Mrs. Helen Marie Tucker

MRS. HELEN MARIE TUCKER, age 78, of March Lane, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Her residence. A Trion native, She was born to the late Thomas Franklin and Edith Marie Campbell Ingram. She was a member of the Harold Street Church of God and formerly worked for Mt. Vernon Mills in the bleaching department. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by sisters, Hazel Ingram and Janie Roberts.

Surviving are husband, Michael T. Tucker; daughters, Tanja Evans and Kimberly Blackmon; sister, Bonnie Teems; brother, Danny Ingram; four Grandchildren, eighteen Great Grandchildren, four Great Great Grandchildren, several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, July 25th, at 3:00 P.M. from the Harold Street Church of God with Rev. Rockland Hughes and Danny Hester officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers, Merrick Touchstone, Cameron Lyons, Carson Keen, Michael Lyons, D. J. Chapman, and Josh Hines. Visitation will be Sunday 2 until 3 P.M. at the Church  prior to Funeral service.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Freddy L. Brown

MR. FREDDY L. BROWN, age 78, of Congress Street-Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at his residence following an illness. A Chattooga County native, He was born to the late Willie M. and Sara Mae Sparks Brown on January 29, 1943. Mr. Brown was Baptist by Faith and was Supervisor (retired) for Marglen Mill. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a son, the late Joshua Lee Brown and siblings, Doris Jean White, Willie Sue Sizemore, and Benny Seals Brown.

Surviving are His wife, Charlotte Brown; sons and spouse’s, Scottie and Rhonda Brown, Guy Brown, and Gregory and Tammy Brown; sister, Leila Brown Ward; Five Grandchildren, Four Great Grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, July 24th, at 11:00 A.M. from Summerville Cemetery, with Rev. Ralph Sumner, Rev. Barry Brown, and Rev. Jason Lee officiating.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Freddy L. Brown who passed away Wednesday.

Mr. Jimmy Dewayne Peoples

MR. JIMMY DEWAYNE PEOPLES, age 51, passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, July 18, 2021. Born in Sylacauga, Alabama on June 10, 1970, He was a son of Vester Virgle (PeeWee) Peoples and Rose Lea Peoples Sider. He was preceded in death by a brother, the late Billy Joe Peoples.

Surviving are mother and step father, Rose and Don Siders of Lincoln City, Org.; father-Vester Virgil (PeeWee) Peoples of Orange County, Fl.; sisters, Carol Sue
(James) Epperson of Sylacauga, Al. and Juanita (William Eugene) Bryson of Summerville; brother, Donald Hulsey of Summerville; special extended family/friends, Bud and Diane Crowe, Robert and Debbie Bryant, and Darlene Hughes; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Thelma Eargle

Thelma Eargle, loving wife and mother of five children, died Friday, July 16, 2021. She was 95 years old. Thelma was born Feb. 7, 1926, to the late B.F. Scott and Ruby Leathers Scott of Powder Springs, GA. She was also pre-deceased by her husband of 43 years, Joseph I. Eargle, Jr.; her grandson, Jae Eargle; and brother, Randy Scott. She is survived by her five children: Melissa Morgan of Summerville, Elizabeth Henderson (Gary) of Carrollton, Joe Eargle of Acworth, Cindy Evans (Rex) of Trion, and Benjie Eargle (Kay) of Powder Springs; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. A sister, Frankie S. Johnson of Powder Springs, also survives her.

Thelma lived a rich and full life. In the 1930s her mother walked with her through the woods from her home on Friendship Church Road to attend the one room Talley School on West Sandtown Road. Later on, Thelma attended McEachern School. She was employed with Bell Aircraft during the years of World War II. She eloped with the love of her life, “Joeby,” on Christmas Eve, 1943. Henceforth, Thelma devoted her life to her role as wife, mother, and grandmother.

In her later years, "Ms. Thelma" was known for her smile, her sense of style, and her sassy spunk. She was a member of McEachern United Methodist Church in Powder Springs for over 50 years. Since November 2018 she resided at the Oakview Nursing Home in Summerville, GA, where she was known affectionately as “Flossie.” Many thanks to the staff who witnessed our mother’s unfailing sense of humor, and took care of her in life as well as in death.

Thelma was a woman of faith who said many times over how blessed she was, and that she was looking forward to seeing her husband again. She left specific instructions for there to be no sadness. So we celebrate her life. Celebrate with us by wearing orange (her favorite color), reading a book (her favorite pastime), or eating a white kit kat (her favorite candy bar).

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in Summerville, GA is in charge of arrangements. The funeral is graveside only at the Macland Cemetery in Powder Springs, GA., Wednesday, July 21 at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McEachern Methodist Church in her memory.

Mr. Christopher Todd Pickle Sr.

MR CHRISTOPHER TODD PICKLE, SR., age 58 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021, in a Rome hospital. A native Chattooga Countian, he was born April 10, 1963, to the late Jack Pickle and Jeanette Jackson Pickle, who survives. Mr. Pickle was a member of the Berryton Bible Mission and the Chattooga County Search and Rescue. He was a Care Giver and worked in the maintenance department for Springs, Industries. In addition to his Father, was preceded in death by a sister, the late Karen Pickle.

Surviving are his wife, Tina Pickle; mother, Jeanette Pickle; daughter, Sissy Robinson; sons, Todd Pickle and Joshua Pickle; grandchildren, Samuel Rutledge, Kirsten Rutledge, Cheyenne Pickle, Jesse Pickle, A. J. Reed, Spencer Reed, Jace Robinson, Brantley Robinson, and Ava Robinson; sisters, Cynthia Pruitt and Jennifer Pickle; brothers, William Pickle, Jonathan Pickle, Mike Pickle, Jeremy Pickle, Jerome Pickle, and Seth Pickle; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, July 11th, at 2:00 p.m. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Larry Reynolds and Gerald Haygood officiating, interment in Lyerly Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Samuel Rutledge, Jesse Pickle, Dakota Lewis, Andrew Bennett, Jason Rutledge, and Spencer Reed; Honorary Pallbearers, Jason Hambrick, Daniel Robinson, Jerry Bennett and Austin Haygood. The family will receive friends Saturday from 5 until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home. In Lieu of flowers, contributions to the family.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Christopher Todd Pickle, Sr. who passed away Thursday.

Noland Dewayne White

 NOLAND DEWAYNE WHITE, age 71 of Summerville, passed away on Sunday, July 4, 2021.  He was born on December 2, 1949, a son of the late Charles White and Evelyn Rogers White.  Mr. White was a member of Teloga Baptist Church, a Veteran of the United States Marines serving during the Vietnam War.  He was a Sheet Rock Finisher by trade and member of Lyerly Lodge #338 F&AM.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Steve White and Dale White.

 

Surviving are his wife, Patsy Kirby White; son, Jaylen White; brothers, Roger White and Lowell White. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. from the Teloga Baptist Church with Rev. Tony Weaver officiating.  Interment will be in the Summerville Cemetery.  Active Pallbearers will be Johnny Gentry, Gene Brown, Steve Rhinehart, Ted Deberry, Leon Parris, and Eugene Ellenburg.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Members of the Teloga Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12 noon until the hour of service at the Teloga Baptist Church.

 

 

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Noland Dewayne White who passed away Sunday.

Ralls Jennings

Ralls Jennings passed away June 27 surrounded by family after a long and full life. He was 89 years old and had been married to his wife, Billie Jean Burns Jennings, for 69 of those years. Ralls was the father of 3 children, Luci Jennings, Russ Jennings (Linda), and Don Jennings (deceased). His grandchildren are Julie King, Evan Webb, Jeanna Edgerton, Belle Jennings, Lucas Jennings, Remy Jennings, Jesse Jennings, Matthew Jennings, and Holly Jennings.

A unique person who led an interesting life, the focus of Ralls’ life was always his love of Billie. Together, they raised a family, started a business, and saw a lot of the world. While Ralls served stateside in the U.S. Air Force during the last years of the Korean war, they began their family with the birth of Luci. Despite having a young family, Ralls worked part time and, with help from the GI Bill, earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Alabama to become the first college graduate in his family. 2 sons were added to the family as he worked several jobs throughout the southeast before the family settled in Trion in 1965 when Ralls became Plant Engineer at Riegel Textile.

