Habersham County Obituaries

Vickery, Sarah Elizabeth Cash
Funeral services for Sarah Elizabeth Cash Vickery, 85, of Smyrna were held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 9, in the chapel of Carmichael Funeral Home. The Rev. Glenn Williams and Dr. Marion Brewer officiated, with burial in Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery in Banks County. Mrs. Vickery died Friday, June 6, 2003. Born in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Gresham and Montine Wiley Cash. She lived in Smyrna since 1953. Mrs. Vickery was a homemaker and a member of Olive Springs Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Hubert B. Vickery of Smyrna; sons, Charles D. Vickery of Marietta, Richard H. Vickery of Villa Rica; sisters, Geneva Brewer of Marietta, Revelee Ayers of Woodstock, Laverne Fletcher of Tallahassee, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Carmichael Funeral Home, Smyrna, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jun 2003)

Wade, Grady
Funeral services for Grady Wade, 79, of Demorest will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 30, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. The Rev. Donald Grizzle will officiate with burial in Return Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Wade died Sunday, July 28, 2002, at Banks-Jackson County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Banks County on April 8, 1923, he was a son of the late Cleveland and Margie Crenshaw Wade. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Smith Wade; sister, Grace Lynch Plott; and brothers, Paul Wade, Roosevelt Wade. Mr. Wade was a U.S. Army World War II veteran and a member of Return Baptist Church. He was retired from Clarkesville Mill with 37 years of service. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Richard Jones of Demorest; son and daughter-in-law, Verner and Joyce Wade of Demorest; grandchildren, Kris Jones, Kim Jones, both of Demorest; sisters, Sophronia Petitt of Cleveland, Charlotte Freeman and Joyce Turner, both of Demorest; and brothers, Richard Wade and Dewey Wade, both of Demorest, Buford Wade of Cleveland. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jun 2002)

Wade, Mary Louise Crawford
Funeral services for Mary Louise Crawford Wade, 86, of Alto, were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at Timberidge Baptist Church. The Rev. Dean Bryant and Mike Robertson officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Wade died Wednesday, July 3, 2002, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a short illness. Born in Hall County on Feb. 26, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Garnett and Pearl Eberhart McMillan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dupree Crawford Sr.; and brothers, Jimmy McMillan, Ralph McMillan, Clyde McMillan. Mrs. Wade was a homemaker and a member of Timberidge Baptist Church. Survivors include her daughters, Betty Woodall of Murrayville, Martha Pearl Crawford of Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-law, Melinda and Hugh Lee Bennett of Gainesville, Roger and Mary Tanksley of Cornelia, Becky and Carroll Andrews of Baldwin; son, William Gary Crawford of Baldwin; sons and daughters-in-law, Grady G. and Runnell Crawford of Marietta, Rodger and Dianne Crawford of Gainesville, Dupree Jr. and Sharon Crawford of Alto, Michael and Linda Crawford of Cornelia, Spot and Libby Crawford of Cornelia, Edward L. and Brenda L. Crawford of Baldwin; 25 grandchildren; and 28 great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jul 2002)

Wade, Rodney Lee
Funeral services for Rodney Lee Wade, 35, of Demorest were held at 1:30 p.m., Sunday, June 30, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Pastor Bobby Griffin officiated with burial in Amys Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Wade died Thursday, June 27, 2002, at his residence following a sudden illness. Born in Habersham County on April 13, 1967, he was preceded in death by his father, Mack Wade. Survivors include his wife, Juanita Canup Wade; mother, Ruby Thomas Wade of Alto; daughters, Maggie Wade, Jessica Wade, both of Gillsville; stepdaughter, Crystal Wade of Demorest; sons, Clayton Wade, Travis Lee Wade, Rusty Daniel Wade, all of Demorest; sister, Melissa Wade of Lula. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jun 2002)

