Habersham County Obituaries

Palmer, Chester
Funeral services for Chester Palmer, 80, of Demorest, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 16, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home. The Rev. David Nix, the Rev. Brian James, the Rev. Connie Berry and the Rev. John Humphries officiated, with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Full military honors were provided by Rabun County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 15 and the Habersham County American Legion Post 84. Mr. Palmer died Friday, March 14, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in Habersham County on June 1, 1922, he was the son of the late Wiley Robert and Frances Effie Herring Palmer. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in World War II and was a recipient of three Bronze Stars. Mr. Palmer was employed with the state of Georgia for 20 years and was an avid fisherman. He was a charter member of Victory Baptist Church and served as a deacon. He was preceded in death by his brother, Howard Palmer; and brother-in-law, J. R. Moody. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ell Bramlett Palmer of Demorest; daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Emory Waycaster of Buford; sister, Lorene Moody of Cornelia; sisters and brothers-in-law, Evelyn and Kenneth Jarrell of Clarkesville, Frances and Jerry Farmer of Toccoa; granddaughter, Heather Austin; granddaughter and husband, Charity and Steve McKee; and two great-grandsons. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Mar 2003)

Palmer, William Bradley
Graveside services for William Bradley Palmer, 69, of Dahlonega and formerly of Habersham County, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, in Yonah Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Bobby G. Dollar officiating. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Parham, Betty Taylor
COLUMBUS – Funeral services for Betty Taylor Parham, 72, of Columbus, were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 13, at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Macon Road Chapel. Dr. Kevin Calhoun officiated, with burial in Parkhill Cemetery. Mrs. Parham died Tuesday, March 11, 2003, at the Columbus Hospice House. Born in Habersham County on May 27, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Myrtle N. and Guillard B. Taylor. She had lived in Columbus since 1951, and was a member of Hilton Terrace Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, William Howard Parham Sr. of Columbus; children, Bill Parham of Villa Rica, Bob Parham of Houston, Texas, Mike Parham of Hammond, La; sisters, Avanelle Ivester of Hollywood, Elaine Waldrop of Winston, Lynn Nichols of Cleveland; grandchildren, Brandon Parham, Katie Parham, both of Houston, Texas, Lauren Parham, Courtenay Dykes, both of Columbus, Ryan Parham, Seth Parham, both of Hammond, La., Sallie Parham, Taylor Parham, Haley Parham, Trey Parham, all of Villa Rica; and one great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 4570 Reese Road, Columbus, GA 31907, or Hilton Terrace Baptist Church, 2236 Warm Springs Road, Columbus, GA 31904. Striffler-Hamby Mortuary Inc. Macon Road Chapel, Columbus, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Mar 2003)

Parnell, Royal ‘Butch’ Jr.
Funeral services for Royal “Butch” Parnell Jr., 50, of Louisiana, will be held at 11 a.m. today, Jan. 14, at King Solomon Baptist Church. The Rev. Benjiman Scott will officiate, with burial in Western Cemetery in Louisiana. Mr. Parnell died Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2003, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Gonzales, La. Survivors include his wife, Ada McCoy Parnell of Gonzales, La., parents, Royal Sr. and Blanche Parnell of Lutcher, La.; children, Royal Parnell III, formerly of Cornelia; Jordan and Andrew Parnell, Shanette Esko, DeAndre Scott, Kimberly Gray, Trenea Davis, Tracey Parker, Stacey Davis, Charlie Parker Jr., James Davis Jr., Dustyn Davis, Stacey Parker; sisters, Joanne Parnell Fernandez, Delores Boudreaux, Mattie Lee Parnell; brothers, Raymond Parnell, Mell Parnell, Bruce Parnell; and a number of other relatives. Brazier-Watson Funeral Home, Donaldsonville, La., is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Parris, Edith
Funeral services for Edith Parris, 72, of Demorest will be held today, May 21, at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of McGahee- Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home. The Rev. John Ayers will officiate with burial in Level Grove Cemetery. Mrs. Parris died Sunday, May 19, 2002, at her daughters residence following a brief illness. Born in Copper Hill, Tenn., on June 25, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Florence Rhodes. She was a carpet mill worker and a member of Eastside Fellowship. She was preceded in death by her husband, Luther John Parris; daughter, Audrey Parris; and son, John Parris. Survivors include her daughters, Helen Crowe of Demorest, Bonnie Parris of Covington; sons, Jerry Lee Parris of Alabama, Neal Parris of Chatsworth; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and several great-great- grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (May 2002)

Peters, Suzanne Schmidt
Funeral mass for Suzanne Schmidt Peters, 36, of Boynton Beach, Fla., was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Lantana, Fla. Father Kevin MacGabhann officiated; graveside services were officiated by Father Kevin Johnson at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Tallahassee, Fla., at 10 a.m. Monday, March 10. Mrs. Peters died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at her residence following an extended illness. Born in Tallahassee, Fla., on March 3, 1967, she was the daughter of Robert J. “Bob” Schmidt and the late Therese Ann Sprenger Schmidt. She was a 1986 graduate of Leon High School in Tallahassee, Fla., a legal assistant and a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. She was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 21 and had a heart transplant at the age of 28. She was diagnosed with cancer just over a year ago. Throughout it all, she never once complained or asked, “Why me?” She just smiled and thanked God for every day he gave her. She was preceded in death by a brother, Paul David Schmidt. Survivors include her husband, John Peters of Boynton Beach, Fla.; daughter, Danni Leigh Peters of Boynton Beach, Fla.; son, Johnny Peters of Boynton Beach, Fla.; father, Bob Schmidt of Tallahassee, Fla.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Penny and Jerry Scruggs, Christine and Bill Kimmons, Martha and Mike Crow, Ann Marie and Terry Ivester, Mary K. and Dennis Parker, Dorothy and Sam Gochnauer, all of Tallahassee, Fla.; brother, Dennis Schmidt of Ft. Pierce, Fla.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Larry Schmidt and Brenda Pardee, Mike and Flo Schmidt, all of Tallahassee, Fla., Doug and Lorretta Schmidt of Houston, Texas, Pat and Sandy Schmidt of Bridgeport, Texas, Chuck and Robbin Schmidt of Newberry, Fla., Jimmy and Kristi Schmidt of Demorest; 25 nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and great-nephews. Scobee-Combs-Bowden Funeral Home of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Culley’s Funeral Home of Tallahassee, Fla., were in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Mar 2003)