In 1972, Ralls and Billie started J Bar Corporation. J Bar became a true family business as all their children worked there and most of the grandchildren were kept there as babies and toddlers by their grandmother, Billie, as she and their parents worked. Today it is being run by the third generation of the family and their children are growing up in the office as their parents and grandmother, Luci, work.

A self-taught artist, Ralls began painting in his early 30’s and continued into his 80’s. He produced over 200 paintings, many of which are proudly displayed in the homes of his children and grandchildren. You can see a catalog of his work at rallsjennings.com.

Ralls and Billie loved to travel and see other cultures. Beginning in the late 60’s when they took the family across Mexico in a pickup truck, they traveled abroad regularly and lived in Mexico for a few years when they were in their 60’s. Business was often the reason for travel as they visited companies in Italy, Denmark, Spain, and China that J Bar traded with. Travel and business led Ralls to study foreign languages and when needed, he could do business or order dinner in Spanish, Italian, and French.

After returning from their Mexico phase, they moved to Midtown Atlanta, where they owned several properties that they rented to young professionals and grad students. Although he never really retired, Ralls concentrated a lot of his painting while in Midtown. Always very active, both Ralls and Billie enjoyed walking the streets of Atlanta, a couple in their 70’s amid all the bustle of the young in the city.

The last few years, Ralls showed his devotion to Billie after the progression of her dementia. The man who had seldom cooked and never cleaned, took over the entire running of their lives from shopping to cooking and cleaning and taking complete care of her physical needs by himself. Only in the last 2 years did they move back to Trion to be near family. On his last day, just seeing Billie seemed to ease his suffering and bring calmness to his mind.

The family will have a private gathering to celebrate the life of their patriarch. Thanks to our friend, Elvia Berry, for her care and support of Ralls and Billie and her friendship to the entire family.

Thanks to Tracey Rogers and the other nurses at Heyman Hospice. We appreciate the care and support he was given by the staff in assisted living at The Spires at Berry College.

Mary Opal Kirby

MARY OPAL MER MER KIRBY, age 49, of James Street, Summerville, Georgia passed away Sunday, June 27, 2021, at the residence. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on August 17, 1971, She was an artist by trade. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary Ruth and David Smith and a sister, Rebecca Brown

Surviving are Her daughter, Tassie (Tony) Kirby Bane; sons, Ryan Kirby and Colton Kirby; sisters, Nelda Lindsey, Denise Ramey (John Paul), Tina Hearlson (Gerald), Jacqueline Kay Bates (Jerome), Linda Joan Hathcock, Deborah Terry, Lisa Knowles, Marie Fair, Alecia McGuire and Nischa Whitaker; brothers, Danny Colbert, Kenneth Colbert, Michael Colbert, Kenneth Bates, Randy Bates, Chance Bates; grandchildren, Madison Green, Devin Kirby, Zeppelin Kirby, Shianne Cisson, Anthony Bane, Drew Bane, and Aiden Bane.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 1st, at 11:00 A.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Tracy Espy officiating, interment in Dogwood Hills Memorial Garden. Active Pallbearers Zach Bates, James Colbert, Anthony Hogue, Dwight Ponder, Steven Hamby, Jason Lindsey, R. J. (Peko) Brown, and Joshua Bates; Honorary Pallbearers Madison Green, Devin Kirby, and Chase Tucker. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 until 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ms. Mary Opal Mer Mer Kirby, who passed away Sunday.

Shannon Ydean Pierce

MS. SHANNON YDEAN PIERCE, age 50, of Scoggins Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Monday, June 28, 2021, in a Rome hospital following an extended illness. She was born on April 9, 1971 in Oneonta, Alabama to the late Margaret Lee Siffles Hathcock and Bert Hathcock who survives. She was a homemaker. In addition to Her Mother, she was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan Pierce, and siblings Tammy Rector, Brian Hathcock, Patricia Hathcock, Keith Hathcock, Dennis Hathcock, and Wilburn Ash.

Surviving are daughters, Brandi Pierce, Kassie Pierce, and Ashley Pickle; father, Bert Hathcock; sister, Tina Hathcock; brothers, Tim Hathcock, Vernon Ash, and Michael Hathcock; seven Grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, June 30th, at 11:00 A.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Collins officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Tim Hathcock, Vernon Ash, Caleb Rhinehart, Ben Pickle, Kenny Ledford, Shane Elrod, Gregory Green, and Richard Milstead; Honorary Pallbearers Tristan Ash, Caden Ash, Cody Boyd, Austin Hathcock. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 til 11 A.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ms. Shannon Ydean Pierce.

Shannon Leah Baker

MS. SHANNON LEAH BAKER, age 49, of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, June 24, 2021, in a Rome Hospital. Born in Rome, Georgia on June 19, 1972, She was a daughter of the late Darwin and Robbie White Baker; she was a waitress.

Surviving are son, Johnny Foster; granddaughters, Arsinoe, Georgia, Marley, and Kalija; brothers, Jason Baker and Nicholas Dooley.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 30th, at 1:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Melvin Moseley officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 12 noon until 1:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ms. Shannon Leah Baker, who passed away Wednesday.

Roger Wayne Dawson

ROGER WAYNE DAWSON, 72 of Summerville passed away Friday, June 25, 2021 at his residence. Mr. Dawson was born September 3, 1948 in Summerville, Georgia, son to the late Lovick V. Dawson and Velma Grigsby Dawson. Roger was a farmer by trade and a member of the Fisher’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Tudor Dawson; son, Ben (Ashley Hill) Dawson; brothers, Earl Dawson and Melvin Dawson; grandchildren, Tristan Dawson, Trent Dawson and Tripp Dawson. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 4:30 pm from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Teems officiating. Interment in the Fisher’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Ben Dawson, Tristan Dawson, Trent Dawson, Kevin Espy, Eli Espy and Craig Sanford. Visitation will be Sunday from 3:30 – 4:30 at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater in charge of arrangements for Roger Wayne Dawson who passed away Friday.

Roy Eugene Durham

ROY EUGENE DURHAM, age 91, of Rome passed away Thursday, June 24, 2021. He was born on February 7, 1930 in Chattooga County, son of the late Albert Joe Durham and Vergie Dockery Durham. Roy was employed with the Sanitation Department of the City of Summerville and Church of God by faith. He was preceded in death by former wives, Martha Collins and Shirley Swan; son, Sherman ”Shotgun” Durham; brothers, Bill Durham, Roy “Pete” Huggins, and sister, Margaret Bazel

Surviving are his daughters, Marlene (Neal) Ashmore and Denane (Ray) Caldwell; son, Billy Joe Durham (Judy May Edgeworth); step son, Michael (Wanda) Barnes, ten grandchildren, several great grandchildren and special friend, Regina Loveless.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 2 p.m. from the Freedom Fellowship Church with Ray Caldwell and Steve Collins officiating, Interment in Macedonia Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Eathen Caldwell, Jacob Caldwell, Jeffery Caldwell, Ray Ray Caldwell, Billy Ray Collins and Bobby Joe Durham. Honorary Pallbearers will be Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren, Justin Durham, Pete Huggins, Scotty Caldwell, Justin Durham and Steve Lawson. Mr. Durham will be in state at the residence of a daughter, Denane and Ray Caldwell, #1022 Martin Street, Summerville, Georgia after 5:00 P.M. Sunday.

Earle Rainwater in charge of arrangements for Roy Eugene Durham who passed away Thursday.

Marty Ray Strange

MARTY RAY STRANGE of Duluth, Georgia, formerly of Chattooga County, passed away in a Rome Hospital after a brief illness on Wednesday June 23, 2021. Marty was born in Chattooga County on November 15, 1952 to the late Raymond Wesley and Maxine Helton Strange. He is also preceded in death by two brothers, Ricky and Joe Strange. Marty was a 1970 graduate of Chattooga High School and attended Floyd Junior College. He was recently retired from Whole Foods Distribution in Braselton, Georgia.

Marty is survived by his son, Clint (Megan) Strange, two grandchildren, Emma and Eli of Acworth, GA, and his ex-wife, Gail Cook. Also surviving are two brothers, Lewis Strange of Trion, GA and Bobby Strange of Birmingham, AL, two sisters, Pat Brison of Holand, GA and Sally Strange of Summerville, GA, several nieces and nephews and also four beloved dogs, Barney, Sam, Emma, and Cindy.

