CARNESVILLE – Tennie Allen Duffell, 77, passed away Sunday afternoon, April 20, 2014, at the Ty Cobb Medical Center.

Born April 13, 1937, in Comer, he was the son of the late Horace B. and Lera Christian Duffell. He was the brother of the late Eula Rea Smith, Grady Duffell, Glennie Brookshire, and Delree Turner. He was a route salesman with Frito-Lay for 37 years and was a cattle farmer. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the Indian Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Geraldine “Jerri” Bond Duffell; two daughters and sons-in-law, Christy and Michael Seguin, Austin, Texas, and Tiffany and Mike Wells, Winterville; two grandchildren, Matthew Wells and Haven Wells; sister, Maggie McClain, Jefferson; and two brothers, Horace Duffell, Savannah, and George R. Duffell, Jefferson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 23, at 2 p.m., in the B. D. Ginn Chapel with the Revs. Bobby Jones and Bill Stacey officiating. Interment with military honors will be at the Franklin Memorial Gardens North. The body is at the Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to the family by condolences@ginnfuneralhome.com.

Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Tennie Duffell (04-20-14)

WINDER – Barbara A. Pettorini, 73, passed away Sunday, April 20, 2014.

She was of the Baptist denomination and was the daughter of the late Wiley and Josephine Holloway Lumsden. Mrs. Pettorini was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Pettorini.

Survivors include two sons and daughter-in-law, Marcus and Mary Linch, Winder, and Phillip Linch, Decatur; four grandchildren, Christopher, Christian, Chris, and Jessie Linch; and two great-grandchildren, Madison and Peylan Linch.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Thursday, April 24, at 2 p.m., at Magnolia Park Cemetery in Warner Robbins with the Rev. Al Garvin officiating.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Barbara Pettorini (04-20-14)

COMMERCE – Jennie Richey Martin, 88, Dry Pond Community, entered into rest Monday, April 21, 2014.

Mrs. Martin was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Otis Samuel Richey and Cynthia Shore Richey. Mrs. Martin, along with her late husband, Hoyle Martin, owned and managed the family farm and was a long time member of Oconee Baptist Church. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Cooper.

Survivors include sons, Sammy Martin and Randy Martin, both of Commerce; and a number of other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 23, at 11 a.m., at Oconee Baptist Church with the Revs. Gene Carlan, Ken Barrett, Bill Carpenter, and Swayne Carlan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Evans Funeral Home.

Flowers are optional or memorials may be made to Oconee Baptist Church, 4554 Highway 82 North, Commerce, Georgia 30529

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → Jennie Martin (04-21-14)

LOGANVILLE – Charlene Owensby Morrow, 70, died Monday, April 21, 2014, at St. Mary’s Hospice House.

Mrs. Morrow was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Charlie and Ruth Wood Owensby. She was of the Baptist denomination and was retired from BJC Medical Center. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Morrow was preceded in death by her stepmother, Annelle Truluck Owensby.

Survivors include her husband, Walter Morrow, Sr., Loganville; daughter, Emily Dills, Commerce; grandchildren, Amber Chester (Clint) and Adam Dills; great-grandchildren, Luke and Colby Chester; nieces, Hara Sauls (Deric) and Jennifer Evans Carter (Andy); great-nieces, Allison and Anna Carter; great-nephews, Dylan and Eli Sauls; step-children, Tonya Morrow, Grayson, and Walter Morrow, Jr. (Jennifer), Loganville; step-grandchildren, Sabrina and Courtney Morrow; and sister, Brenda Evans (Harold), Winder.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Harold Evans and Allen Vickery officiating. Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, April 22, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Charlene Morrow (04-21-14)

COMMERCE – Bobby McKie, 61, died Monday, April 28, 2014, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Mr. McKie was born in Commerce, the son of the late Cecil and Della Merline Moore McKie. He was a painter.

Survivors include a brother, Rusty McKie, Maysville; and sisters, Mildred Barnette, Winder, Shirley Standridge, Maysville, Brenda Patrick, Maysville, and Ann McKie, Commerce.

The family will have a memorial service at a later date.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Bobby McKie (04-28-14)

GAINESVILLE – Zella Autry Wilbanks, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2014.

