Category: Uncategorized

In Loving Memory of Mr. John Coleman Groover
February 18, 1952 – July 13, 2025

With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, the family of Mr. John Coleman Groover, 73, of Statesboro, Georgia, announces his peaceful passing on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center. Surrounded by the love and presence of those closest to him, John departed this world after a valiant journey through illness, leaving behind a legacy marked by humility, service, laughter, and love.

Born on February 18, 1952, in Bulloch County, Georgia, John was a lifelong resident of Statesboro. He was the eldest son of the late Coleman Groover and Edith Lane Groover. Raised on the foundational values of faith, hard work, and compassion, John embodied the heart of Southern hospitality and community spirit. A proud graduate of Statesboro High School, John went on to attend Georgia Southern University, where he studied business administration before entering the workforce full-time.

For over four decades, John was a respected member of the local business community. He spent much of his career as a manager and later co-owner of Groover Hardware & Supply Co., the family’s trusted business known for its honest service and commitment to helping others. His work ethic was second to none, and his warm smile greeted generations of customers, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Outside of his career, John was a man of many passions. He had a deep love for the outdoors and spent many cherished days fishing along the Ogeechee River, tending to his garden, and watching the seasons change on his family’s land. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Statesboro, where he served as a deacon and volunteered in community outreach programs. He also found joy in serving others through charitable work and was especially devoted to causes addressing hunger and cancer research.

To those who knew him, John was much more than his work or community service. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, a loyal friend, and a pillar of strength. His quiet wisdom, steady presence, and kind heart made him someone others instinctively turned to in times of both joy and hardship.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Mrs. Linda H. Groover, who remained his steadfast companion through all of life’s chapters. He also leaves behind three children: Melissa Groover-Tate (David) of Savannah, GA; Jason C. Groover (Michelle) of Statesboro, GA; and Brian L. Groover (Erica) of Athens, GA. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren who were the light of his life: Emily, Jackson, Avery, Logan, Carter, and Harper.

Also surviving are his two siblings, Nancy Groover Bennett of Vidalia, GA, and Michael Groover (Sharon) of Statesboro, GA, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life service for Mr. Groover will be held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Statesboro, beginning at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. John Waters officiating. The family will receive visitors during a time of visitation on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Mr. Groover’s honor to the following organizations that held deep meaning in his heart:

• The American Cancer Society –

• Statesboro Food Bank – Supporting families and individuals facing food insecurity in the local community

John Coleman Groover’s presence on this earth was a blessing to all who knew him. His life was a testimony to faith, kindness, and quiet resilience. Though he will be deeply missed, his spirit will continue to live on in the lives of his family, the community he served, and the many hearts he touched.

May he rest in eternal peace.

A Trailblazer Remembered: The Tattoo World Mourns the Loss of Bev “Cindy Ray” Nicholas

The Australian tattoo industry—and indeed the global tattooing community—has been struck with a profound and heartfelt loss with the passing of Bev Nicholas, better known to the world as Cindy Ray, on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Bev was 82 years old and passed away peacefully with her beloved daughter Leah by her side.

Cindy Ray was more than just a tattooed woman—she was a cultural icon, a pioneer, and an enduring symbol of strength, resilience, and fearless self-expression. Her death marks the end of a truly remarkable chapter in the history of modern tattooing, not only in Australia but around the globe.

The Birth of an Icon

Bev Nicholas was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1943. Her transformation into “Cindy Ray” in the early 1960s was both spontaneous and revolutionary. In a time when tattoos were largely taboo—particularly on women—Bev made the bold decision to embrace body art not just as a form of rebellion, but as a profound expression of personal identity. It was in 1961 that she became “Cindy Ray: The Tattooed Lady,” a stage name that would soon become internationally known.