Marty was an avid reader, loved to snorkel, and rescued and adopted many dogs during his lifetime. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and visiting Little River Canyon and Fort Walton Beach.

The family is planning a private memorial to honor his life at a later date.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Marty Ray Strange who passed away Wednesday.

Christopher Scott Montgomery

CHRISTOPHER SCOTT MONTGOMERY, 37 of Trion passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021.  Mr. Montgomery was born on January 26, 1984 in Rome, Georgia, son of Jeffery Scott Montgomery and Emily Diane Warren Mountain. He was a member of the Trion Harvest Worship Center and was employed with Mohawk on the wash line. 

 

Surviving are his mother, Emily Diane Mountain; children, Karter Montgomery and Briar Montgomery; fiancée, Hannah Filyow; sister, Amber Hines; niece Emily Hines.

 

Funeral service will be held Monday, June 28, 2021 at 2 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Mark Crowe officiating, Interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. The family will receive friends from 1 until the hour of service. Active Pallbearers will be Anthony Hines, Vernon Ash, B.J. Ingram, James Warren, Mark Crowe, and Greg Standfield.

 

Earle Rainwater in charge of arrangements for Christopher Scott Montgomery who passed away on Wednesday.

Linda Sue Meadows

LINDA SUE MEADOWS, age 79, of Orchard Hill Road, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, June 23, 2021, at her residence. A native Chattooga Countian, She was born on January 4, 1942, to the late Charles Martin Wesson, Sr. and Jacqueline Kellett Wesson. Ms. Meadows was a member of Perennial Springs Baptist Church, retired cosmetologist, and a member of the VFW Post #6688 Ladies Auxiliary. She was preceded in death by sons the late, Robin C. Meadows and M. Randal “Randy” Meadows, sisters, the late Hazel W. Millican and Rose Mary W. Johnson.

Surviving are daughter, Renee Meadows Ware (David); Son- Davin Meadows (Kristi); grandchildren, John Ware (Jessica), Brandon Meadows, Tom Meadows, Angel Meadows, Patrick Greene, Landon Wesson, Charity Greene, Brianna Greene; great-granddaughters, Sophia Keen and Addie Mae Ware; brother, Charles Wesson; aunt, Frances K. Ledford; uncle, Paul Kellett.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, June 27th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Brother Tom Russell and Brother Tracy Espy officiating, interment in Perennial Springs Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Micha Lively, Zach Lively Ricky Johnson, Roger Wooten, Tye McGuire, Dillon McGuire, and Colman Ledford; Honorary Pallbearers, Billy Brown, Ike and Mary Henderson and the VFW Post #6688 Ladies Auxiliary. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 until 2 P.M. at the funeral home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Linda Sue Meadows, who passed away Wednesday.

Mrs. Joan Prescott Whaley

MRS. JOAN PRESCOTT WHALEY, age 81, of Maple Drive, Summerville, Georgia passed away Saturday morning, June 12, 2021, at Her residence. Born in Opp, Alabama on October 2, 1939 to the late George Andrew Mack and Ruth Bryan Mack. Mrs. Whaley attended Mercer Nursing School in Atlanta and was Administrator (Retired) at the Chattooga County Health Department. In addition to Her Parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the late Marvin Whaley and daughters the late Angela Caceres and Susan Whaley.

Surviving are son and spouse, Steve and Melody Whaley; sister and Spouse, Elaine and Phil Lamey; four Grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 15th, from 2 until 4 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, with burial in the Family plot of Summerville Cemetery.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Jeffrey Gorman Gilley

Jeffrey Gorman Gilley

November 27, 1957 – June 2, 2021

Jeffrey Gorman Gilley, 63, formerly of Athens, Georgia, died Wednesday, June 2, 2021 in Cherokee County, Alabama of natural causes. He was born in Rome, Georgia on November 27, 1957, graduated from Jacksonville State University in 1980 and received his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1983. The son of the late Clarence Gorman Gilley and Dorothy Slater Gilley of Summerville, Georgia, he was an accomplished attorney, historian, and outdoorsman.

Over the course of his 25-year career as a criminal defense and trial lawyer, he practiced with the deepest respect for his clients as human beings in need of counsel, the United States Constitution (a copy of which was almost always in his suit pocket), and the laws of Georgia. He served as a public defender upon graduation from law school, which led to extensive skill in criminal and civil litigation. While in Athens, he often provided legal work for many at little or no cost, including indigent clients, musical acts, and friends.

He is survived by three sons, John Porter Gilley, Samuel Cobb Gilley, Thomas Houston Gilley, of Athens, Georgia and by his stepson, Will Frame of Gainesville, Georgia. Also surviving are his sister, Carole Smith (Jim) of Versailles, Kentucky, his cousin Jan Cordle (Lann) of Summerville, nieces Ashley Keck and Andrea (Patrick) Abell, along with two great nieces, a great nephew, cousins, and many loving friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations made to Nuci’s Space, 396 Oconee St., Athens, GA 30601, an organization dedicated to ending the stigma of mental illness and alleviating the suffering for those living with a brain illness. www.nuci.org.

A memorial celebration of Jeff’s life will be held in Athens, Georgia at a later date.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. John E. Majors

MR. JOHN E. MAJORS,, age 82, of Massey Road, Menlo, Georgia passed away Friday evening, June 11, 2021, at his residence. He was born in Fulton County, Georgia on May 7, 1939 to the late James Parker and Edna Switzer Majors. Mr. Majors was a member of the Menlo Baptist Church, a Veteran of Korea, having served in the U. S. Army, and was Manager (Retired) for Otis Elevator Company. In addition to Parents He was predeceased by a daughter, the late Kathy Steiner and a sister, the late Edna Elizabeth Majors.

Surviving are His wife, Gloria Lynch Majors; daughter, Diana Blaszak; son, Gary Pavelka; brother, James Majors; seven Grandchildren, one Great Granddaughter; Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral service will be held Monday, June 14th, at 2:00 P.M. from Graveside in Majors Cemetery, Menlo, Georgia, with Mr. Brad Majors officiating. Active Pallbearers, Brad Majors, Doug Majors, Todd Kaminer, Jason Wright, Eddie Massey, C. E. Massey; Honorary Pallbearers, Lee Massey, Mike Larkins, Gary Pavelka, Kody Kaminer, Parker Mitchell, and Frank Blaszak. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Chattooga County Animal Advocates, P. O. Box 220, Summerville, Georgia-30747.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. John Edward Majors who passed away Friday night.

Montyne Brock Payne

Montyne Brock Payne, wife of the late Dr. W. Marlin Payne and former Chattooga County resident, passed away in Rome, Georgia May 26, 2021 at the age of 94. Mrs. Payne was the daughter of the late Thomas Dow Brock and Ethel Little Brock and was born in LaFayette, Georgia. She spent her early years in LaFayette. She and her mother moved to Rome to live with relatives in 1939 following a house fire which destroyed their home. After graduating from Rome Girls High School in 1944, she was able to attend Freed-Hardeman College in Henderson, Tennessee. Following her graduation there, she taught in the Rome school system.

She met her husband, of nearly 72 years, when she was 15 and he was 18. Shortly after that, he entered the Army Air Corps. When the war was over, they married on June 22, 1947 and moved to Memphis while he finished school. Their first child, Jon, was born in Memphis. After her husband’s graduation, the family moved to Rome and stayed with relatives while her husband commuted to Summerville, opening his optometric practice.

Together they raised three children: Probate Judge Jonathan Marlin Payne, Marla Brock Payne Wise (Darrell), and Thomas David (Tommy) Payne (Sue). She adored her grandchildren: Patrick Payne, Chase Payne (Brandee), and Marlie Payne, Marisa Wise Parmer (Nathan), Darik Wise (Katie), Amy Payne Clifton (Chad), and Christopher Payne (Ashley). Her beloved great-grandchildren are Madalyn, Audrey, and Jake Clifton, Laney and Logan Payne, Harper Payne, Addison and Reece Wise, and Elise Parmer. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Mrs. Betty Crotty and Mrs. Ann Williams, special cousin, Sammie Frye Dobson, and many much-loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Probate Judge Jon M. Payne, sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Jimmy Carroll, her brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Mary Lou Brock and two beloved nieces, Rebecca Carroll and Montyne Flint. She was a member if the Church of Christ and taught children’s and teen girls’ Bible classes for 27 years, primarily at Northside Church of Christ. Her home congregation was the Highway 27 South congregation in LaFayette, GA.

