JEFFERSON – Howard Pratt Nix, 85, passed away on Monday, April 25, 2016.

Mr. Nix was born in Jefferson, the son of the late Jesse Homer Nix and Vallie Johnson Nix. Mr. Nix worked as a retail accountant, was a veteran of the United States Army, and was a member of the Galilee Christian Church. Mr. Nix was preceded in death by his wife, Sara Baker Nix; brother, Lewis Nix; and sister, Frances Matthews.

Survivors include sons, James Nix and his wife Cathi, Hull, and Chris Nix and his wife Missy, Jefferson; daughter, Diane Pittman and her husband Charles, Jefferson; brother, Ernest Nix; and sister, Inez Nix, both of Jefferson; grandchildren, Taylor Nix, Cody Nix, Colton Nix, Jason Pittman, Brad Pittman and his wife Morgan, Laurie Beth Nix Ring and her husband Jason, and Jeff Nix and his wife Nicole; and three great-grandchildren, Braxton Ring, Corbin Nix, and Tinley Grace Pittman.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 27, at 4 p.m., in the Galilee Christian Church with the Rev. Don Brandon officiating. The burial will follow in the Galilee Christian Church Cemetery with Brad Pittman, Jason Pittman, Cody Nix, Jeff Nix, Jason Ring, and Mike Gunter honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held on Wednesday from 3 until 4 p.m. in the Galilee Christian Church, prior to the service.

Flowers are optional.

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

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → Howard Nix (04-25-16)

DANIELSVILLE – Velma Chandler Ledbetter, 104, died Wednesday, April 27, 2016, at Northridge Health and Rehab.

Mrs. Ledbetter was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Hope and Harriet Lou Tishie Chandler. She was the oldest member of Hudson River Baptist Church. She was retired from the textile industry and was a retired farmer. Mrs. Ledbetter was preceded in death by her husband, George W. Ledbetter; and son, George Hope Ledbetter.

Survivors include her daughter, Ester Wilson, Commerce; daughter-in-law, Carmen Mezzacappa, South Carolina; grandson, Phillip Wilson (Leslie), Commerce; and great-granddaughter, Braylee Hope Wilson, Commerce.

Graveside services will be held Friday, April 29, at 3:30 p.m., at Hudson River Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Sam Henderson officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, April 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Banks County FFA Alumni, 91 Nowhere Road, Danielsville, GA 30633.

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

View Full Notice → Velma Ledbetter (04-27-16)

WINDER – Andrea C. Harris, 28, passed away on Saturday, April 23, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clara Dale and Everett Dale. Andrea was born on January 15, 1988, in Gainesville. She received her education at Barrow County School System and was of the Baptist denomination.

Survivors include her daughter, Sara; parents, Christopher Todd Harris, Winder, and Penni Waters, Florida; brothers, Daniel and Erica Swafford, Oakwood, and Rikku Min, Idaho; sister, Sierra Harris, Winder; grandparents, Dale and Carole Harris, Buford; uncle, Rodney Harris, Buford; aunt, Michele and Patrick Logan, Buford; nieces, Mira Denise Swafford, and Elisia Clare Jeanette Swafford; cousins, Lance Logan and Alexis Logan.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, at 4 p.m., in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 3 until time of service at 4 p.m.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford.

View Full Notice → Andrea Harris (04-23-16)

HOSCHTON – Robert Edward Lee, 66, passed away Monday, April 25, 2016.

Robert was a Vietnam Army Veteran, a minister of the gospel, he collected antiques, was a carpenter, and loved farming. Robert was a beloved husband, daddy and granddaddy.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Sarah J. Lee; daughter Amy Lee Broxton and husband John, Jefferson; sister Gwendolyn Hall, Braselton; grandchildren, Jay Robert Lee and wife Chloe, Madeline Sells, Maggie Sells, Taylor Lee, McKenna Lee, and Abby Broxton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Warren Lee; and brother, Randall Joe Lee.

An inturnment with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 6, at Dacula First Baptist Church Cemetery, 2534 Winder Hwy., Dacula.

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, Hoschton.

www.lawsonfuneralhome.org.