Pittman, John

The Marion County Patriot
August 24, 1900
Page Four
Killed on a Excursion Train
Clarkesville, Ga., Aug. 17 – On an excursion train on the Tallulah Falls railroad, Scott Jackson of Harmony Grove shot and killed John Pittman. It is reported that there was some ill feeling between the two men about a matter that
had occurred some time ago. Jackson claimed that he acted in self defense. Submitted by Carla Miles

Pitts, Ruth Moss
Entombment services for Ruth Moss Pitts, 74, of Clarkesville will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest. The Rev. David Turner will officiate. Mrs. Pitts died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2002, at her residence following a brief illness. Born in Habersham County on Feb. 6, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Hoyt and Ola Trotter Moss. She was a homemaker and was retired from Piedmont Automotive Products. Mrs. Pitts was of the Baptist faith and was a former member of Habersham Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a son, Samuel Lee Pitts. Survivors include her husband, Robert F. “Bill” Pitts of Clarkesville; son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Cheryl Pitts of Tallulah Falls; sister, Birdie Lee Moss of Clarkesville; brother, Larry Franklin Moss of Cornelia; grandson, Scott Pitts of Cornelia; and two great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today, Dec. 13, at the funeral home. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Poole, Tom W. Sr.
Funeral services for Tom W. Poole Sr., 80 of Alto were held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. The Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiated. Burial was in Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery. with the Rev. Clyde Garrison officiating at graveside with military honors provided by the Honor Guard from Ft. McPherson. Mr. Poole died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, at Lanier Park Hospital, Gainesville. Born in Banks County on Aug. 18, 1922, he was the son of the late John Stovall and Rosa Lee Sellers Poole. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Moss Poole; brother, J.D. Poole; sisters, Lola Mason, Louise Roberts; grandchildren, Shea Marie Poole and Tom Joseph Poole. Mr. Poole was a U.S. Army World War II veteran, a retired farmer and a member of Damascus Baptist Church. Survivors include his daughters, Jean Cox, Judy Garrish and Janice Tatum, all of Alto; son, Tom Poole Jr. of Alto; brother, Ed Poole of Baldwin; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Porter, Brenda Pardue
Funeral services for Brenda Pardue Porter, 58, of Spartanburg, S.C., were held Monday, May 20, at 11 a.m. at Floyds Greenlawn Chapel. Dr. James Jackson officiated. Entombment was in Yonah Memorial Gardens with a committal service at 4 p.m. conducted by the Rev. Dwayne Benefield. Mrs. Porter died Saturday, May 18, 2002, at Mary Black Memorial Hospital. A native of Clarkesville, she was the daughter of the late George and Sally Herclean Pardue. She was employed by Spartanburg School District Seven and White Rabbit Gift Shop for many years. She was a member of Clarkesville United Methodist Church. Survivors include her husband, Jack Porter; daughters, Melissa Porter of Chesnee, S.C., Tammara Porter of Sutherland, Va.; sisters, Aileen Ray, Ernestine McEntire, Geraldine Holcombe, all of Clarkesville. Memorials may be made to Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 7669, Atlanta, Ga. 30357. Floyds Greenlawn Chapel, Spartanburg, S.C., was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (May 2002)

Porter, Harold Alfred
Graveside services for Harold Alfred Porter, 77, of Cornelia, were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6, at Camp Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Butch Franklin and Dr. C. Harry Rudasill officiating, and with full military honors. Mr. Porter died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006. Born in Eldorado, Ark., on Jan. 14, 1929, he was the son of the late James Alfred and Henrietta Laura Bowles Porter. Mr. Porter was a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps, whose patriotism to America and love of life will be remembered by all. He will be missed by all who knew him. He was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church and Mt. Airy Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Camp Creek Baptist Church, 1761 Camp Creek Road, Cornelia, GA 30531; or to Mt. Airy Baptist Church, P.O. Box 258, Mt. Airy, GA 30563. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Pritchett, Wilburn Richard Ricky
HOMER Funeral services for Wilburn Richard Ricky Pritchett, 43, of Homer were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 25, at New Bethel Baptist Church. The Rev. Tommy Childress officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Pritchett died Saturday, June 22, 2002, at his residence. Born in Stephens County on Nov. 4, 1958, he was a construction worker and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his father, James Wilburn Pritchett; and son, Lucas Wilburn Pritchett. Survivors include his wife, Tammy Annette Yearwood Pritchett; mother, Louvie Mae Ervin Pritchett of Homer; daughter, Jasmine Rhianna Pritchett of the home; stepdaughters, Miranda Elizabeth Yearwood of Cornelia, Desire Marcella Yearwood of Baldwin; sisters, Cindy Purdy of Baldwin, Karen Stryker of McDonough; and brothers, Terry Pritchett of Homer, Nelson Pritchett of Homer, Stanley Pritchett of Demorest. Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jun 2002)

Pruitt, Cora Lee
Funeral services for Cora Lee Pruitt, 80, of Cleveland, were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 17, at Alexander’s Gateway Chapel Funeral Home. The Rev. Dave Fortner, the Rev. Jack Pierce and the Rev. Robert Nix officiated, with burial in Mt. View Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Pruitt died Saturday, March 15, 2003, at a private nursing home following a period of declining health. Mrs. Pruitt was a native and lifelong resident of White County and was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church. She was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd Pruitt. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Dorothy and Bill Pierce of Gainesville; Gertrude and Allen Abernathy of Clarkesville; Janie and Wesley Nutting of Gainesville; daughter, Yvonne Westmoreland of Gainesville; sons and daughters-in-law, L.C. and Trilla Pruitt of Cleveland and Ricky and Debbie Pruitt of Cleveland; brothers, Loy Palmer and Jimmy Palmer, both of Cleveland; sisters, Nell Palmer of Cleveland, Lois Brodnax of Thomaston; nine grandchildren; two step grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and one stepgreat-grandchild. Memorials may be made to the Gideons or the Baptist Children’s Home. Alexander’s Gateway Chapel Funeral Home, Cleveland, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Mar 2003)

