Habersham County Obituaries
February 2003
Allen, James L. ‘Jake’
Funeral services for James L. “Jake” Allen, 61, of Batesville will be
held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Providence Baptist Church. The Rev. Brion
Williams and the Rev. J. R. Elrod will officiate, with burial in the church
cemetery. Mr. Allen died Monday, Feb. 3, 2003, at his residence.
Born in Habersham County on Sept. 10, 1941, he was a member of Providence
Baptist Church. Mr. Allen was formerly employed with Scovill Manufacturing
Company. He was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Allen. Survivors
include his wife, Nancy Leger Allen of Toccoa; parents, Fred T. and Eunice Wood
Allen of Batesville; daughter, Kay Miller of Batesville; son, Sean Allen of
Batesville; stepdaughter, Sherry Brady of Toccoa; stepsons, Mike Gallo of
Seneca, S.C., Thomas Gallo of Toccoa; sisters, Dorothy Thompson of Clarkesville,
Lavalle Nix of Turnerville; brothers, Thurman Allen and David O. Allen, both of
Demorest, Donald Allen of Clarkesville, Jeff Allen of Batesville; two
grandchildren; eight step grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorials may be made to the Matthew Miller Fund, 3715 Riverbend Road, Demorest,
GA 30535. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest is in charge of
arrangements.
Ambrose, Bessie Inez Streetman
Funeral services for Bessie Inez Streetman Ambrose, 70, of Homer will be at
2 p.m. today, Feb. 14, at Homer Alliance Church. The Rev. George Tubbs will
officiate, with burial in Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery, Lula. Mrs.
Ambrose died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at her residence. Born in Jackson
County on Nov. 18, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Magnolia and Manual
Streetman. Mrs. Ambrose was a homemaker and a member of Homer Alliance Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John E. Ambrose. Survivors
include her sons, William Nation of Homer, Jimmy Truelove of Cornelia;
daughters, Elain Dixon of East Dublin, Ethel Gosnell of Homer, Pat Hansley of
Athens, Dorothy Wilkerson of MacClenny, Fla.; sister, Lillian Robinson of
Douglasville; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Little Ward
Funeral Home of Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Anderson, Gerrie S.
Memorial services for Gerrie S. Anderson of Roswell will be held at 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 1, at the Waleska United Methodist Church on the Reinhardt
College campus. Mrs. Anderson died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003, in Roswell.
Born in Edwardsville, Ill., in 1926, she moved to Decatur when she was 4 years
old. She attended Glenwood Elementary, Decatur Girls’ High School, Florida State
College for Women (now Florida State University) and Marsh-Draughn Business
College. In 1945, she married her beloved Bill, who preceded her in death in
1989. They lived in Arkansas, Texas, and Virginia Beach, Va., for more than 20
years before retiring to Vero Beach, Fla. Mrs. Anderson recently had moved to
the Roswell area. Mrs. Anderson was an avid reader and wordsmith; she
worked as a legal, medical and church secretary for many years. She completed a
crossword puzzle every morning before breakfast. She was also a sharp bridge
player and known for her witty, salty humor. When her children were young,
she was always the Girl Scout leader, Den Mother, PTA officer, church
youth-group leader and involved in her community. She was a lifelong
Presbyterian and always was active in the Women of the Church. Survivors
include her sister, Gloria Crawford of Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Rick
and Betty Anderson of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughter and son-in-law, Holly and
Jim Williams of Canton; daughter, Julie Baker of Jupiter, Fla.; and eight
grandchildren. Memorials may be sent to Faith Presbyterian Church, 3655
Reinhardt College Parkway, Canton, GA 30114. Huey Funeral Home, Canton, is
in charge of arrangements.
Ariail, Felton A. ‘Doc’
Funeral services for Felton A. “Doc” Ariail, 85, of Alto will be held at 11
a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Nails Creek Baptist Church, Homer. The Rev. Paul
Robertson will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Ariail
died Monday, Feb. 24, 2003, at his residence. Born in Franklin County on
Dec. 7, 1917, he was the son of the late Claude and Vastie Bellamy Ariail. Mr.