View Full Notice → Robert Lee (04-25-16)

JEFFERSON – Rush Winn, 32, entered into rest Wednesday, April 27, 2016.

Mr. Winn was born in Athens, the son of Greg and Vicki Palmer Winn of Jefferson. He was a HVAC technician. Mr. Rush was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Dot Palmer and Emmett R. Winn.

Survivors in addition to his parents include two daughters, Destiny and Serenity Winn, Commerce, sister, Fallon Metcalf and her husband Shane, Athens; grandmother, Doris Winn, Athens; two nephews, Max and Luke Metcalf, Athens; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30, from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with Minister Tom Plank officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Evans Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service on Saturday.

Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to International Bipolar Foundation, 8755 Aero Drive, Suite 310, San Diego, CA 92123
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → Rush Winn (04-27-16)

NICHOLSON – Linda Joyce Barnett, 71, died Saturday, April 23, 2016, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Mrs. Barnett was the daughter of the late Garnett and Willie Mae Crane Brown. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Barnett was preceded in death by her children, Lisa Barnett and Greg Barnett; and brothers, Buck Brown, Garnett Brown, Jr. and Nelson Brown.

Survivors include her husband, Roger Barnett, Nicholson; and sisters, Edna Gooch and Vera Lockman, both of Commerce.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 26, at Nicholson Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Howington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m.

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

View Full Notice → Linda Barnett (4-23-16)

GAINESVILLE – Hazel Payne Lancaster, Belmont Community, entered into rest Monday, May 2, 2016.

Mrs. Lancaster was born in Jefferson, the daughter of the late Alvin and Lona Jackson Payne. She was a member of Belmont Baptist Church and retired from the Hall County School System. Mrs. Lancaster is preceded in death by a brother, Joe Payne; and a sister, Mary Alice “Tootsie” Norris.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Wylie Lancaster, Gainesville; daughter, Cindy Morrow and her husband Douglas, Ellijay; son, Mark Lancaster of Winterville; five sisters, Peggy Shirley, Agnes “Teeter” Bell, Reba Wofford, Neta Hix, and Nancy Payne, all of Jefferson; four grandchildren, John Morrow, Ellie Greer, Julie Day, and Katie Fiskness; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, from the Belmont Baptist Church with the Rev. Bill Compton officiating with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers will be John Morrow, Dustin Day, Austin Greer, John Hudgins, John Pulliam, and Steve Moon. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, May 3, from 4 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Belmont Baptist Church Building Fund, 3635 Belmont Highway, Gainesville, Georgia 30507.

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

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com.

View Full Notice → Hazel Lancaster (05-02-16)

JEFFERSON – Candace Emily Byers Simmons, 40, entered into rest Sunday, May 2, 2016, at Emory Hospital in Atlanta.

Candace was a strong, independent, well-educated lady. She graduated from Perry High School in Perry, Ga. in 1993. She then attended Gainesville College. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia, master’s degree from Piedmont College, and specialist degree from Brenau University. Candace has spent all of her teaching career at Jefferson Middle School, except her first year at Commerce High School. Candace received many awards and recognition as an outstanding teacher. She was very proud to know that she was helping the students at JMS be bright, productive citizens.

Candace was preceded in death by her sister, Alison Lynn Byers; her maternal grandparents, Billy and Betty Jean Humphries; paternal grandparents, Sanford and Ruby Fay Smith Byers; and her father-in-law, Jerry Simmons.

Survivors include her loving husband, Jeremy Scott Simmons and her son, the love of her life, Quinton Ford Simmons, both of Jefferson. Her family includes a brother, Steven Byers, his son, Ian Byers, both of Jefferson, sister, Teresa Kirchner and husband, Matt Kirchner, and their son, Reed Kirchner, Kingsport, Tenn.; her parents, Glenn and Judy Byers of Unadilla, Ga.; her mother-in-law, Marie Taubel and husband Rob, Gillsville; sister-in-law, Kelley Lerma and husband Carlos, Gillsville; brothers in law, Barry Simmons and wife Tonya, Lula, and Craig Simmons and wife Margie, Maysville; the families special friend, Holly Tullis, Jefferson; uncles, aunts, and cousins on both sides of the family; and her co-workers, friends and neighbors too numerous to mention.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, from the Galilee Christian Church with the Rev. Delma Simmons officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the service. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 8, at her home church, County Line Baptist Church, 1115 County Line Road, Unadilla, Georgia. Candace will lie in state in the church from 1 to 2 p.m. with Brannen Nesmith Funeral Home of Unadilla in charge of arrangements.