At the encouragement of famed tattooist Jack Rudy and inspired by her own fascination with the human canvas, Bev began her journey into body modification at a time when few women were even visible in the tattoo world. Her early appearances in tattoo magazines, sideshows, and pin-up features turned heads and sparked conversations that would eventually contribute to shifting cultural perceptions around tattooed women.

A Tattoo Trailblazer

More than a muse, Cindy Ray became a fully-fledged tattooist herself. For decades, she honed her craft, opened her own studio, and became a mentor to many young artists—particularly women—hoping to make their way in an industry still dominated by men. She became Australia’s first well-known female tattooist and one of the earliest female tattoo artists recognized worldwide.

Her influence was immeasurable. Cindy Ray’s artistry was distinct, her style authentic, and her dedication to safe and ethical tattooing unwavering. In an era before regulations and mainstream acceptance, she championed hygiene standards and professionalism in a trade still working to legitimize itself.

She was a living bridge between tattooing’s colorful, underground past and its vibrant, respected present. Her image adorned countless posters, books, and exhibitions, becoming a symbol of empowerment and unapologetic individuality.

A Legacy Etched in Ink

Over the years, Bev remained a humble, grounded figure, never seeking fame but always happy to speak about her journey, especially when it could inspire others. Her personal archive of photographs, flash sheets, and tattoo stories became the subject of documentaries and art exhibitions, helping to preserve tattooing’s rich history for generations to come.

In 2011, the Melbourne Tattoo Expo honored her with a lifetime achievement award, a fitting recognition for a woman who helped lay the groundwork for today’s booming global tattoo culture. Tattooists from around the world—young and old—continue to cite her as a key inspiration in their journey.

Remembering Bev

Despite her fame, Bev Nicholas lived her life with quiet dignity. Away from the spotlight, she was a devoted mother, a loyal friend, and a spirited soul with an infectious laugh and a warm heart. Her daughter Leah, who stood beside her in her final moments, was her greatest pride.

Cindy Ray’s passing is being mourned across continents. Artists, collectors, and enthusiasts have taken to social media to share stories, photographs, and tributes, expressing both grief and gratitude for a life so profoundly lived. Tattoo studios across Australia and abroad are planning commemorative flash days in her honor—a testament to her lasting legacy and the love the community holds for her.

A Final Farewell

As the tattoo world says goodbye to Bev “Cindy Ray” Nicholas, we do so with reverence and deep admiration. She was a trailblazer who carved a path not just with ink, but with courage, authenticity, and artistry. She taught us that our bodies can be stories, that tattoos are more than marks—they are memories, declarations, and acts of self-love.

Rest in peace, Cindy Ray. Your legacy is eternal, etched in ink and in the hearts of all who were inspired by your fearless spirit

She Was Just 8: A Father’s Grief Amid the Texas Flood Tragedy at Camp Mystic

She was just 8 years old.

A bright-eyed little girl with ribbons in her hair and freckles sprinkled across her cheeks like constellations. The only daughter of a well-known college football coach—a man revered for his grit on the field, now brought to his knees by the unthinkable. Her name was often shouted joyfully from the sidelines as she darted through practices, a fixture at games with her team-colored bows and her unwavering loyalty to her dad. But on that devastating day in Texas, her name was screamed into a storm that refused to listen.

The floods that swept through Camp Mystic came fast. Violent. Unforgiving. It was supposed to be a week of laughter, late-night stories under starry skies, and friendship bracelets exchanged like promises. Instead, it turned into chaos—rising waters, panicked screams, desperate prayers. The camp, nestled in the scenic Texas Hill Country along the Guadalupe River, became a place of loss and heartbreak overnight.

He arrived before the sun. The coach, still in his sneakers, sprinted past barricades, ignoring warnings and pleading voices. He searched every cabin, every culvert, every edge of the murky water where little footprints had once danced in the mud. With trembling hands, he opened every small pink backpack lined up in the rescue station. He turned over every soaked pair of tiny shoes lined along the banks, whispering her name each time.

But no one answered.