Mrs. Wilbanks was born on September 2, 1927, in Gainesville, the daughter of the late Ernest and Ida Mae Wiley Autry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde F. Wilbanks; a daughter, Pilerica Wilbanks; and sister, Ernestine Autry Pinochet. Mrs. Wilbanks was a member of the Gainesville First United Methodist Church. She was a graduate of Riverbend High School and North Georgia College. She was a retired secretary for The Georgia Forestry Commission with 31 years of service.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Debbie Wilbanks, Commerce,; grandchildren, Zachary and Brandy Wilbanks, and Matthew Wilbanks; and great-granddaughter, Annabelle Wilbanks.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, at the Homer United Methodist Church with the Revs. Jim McLendon and David Gravitt officiating. Interment will follow in Banks County Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Homer United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 37, Homer, GA 30547.

Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin.

Those wishing to express online condolences may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.

View Full Notice → Zella Wilbanks (04-26-14)

COLBERT – Bruce Harding Witcher, 65, died Friday, April 25, 2014.

A native Salisbury, N.C., he was the son of the late Walton and Mattie Witcher. Bruce was preceded in death by brothers, Sammy and James Witcher; and granddaughter, Ashton Strickland. He retired from DuPont in 1990 as a machine operator.

Survivors include his wife, Linda Strickland Witcher; children, Walt (Kim) Witcher, Hull, Shelia (Jeff) Adams, Danielsville, and Scott (Pam) Strickland, Danielsville; sister, Peggy (Leland) Milton, Farmington; grandchildren, Keith Wolford, Torey Strickland, Preston Strickland, and Jessica Adams; great-granddaughter: Alexis Strickland; and special friends, Larry and Jean Porterfield.

Funeral services will be held Monday, April 28, at 2 p.m., at Lord & Stephens Danielsville Chapel with the Rev. Bobby Maxwell officiating. Burial will follow at Antioch Baptist Church.

Lord & Stephens Danielsville is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

View Full Notice → Bruce Witcher (04-25-14)

JEFFERSON – Randall L. “Randy” Turner, 55, entered into rest, Sunday, April 27, 2014.

Mr. Turner was born in Macon, the son of the late Murrell L. and Mildred Louise Williamson Turner and stepson of the late Ann Turner. Randall was raised in Macon and graduated from Southwest High School in 1976. He attended Georgia Southwestern College in Americus and graduated with an Associate of Science in Nursing Degree in 1994. He then attended Macon State College where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in 2001 and afterwards worked at Medical Center of Central Georgia. Randall was very active in his local community of Jefferson, was a member of Grove Level Baptist Church, a Jackson County child advocate, veteran of the United States Army, and, at the time of his death, was a Clinical Analyst at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Randall was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Terry Hartman.

Survivors include two sisters, Cathy Hartman and Debra Begley, Warner Robins; and three nieces and a nephew, Kristen and T.J. Begley, Samantha and Sabrina Hartman.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 3, at 2 p.m. at Grove Level Baptist Church with the Rev. Jeff Appling officiating. The family will have a period of visitation from 12 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church. The staff of Northeast Georgia Medical Center will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Memorials may be made to Bible Time, c/o The Grove, 1702 Grove Level Rd., Maysville, GA 30558.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → ‘Randy’ Turner (04-27-14)

WINDER – Louise Hall Hinesley, 99, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2014.

She was the daughter of the late Allen Bond Hall and Ada Murray Hall. She was a member of the Corinth United Methodist Church and spent most of her working life as a seamstress. Mrs. Hinesley was preceded in death by her husband, Harold Hinesley; two sons, Billy and Douglas; brother, J.S. Hall; and sister, Morene Wilbanks.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Dianne and Tom Fleeman, Winder; daughter-in-law, Becky Hinesley, Statham; four grandchildren, Sheri Briggs, Kirk Fleeman (Sheri), Richie Hinesley, and Holly Jump (Tim); seven great-grandchildren, Harrison and Hannah Jump, Jessica and B.J. Briggs, Avery, Ali-Grace and Anna Camille Fleeman; two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home with the Revs. Harold Corbin and John Burchfield officiating. Interment will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, April 25, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Louise Hinesley (04-24-14)

HOSCHTON – Margaret M. Saunders, 69, of Hoschton.

“Welcome to Nana and Pa’s House … Where Cousins Go To Become Best Friends…”. A famous plaque posted in their living room, this message is the best to describe our family, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Aunt, and Friend. Without question Margaret Anne McCurdy “Georgia” Saunders was extraordinary. Of 11 grand children and 1 great grandchild, she centered herself with family first, cooking knee buckling corn bread, and demanding the best from all she loved. Closely followed was public service and volunteerism. Whilst suffering the final death of her beloved for 36 years (12/15/12), Ernest Ray Saunders, she held steadfast and taught us all how to deal and heal. Georgia was a giver. Active in Center United Methodist Church of Hoschton and a champion and local pioneer with Relay For Life cancer benefit organization, all who knew her were elevated. With a tremendous sense of humor, contagious laughter, uncanny intellect, and a firm resolute conviction in all she believed in, she taught and we all definitely learned. Margaret died on April 26, 2014 due to complications from cancer.