The family would like to thank the staff at Athens Regional Hospital and Emory Hospital Neuroscience ICU Department for everything they did to try to save Candace from this outcome. We would also like to thank everyone for the prayers and support we have received.

Flowers are appreciated or donations to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation at www.bafound.org or the charity of your choice. Candace’s service was delayed because of her generous gift as an organ donor, which gives us encouragement that part of her spirit will help save others.

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

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → Candace Simmons (05-02-16)

COMMERCE – Candace Nicole Cook, 32, died Tuesday, May 3, 2016, at her residence.

Mrs. Cook was born in Gainesville, the daughter of William Terry Cook (Pam) of Commerce and Tammy Lee Bennett Roush of Baldwin. She was self-employed as a landscaper.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Cook was survived by her husband, Donald Strickland, Commerce; sisters, Megan Cook, Brevard, N.C., Paige Lee, Clarksville, and Layla Coffee, Athens; brother, Andrew Murry, Philadelphia, Pa.; grandmothers, Mary Ann Cook, Commerce, and Donna Collins, Cleveland; and great grandmother, Blanche Waddell.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Friday, May 6, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Andy Bond officiating. Interment will follow in Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, May 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.

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

View Full Notice → Candace Cook (05-03-16)

COMMERCE – William Marvin Young, Jr., 70, passed away Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Atlanta.

Mr. Young was born September 5, 1945, in Decatur, the son of the late William Marvin, Sr. and Eveline Mary Cerise Young. He worked as a manager with AutoZone and served his Country in the United States Army, having fought in the Vietnam War. He was a member of Centennial Baptist Church in Rutledge, Ga. Mr. Young was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Young.

Survivors include his wife, Vickie M. Young, Commerce; daughters, Gwenn Young, Commerce, Christa Allgood, Missouri, and Susan Sweeney, Tennessee; brother, Joe Young, Florida; sister, Judy Young Phillips, Florida; grandchildren, Baylee, Bradlee, Bella, Scott (Bean), Jesse, Zachary, Bethany, Tommy, Cole, and Kenny; great-grandchild, Emalyn; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, May 9, at the Grey Hill Cemetery with the Rev. Chad Rising officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home prior to the services.

On line condolences may be made to the family at www.iviefuneralhomecommerce.com

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

View Full Notice → William Young (05-04-16)

BOWMAN – Russell Lee Jordan, 83, passed away on Friday, May 6, 2016, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.

Mr. Jordan was born in Danielsville on December 8, 1932, the son of the late Oscar Jordan and Susie Power Jordan. He was a winding tower operator having worked at Westinghouse and was a United States. Army Veteran having served in the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Vineyard’s Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Viola M. Parham Jordan; sons, Brad Jordan and Wade Jordan, Danielsville; daughter, Jan Jordan, Athens; step-daughters, Jackie Collins, Greensboro, and Pam Burden, Bowman; sisters, Clara Bonds and Meryle Booth, both of Danielsville; three grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; and ten step-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at www.pruittfhroyston.com.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.

Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.

View Full Notice → Russell Lee Jordan (05-06-16)

Danis Ray Marlowe, 74, died Sunday, May 1, 2016.

A native of Barrow County, Mr. Marlowe was the son of the late Roy James and Edna Ruth Blackstock Marlowe. Mr. Marlowe was preceded in death by a daughter, Monique Nicole Marlowe; and a sister, Celia Parks. He was a Navy Veteran.

Survivors include his wife, Maria Benitez Marlowe; daughter, Denise Marlowe; brother, Dewayne Marlowe; sister, Cathy Kennedy; and one grandchild.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

View Full Notice → Danis Marlowe (05-01-16)

JEFFERSON – Suzie Metcalf, 43, passed away Saturday, May 7, 2016.

