Obituary: Don Duarte

Donald Sterling Duarte was born November 25, 1927 in Massena NY. Don's father, Alexandre, was an immigrant from Portugal. His mother, Anne, was a Mohawk Indian from a reservation in Canada. They had three children, Alexander, Donald and Richard (Skip). His father worked long hours to provide for the family. His mother took care of the home, as well as made clothes for the boys. Don graduated from Massena High School with Honors. He served in the Army which provided his college tuition through the GI Bill. While attending Clarkson University, he earned memberships in both The National Chemical Engineering Society and National Engineering Society. Upon graduation, he was employed by Dupont in a program which was part of the Manhattan Project. Don was very proud to have worked for a great American company. He retired from Dupont in 1990.

Don married the love of his life, Evelyn (Ebba). They had many stories about each other and things they did. She was not only beautiful but an excellent cook and home decorator. She was a loving mother to her daughter Jo Ann, grandmother to Todd and Kellie Hatfield, and a great grandmother to Todd Jr. Don was always more social than any other engineer I knew. He made friends of all generations and interests. With the loss of Evelyn in 1997, He sought and found many friends that helped fill the void. He became friends with Eryn Eubanks Miller, an accomplished musician. Through that friendship, he made many wonderful friends. Many evenings were filled playing competitive pool with friends, Terrell, Sam, Melvin, Larry, Chris, and Darrell. Don often commented that each of them were such good men.

His Duarte family were: cousins Jane Wood and May Lynn Sharlow; Brother Alex's children: Christine Duarte, Ann Henry, Donald Duarte, John Duarte, Paula Duarte, Elizabeth Duarte; Brother Skip's children: Nancy Duarte West, her husband, Ed West, Eileen Duarte Mulley, her husband, George Mulley, Mark Duarte, Bruce Duarte, Terri Duarte Forrest, her husband, Brian Forrest.

Ever the engineer, he donated his body to the medical college to study. Don was elated to find out how excited the college to get someone as old as he was to study.

“To Deborah Rodriguez, Nessa Gilmore, Barry Nix, my deepest appreciation. I told you my jokes, you gave me ice cream anytime, and you woke me up to watch the Braves. You took great care of me. You were always there.”

We will have a get together September 19 around 2:00 PM, for family and friends to share some time remembering a good man and his life.

Published by The Augusta Press from Sep. 14 to Sep. 15, 2026.

Obituary: Eddie Smith

The Family Fold misses our dear Eddie Smith, and asks that you remember our friend, Don Rhodes, in your prayers.

Above: Don Rhodes, Emmie “Mimmie” Eubanks, and Eddie Smith at The Greater Augusta Arts Council Awards Dinner in June 2019.

Below: Celebrating Christmas 2003 with Ricie, Eryn, Eddie Smith, and Don Rhodes.

Opa’s Obituary: George T. Armijo.

George T. Armijo of Dahlonega, GA, died on Thursday, February 2, 2023.  He was born on December 9, 1942, in Cheyenne, WY, to George and Angel Armijo.  He graduated from Cheyenne High School, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wyoming, and did graduate work at Georgetown University. He was a music teacher in Jackson, Glendo, Riverton, and Ten Sleep, WY.  

In 1975, Mr. Armijo joined the United States Army as a bandsman.  He served as a trumpet player at Ft. Carson, CO, and the School of Music in Norfolk, VA.  In 1975 he was commissioned a Warrant Officer and commanded bands in Ft. Gordon, GA, Ft. Huachuca, AZ, Third Infantry Division Würzburg, Germany, and Ft. Rucker, AL.  

Mr. Armijo was an active member of musical organizations wherever he was living. He was a member of the Casper Civic Chorale and sang with the St. Elizabeth’s choir in Dahlonega, GA. He played with symphony orchestras in Cheyenne, WY, Casper, WY, Augusta, GA, and Virginia Beach, VA, volunteered with the Casper College and University of North Georgia bands, and enjoyed playing with the Jazz Jam / Cindy Bell and Friends group in Dahlonega.  He always had his trumpet with him and performed or “sat in” with musical organizations in Europe, South America, and the United States.