Mrs. Payne loved to travel and a favorite experience was a trip she and her husband took to the Kennedy Inauguration in 1961 as guests of newly elected U.S. Representative John W. Davis.

Mrs. Payne served as president of the Summerville Women’s Club, president of the Chattooga Garden Club, was a member of the Music Study Club, and secretary of the Summerville Elementary PTA. She was also active in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts as her children were growing up. She served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Chattooga County Library Board and was a former Chairman of the Chattooga County Cancer and Heart Association Drives. She taught school at Summerville Elementary briefly and was her husband’s bookkeeper and office manager for many years. She was also a licensed real estate agent for a time. More recently, she was an active member of the local Red Hats group. Mrs. Payne was an ovarian cancer survivor and was always thankful that God allowed her more time with her family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 29th, at 2:00 p.m. from the Graveside, with Edward Ledford, Officiant, burial to follow in the Family Plot of Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Milford Morgan, Jim Hill, William Crouch, Jason Ledford, Ryan Ledford, Mike Allen, and Charles Williams, Jr.. Honorary Pallbearers will be Quinton Wilson, Sammy Strange, Buster Hollis, Gary McConnell, Chuck Tilley, and John Shamblin. Visitation will be Saturday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cancer Navigators of Rome. Donations may be mailed to: 3 Central Plaza #415 Rome, Georgia 30161.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Montyne Brock Payne.

Mrs. Nona Laura Ray Snow, age 98, Summerville, GA, formerly of Trion, passed away Friday, May 7, 2021 at a local hospital.

Mrs. Snow was born in Cherokee County, AL (Farill) on August 16, 1922, daughter of the late Columbus Washington Ray and the late Edith Mae Henderson Ray. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas W. Snow, Sr., in 1965, two sons, Thomas W. Snow, Jr., in 2013 and James W. Snow in 2017, brother Columbus “Bud” Ray in 2018, sister Annie Mae Williams in 2020, and son-in-law, Raybon Williams, in 2018.

Mrs. Snow was retired from the Chattooga County School System as a lunchroom manager, serving at Summerville Elementary, Pennville Elementary, and Lyerly Elementary schools. She also worked at Riegel Textile in the 40’s and 50’s and the Trion Community Center “Y” in the 60’s and 70’s in the diner. Mrs. Snow was a long-time member of the Trion United Methodist Church serving in many capacities over the years.

Survivors include one daughter, Peggy Snow Williams of Gaylesville, AL, sons and daughters-in-law, Lynn Ivie Snow of Pensacola, FL., Kent and Barbara Snow of Ringgold, GA., Teresa Helms Snow of Trion, GA., David and Avis Snow of Subligna, GA., and Robin and Anna Snow of Pensacola, FL. Survivors also include 13 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the Trion United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 9th from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM with a celebration service to follow at 2:00 PM. The Revs. David Autry and James Hannah will be officiating. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery in Trion, GA., for family only. Pallbearers include grandsons Gil Williams, Ashley Snow, Clayton Snow, Chris Snow, Jeremy Snow, Adam Snow, and Tom Snow. Honorary pallbearers include the church youth groups from the 1960’s and 70’s, Elizabeth Hall, Stanley Carpenter, and residents on Bittings Ave. in Summerville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be given to Trion United Methodist Church or to Camp Hamby. Please observe mask wearing and social distancing as needed. Earle Rainwater Funeral Home has the arrangements for Mrs. Nona Laura Snow.

Mrs. Jennifer Kaye Phillips Fields

Mrs. Jennifer Kaye Phillips Fields, 41, of Armuchee, passed away at her residence on Saturday, April 10, 2021.

Born April 21, 1979 in East Point, Georgia, she was the daughter of Myles and Kathy Phillips of Armuchee, Georgia. Jennifer was of the Baptist faith and was a good wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, painting and refinishing furniture, decorating her home with treasures she found at the local thrift and junk stores, and was an awesome cook. She especially liked to brag on her kids, Olivia’s artistic ability and Hayden’s test scores. She was very proud of their accomplishments and encouraged them to pursue their education and dreams.

Though unemployed at the time of her death, she worked for many years as a surgical technician in several hospitals, the most recent being Floyd Medical Center and Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome, and Dekalb Medical Center in Fort Payne, Alabama. She especially enjoyed the field of orthopaedics and the work she did alongside Dr. B. (Bowerman) in Rome, Georgia.

Survivors include her loving husband, David Ryan Fields; son Hayden Luke Fields, daughter Olivia Ryan Fields, sister Jamie Phillips Forsyth (Kenneth) of Armuchee, parents Myles & Kathy Phillips of Armuchee; nieces Hannah Forsyth and Gracie Forsyth, and nephew Sam Forsyth.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 4:30pm at Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church cemetery located at 3655 South Little Sand Mountain Road in Armuchee, Georgia 30105.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in Summerville, Georgia has charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Margaret Brindley Christian Groover

MRS. MARGARET BRINDLEY CHRISTIAN GROOVER, age 76, of Hemphill Road, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Saturday, April 10, 2021, in a Rome hospital. She was born in Dundee, Scotland on February 18, 1945, a daughter of the late Milford Lee and Margaret Milne Brindley Christian. Mrs. Groover was a member of the Dry Valley Baptist Church and formerly worked for St. Paul Insurance Company in customer service. In addition to Her Parents, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, the late Heather Oliver.

Surviving are Her husband, Patrick Groover; daughters, Jamie Richey (Wayne) and Cherie Oliver (Bradley); sisters, Elaine Fanning (Roland) and Eileen Stallard; grandchildren, Christopher Oliver, Nicolas Oliver, Charis Richey, Brian Richey, and Brindley Richey; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, April 17th, at 1:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Mac McCurry officiating, interment in Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, Georgia. Active Pallbearers Steve Morrison, Gene Smith, Christopher Oliver, Nicholas Oliver, Brian Richey, and Larry Cook. Visitation Saturday (April 17th) from Noon until 1:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Margaret Brindley Christian Groover.

Mr. Robert Wayne Headrick

MR. ROBERT WAYNE HEADRICK, age 64, of Ben Mosley Circle, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, March 24, 2021, in a Rome hospital. Born in Trion, Georgia on February 2, 1957, He was a son of the late Rev. Robert Julius Headrick and Doris Jean Patterson Headrick. Mr. Headrick was a carpenter by trade and had served in the U. S. Army.

Surviving are daughters, Amber (Bobby) Farmer of LaFayette and Veronica (David) Waters of Chatsworth; son, Robert Brandon Headrick of Subligna; sister, Ann (Ronny) Smith of Rome; brother, Jerry (Teresa) Headrick of Summerville; several Grandchildren and three Nephews also survive.

Memorial service will be held Saturday, April 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. from Graveside in Mills Family Cemetery with Rev. Leonard Crawford officiating.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Rev. John L. Sharp

REV. JOHN L. SHARP, age 93, of Stallion Drive, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, morning March 23, 2021, at his residence. Born in Decatur, Tennessee on April 2, 1927, He was a son of the late Thomas Taylor Sharpe, Sr. and Docia Viola Turbyfield Sharp. He was ordained as a minister of the gospel and served as pastor in GA., AL., TX., and VT. His primary ministry was Chaplin U. S. Army. His services overseas included Japan, Germany, Vietnam, Korea, and Thailand. He also served many posts in the US. His awards and decorations include WWII Victory Medal, Navy Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, three awards of the Army Commendation Medal and many other service medals. Other than Parents, He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn Vernon Sharp, brothers, Paul Carson Sharp, and Orville Edward Sharp.

Surviving are sister, Clara Elton Sharp; brothers, Tom Sharp, Jr., and Lamar Sharp (Anne); Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 25th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, with Dr. Paul Mason, Rev. Bruce Morgan, Rev. Mike Wallin, and Rev. Mike Evans officiating, interment in Oak Hill United Methodist Cemetery. Pallbearers Justin Black, Taylor Parris, Ed Sharp, Bruce Rife, Sammy Vernon, and Tommy Vernon. Visitation will be Wednesday from 3 until 5 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Rev. John L. Sharp.

