Leeward E. Tarber, Sr., 86, of Screven, Ga., passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2019, at Wayne Memorial Hospital following a brief illness. He was born to the late, Solomon T. Tarber, Sr. and Essie Mae Greene-Tarber in Screven, Ga. He was educated in the Wayne County Training School and was actually enrolled in college at Morehouse College, studying Business Management, when he was drafted in the U. S. Army, on August 28, 1953. Leeward was a life long member of First African Baptist Church in Screven, Ga., where he was raised in that church as a child and remained until his untimely death. Over the years, Leeward became an ordained deacon, as well as, serving on the usher board, a deacon, later, as the chairman deacon, maintenance, and any other capacity needed in his church. Deacon Tarber was a loyal and dedicated member who loved his church and would do anything to keep it running smoothly. After returning home from the military, he was employed at Rayonier where he worked as a supervisor, later retiring and then he worked as a mechanic at Grover’s Garage in Screven, Ga. Deacon Tarber was a kind spirited man that was well respected among his family, friends and the community as a whole. He enjoyed praising God, wood work, carpentry, vehicle repair and spending time with his family.

Deacon Tarber was the husband of Cleo Thomas-Tarber, and to that union, three children were born, Dianne, Melissa, and Leeward, Jr. He was preceded in death by both parents, Solomon T. and Essie Mae Tarber, Sr.; his children, Dianne Tarber and Leeward Tarber, Jr.; three brothers, Solomon T. Tarber, Jr., James Wesley (J.W.) Tarber and Clyde Tarber, Sr.; a sister, Louise Marie Tarber and a brother in-law, Marcus Gaffney.

Those left to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of 16 years, Jannie Harris Tarber, Screven, Ga.; his daughters, Melissa Tarber, Chantilly, Va., SeTonia Pittman and Mavis C. Little (Wade), both of Tifton, Ga.; a son, Richard D. Williams (Ursula), Register, Ga.; a brother, Benny Tarber (Esteene), Peroria, Arizona; a sister, Hilda Gaffney, Screven, Ga.; four sister in laws, Annie B. Hall (Jimmy), Crossland, Ga., Mary Louise Tarber and Edith Tarber, both of Screven, Ga., and Rose Tarber, Waycross, Ga.; 10 grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him sorely.