Mr. Armijo was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Helen Payne. Survivors include his wife, Kristi Armijo; son, Greg Armijo of Duluth, GA; daughter, Ricie Eubanks (Patrick) of Augusta, GA; brother Joe Armijo of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren Angela Armijo-Hurtado (Miguel) of Duluth, GA, Christopher Armijo (Michael Hartwell) of Bloomington, IN, Jacque Armijo of Toronto, Canada, and Eryn Eubanks-Miller (Greg) of Augusta, GA; great-grandchildren Clay Owens of Michigan City, IN and Ethan and Katie Owens of Duluth, GA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at a later date, with burial at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA.  The family would appreciate memorials to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Episcopal Church, 1188 Hamp Mill Road, Dahlonega, GA 30533 or Forgotten Clefs, 612 S. State Rd 446 Apt. 28, Bloomington, IN 47401.

We hope you enjoy this “bootleg video” of us jamming to “When The Saints Go Marchin’ In” with the wonderful jazz musicians in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Audrey on Eryn’s walk with The Lord

Below is an article that one of my music students wrote for a school assignment. When asked if she could interview me for this assignment, I thought it would be for a music class or something like that. When I found out that music wasn’t the topic, I was absolutely honored that she thought of me for this assignment… Wow! Audrey may not be an official journalist with the press, but I think this is the nicest article anyone has written about me… ERYN

Eryn Eubanks is a famous musician who is well-known around the CSRA. She has been playing music since a very young age, and she displays her relationship with God through her music and talent. She has been teaching me music since I was young, and she has inspired me in my walk with Christ as well. She loves the Lord; her story and testimony has inspired me, and I hope it will inspire many others that hear it.

Eryn has been a Christian pretty much her whole life. She isn’t sure what age she was saved, but it was quite young. However, she remembers to this day, the first time she went to church. Sunday, April 24, 1988 was her first time going to church, and she was only ten days old. Her grandparents were the ones to take her, and they raised her in the church. They always took her to church every Sunday, because her parents were busy working most of the time. She always knew what salvation was, and she knew that Jesus was always with her. She has sensed God’s providence play throughout her whole life, in every aspect. From being born to a wonderful family, to her amazing church experiences, and by her bad situations turning into good ones, God’s providence has always made a way for her. She says that when any concert she does goes well, that is because of God, and otherwise, she can’t do anything without him.

Eryn always tries to spend time with God throughout the day. She goes by the saying “Pray without ceasing”. She always tries to glorify God through everything she does. She makes time to read devotionals and daily Bible passages, and she sings gospel songs anytime she gets the chance. She also enjoys mediating on scripture throughout the day, and falling asleep to the Christian radio station at night. Eryn also establishes God honoring priorities through all she does. She makes sure she goes by his word in all choices she makes. She still gets overwhelmed sometimes, but keeps going for God’s glory.

Eryn has two Scripture passages that have always meant a great deal to her. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” This verse helped her get through her open heart surgery. She found out she had to have the surgery on Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Her mom and dad ordered her flowers with that verse on a card during that time, and later that day, her husband gave her that exact same verse. The verse came to her one more time during the day, and this verse helped her get through this hard time. She saw it as a promise from God, and that promise was fulfilled with a successful surgery. Eryn also loves Phillipians 1:6, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This verse has helped her during her life right now, because her mom is having some health issues. It has also inspired her in her music career.

God has impacted her life in so many incredible ways. Just by the way he orchestrated her life, her rescue from death with her open heart surgery, and the Lord rescuing her dad from a deadly case of pneumonia when she was only eight years old. God had preserved her and her families life all these years, and he still does. She has many eye opening experiences which moved her close to God, including her surgery and when she broke her leg and couldn’t walk for six months. The Holy Spirit taught her how to keep a positive attitude during all situations. She hasn’t had any challenges with non-believers because she is a Christian. She had been very fortunate. Most people know that she is a Christian, but those who don’t believe have never given her a problem, which she considers to be a blessing.