She was of the Baptist denomination and was a homemaker.

Survivors include a daughter, Kerrigan Pourron (David Blackwell), Jefferson; son, Brandon Mitchell, Jefferson; parents, Lamar and Shirley Reynolds Metcalf, Jefferson; two brothers, Jerry Metcalf, Jefferson, and Shane Metcalf (Fallon), Athens; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 4 p.m., in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home, Winder, with the Rev. Terry Brock officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 p.m. until service time.

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

View Full Notice → Suzie Metcalf (05-07-16)

WRIGHT – Dorothy Wright, 71, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016, at her residence.

Mrs. Wright was born on August 10, 1944, in Jefferson, the daughter of the late Columbus and Mandy Dover Hicks. She was a homemaker and a member of Free Chapel. Mrs. Wright was preceded in death by her husband, B.L. Wright; seven brothers; and five sisters.

Survivors include her daughter, Audrey Sears, Cleveland; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Shannon Standridge, Danielsville; grandchildren, Johnathan Merrell, Elijay, Chadale and Wayne Manley, Danielsville, Crystal and Dennis White, Elijay, Eric and Tonya Merrell, Commerce, and Tasha and Michael Poole, Danielsville; great grandchildren, Jaycin, Jaxon, Kylan, Chelse, Bailey, Gracie, Alaina, Xander, Addison, Brooklyn, Cambree, Sophie; and sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Randal Grindle, Gillsville.

Funeral services are scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The Revs. Eric Merrell and Roger Peck will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be made at www.barrettfh.com

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → Dorothy Wright (05-08-16)

JEFFERSON – Joseph “Joe” George Merck, 81, passed away on Sunday, May 8, 2016, at his residence in Jefferson, following an extended illness.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Hoyt and Bertha Merck; a daughter, Melinda Owens; son, Melvin Merck; daughter-in-law, Sheri Merck; sister, Martha Wright; and brothers, James “Jim” Merck and Raymond “Larry” Merck.

Survivors include his wife, Morene Fauscett Merck; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Kathy Merck; daughter, Marsha Merck; 11 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister and brother-in-law, Mildred Ann and Danny Poole; brothers and sisters-in-law, Vernon and Linda Merck, John and Jane Merck, Doug and Maudeen Merck, and Richard and Beverly Merck.

Born on November 9, 1934, Joe spent his childhood on the family farm in Hall County. As the oldest boy of nine siblings, Joe spent many days helping his father and mother provide food for the family. Joe’s father, Hoyt, would often share their harvest with the less fortunate families in the community.

Throughout his adolescent years and into adulthood, Joe also worked for his father building houses in and around Gainesville. In his twenties, Joe took a job working for H. Steel, traveling around the southeast building feed mills. After he helped construct the Eshelman Feed Mill in Doraville, he took a job as a maintenance worker at the mill. Joe lived with his wife and four kids in Doraville until 1970, when he moved his family to Gillsville, where he opened Joe and Doug’s Truck Equipment alongside his brother, Doug. In 1976, the Lord called him to minister to the needy. Joe established the Community Baptist Mission in Gillsville, where he took in homeless individuals and families; providing food, shelter, work and a healthy dose of Jesus Christ. Joe worked with hospitals, police departments and the court systems to ensure that anyone in need would be able to find refuge. Joe would often seek out homeless individuals and families by searching areas such as bridges and homeless campgrounds in and around Gainesville. After selling his half of Joe and Doug’s in 1987, Joe founded and operated Three Star Salvage and Restoration, which specialized in scrapping abandoned boats on Lake Lanier. This new endeavor helped fund the mission and provide jobs to the homeless who stayed there.

Due to his work with the homeless, Joe was honored in Atlanta, where he received the Stone Soup Award in 1993. In 2008, Riverbend Baptist Church in Gainesville opened a food pantry and aptly named it Joe’s Place in honor of Joe’s ministry.