Mrs. Annie Ruth Evett Love

MRS. ANNIE RUTH EVETT LOVE, age 82, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021, in a Rome hospital. She was born in Cherokee County, Alabama on June 22, 1938, to the late William (W. T) and Ettie Jane Abercrombie Millican. Mrs. Love graduated from Summerville High School in 1959, was retired Supervisor for Best Mfg. Company, a member of Mount Zion Independent Church. In addition to Her Parents, she was also preceded in death by first husband, the late Winston Evett, and siblings, Willie Jane Millican, Katherine McCauley, Edith Adams, J. B. Millican, and Cecil Millican all died earlier.

Surviving are husband, Robert (Bud) Love; daughter, Tammy (Curtis) Cleveland; step children, Phillip (Rebecca) Love and Phyllis (Wayne) Lee; grandchildren, Brandon Seymore and Sonja Price; great grandchildren, Ryan Price, Tucker Seymore, and Dawson Seymore; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 22nd, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Brother Freddy Waldrop and Brother Jim Vanpelt officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Curtis Cleveland, Brandon Seymore, Phillip Love, Ryan Price, Wayne Lee, and Tom Vickery; Honorary Pallbearers, Rollette Evett, Tony Evett, Hugh Millican, Perry Doherty, Glenn Ezell, and the Ladies Sunday Scholl Class of Mount Zion Independent Church. Visitation, Monday afternoon from 1 until 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home. CDC guidelines of wearing masks and social distancing is appreciated.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Annie Ruth Evett Love.

Mr. Hoyt Miles Wooten

MR. HOYT MILES WOOTEN, age 83, of Blowing Springs Road, Menlo, Georgia passed away Friday morning, March 19, 2021 in a Rome hospital. A native of Chattooga County, Georgia, he was born to the late Oliver Miles and Emma Tucker Wooten on November 5, 1937. Mr. Wooten was a member of West Berryton Faith Temple, retired from the cotton warehouse of Mt. Vernon Mill, and was preceded in death by his wife, the late Kathleen Phillips Wooten on October 23, 2020, daughters, the late Janet Wooten and Jeanette Wooten; grandsons, the late Joshua Wooten and Jeremy Wooten; brothers, the late Willard Wooten, Robert Wooten, and Clifton Wooten; and son-in-law, the late David Wilson.

Surviving are daughters, Doris Wilson of Menlo and Brenda (Greg) Woodall of Fiffe, Alabama; sons-Kenneth Wooten of Menlo and Donnie Wooten of Daytona, Florida; sisters, Carrie McDaniel and Betty Lynch; 7 grandchildren, April, Charlie, Van Crystal, Matt, Hayley, and Brian; great grandchildren, Austen, Chandlar, Skylar, Brent, Ashton, Milie, Joshua, Landon, Waylon, Braylin, Mavrick, Dixie, Journie, Kenzie, Ryder; great great Granddaughter, Hensley; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 23rd, at 4:00 P.M. from Graveside in Garrett Cemetery with Rev. John Mann officiating. Active Pallbearers Charlie Wilson, Morgan Laney, Matthew Wooten, Joshua Wilson, Chandlar Laney, and Skylar Laney.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Hoyt Miles Wooten who passed away Friday.

Mr. O.G. Morehead, Jr.

MR. O. G. MOREHEAD, JR., age 90, of Melrose Trail, Summerville, Georgia passed away at his residence, Tuesday morning, March 16, 2021, following a brief illness. Native to Gastonia, N.C., Mr. Morehead was born on September 6, 1930, a son of the late Oliver G. Morehead, Sr. and Lola Bell Bridges Morehead. Mr. Morehead graduated from Summerville High School, was a Distinguished Graduate of Gardner Webb College in Boiling Springs, N. C., and received his Masters degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He served in the U. S. Navy, with the U. S. Marines, during the Korean Conflict, and received two Purple Hearts, during his combat service, and was active in the Rome Marines. Mr. Morehead was a charter member of Horizon Baptist Fellowship serving as Deacon, Choir Member, and Sunday School Teacher. For several years He served as City Councilman for the City of Summerville and was an active member of the Recreation Board for many years; and was a member of the Summerville-Trion Rotary Club. For some 20 years Mr. Morehead was Plant Superintendent for Bigelow Mill. In addition to His Parents, He was preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Styles Morehead, son, Jeff Morehead, and Four Siblings.

Surviving are His wife, Nancy Morehead; daughters, Melanie Morehead Eubanks (U. B.) and Rosemary Morehead Rush (Bobby); grandchildren, Matt Eubanks, Jeff Eubanks, Rozellyn Evans, Suzannah Eubanks, Lauren Lively, Morgan Hardeman, and Alexa Morris; Twelve Great Grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews.

Private Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20th, with Rev. John Paul Harris officiating, inurnment in Summerville Cemetery. The Family request no flowers and suggest contributions to Horizon Baptist Fellowship.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. O. G. Morehead, Jr.

Mary Nell Day

Mary Nell Hendrix Day, age 95, formerly of Trion, GA passed away Thursday, March 11th at NHC if Ft. Oglethorpe, Ga.

Mrs. Day was born on September 14, 1925 in Chattooga County to the late Nellie Hicks Hendrix and Glenn Hendrix. She was a long time, devoted member of the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ. Mary Nell loved to attend area wide singings and delighted in fellowship with other Christians. She always had a sweet smile and was known for her delicious chocolate cakes.

After graduating Trion High School, she worked for many years as a cashier at Riegel Textile Corporation.

She is survived by her sister Jean Bain of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Thurman Day, November 2020 and their precious daughter, Glenda Jane Day, April 1960.

Graveside services will be held Saturday, March 13th 2021 at West Hill Cemetery in Trion, GA at 11:00 A.M., with Minister Hugh Glaze officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pleasant Grove Church of Christ.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Mary Nell Hendrix Day.

Bobby Lee Cook

 Bobby Lee Cook, one of America's most celebrated lawyers, died peacefully at his mountain home in Cloudland, Georgia, on February 19th, surrounded by family. He was 94. 

Bobby Lee was born in Chattoogaville, outside the small northwest Georgia town of Lyerly, on February 12, 1927, where he was raised in a home without running water, helping run the family's modest grocery store and keep up with the farm chores. From this rural beginning, however, the son of Paul Cook and Alma Edge Cook embarked on a life's journey that few could have then imagined. He took his first step into the wider world when, as a teenager, he enrolled in Gordon Academy a military school, where he learned the value of personal discipline, duty, and a robust education. 

These values were further shaped by World War II. As soon as he graduated from high school, he lied about his age (then only 17) to enlist in the Navy. He first saw the Atlantic Ocean from St. Simons, Georgia on his way to combat in the Pacific. He never forgot that sight, which kindled a lifelong love of the Georgia Coast, and he later would buy homes on Sea Island, Georgia. During Naval training in New Orleans, Cook was also struck by how one would see ships burning off the coast on nearly a nightly basis. He boxed in the Navy, honing his innate fighting spirit which he never lost. 

Peacetime brought new transitions that each played key roles in the rest of this life. First, he continued his education: Upon returning from the War, he attended the University of Alabama and Vanderbilt Law School. Second, he found his life partner. Bobby Lee married June Hays on June 8th, 1948, in Summerville, Georgia, a true June wedding that started a sixty-seven-year partnership.   

 

Bobby Lee began his law practice in 1949 in Summerville, Georgia, and that practice from its inception represented his values: personal discipline, erudite temperament, duty to others, justice for all people from all walks of life, and (not the least important characteristic) an indomitable fighting spirit. He represented labor unions when it was unpopular, and moonshiners when it might not have been convenient. As his practice grew, word of his abilities spread, and he developed a reputation as a talented and successful trial lawyer. 

While Bobby Lee served in the Georgia Legislature and once ran for Congress, his calling truly was in the courtroom. As time went on, he was called there by many, some of whom paid substantial six and seven figure fees for his skilled advocacy. He represented the Rockefellers, the Carnegies, Robert Vesco, C.H. Butcher, Jr., Mike Thevis, Daniel Paradies, and, for decades, was hired for, or consulted on, nearly every high-profile case in Georgia. His practice went on to transcend Georgia. Among the more than a hundred and fifty acquittals he achieved in murder cases during his career, he won murder trials in Germany and Vietnam, and his career is believed to have inspired the television show Matlock. One of his more colorful cases, in Savannah, is chronicled in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. 