Pruitt, Paul W.
Funeral services for Paul W. Pruitt, 78, of Baldwin, were held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Harmony Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Vandiver and the Rev. Alvin Oakes officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery, with the Rev. Scott Slaton officiating at the graveside. Mr. Pruitt died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2006, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born on May 1, 1928, in Due West, S.C., he was the son of the late Holbert and Cleo Brock Pruitt. He also was preceded in death by his brothers, Vance Pruitt and Jack Pruitt; and his sister, Myrtle Smith. Mr. Pruitt was a member of Harmony Baptist Church and was a Mason. He was a bus driver and truck driver with 27 years of service. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Purcell, Charles E.
HOMER – Funeral services for Charles E. Purcell, 73, of Homer were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 30, at Charity Baptist Church. The Rev. Vaughn Howington, the Rev. Larry Joe Wilbanks and the Rev. Billy Burrell officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Purcell died Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2003, at his residence following an extended illness. Born in Stephens County on Dec. 5, 1929, he was the son of the late C.C. and Addie Cash Purcell. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Christopher Charles Purcell; and brothers, Bill Purcell and Curtis Purcell. Mr. Purcell was formerly employed with Chicopee Manufacturing and was a poultry and cattle farmer most of his life. He was the owner of Purcell Backhoe and Dozer for 30 years. Mr. Purcell was a charter member of Charity Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Wansa Whitfield Purcell of Homer; daughters and sons-in-law, Deborah and Dale Ayers of Homer, Karen Ann and Chris Bolton of Homer; sons and daughters-in-law, Dale and Diane Purcell of Homer, Anthony and Tammy Purcell of Homer; sister, Loutrell Norton of Alto; brother, John Purcell of Cornelia; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Reed, Doyle Payton
Funeral services for Doyle Payton Reed, 79, of Demorest, formerly of Greensboro, were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. The Rev. Tim Beasley and the Rev. Wilburn Hill officiated. Burial was in Yonah Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Leon Brown officiating at graveside. Mr. Reed died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2003, at a private nursing home. Born in Clarke County on Nov. 29, 1923, he was the son of the late Willie and Bertha Bolton Reed. He was preceded in death by his brother, Davie Reed; sister, Mildred Johnson; and grandson, Ty Reed. Mr. Reed was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran. He was a retired insurance agent and was a member of Centennial Baptist Church, Rutledge. Survivors include his wife, Frances Bray Reed of Demorest; daughter, Sharolyn Reed Griffin of Homer; daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Paul Cheplick of LaGrange; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Caren Reed of Social Circle; grandchildren, Beth and Tim Beasley of Demorest, Daren and Becky Reed of Social Circle, Peyton Griffin of Atlanta, Scottie Reed of Social Circle, Jami Cheplick of LaGrange, Sydnie Cheplick of LaGrange; and six great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Reems, Lloyd Edward
Funeral services for Lloyd Edward Reems, 79, of Alto, will be held at 2:30 p.m. today, Jan. 24, at Cornelia United Methodist Church. The Rev. Wayne Smith and the Rev. Marcus Martin will officiate. Burial will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens, with the Rev. Bob Ramsey officiating at graveside. Mr. Reems died Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2003, at Lanier Park Hospital. Born in Banks County on Dec. 22, 1923, he was the son of the late Lloyd Reems and Emma Dodd Reems Wade. Mr. Reems was a graduate of Baldwin High School and was the owner and operator of Reems Grocery for several years. He retired from Lee Arrendale State Prison in 1988 after 20 years of service. Mr. Reems was a member of Cornelia United Methodist Church. Survivors include his wife, Woodie Shannon Reems of Alto; daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Bill DeHart of Powhatan, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Brenda Reems of Alto; sister, Issaqueena Sparks of Alto; brother, Hoyt Wade of Alto; grandchildren, Keith Reems, Brent Reems, Neil Reems, Greg Smith, Kim Smith; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Cornelia United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 275 Wyly St., Cornelia, GA 30531. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Rice, Delhmer A. ‘Sonny’
Funeral services for Delhmer A. “Sonny” Rice, 60, of Clarkesville will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. The Rev. Dan Rice will officiate. Mr. Rice died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Atlanta. Born in Richland County, S.C., on Aug. 25, 1942, he was the son of the late Delhmer and Mildred Grund Rice. Mr. Rice was a nurse anesthetist. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in Vietnam. He was non-denominational in his faith, a strong warrior who steadfastly kept the faith and loved the master with all of his heart. Mr. Rice loved the nation of Israel and daily prayed for the peace of Jerusalem. Survivors include his wife, Nancy C. Rice of Clarkesville; son, John C. Rice of Atlanta; and brother, Derrell S. Rice of Monticello, S.C. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Roach, Ellis ‘Benny’
No services for Ellis “Benny” Roach, 60, of Cornelia are planned, according to his wishes. Mr. Roach died Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2003, at a private healthcare facility in Comer following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County on March 31, 1942, he was a painter and of the Baptist faith. Mr. Roach was preceded in death by his father, Clemson Roach; and brothers, Tommy Roach and Sam Roach. Survivors include his mother, Leathey Shirley Roach of Cleveland; and sister-in-law, Diane Alexander Roach of Cleveland. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Roberts, Doris Elliott
Funeral arrangements for Doris Elliott Roberts, 93, of Cornelia are incomplete at this time. Mrs. Roberts died Thursday, Sept. 12, 2002, at her residence following an extended illness. She is the widow of Dr. Burch Joiner Roberts. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Robinson, Johnita Lynn
Funeral services for Johnita Lynn Robinson, 36, of Cornelia were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. The Rev. Billy Burrell officiated, with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Ms. Robinson died Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in Habersham County on April 28, 1966, she was a graduate of North Georgia Technical College and was a licensed practical nurse. Ms. Robinson was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her parents, S.C. and Ivalea Hooper Robinson of Cornelia; daughter, Bridgette Robinson of Cornelia; sister and brother-in-law, Tina and David Combs of Jackson County; granddaughter, Brianna Goss of Cornelia; a niece and nephew also survive. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Rogers, Harley
Funeral services for Harley Rogers, 81, of Mt. Airy will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Hillside Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Bill Trotter and the Rev. Ronnie Norton will officiate, with burial in Level Grove Cemetery. Mr. Rogers died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Cook County, Tenn., on April 13, 1921, he was the son of the late Oscar and Ollie Winkler Rogers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Legg Rogers. Mr. Rogers lived in Habersham County for 45 years and was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Korean War. He was retired from Fieldale Farms. Survivors include his daughter, Linda Henry of Hollywood; sister, Betty Rogers of Belmont, N.C.; and brothers, Tony Rogers, Kenny Rogers and Johnny Rogers, all of Belmont, N.C. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Roper, Mary Wofford
Funeral services for Mary Wofford Roper, 76, of Gainesville, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. Bobby Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Peachtree Memorial Gardens in Norcross. Mrs. Roper died Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2006, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late Oliver Wofford and Elva Thomas Wofford. She also was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Roper. Mrs. Roper was retired from Lay's as a secretary in accounting. She was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and also a member of the Gainesville Senior Citizen Center. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Santa, Jessie Paolantino
Funeral services for Jessie Paolantino Santa, 87, of Clarkesville were held Sunday, May 12, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home. Mrs. Santa died Friday, May 10, 2002, at Habersham County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Connecticut of Nov. 15, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Fred and Marie Paolantino. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Edward Santa. She was a homemaker and of the Catholic faith. Survivors include her sons, Ray Santa of Clarkesville, Edward Santa of Kennesaw; brother, Albert Paolantino of Providence, R.I.; sister, Teresa Buco of Providence, R.I.; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (May 2002)