Ariail was retired from Ford Motor Company and was a member of Nails Creek
Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Imogene Anglin Ariail.
Survivors include his son, Don Ariail of Lawrenceville; brothers, Kermit Ariail
and Olin Ariail, both of Carnesville; and two grandchildren. Little-Ward
Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Brown, Gary
Funeral services for Gary Brown, 43, of Homer, were held at 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 24, at Timber Ridge Baptist Church. The Rev. Chris York and the
Rev. Jesse Savage officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr.
Brown died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta
following a brief illness. Born in Jackson County on Oct. 16, 1959, he was
an electrician and a member of Timber Ridge Baptist Church. Mr. Brown was an
avid fisherman. He was preceded in death by his father, Ernest Brown; and
brothers, Keith Brown and Bruce Brown. Survivors include his wife, Edwina
Simmons Brown of Mt. Airy; mother, Ruth Gudger Mason of Homer; sister, Carol
Baker of Gainesville; grandparents, Belle Gudger of Clarkesville, and Carrie
Brown of Gainesville; and a number of nieces and nephews. McGahee-Griffin
& Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.
Byrnes, Mary Ruth
Funeral services for Mary Ruth Byrnes, 81, of Cornelia will be held at 11
a.m. today, Feb. 7, at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. J.R. Elrod
officiating. Burial will follow in Camp Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Byrnes died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, at a private healthcare facility
following an extended illness. Born in Richard City, Tenn., on May 2,
1921, she was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Byrnes attended
Grace Baptist Church. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, James
W. “Jim” Jr. and Brenda Byrnes of Cornelia; and four grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, P.O. Box 725, Cornelia, GA 30531.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of
arrangements.
Carswell, Bertha Louise Beasley
Funeral services for Bertha Louise Beasley Carswell, 75, of Toccoa will be
held at 4 p.m. today, Feb. 14, at Chopped Oak Baptist Church. The Rev. Thomas
Gragg and Sue Yearwood will officiate, with burial in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Carswell died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at Stephens County Hospital.
Born in Macon County, N.C., on April 7, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Lee
and Nevia Maney Beasley. She had lived most of her life in Habersham County. She
was preceded in death by her husband, Charles H. Carswell Jr., who died in 1989.
Mrs. Carswell was a member of Chopped Oak Baptist Church. For many years, she
worked with her father-in-law, “Doc” Carswell, and following his death, she
worked with her husband at Doc’s Bar-B-Que in Toccoa. Later, she was employed
at the Tallulah Falls Co-op Craft Store. She was an accomplished quilter and one
of her quilts was selected as an official Olympic quilt, presented to a
participating country in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics. Mrs. Carswell
enjoyed many kinds of crafts, gardening and flowers. She was deeply cherished
and revered by her family and leaves them a lasting legacy of quiet courage,
strength and dignity. Survivors include her daughter and friend, Charlene
Carswell and Don Jenkins, of Smyrna; daughters and sons-in-law, Loraine and Van
Mattison of Eastanollee, Nancy and James Scott of Toccoa; son and friend, Jerry
Carswell and Linda Bennett of Toccoa; sons and daughters-in-law, David and
Jeannie Carswell of Hollywood, Chris and Bambi Carswell of Toccoa; eight
grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, R.L. Beasley of McAdenville,
N.C.; sisters, Viola Alexander of Cornelia, Charlotte Maney of Shooting Creek,
N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. Acree-Davis Funeral Home, Toccoa, is
in charge of arrangements.
Chewning, Gertha Lee Hooper
Funeral services for Gertha Lee Hooper Chewning, 65, of Clarkesville, in the
Batesville community, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 16, at Providence Baptist
Church. The Rev. John Humphries officiated, with burial in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Chewning died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center
following an extended illness. Born in Lumpkin County on Jan. 1, 1938, she
was the daughter of the late Ivory and Lillie Wall Hooper Rogers. She lived most
of her life in Habersham County. Mrs. Chewning was a homemaker and a member of
Providence Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Jerrel Chewning
of Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Donald Proctor of
Clarkesville; daughter, Gail Reeves of Dahlonega; son, Jeffery Chewning of
Decatur; brothers and sisters-in-law, James and Maybeth Rogers of Snellville,
J.C. and Doris Hooper of Clarkesville; sister and brother-in-law, Martha and
Steve Perry of Decatur; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, was in charge of arrangements.
