News Summary
The Augusta community is grieving the loss of three cherished matriarchs: Nell Tankersley Hoover, Symone Jenai Taylor, and Annie Beth Morris. Each woman significantly impacted their families and communities with their love and dedication. Nell, a vibrant 97-year-old, was known for her gardening and church involvement. Symone, remembered fondly, has left behind her daughter and family in Aiken County. Annie, at 92, was a loving mother and grandmother who treasured her time with children. Their legacies continue to inspire and comfort their loved ones in this time of sorrow.
AUGUSTA, GA – Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Matriarchs
The Augusta community is currently in mourning as it faces the loss of three beloved matriarchs: Nell Tankersley Hoover, Symone Jenai Taylor, and Annie Beth Morris. Each of these women left a profound impact on their families and the communities in which they lived, being remembered for their resilience, love, and dedication to their loved ones.
Nell Tankersley Hoover
Nell Tankersley Hoover, aged 97, passed away on June 23, 2025. She was married to the late John Cameron Hoover and was a central figure in her family. Raised in Appling, Georgia as the youngest of five children, Nell was known for her passions, which included flower gardening and crocheting blankets for her children and grandchildren. A founding member of National Hills Baptist Church, she actively participated in women’s groups and senior tours, contributing greatly to her church community.
Her home was a reflection of her creative spirit, often adorned with her own paint and wallpaper projects. She is survived by her son, Steve C. Hoover (Karen), four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Nell was preceded in death by her husband and her daughter, Sharon Hoover Dukes.
A graveside service for Nell will be held on June 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Westover Memorial Park, officiated by Rev. Don Prosser. Friends of the family are invited to a visitation on June 25, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors in Augusta, GA. In her honor, memorial contributions may be made to Wellstar Children’s Hospital, Augusta, GA.
Symone Jenai Taylor
Symone Jenai Taylor, a resident of Aiken County, departed from this world on February 25, 2025. She is remembered fondly by her family, which includes her daughter Samoni Robinson, her father Henry Taylor, Sr., and three brothers: Henry Taylor, Jr., Christopher Baskett, and Brandon Baskett (Christina).
Funeral services for Symone are scheduled to take place on March 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. John Baptist Church. A viewing for family and friends will be conducted on March 7, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Services are being managed by G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-Aiken.
Annie Beth Morris
Also recently deceased is Annie Beth Morris, who passed away on April 22, 2025, at the age of 92. Annie was the widow of Samuel Steven Webber and John Thomas Morris. A member of Jones Creek Baptist Church, she briefly worked in a daycare, cherishing the time spent with children. Annie enjoyed cooking, gardening, and celebrating holidays with her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter Beth Love (Craig), her son Stevie Webber (Laurita), along with multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Annie was preceded in death by her parents and several siblings.
A graveside service for Annie will take place on April 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Collins, GA. A viewing is set for April 29, 2025, at Brannen-Kennedy Funeral Home starting at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a charity of choice.
The combined legacies of Nell Tankersley Hoover, Symone Jenai Taylor, and Annie Beth Morris will continue to inspire their families and communities. Their memories will live on through the love and values they instilled in those they left behind.
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Additional Resources
- G. L. Brightharp Mortuary: Symone Taylor
- Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors: Annie Morris
- G. L. Brightharp Mortuary: Chartara Courtney
- Legacy: Flossie Ortiz
- Legacy: Henry Mims
- Wikipedia: Mourning
- Google Search: Community Mourning
- Google Scholar: Legacy of Matriarchs
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Funeral
- Google News: Community Mourning