Among all of these cases, though, perhaps the one he was most proud of was the Matthews murder case. That case embodied his abiding sense that justice should never, ever be denied to anyone from any walk of life. Cook spent over $50,000 of his own money and years of his career to overturn murder convictions wrongfully obtained in Cobb County, Georgia. 

He walked with kings, but never lost the common touch. Though he was friends with and socialized with Justice Douglas, others on the Court, numerous politicians, dignitaries and business leaders, Cook never forgot his roots. On Saturday mornings, he opened his office doors to local residents for whom he offered his counsel, usually at no charge. Cook was also a tireless and gifted teacher and mentored numerous younger lawyers, spoke at uncounted seminars and was generously giving of his time to others working to solve thorny issues encountered in their own cases. He was a tireless worker and early riser, and often instructed colleagues "Call me tomorrow morning at 7.”

 

Bobby Lee Cook was recognized with lifetime achievement awards by both the National and Georgia Associations of Criminal Defense Lawyers (GACDL), Georgia State University College of Law School's 2017 Ben F. Johnson, Jr. Public Service Award, GreenLaw's Lifetime Achievement Award, the Small Town Lawyer Made Good Award, (presented by the State Bar of Washington), inducted into the American Trial Lawyers Hall of Fame, and many more countless other awards too numerous to list. 

Even while these well-deserved honors accumulated, he never lost his razor-sharp wit. His award from GACDL included the honor of having his portrait hung in the Georgia Supreme Court. When presented with this, Cook quipped, “I’d rather be hung in the Supreme Court than by the Supreme Court.” Similarly, while he always appreciated the recognition, Cook never rested on his laurels. He practiced law until virtually the time of his death. He was universally recognized as the dean of criminal defense lawyers in Georgia, and his death is mourned across the country. 

 

Bobby Lee was predeceased by his wife, June, his son Bobby Lee Cook, Jr., and his son-in-law Lewis Branch Sutton Connelly and Roger Wheeler Williams. He is survived by his daughters Kristina Cook Graham and Sara Cook Williams; his grandchildren, Sarah Holston O’Reagan. Jessica Wheat Cook Hale, Christopher Sutton Connelly, Jeffrey Scott Connelly, Sarah Elizabeth Connelly Turner, and Anna Lee Williams Jones; great-grandchildren, Patrick Aidan Fell, Morgan Aeron Cook Hale, Lillian Grace Connelly, Fiona Bess Connelly, Branch Hays Connelly, Thomasin June Connelly, Vivian Hays Jones, and Olive Kristina Connelly Turner. 

Due to coronavirus concerns and the safety of others, it was Bobby Lee's wish that his funeral be confined to a private family service. A more fitting memorial service will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Boys and Girls Club of Chattooga County, P.O. Box 636, Summerville, Ga. 30747, or Georgia State College of Law, Office of Development, P.O. Box 4037, Atlanta, Ga. 30303.  Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Betty Thomas

Elizabeth (Betty) Lott Thomas passed away on February 18, 2021 in Nashville, TN, following a brief illness, in the presence of her family. She was born July 25, 1925, in Hoschton, GA to Zella Pirkle Lott and Lester Judd Lott. Her childhood, partly spent on a dairy farm, was full of love despite times of economic hardship as the country entered the Depression.

Betty graduated from Berry College in Rome, GA in 1946. She said that her first night at Berry, she was more homesick than any time she could remember, but the next day began a wonderful adventure. At Berry, Betty was active in theater, playing Jo in the school’s production of Little Women. And when the yearbook photographer left school for the Army, she stepped in and took and developed all the yearbook pictures. After graduating from Berry, she stayed for a year as the assistant to the Dean of Women. During that year, she met Malcolm Thomas, a Summerville native who had recently returned from military service. Betty and Malcolm were married in 1947 at Berry’s Frost chapel.

Betty and Malcolm settled in Summerville with their son Steve, and later welcomed the arrival of daughters Celia and Carol. Their lives in Summerville were marked by deep ties to family, church, and friends. Gatherings at Lake Weiss filled many summer days, with picnic baskets, life jackets, and folding chairs set out for visiting. Betty submitted to gentle pressure and learned at the lake to waterski but liked to say that the best part was that she never had to do it again. Betty became a teacher when Carol entered school, and fifth and sixth grades were her calling. She was dedicated and loved by her students, and after retiring she took pleasure in being approached by former students with a warm hello and thank you. She and Malcolm enjoyed traveling after they both retired and their trips sometimes began with “Let’s go to Dover (Air Force Base) and see where the next ‘Space Available’ flight is headed.” When that once resulted in planning for Switzerland and winding up in Greece--not a good climate match--she said that was half the fun.

She was a devoted partner, supporting Malcolm when he became ill and grieving his loss. Betty was a woman of deep and abiding faith. Her church became especially important to her after Malcolm’s death and she was a founding member of Horizon Baptist Fellowship. She especially connected with the social ministry of the church, actively participating in providing food and responding to other critical needs in the community. She also warmly welcomed visits from her children and grandchildren, and always greeted their arrival with fresh brownies which did not last long. When, in 2011 Betty moved to Nashville to be near two of her children, moving away from that Horizon community was perhaps the hardest part. But she was lovingly welcomed and took great joy in being near family. And she appreciated the caring community she found at Park Manor/Abe’s Garden where she lived.

Betty was unfailingly gracious. She exhibited a warmth and caring that was remarkable for its consistency and genuineness. She was loath to speak ill of anyone and pinned to her kitchen bulletin board decades ago a poem called “The Critic,” which cautioned against criticizing others because their circumstances were not fully known. Betty was a beautiful woman who understood that true beauty comes from within.

Betty is survived by her children Steve Thomas (Jeanne) and Carol West (Olin) of Nashville and Celia Thomas of Alexandria, Va. She is also survived by her grandchildren Jim Thomas (Sloan), Clayton Thomas, Robert West (Rachel), and Emily West of Nashville and William Martindale of Washington, D.C., and step-grandchildren Tracy Brockhouse (Zach) of Portland Me., Hunter West (Jinanne) of Nashville, and Charlotte Middleton (Shane) of Reston, Va. Great-grandchildren are Holden and James Thomas, and step great-grandchildren are Annabelle and Elliott Brockhouse, Annelise, Hollis, and Anson West, and Austin and Tallin Middleton, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Malcolm Thomas, her parents, and her siblings Robert Lott, Jane Verdel, and Sarah Townes.

The family will have a graveside service. There will be a memorial service to honor Betty’s life at a later time when it is safe to gather. Those who wish may direct a memorial contribution to Horizon Baptist Fellowship, 1216 HWY 114, Summerville, GA 30747. Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Miss Willie Frances Housch

MISS WILLIE FRANCES HOUSCH, age 99, of Back Penn Road, Summerville, Georgia passed away Friday morning, February 19, 2021, in Rome, Georgia. She was born in Summerville, Georgia, Pennville Community on May 29, 1921; a daughter of the late John Archie and Grace Doster Housch. Miss Housch was a member of Trion United Methodist Church for over fifty years and was retired inventory secretary for Riegle Textile Corporation. In addition to Parents She was preceded in death by sisters, Zilpha Bankey, Ruby Packer, and Lois Housch, Brothers, Ralph Housch, Roy Housch, Elbert Housch, and Doster (Pete) Housch, nieces and nephews, Jeanette Housch, Ann Housch Brooks, Charles Housch, and Glen Packer.

Surviving are nieces and nephews, Jane Parker, Kay Worsham, Dale Housch, William Wayne Bankey, Sue Beall, Yvonne Flowers, Ronnie Housch; several Great Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 21th, at 2:00 P.M. from the Trion United Methodist Church with Rev. David Autry, Rev. James Hannah, and Rev. Ronnie Flowers officiating, interment in Chapel Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Jeremy Worsham, Erick Housch, Ben Housch, Derek Parker, David Parker, and Jason Flowers. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 until 2 P.M. at the Church. Lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Trion United Methodist Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for MISS WILLIE FRANCES HOUSCH.

Rev. Jimmy C. Bryant

REV. JIMMY C. BRYANT, age 80, lost a long battle with an aggressive illness on February 16, 2021. Although Bryant lost his battle with illness he gained access to his Heavenly home.