She was survived by her sister, Mary Jones of Powder Springs, GA, her brother William McCurdy of Daytona Beach, FL, three children, Kimberly Rose Baran and Steve Baran (husband) of Winder, GA, Dennis W. Smith, Jr. of Dallas, TX, and Shelly Dampier of Milan, MO.

Memorial Services will be held at the Center United Methodist Church on Jackson Trail Road in Hoschton on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 2:00 PM, Pastor Blane Spence officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Center United Methodist Church, 7641 Jackson Trail Road, Hoschton, GA 30548.

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53, Hoschton, GA. 30548, www.lawsonfuneralhome.org, 706-654-0966.

View Full Notice → Margaret Saunders (04-26-14)

AUGUSTA – Christine Gordon Burroughs, 91, entered into rest at Kentwood Extended Care on Friday, April 25, 2014.

Christine was born in Danielsville on March 8, 1923, the daughter of the late Mary Estelle Boggs Gordon and Richard Howard Gordon. She graduated from Madison County High School, attended LaGrange College for two years, and then earned her BS and MS Ed degrees from the University of Georgia in Athens, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and Phi Kappa Phi Honorary Society. She also earned her MS in Library Science from Peabody College, Vanderbilt University. Christine was Head Librarian at North Fulton High School, Atlanta, from 1954-1960. She was Circulation Librarian at the University of Georgia, Athens, from 1960 until 1985, when she retired as Assistant Director of Public Services, UGA Main Library.

After her retirement, Christine took an active role in the Danielsville/Madison County community. She was instrumental in organizing the Old Danielsville City Cemetery Trust Fund, being one of the original trustees and faithfully working to preserve and maintain the historic cemetery. She supported the Friends of the Madison County Library, continued her interest in local politics, and was a lifelong member of Danielsville United Methodist Church.

After 2006, Christine moved near her daughter in Augusta, and was a resident of Kentwood Extended Care. She loved keeping up with current events, reading newspapers, watching tennis, and the Georgia Bulldogs. Christine was concerned with all the Kentwood staff members who were involved with her care, and encouraged them to continue their education and training. They always treated Christine with great tenderness and respect, and the family is grateful. Her wonderful sense of humor never wavered and she brought laughter to everyone around her.

Christine was preceded in death by her husband, William Franklin Burroughs, MD.

Survivors include a daughter, Jan Burroughs Loftis (Ed); granddaughter, Laura Jarrett Loftis Lanier (Joe); grandson, John Brown Gordon Loftis (Meghan); and great-grandson, Joseph Minick Lanier, Jr. In addition, Dr. Mary Ann Hickman has been one of Christine’s closest friends though the years, and loving “Aunt” to her grandchildren.

The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to The Church of the Good Shepherd, Augusta, for their faithful and loving ministry to Christine during her years in Augusta. She always looked forward to visits from Good Shepherd pastoral ministry, and she was sustained by sharing communion with the Eucharistic Ministers on Sundays. Her quiet faith was deep and never wavered.

A memorial graveside service will be held Saturday, May 17, at 11 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Danielsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, Attn: Development Dept., 1384 Greene St., Augusta, GA 30901, or to The Church of the Good Shepherd, 2230 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, Augusta, is in charge of arrangements.

Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com

View Full Notice → Christine Gordon Burroughs (04-25-14)

JEFFERSON – James William Dozier, 71, entered the gates of Heaven Wednesday, April 23, 2014, following an extended illness.

Jim, a native of Itta Bena, Miss., was the oldest son of the late James L. Dozier and Annie Mae Morgan Dozier. Jim attended Itta Bena High School and was a graduate of Southern Illinois University. He retired from the Navy as DCMC. He held a Top Secrete Clearance and received the Good Conduct Award, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy “E” Ribbon, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. After retirement from the Navy he taught computer science at Electronic Computer Programming Institute. He received Teacher of The Year of the four campuses. He was highly respected by his peers and students. He firmly believed in higher education and through education you could achieve the highest of goals and always told everyone to never quit learning. After retirement from ECPI he worked with Compass Technologies of Chesapeake, Va., for five years as the department dead of software and was the lead designer. He was an avid gardener and loved nature.