Joe was saved as a nine year old boy at Calvary Baptist Church, and he shared his faith with everyone he met. Joe faithfully served in numerous churches during his life, including Riverbend Baptist, Calvary Baptist, Harmony Hall Baptist, Diamond Hill Baptist, Buford Highway Baptist, Solid Rock Baptist, Sugar Hill Baptist, and Cave Springs Baptist. As a reverend, Joe also held regular church services at the mission for the homeless.

A man with a true servant’s heart, unwavering faith and a staunch resilience to life’s tribulations, Joe will be forever remembered for his homeless ministry and the tens of thousands of lives he touched during the 40 plus years he faithfully served those in need.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ward’s Funeral Home, 758 Main St. SW, Gainesville. Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday, May 15, 2016 at 3 p.m. The body will lie in state from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m. at Solid Rock Baptist Church, 52 Deadwyler Rd., Maysville. Interment immediately following in the church cemetery. Pastor Richard Merck and the Rev. Doug Merck will officiate.

Memorial donations in memory of Joe may be made to Joe’s Place at Riverbend, 1715 Cleveland Hwy., Gainesville, GA 30501.

Condolences may be made at wardsfh.com

Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.

View Full Notice → ‘Joe’ Merck (05-08-16)

Robin Guyton, 50, entered into eternal peace on Thursday, May 5, 2016, following a six-week battle with cancer. She was surrounded by family and friends.

Robin grew up in Lawrenceville/Gwinnett County and attended Bethesda Elementary School, Sweetwater Middle School, and was a graduate of Berkmar High School. Her adult life was spent in Jackson County. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Lucille and Billy Guyton and grandmother, “Missie” Embrey.

Survivors include her mother; Ann Guyton, Hoschton; father, Bill Guyton, Bogart; beloved children, Candice Atkins and Connor Atkins, both of Jefferson; loving fiancé, Mehmet Ozbay, Mooresville, N.C.; a sister, Shelley Edwards, Athens; brother, Vince Guyton, Jefferson; and aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins, and a multitude of friends who loved her.

She lives on in our hearts and her spirit surrounds us. A celebration of Robin’s life is being held on Saturday, May 14, from 2 to 6 p.m., at Walnut Hill Farms, 1960 Jett Roberts Road, Jefferson, GA 30549.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her children, Candice and Conner Atkins.

Arrangements are handled by Fischer Funeral Care, Atlanta.

Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.

View Full Notice → Robin Guyton (05-05-16)

HOSCHTON – Jenny Womack Brooks, 43, entered into rest Saturday, May 7, 2016.

Mrs. Brooks was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Ed and Betty Jean Carter Womack, was a member of White Plains Baptist Church, and was a homemaker. Mrs. Brooks is preceded by a brother, Tony Womack; and a sister, Lisa Womack.

Survivors include a son, Derek Allen Brooks and his wife Candace, Hoschton; sister, Caroline Brooks, Hoschton, brother, William Womack, Jefferson; two grandchildren; mother-In-law, Sandra Orr, Hoschton, sisters-in-law, Melissa Smith, Kelly Ledford, and Stacey Rymer; and cousins; Stacy Brooks, Angela Carter, Tommy Brooks, and Dwight Brooks.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 2 p.m., from the White Plains Baptist Church with the Revs. Henry Loggins and Johnny Hayes officiating with burial to follow in the White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers will be Duck Brooks, Dwight Ledford, Jerry Ledford, Cody Ledford, Jeremy Sullivan, and Keith Rymer. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, May 9, from 6 to 9 p.m

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

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → Jenny Brooks (05-07-16)

JEFFERSON – Lawrence “Larry” Briggs, 87, entered into rest Wednesday, May 11, 2016.

Mr. Briggs was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Esther Treat Briggs; sister, Joyce Clark; and brothers, Neil and Marvin Briggs.