Her favorite stuffed animal—a floppy-eared rabbit, missing an eye but full of memories—was found tangled in the reeds not far from where the current had surged strongest. He picked it up gently, cradling it like it was her. He didn’t collapse. He didn’t scream. He didn’t curse the skies or the flood or God. He just sat there, in the cold mud, holding what was left of the day she left home.

The rain had stopped by then, but his world had not cleared.

Witnesses watched as rescuers pulled the last small sneaker from the water—still bright, still new, still hers. He didn’t blink. He didn’t move. He just stared. The only girl he had ever loved like this—his pride, his joy, his heart outside his body—was gone.

This wasn’t supposed to happen here. Camp Mystic had been a tradition, a rite of passage for generations of girls. It was where he had hoped she’d find pieces of herself away from home—independence, strength, sisterhood. Instead, the river had taken her. Along with her, it stole something from the heart of a father who had spent his life teaching young men how to fight, but who now sat, utterly defeated, in silence.

In the days that followed, vigils were held. Across campus, football players took a knee, not in protest, but in honor. They wore patches with her initials. Locker rooms once filled with booming pregame speeches were quiet, the coach absent, his voice replaced by grief too sacred for words. Fans left stuffed animals at the stadium gates. The scoreboard lit up her name. But nothing could fill the space she left.

And still, he hasn’t cried.

Those close to him say he talks to her photo every night. Tells her about his day. Leaves her favorite cereal bowl on the counter. Keeps the rabbit beside him. He’s not looking for closure—just connection. Because when the floodwaters rose, and the laughter at Camp Mystic turned to screams, his entire world shifted. And no final whistle, no overtime play, no miracle comeback can change the score now.

She was just 8.

And her father, once a giant among men, now carries the smallest, heaviest loss of all.

In Loving Memory of Natalia Venzor and Baby Carlos Romero

It is with broken hearts and profound sorrow that we share the tragic news of the loss of a beloved young mother, Natalia Venzor, and her one-year-old son, Carlos Romero, whose lives were cut short during a devastating flood along the Guadalupe River. Their unexpected and untimely passing has left their family, friends, and the surrounding community reeling in shock and grief, struggling to come to terms with the enormity of this loss.

Natalia, just 24 years old, was at home with her baby boy when sudden and intense floodwaters surged through the area, tearing through neighborhoods and displacing families with unforgiving force. In a matter of moments, their home—once a haven of love, warmth, and security—was consumed by the rising river. All that remained behind were the stair steps, a haunting reminder of the lives that once filled the home with laughter, footsteps, and lullabies.

Natalia was a radiant soul, deeply loved by all who had the privilege to know her. Known for her gentle heart, tireless spirit, and unwavering devotion, she had been doing everything she could to support her family. Not only did she work hard to assist her parents with bills, but she also poured every ounce of her love and energy into raising little Carlos, who had only just begun to explore the world around him. Those close to her say that being a mother gave her life its deepest meaning—and she was so good at it. Carlos was her sunshine, and she was his entire world.

Carlos Romero, a sweet and curious baby boy, was full of smiles, bright eyes, and the boundless wonder that only a child can possess. In his short time on Earth, he brought immense joy and light to his family. He was always reaching out—toward his mother, toward the sky, toward new things—and though his time here was tragically brief, his presence left an unforgettable imprint on everyone who met him.

Natalia’s family remembers her as the glue that held things together during hard times. “She never gave up, even when things were tough,” one relative shared. “She wanted to give Carlos the best life possible. She was saving up, she was working multiple jobs, and still found time to be an amazing mom.” Friends describe her as selfless, always offering help even when she had little to give, and always putting the needs of others before her own. Her loss is felt deeply—not just as a mother and daughter—but as a symbol of love, sacrifice, and quiet strength.

As rescue teams and volunteers worked tirelessly to search the flooded areas, the community prayed and hoped for a miracle. That hope turned to devastation when their bodies were found together—Natalia holding Carlos, just as she had protected him every day of his life. It was a heartbreakingly poetic moment: a mother’s love, enduring even in the face of nature’s fiercest wrath.