Brother Jimmy was born in New Albany, MS. on July 14, 1940, the son of the late Carl Clyde Bryant, Memphis, Tn., and Jewel Roberts Martin, Tupelo, Ms. He was a former on-air personality at WVOM Luka, MS. and WBIP, Booneville, MS., where he was known as Booneville’s Morning Mayor. He served the City of Summerville as Seat Four Councilman for two terms before retiring. In the later part of his second term, he served as Interim Mayor following Summerville’s mayor’s retirement. One accomplishment that he was proud of was getting a Basketball Court located in the West Summerville area. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Navy and a member of the Disabled American Veteran’s Post #6, Marietta, GA. He served several terms as Moderator of the Chattooga Baptist Association and several terms as a Georgia Baptist Convention Executive Committee member and the Georgia Baptist Foundation. As long as health permitted, he had a live Facebook broadcast, “Adventures Through God’s Word,” the preaching ministry of Jimmy Bryant each Sunday. He was a regular writer for the GoodNews Christian Magazine, Rome, had articles published in Church Administration Magazine, authored a book, “Confessions of A Baptist Minister,” and a booklet, “When The Story of my Life Is Told.”

In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by a half-sister, Betty Lois Martin

Campbell. Brother Jimmy is survived by his wife, The love of his life and greatest companion, caregiver, and best friend, Esther Timbes Bryant, Summerville; The Bryant’s enjoyed a wonderful life together for 60 years; two sons, Michael Carl Bryant (Susan), Summerville and James Alan Bryant (Diane), Lyerly. Three grandchildren, Brandi Nicole Pierce, Summerville, Jessica Diane Willingham (Adam), Lyerly; James Aaron Bryant (Katie), Oxford, AL.; Two great-grandchildren, Reed James Willingham, Lyerly and Avery Ann Willingham, Lyerly and a host of fellow laborers and special friends.

During 56 years of ministry, he pastored Seven churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Georgia. One of those churches was South Summerville Baptist for almost seventeen years. He also served two churches as interim Pastor; Mount Pisgah in Ringgold, Pleasant Grove in Summerville where he served for just over 14 years.

He attended Booneville High School, was a graduate of Northeast Mississippi Junior College Booneville, MS, Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, MS; Graduate work at the University of North Alabama, Florence, AL.

Funeral Services for Rev. Jimmy C. Bryant will be conducted from the First Baptist Church, Summerville, Georgia Friday, February 19, 2021 at 2:30 pm with Mr. Tom Underwood, a dear friend and Deacon at a former church, his son, Michael Carl Bryant, and granddaughter, Jessie Willingham officiating. Active pallbearers will be Aaron Bryant, Adam Willingham, Jerry Mixon, Scott Everett and Ray Davis, and Sam Jones. Honorary pallbearers are friends at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and South Summerville Baptist Church. Interment will be in the Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery. The Family will receive friends at the church Friday from 12:30 – 2:30.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Rev. Jimmy C. Bryant.

Mazie Crow Purcell

MAZIE CROW PURCELL, 102, of Summerville, passed away at home surrounded by family, Monday, February 15, 2021. Born in Sandy Cross, Franklin County, Georgia, on July 5, 1918, she was the third child of Revie James and Noah Simpson Crow.

She attended Habersham College and John Hopkins University. During WWII, she served with Civil Service, first in Baltimore, Maryland, and later in Anniston, Alabama, from 1941-1947 as a corps driver for dignitaries visiting the Munitions Ordnance Depot.

She was a member of Summerville First United Methodist Church.

 
Mrs. Purcell worked for Wright Garment Company, Georgia Rug Mill and Jackson's Drug Store as a bookkeeper. She enjoyed genealogy and sponsored participants in the Crow DNA project. She assisted in research for the publication of The Purcells of Georgia with her husband Maylon H. Purcell and Dr. Claude Purcell. She was a member of the Joseph Habersham DAR Chapter and Alfred Holt Colquitt UDC Chapter.

Mrs. Purcell was preceded in death by her husband, Maylon H. Purcell, siblings: Lucius Crow, Imogene Hobbs, Christopher Barton Crow, Tokee Toler, James Crow, Barbara Ann Saylors, and Jerry Crow. Survivors include two daughters, Nancy Purcell Hyte of Atlanta and Kathy Purcell Floyd (Gary) of Cartersville; grandchildren are Jamie Brown (Eric), Noah Hyte, Rebekah Hyte, and Louis Hyte and two great-grandchildren, James Brown and Alexander Brown.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to Summerville First Methodist Church for Children's Ministry.

A graveside ceremony will be held Saturday, February 20, 2021, at Rose Hill Cemetery in Royston, at 1 pm, with masks and socially distancing. Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, in Summerville and Pruitt Funeral Home, in Royston are in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Emye (Ma) Lenderman

MRS. EMYE (MA) LENDERMAN, age 93, of West Washington Street, Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 10, 2021, in a Rome hospital. A native Chattooga Countian, she was born on February 26, 1927, to the late Oscar H. and Thelma Julia Love Perry. Mrs. Lenderman was a homemaker and member of Summerville First Baptist Church.

Surviving are daughters, Jeanne Lenderman Copeland (Dewayne) and Nancy Lenderman McConkey (Roger, Sr.); son, Dr. Benny Lenderman; sisters, Wylene Perry Bynum (Fred) and Montyne Perry Thompson (Verlon); grandchildren, Angela Johnson Veitch, Melissa Johnson Queen, Amanda Johnson Peters, Roger McConkey, Jr., and Lance McConkey; great-grandchildren, Caleb Veitch, Gracelyn Veitch, Alexandra Peters, Thomas Peters, Alex Queen, Aubrey McConkey, and Roger (Liam) McConkey, III; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Private graveside service will be held Saturday, February 13th. Interment in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, with Dr. Kenneth Summey and Rev. Sean Wegener officiating. Active Pallbearers Roger McConkey, Jr., Lance McConkey, Roger McConkey, Sr., Dewayne Copeland, Kevin Queen, and Matt Veitch; Honorary Pallbearers Verlon Thompson, and Fred Bynum. The Family request no food and in lieu of flowers suggest contributions to Gideons International or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Emye (Ma) Lenderman.

Mr. Gary W. Williamson

MR. GARY W. WILLIAMSON, age 65, of Roberts Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at his residence following an extended illness. A native of Fort Payne, Alabama, He was born on November 6, 1955, to the late Joy Youngblood Miller and Billy Ray Williamson, who survives. Mr. Williamson was an overhauler for Mt. Vernon Mills.

Surviving are his wife, Teresa Craig Williamson; son, Billy Wayne Williamson; father, Billy Ray Williamson; sisters, Glenda Sue Goodson, Deborah Elaine Prince, Sandra Darlene Hubbard, Tammy Gentry, and Darlene Elizabeth Metcalf; brothers, George Miller, Terry Miller, and Roger Williamson; grandchildren, Tyler Wayne Williamson, Jacob Allen Williamson, and Skyrah Kaylyn Williamson; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 1 p.m. from the Graveside in Summerville Cemetery with Pastor Barry Brown and Rev. Leon Craig officiating. Active Pallbearers are Randy Wilson, Bubba Wilson, Hugh Teague, Shorty Craig, DJ Craig, and Charles Hubbard. Honorary Pallbearers are Logan Todd, Kim “Tim” Teague, Jess McManamy, Daniel Metcalf, Tyler Williamson, and Jacob Williamson.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Gary Wayne Williamson who passed away Wednesday.

Mr. William Leric Reynolds

MR. WILLIAM LERIC REYNOLDS, age 93, of Highway #100, Summerville, Georgia passed away Saturday morning, January 30, 2021, at his residence. A native Chattooga Countian, He was born on June 10, 1927, in Lyerly, to the late Lonnie Lee and Alise Ragland Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was a Veteran of the U. S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict, a member of Lyerly Lodge #338 F & AM, and was retired from the textile and used car industry. He was preceded in death by his son the late Lamar Reynolds, siblings, Claude “Bud” Reynolds, Ruby Lecroy, Maxine Lee, Joe Reynolds, and Raymond Reynolds.