Jim always said he was a very lucky and very blessed man as he had a very loving family and children to be proud of and was able to make a living doing what he truly enjoyed.

Jim was a chess coach for Great Bridge High School, Chesapeake, Va., a Little League Baseball Coach, San Diego, Calif., and a Webelos Leader San Diego, Calif. He loved taking his sons and daughter fishing and camping. He loved telling them stories of growing up in the Delta of Mississippi. He loved watching his grandson, Nathan, play wide receiver in high school and for Christopher New Port University. He was an avid fan and never missed a game. Just a few months ago he was thrilled when his grandson Cole asked him to teach him how to write a computer software program and within a few days Cole wrote his first program. Jim was so happy teaching.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Martha Jane Bolton Dozier; daughter, Sara Elizabeth Seymour and son- in-law Jerry, Virginia Beach, Va.; sons, Kenneth and daughter–in-law Fleur, Jefferson, James Michael, Jefferson, and Jonathan and daughter-in-law Michelle, Marks, Miss.; grandchildren, Nathan, Brooke, Crews, Cole, and Victoria; two sisters, Annie Mary Bowers and husband Richard, Sidon, Miss., and Mary Jane Nance, Itta Bena, Miss.; brother, Henry Mach and wife Kay, Van Buren, Ark.; sister-in-law and husband Anna and Eddie Marlowe, Jefferson, Thomas Bolton, Jefferson; brother-in-law, Bill Bolton and wife Donna, Tavernier, Fla.; nine nephews; and four nieces.

Jim’s wishes were to be cremated with a celebration of life service. A private family celebration of life service was held Thursday, April 25, at Dozier’s Garden with Deacon Richard Bowers officiating.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → James Dozier (04-23-14)

Timothy “Tim” Allen Dotson, 46, passed away suddenly Sunday evening, April 27, 2014, at Athens Regional Hospital.

Tim was born March 16, 1968, in Demorest, Habersham County, Georgia, to Allen N. Dotson and Ruth F. Reynolds, of Gainesville. He was employed with the Petco Distribution Center and was of the Baptist denomination. He was preceded in death by his father and his grandparents, Dillard Free, Agnes Jarrard Free, and Minnie Dotson.

Survivors include his wife, Joanna B. Dotson, Danielsville; daughters, Brandy L. Dotson; Sherry “Nikki” Dotson and Cassidy T. Dotson, all of Commerce; step-daughter, Samantha Johnson; granddaughter, Lexi Johnson, both of Danielsville; mother, Ruth Free Reynolds and her husband Robert E. Reynolds, both of Commerce; sister, Sherry Tracy Murphy, her husband, James Stanley Murphy, and their son, James Cody Murphy, of Gillsville; several aunts and uncles; and his beloved dog, “Evel”.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, April 30, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home, followed by interment in Memorial Park Cemetery. His uncle, Mr. Dwayne Dotson, and Pastor Dean Carter, officiated.

Many thanks are owed to his Aunt Linda Dotson and his cousin, Tammy Dotson-Reed, for their help.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

View Full Notice → ‘Tim’ Dotson (04-27-14)

COMMERCE – Annie Mae Seagraves, 79, died Thursday, May 1, 2014, at her residence.

Ms. Seagraves was born in Homer, the daughter of the late Styles Herbert and Mary Love Herbert, Sr. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was retired from Wayne Farms. Ms. Seagraves was preceded in death by five brothers; and three sisters.

Survivors include daughters, Vickie Davis and Wanda Allen, both of Homer, and Patricia Seagrave, Commerce; sister-in-law, Claudine Herber, Douglasville; six grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 3, at Howington Cemetery with Bishop Leon Mclain, Brother Brad Day, and Mr. Rod Allen officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 2 to 3 pm.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Annie Mae Seagraves (05-01-14)

COMMERCE – Elizabeth L. Masters, 57, died Friday, May 2, 2014, at Northridge Medical Center.

Mrs. Masters was the daughter of the late Herman and Pauline Thomas Winkler and was of the Baptist denomination and was a homemaker.

Survivors include her husband, David Masters, Commerce; brother, Lawrence Winkler of Seneca, S.C.; and sister, Patricia Williams, Alto.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 6, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Lester Haynes officiating with the interment following in the Dry Pond United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, May 5, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Elizabeth Masters (05-02-14)

JEFFERSON – Phillip O’Neal Maloch, 49, died Thursday, May 1, 2014, at his residence.