From the Tri-County Advertiser, Clarkesville, GA, October 7, 1918 issue:
Walker, Howard
Thursday the many friends of Captain and Mrs. A. C. Walker, of Mt. Airy, were shocked and grieved to hear of the death of their seven year old son, Howard. The little boy had an attack of influenza followed by double pneumonia.
In spite of tender nursing and vigilent nursing the young life could not be saved. The Angel of Death bore away a child who was the joy and hope of his parents.
Little Howard was a boy of unusual promise, a brave, generous, manly fellow. He was the constant companion of his father. The little figure trudging after Captain Walker whom he idolized, was a familiar sight in Mr. Airy.
Howard admired his father and strove to imitate in every way; a deep affection existed between the two. To the lonely father only faith in an all-merciful God can bring comfort.
To the gentle, devoted mother and to the loving older sister there will come the healing knowledge that Howard is in the land of the blest where little children play and sing with the angels, safe from sickness and sorrow.
To the little sister who has lost her playmate and who early in life has had to drink from the bitter cup of grief, time will bring solace. In eternity Howard, ever young, ever free from pain, will watch over Dorothy.
There is one consoling thought for family and friends, the Father who called the dear little lad home loves his children with a love that exceedeth our love, and so every heart that has been saddened whispers "Thy will be done". Submitted by Dawn Watson

Ward, John William

Taccoa Record

Thursday, May 10, 1956

John William Ward, 85, well known resident of Stephens county, died early this morning at his home on the Mize road following an extended illness.

Mr. Ward was born September 28, 1870 in Banks county, son of the late Joe and Martha Savage Ward. He had made his home in Taccoa for the past 18 years, and was a member of the Toccoa Church of God.

Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ada Cheek Ward, of the home; four sons, Enos and Everett Ward, both of Toccoa, Amos Ward of Commerce, and Edsel Ward of Thomasville, N.C.; four daughters, Mrs. Jesse Wood and Mrs. Gladys Moore of Toccoa, Mrs. George Free and Mrs. Lester Gordon, both of Thomasville, N.C.; one daughter in law, Mrs. Mildred Ward of Toccoa,; one brother Sam Ward of Spartanburg, SC, 28 grandchildren and 11 Great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at Calvary Baptist Church at 3:00 p.m. Sunday with the Rev. Ed Aiken, the Rev. Phillips and the Rev. H.C. Carpenter officiating. Submitted by Keith Ward

Waring, Emi Lee Pressley
Funeral services for Emi Lee Pressley Waring, 88, of Habersham Home East, Demorest and formerly of Spartanburg, S.C., will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, at J.F. Floyd Mortuary’s Greenlawn Chapel in Spartanburg with entombment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Waring died Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in Arden, N.C., on Dec. 29, 1914, she was a daughter of the late Kelly Pressley and Marian Hart Allen and also was preceded in death by her husband, Norman L. Waring. She retired after 20 years of service as a medical lab technician and was a member of Park Hills Church of God in Spartanburg. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, John and Carol Perkins of Cornelia. The family will receive friends at J.F. Floyd Mortuary’s Greenlawn Chapel from 6-8 p.m. today, Nov. 21. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Park Hills Chuch of God, 123 Westview Blvd., Spartanburg, S.C. 29306. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel of Baldwin is in charge of local arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2003)

Watkins, Willeree Armour Wilbanks
Funeral services for Willeree Armour Wilbanks Watkins, 74, of Cornelia were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at B.C. Grant Baptist Church, Alto. The Rev. Clyde Garrison and the Rev. Woodrow Hix officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Watkins died Thursday, Dec. 5, 2002, at Habersham County Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in Oglethorpe County on Aug. 8, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Dee Armour. Mrs. Watkins was a retired inspector with Fieldale Corp., an avid gardener and of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her first husband, J.H. Wilbanks; and brothers, William Armour and Howard Armour. Survivors include her husband, John L. Watkins of Cornelia; daughter, Helen Wilbanks Thomas of Alto; stepsons, Anthony Watkins of Mt. Airy, Marion Watkins of Homer; mother, Vadie Thomas Armour of Alto; brothers, D.W. Armour of Demorest, Faye Armour of Batesville; sisters, Bessie Wade of Alto, Judy Clark of Mississippi; grandchildren, Barry Len Thomas, April Celeste Thomas, both of Alto; and great-grandchildren, Seth Harold Thomas, Kayla Marie Thomas. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Watkins, Willie Pearl
Funeral services for Willie Pearl Watkins, 84, of Demorest, were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 15, at New Bridge Baptist Church. The Rev. Lloyd Martin and the Rev. Verner London officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. Watkins died Thursday, March 13, 2003, at a private healthcare facility following an extended illness. Born in White County on April 11, 1918, she was the daughter of the late D. J. “Doc” and Mary Elizabeth Sosebee Freeman. Mrs. Watkins was the owner and operator of the Country Inn Restaurant for several years, as well as a homemaker and member of New Bridge Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Barney Lewis Watkins; brothers, Talmadge Freeman and Millard Freeman; sisters, Cora Powell, Ruby Wilbanks and Margie Crow; and son-in-law, Earl Lovell. Survivors include her daughter, Janice Lovell of Batesville; daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine and Charles Rumpel of Tampa, Fla., Lanell and Scott Woodall of Demorest, and Betty and Telford Dalton of Demorest; son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Elora Watkins of Cornelia; brother, J.C. Freeman of Cleveland; sister, Lola Freeman of Tennessee; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Mar 2003)