Mr. Briggs was born July 14, 1928, in Fort Monroe, Va. He was a loving husband and devoted father and grandfather. He retired from Boeing/Rockwell International in 1995. He always had a servant’s heart and volunteered and served with many organizations throughout his life, including the Masonic Lodge in Lakeview, Ohio, Bristol, Tenn., as well as Jefferson. He served countless hours and received prestigious awards from Boy Scouts of America. He was a Gideon, he served on the Board of Directors for the Jefferson City Library and the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Jackson County. He volunteered as a mentor at Jefferson Elementary School. He was a member of the Jefferson Lions Club and was a member of the Jefferson First United Methodist Church, a graduate of the University of Colorado and received the Daniel Carter Beard Award for service to the Boy Scouts and Masons.

Survivors include his wife, Edna Roop Briggs, Jefferson; daughters, Deborah Briggs, Durango, Colo., Leslie and her husband Donald Lowe, Bristol, Tenn., and Lynn and her husband Adam Dill, Birmingham, Ala.; sons, Larry and his wife Marsi Briggs, Loganville, and Alan and his wife Kimberly Barnes, Hong Kong; grandchildren, Allison Lowe, Lexie, and Hope Dill, Benjamin and Caroline Briggs, and Keira Barnes; a special nephew, Neil Briggs; and several other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Jefferson at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 18, with Pastors Chris Laskey, Bob Reynolds, and Eric Shelton officiating. Burial will follow in Evans Memory Gardens. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers will be Benjamin Briggs, Donley Huggins, Quinten Huggins, Andy Wickman, Jay Myers, and Mark Bradley. Members of the Masons and Lions Clubs will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, and 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the fellowship hall of the First United Methodist Church of Jefferson.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com

View Full Notice → ‘Larry’ Briggs (05-11-16)

COMMERCE – George Anthony “Tony” Ervin, 79, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2016, at his residence.

Mr. Ervin was the son of the late George Rufus and Kathleen McCoy Ervin and was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Brock.

He was a retired truck driver with Gold Kist, currently employed with Baker and Taylor, member of Blacks Creek Church where he played the Banjo, a member of gospel group, “The Encouragers”, who ministered to the elderly at nursing homes and personal care homes, an avid bicycler who completed several bicycle rides across Georgia events, a lifelong farmer that provided fruits and vegetables to family and friends, and an avid gourd and wood craftsman. He also loved fishing, family and friends, tractor pulling, gardening, and was a great husband, father and grandfather.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Parks Ervin, Commerce; a son, Andy Ervin and Christy Watson, Gainesville; two daughters and son-in-law, Katheryn (Edward) Craddock, Commerce, and Melanie White, Monroe; two brothers, Johnny Ervin, Gillsville, and Ronald Ervin, Lula; three sisters, Melissa Gowder, Gillsville, Jan Rhodes, Nicholson, and Ann Hill, Martin; and three grandchildren, Jessica White, Annie White, and Walker Ervin.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday May 14, at Blacks Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Chad Rising officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in Jackson Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6 to 8 pm Friday, May 13, at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at iviefuneralhomecommerce.com

Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of the arrangements.

View Full Notice → ‘Tony’ Ervin (05-12-16)

LAVONIA – Dianne Hanley Riley, 68, formerly of Danielsville, died Tuesday, May 17, 2016, at her residence.

Born August 11, 1947, in Madison County, she was the daughter of the late James F. and Evelyn (Winfrey) Hanley. She was a cosmetologist. Mrs. Riley was a member of the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by husbands, Guy Peterman and Joe Riley; daughter, Sherri Jo Poole; brother, Kenneth Hanley; and brother-in-law, Jerry Mason.

Survivors include granddaughters, Riley Dutton and Wade, Annsley Davis and Justin Brown, and Braylee Poole; great-grandson, Davis Dutton; siblings: Sandra Mason, Larry Hanley and Marie, Carol Ingram and Sam, and Gary Hanley and Mary; and sister-in-law, Donna Hanley.

The funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the Lavonia Chapel of Strickland Funeral Home with the Rev. Tommy Childress officiating. Burial will follow in Jones Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, May 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. At other hours, the family will be at the home.

Flowers are optional or donations may be made to defray funeral expenses.

Strickland Funeral Home, Lavonia Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements.

On-line condolences may be sent at www.stricklandfh.com.

View Full Notice → Dianne Riley (05-17-16)