Church, Nimmo L.
Funeral services for Nimmo L. Church, 92, of Clarkesville were held at 2
p.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Hillside Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Billy Burrell and
the Rev. Paris Whitworth officiated, with burial in Clarkesville Memorial
Cemetery. Mr. Church died Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2003, at Habersham County
Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County on
July 24, 1911, he was the son of the late George T. and Essie Whitworth Church.
He was a retired grading contractor and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby Chapman Church of Clarkesville; daughter, Becky
Taylor of Spartanburg, S.C.; son, Leroy Church of Clarkesville; brother, Corbet
“Stub” Church of Clarkesville; sister, Oma Lee Skelton of Demorest; three
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Currier, Mauneeta Long
Funeral services for Mauneeta Long Currier, 101, of Atlanta, formerly of
Cornelia, were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 17, at Cornelia United Methodist
Church. The Rev. Marcus Martin officiated, with burial in Level Grove Cemetery.
Mrs. Currier died Friday, Feb. 14, 2003, at a private healthcare facility in
Atlanta following an extended illness. Born in Scaly Mountain, N.C., on
July 20, 1901, she was the daughter of the late Georgia Ann White. Mrs. Currier
was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church of Cornelia. She was
preceded in death by her husband, George T. Currier. Survivors include her
sons and daughters-in-law, John L. and Betty John Currier of Jacksonville,
Charles C. and Diane Currier of Atlanta; grandchildren, Jeff Currier, Steve
Currier, Gail Hyde, Tim Currier; and three great-grandchildren. Memorials
may be made to the charity of one’s choice. McGahee-Griffin &
Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.
Daniel, Emma Pauline
Funeral services for Emma Pauline Daniel, 85, of Snellville were held at 3
p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, at Wages Snellville Chapel. Burial was in Melwood
Cemetery. Mrs. Daniel died Thursday, Feb. 20, 2003. Mrs. Daniel was
preceded in death by her husband, Aaron Daniel; and daughter, Mary Ann Keheley.
Survivors include her daughters, Barbara Wikle of Batesville, Becky Allison,
Brenda Gautney, Judy Maddox, Sandy Johnson and Cheryl Schlund, all of
Loganville; sons, Aaron C. Daniel Jr. of Covington, Richard Daniel of
Loganville; sisters, Dorothy Bowman of Tucker, Catherine Christopher of
Loganville; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one
great-great-grandchild; and several nieces and nephews. Tom M. Wages
Funeral Service Inc., Snellville Chapel, was in charge of arrangements.
Dion, George R.
DEFIANCE, Ohio – Memorial services for George R. Dion, 80, of
Defiance, Ohio, formerly of Habersham County, were held at 2:30 p.m. Monday,
Feb. 3, at St. Paul United Methodist Church. Dr. Todd Anderson officiated.
Mr. Dion died Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at his residence. Born in Boston,
Mass., on Dec. 29, 1922, he was the son of the late George and Anna McGowan Dion.
Mr. Dion was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Corps. He
was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church. Mr. Dion previously
taught at Cardinton-Lincoln, Lima Shawnee and Bluffton school districts. He was
a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War Post No. 3360, a member of Amvets
No. 1991, a member of the American Legion in Clarkesville, a life member of
Paper Workers’ Union of Atlanta, of the Clarkesville Masonic Lodge, and of the
Zenobia Shrine in Toledo, Ohio. Survivors include his wife of 56 years,
Marjorie Dion; daughters, Barbara Chamberlain of New Concord, Ohio, Laurie Lucas
of Defiance, Ohio; sons, Richard Dion of Marshfield, Mass., David Dion of
Atlanta; brother, Paul Dion of Cincinnati, Ohio; 12 grandchildren; and nine
great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Hospice/Caring Way of
Defiance Co. Mast-Mock-Hoffman Funeral Home of Defiance, Ohio, was in
charge of arrangements.