Watson, Vermon
Funeral services for 1st Sgt. Vermon Watson, 77, of Demorest will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Taylor and the Rev. Russ Barker officiating. The body will be placed in the church beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the U.S. Marine Corps. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Watts, Donnis
Funeral services for Donnis Watts, 55, of Clarkesville will be held Wednesday, May 29, at 11 a.m. at Hollywood Baptist Church. The Rev. Ken Fonclara will officiate with burial in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by Rabun County DAV Chapter 15. Mr. Watts died Sunday, May 26, 2002, at Habersham County Medical Center following a brief illness. Born on April 24, 1947, in Habersham County, he was a son of the late Stewart Watts. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Vietnam conflict. Mr. Watts was an auto body repairman and a member of Hollywood Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his sister, Isabell Watts. Survivors include his wife, Annette Franklin Watts of Clarkesville; daughters, Lisa Lenard of Washington, N.C., Kelli Miller of Florida, Amanda Watts of Clarkesville; sons, Brent Watts of Clarkesville, Eric Watts of Clarkesville; mother, Sally Simmons Starr of Hollywood; brothers, Terry Watts of Turnerville, Jerry Watts of Hollywood; sister, Andrea Williams of Toccoa; and six grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (May 2002)

Weathers, William Lester
Funeral services for William Lester Williams, 97, of Demorest were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 6, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home. The Rev. Tim McIntosh officiated with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens with full Masonic graveside services provided by the Cornelia Masonic Lodge No. 92 F&AM. Mr. Weathers died Tuesday, July 2, 2002, at a personal care facility following an extended illness. Born in Daisy on Oct. 29, 1904, he was the son of the late Marvin Lester and Beulah Elizabeth Brady Weathers. He was the owner of Weathers Appliances and Furniture, and Log Cabin Sewing Machine Repair. He was a member of Harvest Christian Church and a 50-year member of the Cornelia Masonic Lodge No. 92 F&AM. He was the Past High Priest of the Clarkesville Royal Arch Chapter. Mr. Weathers was also a member of the Phielmon Commandry, the Yaarab Shrine Temple and the Mountaineer Shrine Club. He served as Worthy Patron of the Clarkesville Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. He was a member of Habersham AARP Chapter No. 2040 and organized the Clarkesville AARP chapter in 1979, where he served as president for three years. He was a former member of the Cornelia Kiwanis Club. He published his autobiography, which is located in the state archives and the Piedmont College Library. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Mamie Bazemore, to whom he was married for 39 years; second wife, Dorothy Garrison, to whom he was married for 32 years; and daughter, Mildred Carver. Survivors include his daughters, Betty Clair Harvey of Columbus, Cheryl Smart of San Jose, Calif.; sisters, Allene Remley, Bertie Mae Patterson, both of Longwood, Fla.; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jul 2002)

Weaver, James Wesley II
Funeral arrangements for James Wesley Weaver II, 33, of Mt. Airy are incomplete at this time. Mr. Weaver died Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002. The family is at the home of his aunt and uncle, Amon and Teresa Weaver, 5744 Fernside Dr., Toccoa. Whitlock Mortuary Inc., Toccoa, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon

Weaver, Paul Douglas
Funeral services for Paul Douglas Weaver, 57, of Demorest were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, at the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Rev. Johnny Brady and the Rev. Connie Berry officiating. Burial followed in Unity Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Weaver died Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2006, at his residence following a sudden illness. Born in Habersham County on Sept. 12, 1949, he was the son of the late Seaborn and Thelma Barrett Weaver. He also was preceded in death by his daughter, Paula Darlene Weaver. Mr. Weaver was a self-employed carpenter who enjoyed riding in the mountains and hanging out at the Waffle House. He was a member of Unity Baptist Church. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Welborn, Mary Glenn Manley
Funeral services for Mary Glenn Manley Welborn, 61, of Cornelia, will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, with the Rev. Tim Beasley officiating. Burial will follow in Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Welborn died Monday, Nov. 6, 2006, at Piedmont Hospital, Atlanta. Born on July 25, 1945, in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late Jay Herman and Mary Lou Marcus Manley. She also was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Nancy Marcus, who reared her in their home. Ms. Welborn was a member of First Baptist Church of Cornelia. She was a graduate of South Habersham High School and was employed at Belk's in Cornelia. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Wheeler, John George

