News Summary
The Augusta community mourns the loss of four significant individuals whose legacies and contributions have deeply impacted family and friends. Obituaries highlight their lives, showcasing their enduring spirit and the love they shared. Mrs. Johnnie Mae Brown, Phyllis Ethel Slivon Richards, Bebe Blanchard, and Kenneth Lee Adair Senior each left cherished memories that will continue to resonate within the community.
Augusta, Georgia – Four significant members of the Augusta community have recently passed away, leaving behind cherished legacies and fond memories. The obituaries of these respected residents highlight their lives, contributions, and the mourning of family and friends.
Mrs. Johnnie Mae Brown
Mrs. Johnnie Mae Brown entered into rest on Monday, August 11, 2025. A funeral service will be held at Friendly Church of God in Christ on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11:00 am, with interment to follow at Southview Cemetery.
Mrs. Brown is survived by her daughter, Yvonne (Gregory) Graham, and her grandchildren, including Deondre Brown, Ai ‘Jah Beard, Anetra Graham, alongside four great-grandchildren and other relatives. Visitors will have the opportunity to pay their respects on the day of the service from 10:00 am until the start of the service at Williams Funeral Home, located at 1765 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Augusta, GA. Additionally, the family suggests making contributions to a forest in need in Mrs. Brown’s memory as a tribute.
Phyllis Ethel Slivon Richards
Phyllis Ethel Slivon Richards, affectionately known as Phyl, passed away at the age of ninety-three on August 14, 2025. She was surrounded by her devoted husband, Joseph Robert Richards “Bob”, and their three children, Cathy, Bob Jr., and Jeff.
Born on September 21, 1931, in Gary, Indiana, Phyl grew up in Chicago’s suburbs. After attending MacMurray College for Women, she transferred to Iowa State University, where she met Bob. Their marriage in 1954 marked the beginning of a partnership that lasted seventy-one years.
Phyl enjoyed a varied career that included modeling and teaching junior high science, along with a passion for cooking and sewing her own clothes inspired by couture fashion. Known for her unwavering support of her family, Phyl leaves behind three children, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A private graveside service took place on August 16, 2025, at Westover Memorial Park, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church or the Salvation Army Kroc Center Augusta.
Bebe Blanchard
Bebe Blanchard died peacefully at home on August 11, 2025, at the age of ninety-one. Born on September 25, 1933, in Atlanta, she grew up in Greenwood, South Carolina. Bebe attended the University of Georgia and graduated from the Greenwood Community College of Business.
She was a well-loved member of the Church of the Good Shepherd and an active participant in the Wood Valley Garden Club and Augusta Country Club. Bebe married Jack A. Rodgers and raised a family before his passing in 1984. Following this, she married Thomas M. Blanchard, Sr., who also predeceased her. She is survived by her children Leslie Sherwood, Craig Bennett Rodgers, Anne Czura, and James Blanchard. A funeral service was held on August 15, 2025, at 11:00 am, and memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Kenneth (Ken) Lee Adair Senior
Kenneth Lee Adair Senior, known to many as Ken, passed away at home in Martinez, Georgia, on August 7, 2025, at the age of eighty-eight. Born on October 25, 1936, in Cedartown, Ken lived there for eighteen years before moving to Augusta in 1959.
He married Wilma Nan Milford on February 4, 1961, and proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his service, Ken launched his own office machine business called Adair Office Machines. He was a passionate fan of Georgia Tech and avidly introduced his children to the sport of golf.
Ken is remembered for his loving demeanor, being affectionately called “Big Ken.” He is survived by his wife Wilma, three children, several grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter. Friends are invited to pay their respects on August 10, 2025, from 11:00 am-12:00 pm, before the funeral service at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors at 12:00 pm. Memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.
The passing of these four individuals marks a significant loss for the Augusta community, as their unique contributions and enduring legacies continue to resonate within families and friends who mourn them.
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Additional Resources
- Legacy: Johnnie Mae Brown Obituary
- Thomas Poteet: Phyllis Richards Obituary
- Syracuse Obits: William Martin Obituary
- Thomas Poteet: Beatrice Blanchard Obituary
- Thomas Poteet: Ken Adair Sr. Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Google Search: Funeral News
- Google Scholar: Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Google News: Community News
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