Mr. Maloch was born in Winder, the son of Martha Craft Maloch of Winterville and the late Dennis O’Neal Maloch. He was employed with Motel 6.

Survivors in addition to his mother, include his wife, Betty Mae Martin Maloch, Jefferson; children, Jennifer Maloch and Phillip Maloch, both of Jefferson, and Neal Maloch and Jamie Maloch, both of Cleveland; sisters, Rhonda Skinner, Pendergrass, and Sherry Crawley and Dana Maloch, both of Commerce; brothers, Michael Maloch, Braselton, Ronnie Maloch, Winterville, and Timmy Maloch, Braselton; and six grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, May 4, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Maxwell Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from noon until 2 p.m. prior to the services.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Phillip Maloch (05-01-14)

COMMERCE – Betty Jean Edwards was born on May 12, 1933, and went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 1, 2014.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Emmette Duran; and a sister, Barbara Edwards.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Ernest Edwards, Commerce; daughter, Debbie (Faron) Lauro-Power, Lancaster, Calif.; son, Dennis (Marie) Edwards, Acworth; two granddaughters, Jennifer Chase, Acworth, and Kara Lauro, Arlington, Va.; three grandsons, Justin (Karla) Lauro, Fayetteville, N.C., Dennis “DJ” (Kim) Edwards, Jr., Woodstock, and David (Ashley) Edwards, Acworth; three great-grandchildren, Taylor, Mason, and Jacob Edwards, Woodstock; brother, Jones Allen “Pete” (Charlotte) Garmon, Jefferson; sister, Beverly (Jerry) Scott, Commerce; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at Hudson River Baptist Church in Commerce on May 7. The body was cremated after the service.

Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Betty Jean Edwards (05-01-14)

WINDER – Shanda Delaine Anderson, 36, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2014.

She was the daughter of Elaine Stone and was a radiology tech for Gwinnett Medical Center. Mrs. Anderson was preceded in death by her grandfather, Rev. Ed Murray.

Survivors in addition to her mother include her life partner, Tabatha Crowe; two daughters, Rylee Anderson, Auburn, and Hunter Anderson, Gwinnett; brother, Chris Stone (Vall), Monroe; grandchild, Jordan Hixon; and grandmother, Virginia Murray.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Shanda Anderson (05-01-14)

HOMER – Jack Otis Blackwell, 90, died Friday, May 2, 2014, at The Oaks at Scenic View.

Mr. Blackwell was born in Maysville, the son of the late Jim and Dovie Carter Blackwell. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and was a World War II Veteran of the United States Navy. Mr. Blackwell was a retired rural letter carrier. Mr. Blackwell was preceded in death by his wife, Mollie Boswell Blackwell.

Survivors include a son, Ricki Blackwell (Debbie); and daughter, Becky Clough (Carl), all of Homer; grandchildren, Rhonda Mathis, Amy Mick, and Jacqueline Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Nathan Mathis, Paige Mathis, Brady Mick, Kiley Mick, and Shawn Wilson.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, May 4, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. James Duncan and James Dumas officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, May 3, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Jack Blackwell (05-02-14)

Celebration of Life for Becky McCrackin

12/21/1930 – 04/24/2014

Please join us for a time of remembrance on Sunday, May 18, 2014, 3:00 p.m., at Homer Presbyterian Church, Homer, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, please bring books for donation to a child in kindergarten or first grade.
Rebecca Eloise McCrackin, 83, transitioned from the body on 04/24/14 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

She was survived by children, Craig McCrackin and Jamie Throneberry, grandchildren, Chris McCrackin, Natalie Eubanks, and Nicholas Throneberry. Great-grandchildren, Ulric and Zebbe Eubanks and a sister Joan Burke.

She graduated Brown High and then Shorter College. She married James A. McCrackin in the mid fifties, was a school teacher in Atlanta for kindergarten and first grades, and retired in the late 70’s to care for her mother. She loved music, playing the piano, and singing. She enjoyed being with family and friends and liked doing handcrafts, especially ceramics. She moved to Banks County and lived with her son’s family when her husband died, where she attended Homer Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the Red Hats group, and travel with bank travel groups. She moved to Peachtree Village in Commerce and finally to Brighter Mornings in Maysville.

She touched and blessed lives from children to senior citizens through song, education, craft, and love.

View Full Notice → Becky McCrackin (04-24-14)