Tri-County Advertiser 2/5/1953: J. George Wheeler - J. George Wheeler, 91, of Demorest, Route 1, died Tuesday morning at his home following a brief illness. Mr. Wheeler was born October 12, 1861, in Habersham County, and spent all of his life in this section. He was a prominent farmer until the time of his retirement. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Mary Wheeler; four daughters, Mrs. Allie Vinson, of Rock Hill S.C.; Mrs. Sallie Wheeler, and Mrs. J.C. Stover, of Atlanta and Mrs. A.B. Powers, of Gainesville; five sons, Charlie Wheeler, of Atlanta, Jim, Joe, and Tom Wheeler, all of Demorest; and John Wheeler of Paw Creek N.C. He also leaves two step-daughters, Mrs. Ora Ritchie, of Atlanta, and Mrs. Exie Addington, of Cornelia; three step-sons, C.M., I.W. and J.F. Kinney, of Atlanta; 49 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mrs. Sallie Elliott of Gainesville; Mrs. Mary Ann Powers of Winterville, and Mrs. Eliza Woodall; two half-brothers, Thomas McIntyre and Bill McIntyre both of Demorest. Funeral Services were held today at 3:00p/m/ from the Bethlehem Baptist Church near Clarkesville, the Rev. Clyde Bates, Sr., the Rev. Hoyt Tench and the Rev. J.M. Jarrard officiating. Burial took place in the church cemetery. Church and Son Funeral Home was in charge. Submitted by Gila Ragan-Hoover

Whelchel, Scarlett Fortenberry
Funeral services for Scarlett Fortenberry Whelchel, 61, of Demorest were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Rev. Guy Lee officiating. Burial was in Habersham Cemetery, with Lamar Whiting officiating at graveside. Mrs. Whelchel died Friday, Jan. 17, 2003, at her residence following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County on June 10, 1941, she was the daughter of Ruth Chambers Fortenberry and the late Gladys Fortenberry. She was the owner and operator of Floral Designs by Scarlett for 10 years. She was memorial chairperson for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and a member of Habersham Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Adam Christopher Elrod; brother, Hobert Fortenberry; and sister-in-law, Patsy Ash Fortenberry. Survivors include her husband, Sam Whelchel of Demorest; daughter, Jennifer King of Demorest; son and daughter-in-law, Jamison and Christine Whelchel of Sharpsburg; mother, Ruth Chambers Fortenberry of Demorest; brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Elese Fortenberry of Demorest; sister-in-law, Barbara Craven Fortenberry of Demorest; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Billy Ray and Genie Whelchel of Gainesville; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jim Gailey of Clermont; and grandchildren, John and Andrew King, Kevin Watson, Jamison Lamar Whelchel II and Dylan Whelchel. Memorials may be made to the Habersham South Gideons, P.O. Box 195, Baldwin, GA 30511. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

White, Frances Ruth Crisp
Funeral services for Frances Ruth Crisp White, 75, of Lula will be held at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 11, at Rock Springs Baptist Church. The Rev. Chris Webb, the Rev. Tony Goss and the Rev. David Harbin will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. White died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at her daughter’s residence of Parkinson’s PSP. Born in Fulton County on July 25, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Harley Crisp and Alta Whitworth Crisp Lavin. She was preceded in death by her sisters, Eunice Crisp, Murriel Jean Harper; and grandchildren, Kevin Webb and Dorinda Cochran. Mrs. White was retired and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, J.L. White of Lula; daughters, Carolyn Mote of Lula, Brenda Webb of Cumming, Joan Cochran of Commerce, Peggy Lovell of Gainesville, Delores Goss of Clarkesville; son, Johnny White of Lula; 16 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 276 Rock Springs Road, Lula, GA 30554. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Feb 2003)