Savage, Tex Timothy
Funeral services for Tex Timothy Savage, 64, of Lula, were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 12, at Skitts Mountain Baptist Church. The Rev. Kyle Savage, the Rev. Jesse Savage, the Rev. Tommy England and the Rev. Chris Anderson officiated, with burial following in the Savage Family Cemetery. Mr. Savage died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Hall County, he was the son of the late Lucas and Bartie Savage. He was a member of Skitts Mountain Baptist Church and was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Lucas Savage, and a sister, Penny Brock. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Savage of Lula; daughter, Pansy Wright of Cornelia; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Davina and Larry Overcash of Gainesville; sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Fern Savage of Missouri, Lane and Karen Savage of Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, Clint and Pat Savage of Cornelia; sisters and brothers-in-law, Tola and Colin Core of Olympia, Wash.; Charlotte and Larry Adams of Cornelia; a niece and nephew; special friends, Doyle and Michelle Savage; nine grandchildren; and other relatives. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Scarbrough, Ronald Steven
Memorial services for Ronald Steven Scarbrough, 45, of Baldwin, will be held in Humboldt, Tenn., at a later date. Mr. Scarbrough died Thursday, Jan. 16, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Lanier Park Campus, Gainesville, following a brief illness. Born in Humboldt, Tenn., on June 20, 1957, he was the son of the late Robert and Nina Scarbrough. Mr. Scarbrough was employed with A&A Paving Company and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tim Scarbrough. Survivors include his wife, Rose Crump Scarbrough of Baldwin; daughter, April Scarbrough of Tennessee; stepdaughters, Elizabeth Crane of Clarkesville, Cindy Ferguson of Mt. Airy; stepsons, Wayne Keller of Lavonia, Casey Keller of Carnesville, Dennis Keller of Hollingsworth; brothers, Jimmy Scarbrough, Glenn Scarbrough, Larry Scarbrough and Bubba Scarbrough, all of Tennessee; sisters, Carol McLemore, Linda Ziegler and Wanda Scarbrough, all of Tennessee; one grandchild; and 13 stepgrandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Scott, Myrtle Littleton
Funeral services for Myrtle Littleton Scott, 91, of Toccoa, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, in the Hillcrest Chapel of Acree-Davis Funeral Home. The Rev. Ernest Hunter and the Rev. Marvin Brown officiated, with burial in Chopped Oak Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Scott died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, at Stephens County Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County on Feb. 10, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Mary Jane Benfield Littleton. She lived in Habersham all of her life and was a member of Hollywood Grove Church of God. Mrs. Scott was a homemaker; she loved to quilt and work in her flower garden. She will be greatly missed and always loved. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Ben Scott; and grandsons, Dale Scott and Danny Scott. Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Violet and Harold Walker of Toccoa, Diane and Roger Canup of Mt. Airy; sons and daughters-in-law, Hoyt and Jewell Scott of Toccoa, Bruce and Sue Scott of Toccoa; sister, Paralee Scott of Demorest; brothers, Clarence Littleton and Condard Littleton, both of Toccoa; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Acree-Davis Funeral Home Inc., Toccoa, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Scott, William Kim
GAINESVILLE – Funeral services for William Kim Scott, 30, of Lula will be held at 2 p.m. today, Jan. 17, at Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel, Gainesville. The Rev. Jeff Worley will officiate, with burial in Memorial Park Cemetery. Mr. Scott died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, at Emory University Hospital following a courageous battle with leukemia for the past several months. Born in Hall County on Sept. 16, 1972, he lived in Cornelia for most of his life. Mr. Scott was a 1991 graduate of Habersham Central High School, starring on the football team from 1988 to 1991 as defensive tackle, while his twin brother was an offensive tackle. He, along with his twin brother, was on the football team in 1991 when it won the region championship. Mr. Scott graduated from the Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service in August 1995. He was inducted into the Theta Chapter of Pi Sigma Eta fraternity on Dec. 6, 1994. After graduating, he was employed with Memorial Park Funeral Home for the past several years. Mr. Scott loved, respected and had dedication for the funeral profession. He was a former member of First Presbyterian Church of Cornelia. He loved and played golf and was an avid Georgia fan. He was also a member of the Commerce Masonic Lodge and a member of Grace Baptist Church. Mr. Scott was devoted to his family and the love of his life was his children. He enjoyed watching his two young boys participate in basketball and T-ball. He was loved and was a special husband, son and brother. He was also loved by his mother-in-law and father-in-law. Mr. Scott was preceded in death by his grandparents, A. B. and Selma C. Williams, and Earl and Lola Bennett. Survivors include his wife, Tiffany Scott of the home; sons, Alex Scott, Rora Scott, both of the home; parents, Howell “Scotty” and Linda Scott of Martin; brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Joyce Scott of Peachtree City; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wayne and Patricia Thomas of Lula; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Carter and Sunshine Thomas of Lula; grandparents-in-law, Roy and Winnie Thomas of Lula; a niece; a nephew; and numerous aunts and uncles. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Scroggs, Samuel Damascus Jr.
S.D. Scroggs, age 83, of Cornelia, died Thursday, November 7, 2002, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.  He was born in Habersham County and
was the son of the late Samuel Damascus Sr. and Della Martin Scroggs.  He was the retired owner and operator of Scroggs Tire Company. He was a
farmer and was retired from Habersham County School System as a bus driver with 28 years service. Scroggs was a member of the
Soque Wheelers Square Dances and the Sheriff's Posse. He was a member of Level Grove Baptist Church and the Caleb's Clan Sunday school class.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Earl Scroggs, Ray Scroggs and Howard Scroggs; sisters, Blanche Stephens and Ola Belle Herrin Hallford;
and a grandson. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Harrison Scroggs, Cornelia; daughter, Marcia S. Sorrow, Colbert; son, Clint Scroggs, Alto; brother,
Bascomb Scroggs, and a grandson.   Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Friday, November 8, 2002, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel
in Baldwin. The Reverend Clyde Garrison and the Reverend Terry Rice will officiate. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Submitted by G. C. Oliver