Eryn’s walk with God and her career and life in music have brought many relationships into her life. During her homeschool experience, she got to build her relationship with God and her grandparents. She also got to meet her lady friends and her husband. Because public school was so bad, homeschool opened doors for her that have led to where and who she is today. When she was asked what advice she would give to a young person who wants to serve the Lord, she said that you should always stay close to him. Pray and give your heart to him on a daily basis. Make sure to know and study your Bible, and do your best to find people who teach the Bible properly. Serve the Lord in all you do and bring glory to him. Use your gifts, no matter what they are, to glorify him.

Eryn Eubanks’ life and testimony pulled at my heart strings and really helped me learn what a real relationship with the Lord looks like. She lives her life for him, and never gives up even in the hardest of situations. She has inspired me and helped me get where I am today in my music career and walk with Christ. She sees the world through God’s eyes and loves the Lord with all her heart. When she walks into the room, you can just feel the presence of God radiating off of her. She always has a smile on her face no matter the situation, because she knows God is always there, and I aspire to be just like her, and live for God in everything I do.

-Audrey Barefield (May 14, 2022)

The Augusta Press: “The Music of Eryn Eubanks & The Family Fold To Be Played At St. Paul’s This Weekend.”

THE AUGUSTA PRESS: “The Music of Eryn Eubanks & The Family Fold To Be Played At St. Paul’s This Weekend.”

by: Scott Hudson

November 6th, 2021

Eryn Eubanks has for decades twisted music genres like taffy and brought bluegrass music to a whole new audience by adapting it to include instruments other than the banjo and mandolin and include flutes, church organs and gospel choruses.

Eryn Eubanks newest twist of melding gospel, bluegrass classical and pop will be part of the 11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, service at at Saint Paul’s Church.

The song, “My Last Days On Earth” was written by Bill Monroe, but Eryn Eubanks decided to add lyrics and then adapt the tune away from its bluegrass roots and make it a gospel piece and the choir of Saint Paul’s will perform the piece using Eryn Eubanks’ notations.

“That is what I have always done. I love imagining the music I loved as a child being transformed and that is my way of keeping that music relevant,”: Eryn Eubanks said.

According to Eryn Eubanks father, Patrick Eubanks, it was his mother Emmie Eubanks that instilled in Eryn a sense of duty that corresponded along with her musical abilities. Eryn was clearly gifted as a musician from a young age, but she would follow her grandmother into the ministry of Christiantiy rather than try to become a star on the country music circuit.

 Eryn Eubanks became an ordained minister and her music became part of her ministry.

What would eventually become The Family Fold band started with Eryn playing her mandolin at retirement homes and eventually led to appearances at coffee houses, television appearances and eventually a festival with Eryn Eubanks as the headliner, Later, the group which included the core of Eryn, her mother and her father on upright bass and drums respectively led to soaring success regionally.

The Family Fold would go on to release seven albums. Most of The Family Fold’s recorded material is traditional bluegrass and gospel, but Eryn Eubanks occasionally blends other genres such as classical and even techno.

The group also were known for providing entertainment on the Petersburg Boats that took tourists down Augusta’s storied waterway.

Then disaster struck.

In 2019, Eryn Eubanks underwent emergency open heart surgery and had to spend weeks in recovery. On the heels of that, her mother Ricie, who is the backbone, as the bass player of the band, was sidelined due to back issues and is now at the MAYO Clinic in Florida.

“We are dealing with everything that comes at us and we have our faith in God, that is really all I can say,” Eryn Eubanks said.

Despite her absence from the stage, Eryn Eubanks remains busy teaching her music classes online.

“I really miss playing live, but it’s really a thrill for me that Saint Paul’s will feature some of my work,” Eubanks said.

Scott Hudson is the Senior Reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com.

Eryn’s video on “Thru The Bible”

I was absolutely honored that “Thru The Bible with Dr. J. Vernon McGee” shared my video on their Facebook page… Wow! Y’all may remember me sharing this video a few months ago.

Mimmie’s Obituary

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Wednesday, February 3, 2021, Emmie Joyce Eubanks, 80, wife of the late Billy Eubanks.

Emmie (“Mimmie”) was born in Augusta, Georgia and was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother; and she loved Doberman Pinschers, too. She was a school patrol guard and worked for the Richmond County School System for 10 years. 

She was the matriarch of Eryn Eubanks & The Family Fold (music band) and a member of Bible Deliverance Temple Church for many decades. She volunteered cheerfully at the church - working in the kitchen and nursery, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and being a part of the church’s prayer chain. She led worship services at several nursing homes with her friends. They would play the music, and she would preach the Bible message. She was a humble soul that would step up to testify. She said that she always felt like she could at least say what The Lord had done for her. She was faithful to visit the sick and shut-ins, and her thoughtfulness touched so many people through her personal greeting card ministry. As long as there was breath in her body, she was a prayer warrior for her family, friends, and their loved ones. She genuinely cared. She never forgot anyone. She was a “Mimmie” to a lot of folks!

Family members include her three sons: the late London G. Eubanks, Vincent K. Eubanks, Patrick V. Eubanks (Durand “Ricie”); grandchildren: Eryn Eubanks Miller (Greg), London G. Eubanks, Jr. (Sarah), Connor D. Eubanks; great-granddaughter: Skylar Grace Eubanks; sisters: Elizabeth Perry (Don) and Shirley Doyle (Glynn).

A private burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will announce a public celebration of life service. Look for postings on Facebook and eryneubanks.com.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Bible Deliverance Temple, 1857 Fenwick St., Augusta, GA 30904.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com.

Lonnie Sevier - The Augusta Chronicle - 01/05/2021

I am very sad to write that our dear friend, Lonnie Sevier, passed away on Saturday, January 2nd, 2021.

His family said that he did have a good New Year’s Day; and enjoyed eating greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread with them all. They stayed with him during the night, and they said he had a peaceful night. His oldest grandson checked on him all throughout the night, and around 6:00 A.M., Lonnie appeared to have crossed over. The medical people pronounced that it was at 6:41 A.M.

As y’all know, Lonnie was a faithful part of The Family Fold. He was always joyful to be at our events, and he loved to help us transport/set up the musical equipment. Of course, he made friends wherever he would go with us! We were blessed to hang out with Lonnie multiple times a week, ever since April 4th, 2009, to be exact. He never forgot the date that he met us, and we are absolutely humbled to have made such a friend as our dear Lonnie. He made our lives better.

One of the saddest things of the COVID Pandemic is missing out on time with loved ones like Lonnie. But my dad & I would make it a point several times a week to chit-chat on the phone with Lonnie. He was excited and proud of things our band was planning and working on, and he was looking forward to being in on it all.

The last time that Dad & I talked with Lonnie, he wanted to tell us about his memorial plans. He is going to be buried with his family in Oklahoma, and a service will be held at Bible Deliverance Temple on Wednesday, January 6th, 2021. Lonnie knew the precautions that our family/band has had to take during this pandemic, but he was very pleased with Dad & I telling him that The Family Fold would host a memorial for him as soon as the band gets back to our live events. Lonnie even went ahead and named me the top four songs that he wants us to play that day.

I deeply wish Lonnie could have stayed on this earth with us. I have definitely cried about that. When we talked about his memorial, I told him, “I don’t want to have to do this for you anytime soon. I want to throw you a birthday party in March, y’know!”

We have all been praying for Lonnie, and I do want you to know that every prayer that you said for him gave him so much strength and encouragement to endure his battle against cancer.

Let‘s please pray for his family and friends. Really, that is a request for us all to pray for each other, because I know we all love him and miss him.