Widener, John C.
Memorial services for John C. Widener, 75, of Cornelia will be held at 3 p.m. today, Jan. 14, in the Piedmont College Library. Mr. Widener died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2003, at his residence. Born in Atlanta on Nov. 20, 1927, he was a son of the late Perry Comfort and Martha Jane Covington Widener. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Greer. Mr. Widener was retired from the Smithsonian Institute as chief exhibit specialist in the Natural History Museum. He served as a Paratrooper in the U.S. Army during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Angela Crabb Widener of Cornelia; stepchildren, Whitney McDowell and Jordan McDowell, both of Clarkesville; one nephew; a great-niece and a great-nephew. Memorials may be made to Elachee Science and Nature Center, 2125 Elachee Dr., Gainesville, GA 30504. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Williams, Homer Lee
Funeral services for Homer Lee Williams, 74, of Central, S.C., formerly of the Batesville community, will be held at 11 a.m. today, July 9, at Camp Creek Baptist Church near Central, S.C. The casket will be placed in Macedonia Baptist Church on New Liberty Road, Clarkesville, to lie in state from 3-4 p.m. today. The family will receive friends during this time. Graveside services will be at 4 p.m. today, July 9, in the family lot in Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Raymond Payne will officiate. Mr. Williams died Sunday, July 7, 2002, at Anderson Area Medical Center following several months of declining health. Born in Habersham County, he was a son of the late Charles Jefferson and Clarissa Free Williams. He was a retired U.S. Navy veteran, where he served as a Chief Petty Officer; a retiree of the U.S. Postal Service; and a former contract employee of the Department of Navy. He was a member of the Fleet Reserve Association, Branch 234 in Anderson, S.C., and a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church, Central, S.C. Survivors include his wife, Ellen Hill Dyer Williams of Central, S.C.; sons, David Williams of San Diego, Calif., Joseph Lee Williams, Randall Edward Williams, both of Franklin, Tenn., Mark Allen Williams of Mission, Texas, Timothy John Williams of Escondido, Calif.; stepsons, Joe Dyer of Central, S.C., Nicholas Dyer, Ronnie Dyer, both of Clermont; sisters, Emma Bell Allen of Demorest, Georgia and Edna Nations of Clarkesville; 17 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, 521 North McDuffie St., Anderson, S.C. 29621, or to the American Diabetes Association, c/o Barbara Hash, Route 3, Box 79, Central, S.C. 29630. Stanley H. Powell and the Cornelius E. Church and Son Funeral Home, Clarkesville, is in charge of local arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jul 2002)

Williams, Jimmy Newell
Funeral services for Jimmy Newell Williams, 70, of Clarkesville were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 5, at Bethlehem Baptist Church. The Rev. Furman Lewis, the Rev. George Deadwyler and the Rev. Greg Smith officiated with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest. Mr. Williams died Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at his residence following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Elmer and Mildred Williams and was a lifelong resident of the county. Mr. Williams, also known as “Kemo Sabi,” was a longtime businessman in the chemical and janitorial supply business in Cornelia. He enjoyed spending time with his family and capital improvement projects at Bethlehem Baptist Church and Victory Home. He enjoyed playing golf. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Kathleen Williams; daughter, Beverly Williams of Mt. Airy; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Steve Coleman of Clayton; son and daughter-in-law, Terrell Jimmy and Stephanie Williams of Gainesville; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; brothers, Charlie Williams, Billy Williams and Reggie Williams, all of Cornelia. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church, P.O. Box 488, Clarkesville, GA, 30523; or Victory Home, P.O. Box 7, Tallulah Falls, GA, 30573. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (20 Jun 2003)

Williams, Norma Ann
Graveside services for Norma Ann Williams, 77, of Demorest will be held at 10 a.m. today, Feb. 18, at Level Grove Cemetery, with the Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Mrs. Williams died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in New Jersey on June 23, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Anna Teut Richterich. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Williams; and brother, Edward Richterich Jr. Mrs. Williams was retired from Sears, where she worked in accounts payable. Survivors include her children, Michelle Toth of Demorest, Kathleen Czajkowski of Howell, N.J., Warren Kirchoff of Demorest, Anna Bache of Washington, John Kirchoff of New Jersey; sisters, Thelma Greenwald of Catskill, N.Y., Diana Kirchoff of Carteret, N.J.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 725, Cornelia, GA 30531. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jun 2003)