Sellers, Dora Pitts

Funeral services for Dora Pitts Sellers, 78, of Cornelia will be held at 11 a.m., today, July 2, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. The Rev. Billy Harris will officiate with burial in Welcome Home Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Sellers died Saturday, June 29, 2002, at Newton General Hospital in Covington following an extended illness. Born in Wilkes County on April 16, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Zona Whitworth Pitts. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Sellers; and daughter, Penny Sellers. She was a homemaker and was formerly employed in the suture department of Chicopee Manufacturing Company. She was a member of Welcome Home Baptist Church. Survivors include her daughters, Sarah Langston, Mary Gibson, both of Cornelia, Ruth Bowen of Seneca, S.C., Martha Addison of Homer, Gail Baird of Winder; sons, Ray Sellers, Larry Sellers, both of Cornelia; brothers, Clyde A. Pitts of Daytona Beach, Fla., Eugene Pitts of Indiana; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jul 2002)

Shinkle, Elizabeth C. Graham
Funeral services for Elizabeth C. Graham Skinkle, 89, of Clarkesville, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at Hillside Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Furman Lewis and the Rev. Richard Scoggins officiated, with entombment in Memorial Park Cemetery, Gainesville. Mrs. Skinkle died Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Mt. Albert, Auckland, New Zealand, on May 30, 1913, she was the daughter of the late William W. and Annie Woods Graham. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Skinkle. Mrs. Skinkle was a homemaker and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Clarkesville. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, John and Linda Skinkle of Clarkesville; brother, Ian Hamilton Graham of Hamilton, New Zealand; and two grandchildren. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Shockley, J.D.
Funeral services for J.D. Shockley, 86, of Baldwin were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 7, at Leatherwood Baptist Church. The Rev. James Morgan and the Rev. James Harvey officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Shockley died Friday, July 5, 2002, at St. Josephs Hospital in Atlanta. Born in Hall County on Dec. 7, 1915, he was a son of the late Thomas Sr. and Jessie Osborne Shockley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Cathryn Pritchett Shockley. Mr. Shockley was retired as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service and owned and operated Shockleys Store for 35 years. He was a member of Hollingsworth Lodge No. 355 F&AM, and was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Alawayne and Edwin Booth, Sandra and Clifton Ward, all of Baldwin; sister, Lois Christopher of Duluth; brothers, Woodrow Shockley of Homer, Thomas Shockley Jr. of Toccoa; and grandchildren, Doug and Sherry Ward, Christopher Ward, Saresa Booth. Memorials may be made to WRAF Christian Radio, P.O. Box 780, Toccoa Falls, Ga. 30598. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jul 2002)

Sigers, Robert Charles ‘Charlie’
Funeral arrangements for Robert Charles “Charlie” Sigers, 67, of Baldwin are incomplete at this time. Mr. Sigers died Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, at his residence following a sudden illness. Born in Habersham County on Aug. 10, 1935, he was the son of the late Clifton and Mary Pearl Higgins Segers. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Nesbit “Pop” Segers, Lewis Segers; and sister, Ovalene Holden. Mr. Segers was employed by Pop’s Painting as a residential and commercial painter. Survivors include his daughter, Jennifer Segers of Cumming; sisters, Sylvia Sanders of Comer, Rachel Segers of Cumming, Paulette Brown of Newborn; and brother, Wilkie Segers of Ellijay. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Sims, Jeff
Funeral services for Jeff Sims, 41, of Clarkesville were held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 8, at Hillside Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Furman Lewis officiated with burial in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Sims died Friday, July 5, 2002, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in Habersham County on Feb. 7, 1961, he was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Mr. Sims was a carpenter. He was preceded in death by his mother, Bronez Parker Sims; grandparents, True and Mary Lou Parker, Hamp and Lucy Sims. Survivors include his father, Boyd Sims of Clarkesville; daughters, Jennifer Sims Burdette of Toccoa, Melissa Sims of Clarkesville; son, Jeffrey Parker Sims Jr. of Clarkesville; sisters, Debby Harris of Highpoint, N.C., Kay Norton of Gainesville; grandson, Levi Burdette of Toccoa. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jul 2002)

Sisk, Donald William
Funeral services for Donald William Sisk, 58, of Clarkesville were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Amy’s Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Buddy Adams, the Rev. Clay Poole and the Rev. Raymond Fortner officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Sisk died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003. Born in Habersham County on Sept. 12, 1944, he was the son of the late Verner and Bertha Eller Sisk. He was a member of Amy’s Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. Survivors include his wife, Gussie Crawford Sisk of Clarkesville; daughter, Cathy Sisk Gonzalez of Clarkesville; sister, Dorothy Simpson of Mt. Airy; brothers, Gerald Sisk of Griffin, Martin Sisk of Clarkesville; and two grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Donald Sisk Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 58, Demorest, GA 30535. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Smith, Edgar David
Funeral services for Edgar David Smith, 54, of Lula, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 25, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. The Rev. Paul Morris and the Rev. Luther Williams will officiate. Burial will follow in Belton Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Cecil Thomas officiating at graveside. Full military honors will be provided by Rabun County Disabled American Veterans Post No. 15, the Habersham County American Legion Post No. 84 and the Honor Guard from Fort McPherson. Mr. Smith died Saturday, Feb. 22, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born in Hall County on Dec. 30, 1948, he was a 1966 graduate of Banks County High School. Mr. Smith was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War and received the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat. He was retired from the Georgia Department of Transportation, Truck Division, as an enforcement officer. Mr. Smith was a Baptist. Survivors include his parents, Leroy and Mary Ruth Crumley Smith of Lula; daughter, Amanda Dawn Smith Gaddy of Alto; son, Ryan Lee Smith of Lula; and brothers, Royce Smith of Murrayville, Willard Smith of Baldwin, Joel Smith and Baxter Smith, both of Lula. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Smith, Hazel Gee
Funeral services for Hazel Gee Smith, 63, of Cornelia, will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19, at the chapel of Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, with the Rev. Sanford Kimbrell and the Rev. Ralph Smith officiating. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Smith, Lawrence
Funeral services for Lawrence Smith, 59, of Clarkesville were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Macedonia Baptist Church. The Rev. Raymond Payne and the Rev. Paris Whitworth officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Smith died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in Habersham County on Sept. 23, 1943, he was the son of the late Waco and Ruth Holcomb Smith. He was employed with T.C. Baycor, Cornelia, and was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Betty Free Smith of Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Sammy Dean of Clarkesville; stepdaughter and son-in-law, Cathy and Brian Dobbs of Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, Marty and Karen Smith of Clarkesville; and six grandchildren. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Smith, Perry ‘Ray’ Jr.
Funeral services for Perry “Ray” Smith Jr., 40, of Alto will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. The Rev. Clyde Garrison, the Rev. Jimmy Palmer and the Rev. Perry Smith will officiate, with burial in Crossroads Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Smith died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in Hall County on July 23, 1962, he was a mechanic and a member of Silver Shoals Baptist Church. Survivors include his parents, Perry Ray Sr. and Margaret Ivester Smith of Alto; daughter, Scarlett Standridge of Cumming; sister and brother-in-law, Jessie Ann and Chuck Gilliland of Alto; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Amos and Michelle Smith of Banks County, John and Mary Ann Smith of Banks County. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Foundation. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Snow, Eva Jane Scott
Funeral services for Eva Jane Scott Snow, 70, of Turnerville were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, at McDonald and Son Funeral Home in Cumming. Burial was in Elmwood Cemetery, Birmingham, Ala. Mrs. Snow died Friday, Aug. 9, 2002. Mrs. Snow was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Luther Snow Jr. Survivors include her children, Scott and Sandy Snow of Acworth, Mike and Pat Snow of Morganton, Cindie Snow Creecy of Cumming, Marc and Jennifer Snow of Turnerville; grandchildren, Scott Snow Jr., Howard Snow and Jennifer Snow, all of Acworth, Luther Snow of Morganton, Lee Creecy, Collin Creecy, Katherine Creecy and Kevin Creecy, all of Cumming. L. W. McDonald & Son Funeral Home, Cumming, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Sosby, Roger D.
Funeral services for Roger D. Sosby, 49, of Alpharetta, formerly of Toccoa, were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at Tom’s Creek Baptist Church, Martin. The Rev. Doug Merck officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Sosby died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. Survivors include his wife, Darla Sosby of Alpharetta; sons, Jonathan Dan Sosby of Lula, William Blake Sosby of Alpharetta; parents, the Rev. Walter “Jack” and Evelyn Sosby of Cornelia; and sister, Jackie Sosby of Gainesville. Northside Chapel Funeral Directors, Roswell/Alpharetta, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Stacey, Michael L.
Funeral services for Michael L. Stacey, 52, of Hampton, Va., formerly of Cornelia, were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, at the R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton, Va. Burial was in Peninsula Memorial Park. Mr. Stacey died Monday, Jan. 6, 2003. A native of Hampton, Va., Mr. Stacey lived in Cornelia for 25 years before returning to Hampton. He was a 1969 graduate of Hampton High School and a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in Vietnam. He loved the knowledge he gained from his love of reading books and was especially fond of science fiction. Mr. Stacey was proficient with computers, excelling in digital photography. He was previously employed with Cooper Vision in Chesapeake, Va. He was preceded in death by his mother, Montine Martin Stacey. Survivors include his son, Travis D. Stacey of Alaska; father, Albert B. Stacey Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Kim and Brian Hames of Poquoson, Va.; brothers, Christopher M. Stacey of Hampton, Va., Jeffrey L. Stacey of Georgia, Jonathan W. Stacey of Newport News, Va.; three nieces; two nephews; one great-niece; and one great-nephew. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 895 Middle Ground Boulevard, Suite 154, Newport News, VA 23606. R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton, Va., was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Stankewich, Margaret Barker Byars
Graveside services for Margaret Barker Byars Stankewich, 72, of Peachtree City, were held at 2 p.m. Monday, March 17, at Red Bank Baptist Church Cemetery, Red Bank, S.C. The Rev. James Truesdale officiated. Mrs. Stankewich died Friday, March 14, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center’s Lanier Park campus following an extended illness. Born in Charlotte, N.C., on March 25, 1930, she was the daughter of Grace Truesdale Roof and the late Claude L. Barker. She was a retired sales associate with J.C. Penney and a member of Red Bank Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Robert J. Stankewich of Peachtree City; mother, Grace Truesdale Roof of Lexington; sons, James Rogers Byars Jr. of Rocksprings, Wyo., Joe Byars of Chapin, S.C.; daughter, Claudia Bell of Cornelia; sister, Louise Hall of Cayce, S.C.; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Mar 2003)

