charter member of Advent Lutheran Church in Augusta, she served a number of times as organist and choir director. She was also a member of St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Atlanta. When she and her family returned to Savannah in 1999, they joined The Lutheran Church of the Ascension and then later The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer on Wilmington Island.

Sarah had many talents. Not only was she a skilled pianist and organist who loved to sing, she was also an amazing artist. She graduated from the Famous Artists School in 1969 and enjoyed painting oils, watercolors, and acrylics. After retirement, Sarah was a member of the Savannah Artist Guild, Tybee Art Association and her paintings have been featured in many collections on the East Coast.

Sarah lived a full, happy life as a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend and will be remembered fondly by all who loved her.

A joint graveside service for Sarah and her son Jody will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 2pm at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery.


She was buried on 26 March 2022 at Hillcrest Abbey East Cemetery., Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia.