Odum-Annie Ruth Ridgdill Poppell passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2009, after a brief illness. Born in Toombs County, she was the third of four children born to the late Albert Lawton Ridgdill Sr., and Dora Anderson Ridgdill. As a young child, she moved with her family to Wayne County, where she lived for over 75 years. She was a 1943 graduate of Wayne County High School. During World War II, she worked as a welder on Liberty ships and was always thankful for this opportunity to serve her country. She attended the Bethlehem Wesleyan Church in Odum since the time of her marriage in 1947. Mrs. Poppell enjoyed being a member of the Odum Sunlighters. She was predeceased by her husband of 41 years, Alton Poppell; her brother, Albert Ridgdill Jr.; and her two sisters, Doris Poppell and Mildred Robinson.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Linda Poppell Smith and G.R. Smith of Savannah; her grandson, Benjamin Ridgdill Smith of Atlanta; her grandson, Joshua Poppell Smith, M.D, and his wife, Dana, of Birmingham, Alabama; her nephew and niece-in-law, Leonard Poppell and Norma O’Quinn Poppell of Odum; and grand nephew Ralph Edward Poppell of New York City and Atlanta.
In addition, she is survived by a host of beloved nieces and nephews from the Poppell family, whom she loved dearly.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 21, 2009, 11:00 a.m., at the Bethlehem Wesleyan Church with Reverend William G. Rainey and Reverend Sheldon Rowell officiating.
Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Hamp Bailey, Ralph Edward Poppell, Michael Blocker, Paul Harris, Jon Harris, Elbert Poppell, Robby Poppell and R.L. Poppell.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
Family and friends may sign the on-line register book at www.howardjonesnobles.com.
Howard-Jones-Nobles Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.