Dixon, Allen Charles Sr.
Funeral services for Allen Charles Dixon Sr., 63, of Clarkesville were held
at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral
Home. The Rev. L.G. Howard and the Rev. Paul Flynn officiated, with burial in
Harvest Christian Church Cemetery. Mr. Dixon died Friday, Feb. 21, 2003,
at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a brief illness. Born in
Habersham County on May 17, 1939, he was the son of the late Charlie Dixon. He
was preceded in death by his daughter, Rita Faye Dixon; and brother, Haven
Dixon. Mr. Dixon was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was a truck driver and
of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his daughters, Myra Broome of
Gainesville, Vivian Turner of Alto; son, Allen C. Dixon Jr. of Clarkesville;
mother, Mildred Tench Strait of Clarkesville; brothers, Anthony Dixon and David
Dixon, both of Clarkesville; sister, Elaine Gerrells of Demorest; six
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart
Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.
Dudley, Ronald K.
Memorial services for Ronald K. Dudley, 63, of Clarkesville, will be held at
4 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at Anna Ruby Falls Interpretive Center. Mr.
Dudley died Jan. 27, 2003, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Born in Camden, N.J.,
on Feb. 28, 1939, he came to Clarkesville in 1997 from Venice, Fla. Mr. Dudley
worked for the U.S. Forestry Service at Anna Ruby Falls Park, Helen.
Survivors include his wife, Suann Dudley; daughters, Tammi Altheide of
Alabaster, Ala., Rita Dudley of Venice, Fla.; sons, Jon Butler of Clarkesville,
James Butler of Venice, Fla.; and five grandchildren. Memorials may be
made to the U.S. Forestry Service, Box 621, Helen, GA 30545.
Franklin, Frazier ‘Frank’ Watson Sr.
Graveside services for Frazier “Frank” Watson Franklin Sr., 78, of
Smyrna were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11, in the family lot of Clarkesville
Memorial Cemetery. Mr. Franklin died Saturday, Feb. 8, 2003. Survivors
include his wife, Betty Franklin of Smyrna; son, Frazier Franklin Jr. of
Orlando, Fla.; daughters, Martha Sharon Franklin of Woodstock, Shirley Ann
Johnson of Carrollton; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and
sisters, Alma Black of Bainbridge, and Anne Wilbur of Cary, N.C. Stanley
H. Powell and the Cornelius E. Church Funeral Home, Clarkesville, were in charge
of arrangements.
Gibson, W. Paul Sr.
Funeral services for W. Paul Gibson Sr., 77, of Cornelia were held at 2 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel. Mike Portwood and
David Terrell officiated, with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Mr.
Gibson died Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center.
Born in Fulton County on March 16, 1925, he was the son of the late Cleveland
and Blanche Stevens Gibson. He was preceded in death by his twin sister, and a
son, Kennon Gibson. Mr. Gibson was a graduate of Atlanta Christian College
and was the owner of Cleveland Avenue Amoco. He was a member of Snellville
Christian Church and was a part-time minister. He started the Forest Park
Christian Church and was instrumental in starting Cleveland Avenue Christian
Church, Gresham Park Christian Church and Roswell Christian Church, all in the
Atlanta area. He served as chaplain at Stone Mountain Correctional
Institute for several years. Survivors include his wife, Elsie Butler
Gibson of Cornelia; daughter, Sandra Lennette Gibson of Jonesboro; daughters and
sons-in-law, Carol and Larry Stephenson of Marietta, Joyce and Butch Joyner of
Jonesboro, Carole and Jim McCollum of Baldwin; son, Bill Gibson of Decatur; son
and daughter-in-law, Richard and Vivian Young of Fayetteville; sister, Corine
Summers of Palmetto; 16 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Cornelia Christian Church, 1244 Highway 441 By-Pass,
Cornelia, GA 30531. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in
charge of arrangements.