Stephens, Tena
Funeral services for Tena Stephens, 77, of Baldwin were held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. Dr. T. Logan Smith and the Rev. George Deadwyler officiated, with burial in Baldwin Cemetery. Mrs. Stephens died Friday, Feb. 7, 2003, at a private nursing home. Born in Crisp County on Feb. 4, 1926, she was the daughter of the late A.J. and Bertha Johns Powers. Mrs. Stephens was a member of Cornelia First Baptist Church and the AARP. She worked with Tax-Aid, assisting in filing income tax; Helping Hands, the Habersham County Soup Kitchen and Meals on Wheels. Survivors include her husband, Joe Stephens Sr. of Baldwin; daughter, Pattie Stephens of Baldwin; son, Joe Stephens Jr. of Peachtree City; sisters, Elweita Schultz of San Antonio, Texas, Lorena Griffin of Alapaha, Helen Newsome of Cordele, Jean Sheridan of Centerville; brothers, Paul Powers and James Powers, both of Cordele, Wayne Powers of Swainsboro; and grandchildren, Stefanie Stephens and Brett Stephens. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 96, Cornelia, GA 30531. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Stewart, Fredrick Lloyd
Funeral services for Fredrick Lloyd Stewart, 55, of Clarkesville will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Macedonia Baptist Church. The Rev. Raymond Payne and the Rev. Wayne Fowler will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Stewart died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Cochise County, Ariz., on March 21, 1947, he was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a computer specialist. He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Mr. Stewart was preceded in death by his father, Lloyd L. Stewart. Survivors include his son, Justin Lloyd Stewart of Mankato, Minn.; mother, Myrtle Jones Stewart of Clarkesville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pamela and Ron Wade of Demorest, Joyce and Ken Chance of Athens; one niece; and one nephew. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today, Jan. 28, at the funeral home. Stanley H. Powell and the Cornelius E. Church Funeral Home, Clarkesville, are in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Stockton, Bertha Street
Funeral services for Bertha Street Stockton, 86, of Franklin, N.C., will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 4, at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The Rev. Josh Brooks and the Rev. Eddie Stillwell will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Stockton died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2003. Born in Greenville, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Bob and Velma Rowland Street. She was preceded in death by her husband, Archie C. Stockton; and brother, Eston Street. Mrs. Stockton was retired from Clayburn Manufacturing, where she worked as a machine operator. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where she was a former Sunday school teacher. Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Geraldine and Jesse Cunningham of Franklin, N.C., Brenda and Sam Bowers of Franklin, N.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Dorothy Stockton of Alto; sisters, Evelyn Crowe and Jessie Chapman, both of Pickens, S.C.; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; four step grandchildren; six step great-grandchildren; and six step great-great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Tanksley, Evelyn Sosebee
Funeral services for Evelyn Sosebee Tanksley, 81, of Clarkesville were held Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m. at Habersham Baptist Church. The Rev. Tim Burpee officiated with burial in Habersham Cemetery. Mrs. Tanksley died Thursday, May 9, 2002, at the Habersham County Medical Center following a brief illness. Born on Sept. 10, 1920, in Habersham County, she was a daughter of the late Ernest and Ione Gastley Sosebee. She was preceded in death by her husband, S.V. Tanksley; brothers, Dewey Sosebee and James A. Sosebee. Mrs. Tanksley was retired from Habersham Mills. She was a member of Habersham Baptist Church, the Young at Heart and Ladies II Sunday school class. Survivors include her sisters, Christine Spivey, Grace Burton, both of Clarkesville; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gail and Charles Kastner of Powder Springs, Annette and Clyde Tench of Clarkesville; brothers and sisters-in-law, Charles and Julie Sosebee of Las Vagas, Nev., Tony and Linda Sosebee of Clarkesville; several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Habersham Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 412, Habersham GA 30544. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel in Demorest, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (May 2002)