Eryn Eubanks

Augusta Magazine's "Best of Augusta 2018" Awards

Eryn Eubanks & The Family Fold - 3rd Place for “Local Country Band.”

Augusta Magazine's 2018-2019 Arts Calendar

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Runner-Up for Augusta Magazine's "Best Bluegrass Band" 2017.

"Perennial fave, Eryn Eubanks & The Family Fold, score second."

Ramblin' Rhodes: Goodbye to Precious Jewell.

Somehow in the busy start of this summer I missed the obituary of a wonderful friend named James Edward “Jim” Jewell of Grovetown, who died June 19. He would have been 90 on Sept. 8.

Customers knew him for 30 years as the owner of Jim’s Lawn Service, but thousands of music fans in the Augusta area knew him better for his uncountable appearances playing guitar for many years with Eryn Eubanks’ Family Fold band.

He and guitarist Mike Merritt came to be known as adopted members of the Eubanks family, performing with Eryn, Patrick and Ricie Eubanks on canal boat cruises and at music festivals, schools, churches and area restaurants and nightclubs.

There was no mistaking Jewell’s unmistakable voice singing classic numbers like “Just Because,” “Nobody’s Darlin’ But Mine” and “I Overlooked An Orchid (While Searching For a Rose)” and for his kind nature which prompted the nickname “Precious Jewell.”

John Doren of Martinez, Ga., said it well on the legacy.com site in noting, “The loss of Mr. Jewell is a loss for all of us. He was a good and decent man and an inspiration to all who met him. It was an honor to play guitar with and learn from him, an authentic and honest musical voice. In his singing and playing, he could define a song. When he performed, there was a depth and directness that seemed to convey exactly what the author of a song intended. His encyclopedic knowledge of several musical genres was a continual wonder and delight.”

--- Don Rhodes of The Augusta Chronicle

Thursday, July 20th, 2017.

In Loving Memory of The Family Fold's Jim "Precious" Jewell

Mr. James Edward Jewell, "Precious Jewell," entered into rest on Monday, June 19, 2017.

Mr. Jewell was a member of Bible Deliverance Temple. He was a member of the Eryn Eubanks & The Family Fold band. He enjoyed gospel music, bluegrass music, and fishing. Mr. Jewell owned Jim's Lawn Service for 30 years in Augusta, GA.

Mr. Jewell is preceded in death by his siblings: Eugene Bryant, Bobby Copeland, Henry Copeland and Melvin Copeland. Survivors are his children, Nicky Jewell (Debbie), Carl Jewell, Gail Brown, Melinda Mansfield and step-daughter, Martha German; siblings, Eunice Dicky, Brenda Tyson, George Copeland and Marcus Copeland; 15 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, June 22, 2017 at Bible Deliverance Temple with Dr. Kelly McKnight, Pastor Charlotte Ginn, and Pastor Eryn Eubanks Miller officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior at the church. Pallbearers who will honor Mr. Jewell are Brian Jewell, Tyler Jewell, Lonnie Sevier, Leon Dickey, Frank Carstarphen, and Buddy King. Honorary pallbearers are Patrick Eubanks, Greg Miller, James Pounds, John Wilson, Mike Merritt, Don Duarte, and John Doren. The family would like to thank Mr. Jewell's amazing grandson, Christopher Brown, for taking care of his Pops and Regency Hospice for all of their support and compassion.

- Published in The Augusta Chronicle on June 21st, 2017.

Eryn's 29th Birthday

Help celebrate local music star Eryn Eubanks' 29th birthday from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22 at St. Luke's Church, 3081 Wheeler Road, in Augusta.

It's free and there will be lots of bluegrass, folk, and country music jamming by Eubanks and her Family Fold band as well as anyone else who wants to join in playing.

The heavily popular and ultra-sweet artist who plays about 15 instruments (not all at the same time, of course) also can be heard 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, April 28, at SouthBound Smokehouse, 1855 Central Avenue, in Augusta.

- Don Rhodes of The Augusta Chronicle

April 20th, 2017