Gribble, Violet B. Swaim
Funeral services for Violet B. Swaim Gribble, 84, of Demorest, were held at
11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. The Rev. Joy
Brown officiated, with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Gribble died
Saturday, Feb. 1, 2003, at a private nursing home following an extended illness.
Born in Clay County, N.C., on Dec. 8, 1918, she was the daughter of the late
Benjamin Eugene and Zennia Roberson Swaim. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Herman W. Gribble. Mrs. Gribble was a homemaker and a member of
Clarkesville United Methodist Church. Survivors include her daughter,
Martha Williams of Demorest; son, Roger Gribble of Demorest; sister, Willie Mae
Wyer of Baldwin; brothers, Ray Swaim of Hayesville, N.C., Frank Swaim of
Cornelia; and grandchildren, Tammy Carter, Lauren Fair, Whitney Gribble and
Jason Williams. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in
charge of arrangements.
Head, Mrs. Curtis Hulsey
Private funeral services for Curtis Hulsey Head, 89, of Lula, are scheduled.
Mrs. Head died Sunday, Feb. 23, 2003, at her residence following an extended
illness. Born in Hall County on Nov. 8, 1913, she was the daughter of the
late Frank and Omie Farmer Hulsey. She was preceded in death by her husband,
Clifford Head. Mrs. Head was a homemaker and a member of New Bridge Baptist
Church. Survivors include her daughters, Cecile London of Cleveland,
Winell Seabolt and Gladys Baugh, both of Cornelia, Cathy Campbell of Lula; sons,
Jerry Head of Lula, Forrest Head of Dahlonega; brothers, Wiley Hulsey, Jason
Hulsey and Jimmy Hulsey, all of Cleveland; 15 grandchildren; 25
great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral
Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Hill, Gladys Era
Funeral services for Gladys Era Hill, 85, of Clarkesville were held at 11
a.m. Monday, Feb. 10, at Macedonia Baptist Church, Clarkesville. The Rev. Larry
Free, the Rev. Raymond Payne and the Rev. Grady Welch officiated, with burial in
Yonah Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Hill died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003, at
Habersham County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in
Tellico Plain, Tenn., on Feb. 10, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Charlie
and Annie Hamilton Coleman. She was a homemaker and was retired from
International Outerwear. Mrs. Hill was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. She
was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth K. Hill. Survivors include
her daughters and sons-in-law, Nyoka and Jack Canup of Clarkesville, Lodema and
Dennis Perry of Conyers; son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Gerald and Nancy
Harden of Carlsbad, N.M.; sister, Doris Welch of Cedartown; brothers, Gene
Coleman of Cleveland, Ohio, Hoyt Coleman of Michigan; four grandchildren; and
three great-grandchildren. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, was in
charge of arrangements.
Houston, John Lawrence
Funeral services for John Lawrence Houston, 71, of Cornelia were held at 2
p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral
Home. The Rev. Jeff Ayers and the Rev. Tracy Davidson officiated, with burial in
Fairfield Baptist Church Cemetery. Mr. Houston died Friday, Feb. 7, 2003,
at Athens Regional Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in
Dexter, Kan., on May 7, 1931, Mr. Houston was an iron worker and of the
Methodist faith. Survivors include his wife, Beverly Wright Houston of
Cornelia; daughters, Becky Jordan, Nancy Houston, Judy Houston, all of Wichita,
Kan., Stephanie Owens of Washington; son, Scott Houston of Wichita, Kan.;
stepchildren, Leyta Wortman, Betty Brown, Julia Brown, Leo Brown, Eugene Brown,
all of Wichita, Kan.; sister, Fay Kurly of Washington; 11 grandchildren; 12 step
grandchildren; and five step great-grandchildren. McGahee-Griffin &
Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.