Tench, Rev. Hoyt
Funeral services for the Rev. Hoyt O. Tench, 79, of Alto will be held today, May 28, at 2 p.m. at Level Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. Billy Burrell and the Rev. John Humphries will officiate with the Rev. Terry Rice officiating at graveside in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. The Rev. Tench died Sunday, May 26, 2002, at a private nursing home following an extended illness. Born on Aug. 4, 1922, in Habersham County, he was a son of the late George W. and Dora Erwin Tench. He was preceded in death by a son, Tony Tench; brothers, Ted Tench, J.C. Tench, Bobby Tench; and sister, Mildred Smith. The Rev. Tench was a U.S. Army World War II veteran. He was a retired minister having pastored and helped form several churches in Georgia and Virginia. He had also been on mission trips to Arizona ministering to Native Americans. The Rev. Tench was retired from Southern Railway as an engineer with 30 years of service. He was also employed by the Tallulah Falls Railway as an engineer and fireman. The Rev. Tench was a member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge F&AM No. 92, and the Mountaineer Shrine Club. He was a member of the International Police Chaplains and one of the first chaplains to serve at the Habersham County Medical Center. He was also a board member on the Depot Restoration Committee and a board member of Rails to Trails in Tallulah Falls. The Rev. Tench was a chaplain for the Habersham Chapter No. 480 Order of the Eastern Star and was the grand chaplain of the Grand Lodge of Georgia. Survivors include his wife, Catherine Dalton Tench of Alto; daughters, Linda Denmon of Powder Springs, Cheryl Gordon of Demorest; sisters, Cleo West of Cleveland, Ora Lee Nicholson of Clarkesville, Marie Ledford of Gastonia, N.C., JoAnn Meloy of Lawrenceville; brothers, George Lester Tench of Gastonia, N.C., Mike Tench of Belmont, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Rails to Trails, Tallulah Falls. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (May 2002)

Thomas, Helen Wilbanks
Funeral services for Helen Wilbanks Thomas, 55, of Alto were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Crossroads Baptist Church. The Rev. Clyde Garrison and the Rev. Jacob Armour officiated, with burial in B.C. Grant Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Thomas died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, at her residence following a brief illness. Born in Habersham County on Nov. 17, 1947, she was the daughter of the late James Haden “J.H.” Wilbanks Jr. and Willeree Armour Wilbanks Watkins. She was a homemaker, an avid gardener, an avid reader and a member of Crossroads Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Harold Thomas of Alto; daughter, April Celeste Thomas of Alto; son, Barry Len Thomas of Alto; stepfather, John Lamon Watkins of Cornelia; stepbrothers, Anthony Watkins of Mt. Airy, Marion Watkins of Homer; grandmother, Vadie Thomas Armour of Alto; and grandchildren, Seth Harold Thomas and Kayla Marie Thomas. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Thomason, Phillip Warren
Funeral services for Phillip Warren Thomason, 29, of Lavonia will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home. The Rev. John Forbes will officiate, with burial in Level Grove Church Cemetery. Mr. Thomason died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002, in Habersham County. Born in Habersham County on July 24, 1973, Mr. Thomason was a construction worker and a member of Mud Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Becky Spears Thomason of Lavonia; daughter, Breeligh Thomason of Lavonia; sons, Logan Thomason of Lavonia, Dylan Shope of Cornelia, Christopher Lee of Gillsville; father and stepmother, Warren and Tammy Mote Thomason of Homer; mother and stepfather, Peggy (Thompson) and Bruce Payne of Alto; brothers, Jonathan Thomason of Baldwin, Seth Thomason of Homer, Jake Williams of Baldwin, Joe Williams of Homer, Corey Payne of Alto; sisters, Brandy Pope of Mt. Airy, Christy Payne of Atlanta, Faith Segers of Cornelia; and grandparents, Mary Jane Thomason of Cornelia, General and Molly Mote of Baldwin. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. today, Sept. 13. The family is at the residence of his mother, Peggy Thompson Payne, 171 Armour St., Alto. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Thompson, Thelma Peyton
No services are planned at this time for Thelma Peyton Thompson, 87, of Albany. Mrs. Thompson died Saturday, Nov. 4, 2006, at Phoebe-Putney Memorial Hospital. Born on April 1, 1919, in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Reynolds R. and Addie Lee Payne Peyton. She also was preceded in death by her husband, Olin Thompson; and her sister, Winnie Weaver. Mrs. Thompson was a member of Line Baptist Church and was bookkeeper for a pecan broker. She was the last of her immediate family. Mrs. Thompson's wishes were to be cremated. Whitfield Funeral Homes, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Trotter, Robert Lee
Funeral services for Robert Lee Trotter, 82, of Clarkesville were held at 3 p.m., Monday, July 1, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home. The Rev. Richard Horn officiated with burial in Victory Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Trotter died Saturday, June 29, 2002, at a private nursing home facility following an extended illness. Born in White County on Jan. 10, 1920, he was the son of the late Willie and Mollie Edwards Trotter. He was retired from Habersham Electric Membership Corporation. Mr. Trotter was a U.S. Army veteran having served in World War II, where he was a prisoner of war in Germany. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Kinsey Trotter of Clarkesville; daughter, Lynn Walters of Clarkesville; son, Robert Lee Trotter Jr. of Clarkesville; sisters, Zella Wilson, Ethel Westmoreland, both of Sautee, Essie Parrott of Gastonia, N.C., Ellene Shook of Clarkesville; and four grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jul 2002)

Tyler, Johnny Franklin Frank
Funeral services for Johnny Franklin Frank Tyler, 66, of Cornelia were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, at Demorest Church of God. The Rev. Bill Cox and the Rev. Darvin Slaton officiated with burial in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Tiger. Mr. Tyler died Thursday, Aug. 8, at his residence following an extended illness. Born in Rabun County on March 18, 1936, he was the son of the late Harve Pierce and Martha Smith Tyler. He was preceded in death by his son, Bobby Tyler; brother, Samuel Raymond Tyler; and sisters, Nancy Beasley and Fannie Mae Watts. He was retired from Mt. Vernon Mills and was a member of Demorest Church of God. Survivors include his wife, Betty Watts Tyler of Cornelia; daughters, Sandra Parrington of Westminster, S.C., Lana Tyler of Cornelia; sons, Ken Tyler of Columbia, S.C., Johnny Tyler of Cornelia; brothers, Cecil Tyler of Mountain City, James Tyler of Alto, Robert Tyler of Homer; sisters, Sara Ruth Ridney of New York, Mary Virginia Taylor of Florida, Irene Whitfield of Cornelia, Martha Lillian Watts of Wiley, Lizzie Bell Moore of Tiger, Kathryn Davis of Macon, Mildred Joann Varner of South Carolina, Clara Faye Baker of Tiger; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon