Habersham County Obituaries

June 2003

Ashley, Brandon Lee
Funeral services for Brandon Lee Ashley, 17, of Mt. Airy will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, in the chapel of Haisten-McCullough Funeral Home in Griffin. Burial will follow in County Line United Methodist Church Cemetery. Mr. Ashley died Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. Born in Hall County on April 29, 1986, he was a cashier at Winn-Dixie and an upcoming senior at Habersham Central High School. Mr. Ashley was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Regina Kathleen May Ashley. Survivors include his father, Jack Ashley of Mt. Airy; grandparents, Mary Goff of Mt. Airy, Larry Lee May of Jackson, and Jean Gaines of Griffin; aunts, Stacey Gaines of Morrow, Michelle Sharpe of Senoia, Margie Ashley of Dandridge, Tenn., Wanda Ashley of Rockhill, S.C., Patty Ashley of Carnesville; and uncles, Johnny Ashley of Rockhill, S.C., Michael Ashley of Carnesville, Mark Ashley of Kodak, Tenn., and Andrew Duranceau of Jackson. The family will receive friends at Haisten-McCullough Funeral Home in Griffin from 6-8 p.m. today, June 6. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, and Haisten-McCullough Funeral Home of Griffin are in charge of arrangements.

Brown, Hebron Isaac
Funeral services for Hebron Isaac Brown, 93, of Clarkesville will be held at 2 p.m. today, June 6, at Hillside Memorial Chapel. Burial will be in Crossroad Baptist Cemetery in Carnesville. Mr. Brown died Monday, June 2, 2003, at Glenbridge Health Care in Boone, N.C., following an extended illness. Born in Walton County on July 5, 1904, he was the son of the late William and Ada Barnett Brown. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, a retired electrician and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Clarkesville. Survivors include his wife, Lucile Mildred Franklin Brown of Clarkesville; daughter and son-in-law, Claudia and Bill Bake of Boone, N.C.; daughter-in-law, Diane Brown of Buford; and grandchildren, Lorena Bake Harris of Atlanta, William Bake III of Buford, Matthew Brown of Buford, Courtney Brown of Buford and Phillip Brown of Buford. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 354, Clarkesville, Ga., 30523. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, is in charge of arrangements.

Carver, Cecil V. Sr.
EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – Memorial services for Cecil V. Carver Sr., 81, of Edwardsville, Ill., were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 7, at Weber Funeral Home. According to his wishes, his remains were cremated. Mr. Carver died Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Ill. Born in Olney, Mo., on Jan. 18, 1922, he was the son of the late Lewis and Ollie Sanders Carver. Mr. Carver married his wife, Minnie Mae Carver, on Feb. 14, 1968, in Clarkesville. He was self-employed his entire career. His businesses included home improvement, groceries and a restaurant and bar. Mr. Carver founded Family Life Insurance Company. He was a 32nd degree Mason with memberships in Springfield, Ill., and Winfield, Mo. Mr. Carver was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Mae Carver; brothers, Jack Carver, Ed Carver, Virgil Carver; and sister, Floy “Peg” Hagen. Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, C. Vernon and Sandra Dods Carver of Edwardsville, Ill.; daughter and son-in-law, Sherry and Pete Elder of Clarkesville; grandchildren, Emma Peterson, Andrew Carver, Alma Carver, Molly Carver, John McConnell and Ellen McConnell; two great-grandchildren; the mother of his children, Ruby Nelson of Edwardsville, Ill.; brothers, Melvin Carver of Gillette, Wyo.; and sister, Rosella Koban of Vandalia, Mo. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children. Weber Funeral Home, Edwardsville, Ill., was in charge of arrangements. You may sign the guest register online at weberfuneralhome.com.

