The North Georgia News

Blairsville, GA  30512

www.nganews.com

 

(no corrections have been made; this is exactly as it appeared in paper)

 

 

March 7, 2007                Page 4C

 

beth banister taylor

 

Mrs. Beth Banister Taylor, age 53, of Young Harris, GA, passed away Friday, January 26, 2007, at her residence following a period of declining health.  Graveside services were held on Sunday, January 28, 2007, at Osborn Cemetery, Hiawassee, GA, under the direction of Banister Funeral Home.  Beth was born October 6, 1953, in Clayton, GA, to the late William E. and Edith Slaton Banister.  Her family had lived in Cornelia, Young Harris and Gainesville prior to their final move to Towns County in 1969 when they purchased the Frank Abernathy Funeral Home business.

Beth graduated from Towns County high School, Young Harris College, and LaGrange College.  Earning her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, Beth began her teaching career in 1975 at the old Macedonia Elementary School, teaching first grade.  Upon consolidation of Towns County schools, she moved to the new Towns County Comprehensive School and continued until 1996 when health problems forced her early retirement.  Beth was a member of Sharp memorial United Methodist Church, Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and Alpha Delta Kappa (an international honorary organization for women educators) having served as president of the local chapter.  She was chosen by her peers as Towns County Teacher of the Year in 1988.  She spearheaded the first elementary school memory book for Towns county Elementary School.  She was a member of the Georgia Association of Educators and participated many years in that organization’s Potato Booth at the Georgia Mountain Fair to raise scholarship funds for worthy students.

In 1978 Beth chaired the Towns County fund drive the American heart Association and met Jerry Taylor, who had chaired the heart fund drive the previous year.  Engaged at Christmas that year, they were married on June 9, 1979, and made their home in Young Harris.  An avid mystery reader, Beth enjoyed decorating her home, working in her yard, collecting bears, sharing email jokes, and caring for her pets.

In addition to her husband Jerry, Beth is survived by her brother Myers Banister, who shared the gift of life with his sister by donating a kidney in 1985; sister-in-law Fran Banister; niece Laura Piquette and her daughters Claire and Sophia; nephew Will Banister; mother-in-law Helen Taylor, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Family and friends gathered February 3, 2007 at Sharp memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, for a glorious and triumphant celebration of her life with the Rev. Darris Baker, the rev. Fred Whitley, and the rev. John Rice officiating.  Rev. Dr. John W. Kay eulogized her as a person who loved to laugh and make others laugh.  Her faithfulness in friendship and caring heart endeared her to all with whom she came into contact.  Music was provided by Sharp memorial United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, Mr. William H. Fox, music director, and Mrs. Mary Ann Fox, organist.  Selections included the uplifting anthem “The Lord is My Shepherd” and “O Rest in the Lord.”  Following the service, a reception was given by member of Sharp memorial United Methodist Church in the Kay Fellowship Hall.

Remembrances may be made to Young Harris College, LaGrange College, Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter, or your favorite charity.

Sorely missed by Jeff, Muffet, Daisy, & KB.

The North Georgia News

Blairsville, GA  30512

www.nganews.com

 

(no corrections have been made; this is exactly as it appeared in paper)

 

 

March 7, 2007                Page 4C

 

florence louise saye henry

 

Mrs. Florence Louise Saye Henry, age 84 of Hiawassee, GA, passed away on February 28, 2007 following a period of declining health.  She was born to the late David LeRoy and Gertrude Elizabeth Wampler Saye on December 22, 1922 in Jefferson County, PA.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Constance and Bill Warman of Hiawassee, GA; sons and daughters-in-law, Donald Jr. and June Henry of Newberry, SC, Ronald and Lara Henry of Cleveland, GA; brother, David Saye of Marianna, FL; sisters, Delores Harkelroad of Marianna, FL and Lois Vallies of Williston, FL; thirteen grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 2p.m. from Woods Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Danny Burch officiating.  Pallbearers were Roy Henry, Don Henry III, Chris Babb, Ross Marshall, Sammy Johnson, and Bruce Hamilton.  Honorary pallbearers were Thomas Moran and Lee Vallies.  Interment was in Woods Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Connie Warman, 831 Old Forge Estates Rd., Hiawassee, GA 30546.

Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, in charge of arrangements.

The North Georgia News

Blairsville, GA  30512

www.nganews.com

 

(no corrections have been made; this is exactly as it appeared in paper)

 

 

March 7, 2007                Page 5C

 

jessie v. seckinger

 

Jessie V. Seckinger, age 83, of Hiawassee, GA passed away Friday, February 23, 2007.  She was born October 17, 1923 in Savannah, GA.  She was a graduate of Armstrong University in Savannah, GA and University of Georgia with a major in Home Economics.  She interned in mass General hospital in Boston as a hospital dietician, and served as a dietician at Candler General Hospital in Savannah, Valdosta, Warner Robbins, and several nursing homes.  She was a leader in Sharp Memorial Church on the Young Harris Campus.  She was a member of the Atlanta, Middle Georgia Hemerocallis Society.

She was a daylily active show judge and charter member of the North Georgia Daylilly Society.

She is survived by husband, the rev. Ernest W. Seckinger, Sr.; children, Ernest, Jr. of Daphne, AL, Andrew M. of St. Louis, MO, David T. of Columbus, GA, Peter R. of Fayetteville, GA, and Charlotte S. Folsom of Jacksonville, FL; sister: Frances V. Ashmen of College Park, MD; eight grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 265, 2007 at Springfield United Methodist Church.  Officiating were the rev. Ben Martin, pastor Springfield UMC, Rev. Enoch Hendry, pastor Trinity UMC in Savannah, and rev. Patty Ryle Clay, longtime pastor Sharp memorial.  Interment was in Springfield Cemetery Annex.  The family received friends from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, February 25, 2007 at Springfield United Methodist Church.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel, midway between Rincon and Springfield.