Williams, Randall Paul
Memorial services for Randall Paul Williams, 47, of Habersham County will be held at 4 p.m. today, Jan. 21, at Hazel Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Williams died Monday, Jan. 20, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in Habersham County on Feb. 14, 1955, he was the son of the late George and Sara Bruce Williams. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Williams. Mr. Williams was a supervisor at Fieldale Corporation and enjoyed old cars and racing. He was a member of Cornelia Christian Church. Survivors include his brothers, Jerry Williams and Clint Williams, both of Habersham County. Memorials may be made to Victory Home, P.O. Box 7, Tallulah Falls, GA 30573. Stanley H. Powell and the Cornelius E. Church Funeral Home, Clarkesville, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jan 2003)

Williams, Ruth McDuffie
AUGUSTA – Funeral services for Ruth McDuffie Williams, 72, of Augusta were held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Woodlawn United Methodist Church. The Rev. Katie Strals and the Rev. Rodger Murchison officiated, with burial in Westover Memorial Park. Mrs. Williams died Monday, June 16, 2003, at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Born in Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late E.Z. and Trudy Sewell McDuffie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy E. Williams; and brothers, George McDuffie, Newell McDuffie and Leland McDuffie. Mrs. Williams graduated from Franklin County High School in 1947 and Piedmont College in 1950, with a bachelor’s degree in education. She retired in 1990 from the Richmond County School District, having taught at John Milledge, Tubman Junior High, Bayvale Elementary, Richmond Academy Vocational, Tutt Middle, Sue Reynolds, One Way Christian School and BSEP Program at Fort Gordon. She was a member of the Richmond County Education Association, PAGE, a lifetime member of Downtown Club and a member of Woodlawn United Methodist Church. Survivors include her daughters, Deborah W. McAlexander of Concord, N.C., Carol W. Toomey of Augusta, Susan W. Dawkins of North Augusta, S.C.; sisters, Helen Baumann of Ft. Myers, Fla., Evelyn Cronic of Lula; and six grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Woodlawn United Methodist Church Building Fund, 2220 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904; or St. Joseph Hospice, 2260 Wrightsboro Road, Augusta, GA 30904. Platt’s Funeral Home, Augusta, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Jun 2003)

Wren, Frances F. Hutto
CAYCE, S.C. - Funeral services for Frances F. Hutto Wren, 67, were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6, in the chapel of Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia, S.C., with the Rev. Junior Roland officiating. Burial followed in Olympia Cemetery. Mrs. Wren died Friday, Nov. 3, 2006. Born in Ayersville, on Jan. 22, 1939, she was the daughter of the late William H. and Lois Vivian Bunch Smith. She also was preceded in death by her brother, Charles Smith; sister, Gladys Galloway; and her first husband and father of her children, Frank E. Hutto Sr. Mrs. Wren attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church and was employed as an in-home caregiver for the elderly. Thompsons Funeral Home, West Columbia, S.C., was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (Nov 2006)

Yearwood, Estelle Smith
Funeral services for Estelle Smith Yearwood, 87, of Mt. Airy will be held today, May 28, at 11 a.m. at Hillside Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Johnny Thomas and the Rev. Ronnie Thurmond will officiate with burial in Glade Creek Baptist Cemetery, Mt. Airy. Mrs. Yearwood died Saturday, May 25, 2002, at Habersham County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born on June 14, 1914, in Stephens County, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Hester Smith. She was a member of Glade Creek Baptist Church and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Yearwood; and a son, Morris Yearwood. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, John and Denise Yearwood of Mt. Airy; son, Horace Yearwood of Mt. Airy; and granddaughters, Miranda and Desie Yearwood, both of Cornelia. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, is in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (May 2002)

York, Otto

Funeral services for Otto York, 78, of Cornelia were held at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 19, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. The Rev. Hollis Benfield officiated, with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Mr. York died Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at his residence. Born in Habersham County on Jan. 29, 1925, he was the son of the late Enoch Carlton and Coloma Woods York. He was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Jones; and brothers, E.C. York, Bennie York, Joe York and Marvin York. Mr. York was a graduate of Cornelia High School and attended Truett-McConnell College. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Cornelia and was retired. Mr. York served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran during World War II. He was a charter and lifetime member of Grant Reeves VFW Post 7720 and a former Post Commander. Survivors include his wife, Eloise Herring York of Cornelia; daughters, Kathie York Stephens of Demorest, Lisa York Kimsey of Cornelia; son, Keith York of Cornelia; brothers, Raymond York of Hayesville, N.C., Earl York of Pawleys Island, S.C.; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 1353 Jennings Mill Road, Suite A, Bogart, GA 30622. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements. Submitted by Kim Gordon (20 Jun 2003)