Chambers, Margaret Elizabeth
Funeral services for Margaret Elizabeth Chambers, 96, of Gainesville, formerly of Lula, were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, in the chapel of Ward’s Funeral Home. Dr. Marlon Thomas officiated, with burial in Mount Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery, Banks County. Mrs. Chambers died Thursday, June 5, 2003. Born Oct. 2, 1906, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Manolla Henderson Rucker. Formerly of Lula, Mrs. Chambers was a resident in Bell-Minor Home. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Lula. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Charles Chambers; brothers and sisters, Henderson Rucker, Oscar Rucker, Minnie Massey, Eloise Ray and Lee Miller. Survivors include her daughters, Robbie C. Smith of Monroe, Olivia G. Newton of Athens, Mrs. Donald (Bonnell) Tench of Demorest, JoAnn C. Banks of Lula; sisters, Frances R. Cox and Mildred R. Allison, both of Gainesville; grandchildren, Pam Grahl Thompson of Athens, Tony A. Smith of Stone Mountain, Milton Tench of Clayton, Steve Tench of Maryland, Lynne Banks Allen of Gainesville, and W. Bartley Banks of Lula; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Chastain, Howard Harmon
SAUTEE – Funeral services for Howard Harmon Chastain, 63, of Sautee were held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 5, at Old Nacoochee Baptist Church. The Rev. Kenneth Franklin and the Rev. Jerry Vandiver officiated with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Chastain died Tuesday, June 3, at his residence following an extended illness. Born in White County, he was the son of the late Barnett and Dora Mae Chastain and was a lifelong resident of White County. Mr. Chastain was a member of Old Nacoochee Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Virginia Chastain of Sautee; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Melody Chastain of Sautee; son, Kevin Chastain of Sautee; sisters, Bethenia Bacon of Dunwoody, Sarah Brooks of Sautee, Jewell Brookshire of Cleveland, Joan Cole of Acworth; brothers, James Chastain of Sautee, Arthur Chastain of Cornelia, Coleman Chastain of Sautee; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Alexander’s Gateway Chapel Funeral Home, Cleveland, was in charge of arrangements.

Dean, Flacy Heaton
TOCCOA – Funeral services for Flacy Heaton Dean, 86, of Toccoa will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 10, in the chapel of Whitlock Mortuary. The Rev. Bernie Lovely will officiate, with burial in Mt. Bethel Church of God Cemetery. Mrs. Dean died Sunday, June 8, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Born in Habersham County on Sept. 23, 1916, she was the daughter of the late Flay J. Sr. and Fannie Dodd Heaton. She lived most of her life in Stephens and Habersham counties. Mrs. Dean was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sloan F. Dean. Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Irvin Hallford of Alpharetta, Ramona and Bob Glore of Toccoa, Nancy and Wayne Colston of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Teresa Dean of Demorest; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to Antioch Baptist Church Building Fund, 2175 Antioch Church Road, Mt. Airy, GA 30563; or Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 2150 Limestone Parkway, Gainesville, GA 30501. Whitlock Mortuary Inc., Toccoa, is in charge of arrangements.

Fowler, Pearl Kirkland
TOCCOA – Graveside services for Pearl Kirkland Fowler, 91, of Toccoa will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 6, at New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Bill Evans and the Rev. Robert Thomas will officiate. Mrs. Fowler died Tuesday, June 3, 2003, at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville, S.C. Born in Webster County, Florida, on March 8, 1912, she was the daughter of the late Andrew Jackson and Frances Roberts Kirkland. She lived in Stephens County most of her life and was retired from Coats & Clark with 32 years of service. She was a member of Sunnyside Baptist Church and a member of the Dorcas Sunday School. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Franklin Fowler who died in 1990. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Don Griffin of Clarkesville; son, Jimmy Fowler of Doraville; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sister, Mattie Porter of Punta Gorda, Fla.; caretaker, Rozelle McCarter of Toccoa; sister-in-law, Ruby Kirkland of Punta Gorda, Fla.; and a number of nieces and nephews. Acree-Davis Funeral Home Inc., Toccoa, is in charge of arrangements.

Gibson, James Dewey
Funeral services for James Dewey Gibson, 73, of Baldwin will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Pastor Todd Smith will officiate, with burial in Demorest City Cemetery. Mr. Gibson died Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County on Nov. 20, 1929, he was the son of the late Dewey and Flora Mae Gunn Gibson. Mr. Gibson was a maintenance worker with the City of Demorest. He was preceded in death by his nephew, William James Gunn. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Prator Gibson; niece, Evelyn Lewallen of Demorest; nephews, Johnny Gunn and Harold Gunn, both of Demorest; and sister, Ola Mae Gunn of Baldwin. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.

Gilder, Pauline Estelle Scarbrough
Funeral services for Pauline Estelle Scarbrough Gilder, 87, of Macon will be held at 2 p.m. today, June 6, at First Baptist Church in Lula. The Rev. Marlon Thomas and the Rev. Scott Morris will officiate, with burial in Westview Cemetery, Lula. Mrs. Gilder died Monday, June 2, 2003, in Macon. Born in Telfair County, she was the daughter of the late Hubert and Omie Mae Cooper Scarbrough. She lived in Lula before moving to Twiggs County. The widow of George H. Gilder, she was a retired machine operator with Keebler. Mrs. Gilder was a member of the Lula Garden Club and was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Senior Adult Ladies Sunday School Class. Survivors include her children and spouses, Thomas Raymond and Doris Gilder of Gordon, George Eddie and Rovine Gilder of Lula, Alvin Gilder of Fayetteville, Lennis and Maria Gilder of Jonesboro, Helen Marie and Clyde Allred of Vidalia, La., Clara Ann and Don Thomas of College Park; 16 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren. Reece Funeral Home, Jeffersonville, is in charge of arrangements.

Holcumb, Mary Frances Yarber
Funeral services for Mary Frances Yarber Holcomb, 63, of Demorest were held at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Fairfield Baptist Church, with the Rev. Keith Allison officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery, with the Rev. Steve Merck officiating.  Mrs. Holcomb died Friday, June 6, 2003, at her residence following an extended illness. Born in Banks County on July 13, 1939, she was the daughter of the late Pernell and Selma Gosnell Yarber. She was preceded in death by her brother, Roy Yarber; and sisters, Pearl Coffee, Monteen Woods and Edith Norman. Mrs. Holcomb was a graduate of Banks County High School, a homemaker and a private duty nurse. She was a member of Amy’s Creek Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Reynolds Holcomb of Demorest; stepdaughters, Joyce Loudermilk of Mt. Airy, Judy Ivester and Annette Scott, both of Demorest; stepson, Walter Holcomb of Demorest; sister, Kathryn Hix of Alto; brothers, Ernest Yarber of Cornelia, Henry Yarber of Baldwin, Robert Yarber of Gainesville, Fla.; seven step grandchildren; and one step great-grandchild. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Barbara Fortenberry, 2062 Highway 115, Demorest, GA 30535. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements.

Hulsey, Danny
CLEVELAND – Graveside services for Danny Hulsey, 42, of Knoxville, Tenn., formerly of Cleveland, were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 8, 2003, at Philippi Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Royce Winters officiated. Mr. Hulsey died Thursday, June 5, 2003, at St. Mary’s Hospital following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County on June 22, 1960, he was the son of the late Marcus Hulsey Jr. and Cordelia Howard Hulsey Helton. He was a construction worker for many years and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include his sisters and brothers-in-law, Dorothy and William Jones of Flowery Branch, Shirley and Jerry Eller of Cleveland, Cathy and Fred Albright of Cleveland, Beverly and Ricky Richardson of Cleveland, Patsy and Tim Sutton of Clarkesville; brothers, Gene Hulsey and Mikel “Moon Dog” Hulsey, both of Cleveland; and fiancee, Kathy of Knoxville, Tenn. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, was in charge of arrangements

Maxwell, Mary Ann Crane
Graveside services for Mary Ann Crane Maxwell, 57, of Demorest will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 6, at Yonah Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Henry Barnes and the Rev. Luther Williams will officiate. Mrs. Maxwell died Wednesday, June 4, 2003, at her residence following an extended illness. Born in Habersham County on Feb. 9, 1946, she was preceded in death by her father, Norman Crane; and two brothers. Mrs. Maxwell was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith. Survivors include her husband, Dennie Maxwell of Demorest; mother, Lois Gregg Crane of Clarkesville; daughter, Rebecca Pierce of St. Marys, Ohio; son, Jeffery Crane of Cornelia; stepsons, Kevin Maxwell of Clarkesville and Devin Maxwell of Alto; sisters, Janice Nicholson of Clarkesville, Judye Nix of Tennessee; brother, Joe Crane of Demorest; nine grandchildren; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.

Nelson, Freeda
Funeral services for Freeda Nelson, 82, of Cornelia will be held at 2 p.m. today, June 10, in the chapel of Ingram Funeral Home. The Rev. Brantley Knight and Kenneth Sheesley will officiate, with burial in Westview Cemetery, Atlanta. Mrs. Nelson died Saturday, June 7, 2003. A native of Habersham County, Mrs. Nelson lived in Okatie, S.C., for the past three years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Rexford Nelson. The Nelsons resided in Cumming from 1970 to 2000. Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Kitty and Scotty Gordon of Hilton Head, S.C.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Quentin and Virgie Nelson of Covington, Dean and Marylyn Nelson of Grass Valley, Calif., Tom and Deana Nelson of Mims, Fla.; sister-in-law, Wilma Nelson Frost of Conyers; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Le Etta and Jack Redfren of Lovington, Ill.; and many other relatives. Ingram Funeral Home, Cumming, is in charge of arrangements.

Ohland, Leila Jane Passmore
Funeral services for Leila Jane Passmore Ohland, 93, of Baldwin were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, with the Rev. Terry Rice officiating. Graveside services followed at Nazareth United Methodist Church near Winder, with the Rev. Joel Shadburn officiating. Mrs. Ohland died Friday, June 6, 2003, following an extended illness. Born in Lumpkin County on Aug. 1, 1909, she was the daughter of the late John and Alice Head Passmore. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Carl Dunagan and William T. Ohland; daughter, Jane Gaillard; son, Tommy Dunagan; and sister, Marie Chapman. Mrs. Ohland was employed for 46 years as a seamstress with Carwood Manufacturing Company in Winder. She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church, Winder. Survivors include her daughter, Billie Gibby of Cornelia; son, Randall Gaillard of Jefferson; sister, Jean Haddock of Columbia, S.C.; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Level Grove Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 416, Cornelia, GA 30531. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements.

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.

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.

20 June 2003

Otto York
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.

June 20, 2003

Judy Ann Gillespie Church
Funeral services for Judy Ann Gillespie Church, 56, of Clarkesville will be held at 11 a.m. today, June 20, at Hillside Memorial Chapel. John Thompson will officiate, with burial in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Cemetery in Cornelia. Mrs. Church died Tuesday, June 17, 2003, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Rabun County on Nov. 1, 1946, she lived in the Clarkesville area for 23 years. She was employed with the Habersham County Extension Service and was a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church. Mrs. Church was preceded in death by her father, Marvin Gillespie; and husband, Harold Norris Church. Survivors include her mother, Trudy Telles Gillespie of Clayton; daughter, Misty Bohannon of Clarkesville; sons, Charlie Church of Clarkesville, James Aaron of St. Marys, Pa., Jody Aaron of Savannah; brother, Dr. Lawrence M. Gillespie of Clayton; sister, Linda Sutt of Clayton; grandchildren, Samantha Aaron, Whitney Bohannon and Katlin Bohannon; three stepdaughters; and five stepsons. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, is in charge of arrangements.

June 20, 2003

Lillie Pearl Tanksley Gailey
Graveside services for Lillie Pearl Tanksley Gailey, 87, of Eastanollee, formerly of Demorest, were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 18, at Return Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Connie Berry officiated. Mrs. Gailey died Monday, June 16, 2003, at her residence following an extended illness. Born in Hart County on Sept. 24, 1915, she was the daughter of the late Manning and Elizabeth Robertson Tanksley. She was retired from Habersham Mills and a member of Return Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard R. Gailey. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Cora Miller Hansard
Funeral services for Cora Miller Hansard, 69, of Demorest will be held at 2 p.m. today, June 27, at Whitfield Funeral Home North Chapel. Pastor Danny Brumfield and the Rev. Curtis Jackson will officiate, with burial in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Hansard died Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at Habersham County Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Morgan County on Sept. 15, 1933, she was the daughter of the late James T. and Helena White Miller. She was preceded in death by her son, Danny Hansard. Mrs. Hansard was a homemaker, a member and past president of Ladies Auxiliary of Grant Reeves VFW Post 7720 and attended Cleveland Church of God. Survivors include her husband, R.L. Hansard of Demorest; daughters and sons-in-law, Diane and Charles Kerns of Demorest, Debbie and Tommy West of Cleveland; sister, Ollie Tench Wingo of Demorest; grandchildren and spouses, Shane and Tina Bowen, Shonda and Scott Page, Melissa and Michael Reese, Jennifer and Chris Thomas; grandsons, Richard Hansard, Allen Wade, John Michael Wright; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.

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