The pain of losing two beautiful lives is immeasurable. In the days ahead, the family will face not only the emotional burden of their grief but also the practical hardships that come with such sudden and traumatic loss. A memorial fund has been established to help the family with funeral expenses, and the community is rallying together in love and support. Vigils have already begun, with neighbors placing candles, flowers, and baby toys near what’s left of the home.

In honoring Natalia and Carlos, we remember the fragility of life and the strength of love. Though their physical presence is gone, their spirits live on in every life they touched, in every memory shared, and in every act of kindness inspired by their story.

May Natalia Venzor and Carlos Romero rest in eternal peace—together, as they were in life—forever embraced in love.

Tragic Loss in Arlington, Texas: Credit Repair Expert Todd Austin and T’Mone Michelle Williams Dead in Heartbreaking Incident

ARLINGTON, TX — A heartbreaking and deeply tragic event has left a family shattered and a child orphaned after a devastating murder-suicide that took place earlier today in Arlington, Texas. Todd Austin, widely respected as a credit repair guru and financial empowerment advocate, was senselessly taken from this world, leaving a void in the hearts of those who knew him, followed his work, or were impacted by his efforts to help people rebuild their financial lives.

According to reports, the mother of his child, T’Mone Michelle Williams, walked into a local barbershop where Todd was located and fatally shot him before turning the weapon on herself. Witnesses described the scene as surreal and horrifying. In mere moments, the lives of two people ended, and the life of their young child was changed forever.

Todd Austin was known throughout Texas and beyond for his passion for financial literacy, especially in communities often left behind by the traditional banking system. Through his credit repair business and online platforms, Todd provided guidance, hope, and practical tools to thousands looking to reclaim their financial freedom. He became a mentor to many and a hero to those he helped lift from the burden of poor credit and economic hardship. His ability to make financial topics accessible and empowering earned him the title “Credit Repair Guru” from clients and peers alike.

But beyond his professional acclaim, Todd was also a father—a role he cherished most. Friends and loved ones recall his radiant smile lighting up whenever he spoke about his child. To Todd, building a legacy wasn’t just about business success or social media fame; it was about providing a better future for his family and being a model of transformation and strength.

T’Mone Michelle Williams, known to friends as a devoted mother with a fiery spirit, had her own challenges, and the circumstances leading up to this tragedy remain under investigation. Those who knew the couple say the relationship had its ups and downs, but no one could have imagined such a devastating conclusion.

Now, a young child is left behind, caught in the crossfire of heartbreak and unimaginable loss. Without a mother or father, the weight of grief and confusion will no doubt be immense for this innocent soul. Family members have stepped in, but the emotional wounds will linger for a lifetime.

As the community reels from this tragedy, many have taken to social media to express their disbelief, sorrow, and frustration. Friends, clients, and followers of Todd Austin have flooded his pages with condolences and memories, recounting how his advice changed their lives or how his encouragement came at just the right time. “You gave me a second chance at life, Todd,” one comment read. “I wish someone could’ve given you one today.”

This incident is yet another painful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, domestic conflict intervention, and community support. Lives can change in an instant, and often, the pain people carry goes unseen until it’s too late.

In the coming days, vigils are expected to be held in Arlington to honor the memory of both Todd and T’Mone. Loved ones hope to raise funds for the child they leave behind—one who will now grow up with only memories, stories, and photographs of parents who once loved them deeply but whose lives ended in unimaginable sorrow.

Todd Austin’s legacy as a credit repair expert, a community advocate, and a loving father will live on. Let his life—and this heartbreaking ending—serve as a call to look out for one another, check in with those we love, and never take a single moment for granted.

May both Todd and T’Mone rest in peace. And may their child find strength, healing, and a future filled with hope, despite the heartbreak. 💔