Kinsey, Paul Edgar
Funeral services for Paul Edgar Kinsey, 72, of Cleveland were held at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 16, at Alexander’s Gateway Chapel Funeral Home. The Rev. Verner
London, the Rev. Dennis Taylor and the Rev. Lester Haynes officiated, with
burial in Mt. Vernon Holiness Church Cemetery in Habersham County. Mr.
Kinsey died Thursday, Feb. 13, 2003, at Kindred Hospital of Atlanta from
injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Mr. Kinsey was a native and
lifelong resident of White County. He attended Mt. Vernon Holiness Church at the
time of his death. He was employed with the Times of Gainesville as a route
delivery person. He was preceded in death by his brother, Clifford Kinsey;
sisters, Mamie Tolbert, Lessie McCallister; and grandson, Randy David Bryan.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Kinsey of Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law,
Daniel and Sue Kinsey of Cleveland; sons, Mitchell Kinsey and Boyd Kinsey, both
of Cleveland; daughters and sons-in-law, Wanda and Harry Fussell of Cleveland,
Brenda and Stanley Oliver of Clarkesville; brother, Clyde Kinsey of Cleveland;
sisters, Alma Kinsey, Ethelene McCallister and Della Henderson, all of
Cleveland; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Memorials may
be made to Mt. Vernon Holiness Church. Alexander’s Gateway Chapel
Funeral Home, Cleveland, was in charge of arrangements.
Lawrence, Howard ‘Gray’
Funeral services for Howard “Gray” Lawrence, 58, of Baldwin were held at
3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 14, at Damascus Baptist Church. The Rev. Gene Todd
officiated, with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Lawrence died
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in
Banks County on July 1, 1944, he was the son of the late Bush and Dora Ausburn
Lawrence. He was preceded in death by his brothers, James Lawrence, Pete
Lawrence and Rudolph Ausburn. Mr. Lawrence was a former subcontractor with
Gwinnett County and was a cattle farmer. He was a member of Damascus Baptist
Church. Survivors include his wife, Glenda Segars Lawrence of Baldwin;
daughter, Christy Lawrence of Baldwin; son and daughter-in-law, Stanley Gray and
Kristy Lawrence of Baldwin; sisters, Isabelle Goss of Danielsville, Latrelle
Lawrence of Baldwin; half-sister, Ruby Carter of Carnesville; brothers, Dock
Lawrence of Alto, Wayne Lawrence of Homer; and grandson, Kenneth Lawrence.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements.
Lovell, Murle E.
Funeral services for Murle E. Lovell, 87, of Clarkesville will be held at 11
a.m. today, Feb. 11, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest. Dr. Jim
Britt and the Rev. Raymond Payne will officiate, with burial in Yonah Memorial
Gardens. Mrs. Lovell died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at Stephens County
Hospital. Born in Rabun County on May 30, 1915, she was the daughter of
the late Virgil Austin and Sallie Adeline Curtis Keener. Mrs. Lovell was a
member of the Rebecca Lodge and Bethlehem Baptist Church. Survivors
include her husband, Chester Lovell of Clarkesville; daughter, Beverly Shirley
of Clarkesville; sons, Dale Lovell of Clarkesville, Bruce Lovell of Hiawassee;
sisters, Laverne Pitts of Mineral Bluff, Leta Murat of Orlando, Fla.; brother,
Nolan Keener of Ortonville, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and 13
great-grandchildren. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in
charge of arrangements.
Medina, Juan Angel
Funeral mass for Juan Angel Medina, 5, of Alto will be held at 11 a.m.
Thursday, Feb. 13, at St. Mark Catholic Church. Father Luis Zarama will
officiate, with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Master Medina died
Sunday, Feb. 9, 2003, at his residence following a sudden illness. Born
Sept. 5, 1997, in Habersham County, he attended Habersham County Head Start.
Master Medina also attended St. Mark Catholic Church. Survivors include
his parents, Rigoberto and Maria Guillen Medina of Alto; paternal grandparents,
Manuel and Margarita Medina; and maternal grandparents, Felipe and Consuelo
Guillen. The family will receive friends at Whitfield Funeral Home, South
Chapel, from 2-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Whitfield Funeral Home, South
Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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