Ella Josephine Voight Cawthon

HAGAN: Ella Josephine Voight Cawthon, age 97, passed away on June 3, 2026, with her family by her side. Ella was born in Herkimer, New York, on August 5, 1928, to Charles and Helen (Palmer) Voight, the youngest of three (3) children. Her older sisters were Dawn and Betty. In 1936, when Ella was eight (8), the family moved to Dayton, Ohio. On March 30, 1948, at the age of 20, she dedicated her life to the Lord Jesus Christ. On September 3, 1948, she felt the calling of the Lord to ministry and entered Central College (Wesleyan Methodist), Central, South Carolina, to study for the ministry. While attending Central Collage, she met and married Clarence Cawthon. Ella and Clarence were married on December 15, 1950, in Central, South Carolina. They were married 56 years until Reverend Cawthon’s death in November 2006. Ella and Clarence had four boys, Eric, Mark, Leif and Peter. Leif tragically died in a construction accident in June 1984. Ella served side by side with her husband in the Wesleyan Church. Their first appointment was to the Hephzibah Methodist Home in Macon, Georgia, from October 1952 to August 1954. They served as house parents to over 20 children. Their first church appointment was to the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Greensboro, Georgia (1954 – 1962). The next appointment was to the Wesleyan Church in Cordele, Georgia (1962 – 1963). In 1963, Reverend Cawthon changed denomination to the United Methodist Church and was appointed to the United Methodist Church in Rebecca, Georgia (1963 – 1965). When Reverend Cawthon changed denominations, Ella gave up her ministry credentials to be a pastor’s wife and full-time mother to her four boys. They went on to serve at the following United Methodist Church Charges: A five (5) church charge at Byromville, Georgia (1965 – 1970); Remerton (Valdosta) Georgia (1970 to 1975); Ellaville, Georgia (1975 - 1979); Hagan, Georgia, serving three (3) churches, Hagan United Methodist, Daisy United Methodist and Eason Chapel (1979 – 1984); Baxley, Georgia, serving three (3) churches, Asbury United Methodist Church, Melton’s Chapel, and Zoar United Methodist Church (1984 – 1988); Mitchell, Georgia (1988 – 1990); and Uvalda, Georgia (1990 – 1996). In 1992, they built their retirement home in Hagan, Georgia; and in 1996, Reverend Cawthon semi-retired from the United Methodist Church and was appointed to serve as retired pastor at Hagan United Methodist Church and Union United Methodist Church. Reverend Cawthon fully retired from the ministry and Ella maintained her membership at Hagan. Ella started working for the State of Georgia in August of 1974 with the Lowndes County Health Department. When the family moved to Ellaville, Georgia, she worked for the Tri County Training Center from December 1975 to May 1980. In May 1980, she went to work with the Appling/Jeff Davis Service Center (Sunshine Center), Baxley, Georgia, as a Social Worker and retired January 1, 1992, as the Director. In June of 1984, Ella established a four (4) day summer camp for mentally challenged adults at Epworth by the Sea on St Simons Island, Georgia, which Epworth later named “Miss Ella’s Camp for Special People”. Along with many dedicated volunteers, the camp provides daily devotions and singing. They also have crafts, musical entertainment, carnival games, and bingo. A favorite event at Miss Ella’s Camp is the field trip to the Strike Zone in Brunswick, Georgia. Miss Ella’s Camp completed its 42nd year on May 28, 2026, under the direction of Nancy and Joel Martin of Statesboro, Georgia.

Ella was preceded in death by her dedicate and loving husband, Reverend Clarence Cawthon; her son, Leif Cawthon; her granddaughters, Ella Elizabeth Cawthon and Angela Hillman; her parents, Charles and Helen Voight; and her sisters, Dawn Procunier and Betty Voight.

SURVIVORS: Three sons, Eric Cawthon of Laural, Maryland; Mark (Karen) Cawthon of King George, Virginia; Peter (Karen) Cawthon of Hagan, Georgia; seven (7) grandchildren, Eric Cawthon, Jr. of Laurel, Maryland; Alicia Cawthon and Nathaniel Cawthon of Hagan, Georgia; Jeremiah (Karla) Cawthon of Braden, Florida; Joshua (Kendall) Cawthon and Matthew Cawthon of King George, Virgina; and KaLene (Caleb) Rawson of Petersburg, Virgina; sisters in-law, Elizabeth Parker of Covington, Georgia, and Sandra Stowe of Monroe, Georgia. She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren.

VISITATION: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Hagan United Methodist Church.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Saturday, June 13, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at Hagan United Methodist Church.

REMEMBERANCES: In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following: Epworth by the Sea (Miss Ella’s Camp in memo section) 100 Arthur J. Moore Drive St. Simons Island, GA 31522 Hagan United Methodist Church P. O. Box 372 Hagan, GA 30429 Brewton Cemetery P. O. Box 978 Claxton, GA 30417

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements

“Our Family Serving Your Family”

Since 1917

(912) 739-3338

www.nesmithfuneralhome.com