Surviving are His wife of 72 years, Juanita Brown Reynolds; daughter and spouse, Becky McWhorter-Wright (Jim); daughter-in-law, Kathryn Nix Reynolds; grandchildren, Derek Reynolds, Casie Witherspoon, Alyse Wilcox, and Hampton McWhorter; great-granddaughter, Blakely Wilcox; brothers, Bob Reynolds and Cecil Reynolds; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral service Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 3:00 P.M. from Graveside in Johnson Cemetery, with Pastor Joel Smith and Pastor Doyle Kelley officiating; Masonic Rites Rendered at the graveside by Lyerly Lodge #338, F & AM. Active Pallbearers, Frankie Joe Lee, Larry Reynolds, David Reynolds, Jeff Reynolds, Kenny Reynolds, Derek Reynolds, Joseph Jackson, and Kenneth Bates, Honorary Pallbearers members of Lyerly Lodge #338, F & AM.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. William Leric Reynolds.

Mr. James Ivan Bennett, Sr.

MR. JAMES IVAN BENNETT, SR., age 68, of Gore-Subligna Road-Summerville, Georgia, passed away Sunday, January 3, 2021, at his residence.  Mr. Bennett was born in Summerville, Georgia on April 21, 1952, son of the late James C. and Nelda Mae Williams Bennett.  Mr. Bennett was a mechanic and farmer; he was a member of Sonrise Community Church and President of Chattooga County Gideons International Camp.

 

            Surviving are His wife, Jan Bennett; sons-James I. Bennett, Jr., Blake (Lauren) Elsberry, Mark Elsberry (Mallory Crump); daughters, Sarah (John) Dawson, Rebecca Guinn (Josh Dillard), Erin (Adam) Jackson; Two Sisters; 15 Grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews.

 

            A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 9^th 2021 at 11:30 a.m. from the Sonrise Community Church with Mark Smith and Chip Smith officiating. 

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Sonrise Community Church Building Fund or to Gideons International in Mr. Bennett’s memory. 

 

 

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. James Ivan Bennett, Sr. 

Alice Ann Hood Smith Campbell

Mrs. Alice Ann “Cricket” Hood Smith Campbell, age 73, passed away unexpectedly in her home on January 1, 2021. Although she was born February 20, 1948 in DeKalb County, she lived her childhood and adult life in Chattooga County. She is fondly remembered as “Cricket” by those that loved her. Mrs. Campbell was preceded in death by her infant son, Steven Lamar Smith.

Surviving are her son and his spouse, Scott & Christy Smith of Summerville, granddaughters, Aubrey JoyAnn Smith and Rachel Elizabeth Smith, and also a very special friend, J.T. Rich. Ann was a friend to all and her generosity was known by many throughout her community.

A Private Graveside service will be held in her honor.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Alice Ann Hood Smith Campbell.

Mr. Eddie Ray Teague

MR. EDDIE RAY TEAGUE, age 77, of Orchard Road, Summerville, Georgia passed away Sunday morning, December 20, 2020, in a Rome hospital.  Mr. Teague was born in Chattooga County, Georgia on April 18, 1943, to the late Charlie and Dellia Ester Busby Teague.  He was Baptist by Faith, retired machine operator for Mohawk Industries, and in addition to his Parents was preceded in death by his wife the late Geneva Espy Teague on October 25, 2019 and a son, the late Jeffery Lynn (Jeff) Teague on December 3, 2019.

 

            Surviving are son, Ray Teague; sister, Shirley Hughes; grandson, Cody Teague; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

 

            Funeral and interment service will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, December 22, 2020, from Graveside, in West Hill Cemetery at Trion; with Rev. Wayne Pace officiating, Pallbearers, Tye McGuire, Tony Dowdy, Scott Hughes, Cory Espy, Bryan Rogers, and Tracy Rogers.

 

            Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Eddie Ray Teague.

Mr. Thomas Ralph Millican

MR. THOMAS RALPH MILLICAN, age 76 of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Thursday, December 17, 2020, at Pruitt Health Care, Rome. Mr. Millican was born in Cherokee County, Alabama on December 23, 1943 to the late J. B. Millican and Louise Dowdy Millican. He was retired from Mount Vernon Mills and was a member of West Summerville Baptist Church. In addition to His parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, the late Alice Cochran Millican.

Surviving are his son, Scott Millican; sister, Sandra (Jerry) Sparks and Niece, Lisa (Chris) Davis.

Private graveside and interment service for Mr. Millican will be held Saturday, December 19th from West Hill Cemetery with Rev. John Paul Harris officiating; Pallbearers will be Spence Davis, Steiner Davis, Chad Millican, Jerry Sparks, and Scott Millican.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Thomas Ralph Millican.

Mr. Roy Elliott "Pete" Huggins

MR. ROY ELLIOTT “PETE” HUGGINS, age 34, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Tuesday evening, December 8, 2020, in a Rome hospital from injuries received in an auto accident, earlier Tuesday. Born in Floyd County, Georgia on December 8, 1986, a son of the late Elliott Jude Huggins and Debra Marlene Durham Smith, who survives. Mr. Huggins was employed by Chattanooga Wilbert Vault Company.

Surviving are companions, Janet Murdock and Kayla Cooper; children, Kathy Kirby, Savannah Cooper, Lynn Cooper, Kylie Huggins, Junior Huggins, Kassidy Cooper, and Nevaeh Cooper; Two Grandchildren; half sister, Beth Hamby; brother, Billy Ray (Ashley) Collins; Nieces and Nephews, Tammy Hamby, Stephanie Hamby, Anthony Hamby, Stephen Hamby, Bryson Goforth, Noah Goforth, Jackson Goforth.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 13th, at 3:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery with Rev. Ray Caldwell and Rev. Bill Towe officiating. Pallbearers will be Kebo Smith, Randy Tucker, Jimmy Murdock, Adam McGraw, Tanner Spears, Eddie Murdock, Jacob Caldwell, Ray Ray Caldwell, Jeffery Caldwell, and Ethan Caldwell.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Roy Elliott “Pete” Huggins.

Mrs. Molly Alverson

Mrs. Molly Alverson.....

At 1:00 p.m., December 6, 2020 Mrs. Molly Willingham Alverson yielded her earthly body and struggles and received her new and glorified body in Heaven. She was greeted there by her Mother, Shirley Stricklin Willingham and Father John Edd Willingham; Grandparents, Sam and Frances Stricklin and John B. and Stella Willingham along with countless other beloved family members.

She is survived by her family whom she loved immeasurably: her Husband of 30 years, Michael Alverson, whom she married December 29, 1990; her Children, April (Leroy) LuAllen, Melisha (Jimmy) Porter; Grandchildren, Landyn Durham, Brooklyn Durham, Bryanna Wallin, Kristopher Wallin, and Great Granddaughter, Athena Shropshire; Brother, Eddy Willingham along with Nephews and Nieces, Adam (Jessi) Willingham, Jesse (Abbigail) Willingham, Sarah (Garrett) Hurley, Joshua Willingham; Great Niece and Nephews, Reed Willingham, Avery Willingham, and Rett Hurley.

Mrs. Alverson was born in Rome (Floyd County) Georgia on March 15, 1963 and made Chattooga County her home her entire life. She retired from Hayes Correctional Facility in 2019 after 29 years. Her co-workers there in accounting were a second family and always held a special place in her heart. She was a member of Perennial Springs Baptist Church. She also leaves behind 3 life long friends, Cheryl (Kendrick) Mobbs, Kathy (Hawkins) Simms, and Kathy (Barfield) Marquez.

A Private Graveside Service will be shared with her mother at 2 p.m., Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Greenhill Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Landyn Durham, Kristopher Wallin, Adam Willingham, Jesse Willingham, Joshua Willingham, and Garrett Hurley. Officiating the service will be Brother Tom Russell, Perennial Springs Baptist Church. In Lieu of flowers, The Family Request donations be made to any local Children’s Charity in Memory of Mrs. Molly Alverson.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Molly Willingham Alverson.

Ms. Shirley Stricklin Willingham

At 12:05, December 2, 2020, MS. SHIRLEY STRICKLIN WILLINGHAM journeyed across the River Jordan to her Heavenly Home, where she joined her parents, Sam and Francis Stricklin, brothers and sister, Grant Stricklin, Molly Ragan, Sammy Stricklin, Jimmy Stricklin, Sr., and infant William D. Stricklin; the father of her children, John Ed Willingham, daughter-in-law, Patti Thompson Willingham, and long time companion, Ray Hall.

She is survived by one brother, James (Rachel) Stricklin; sisters-in-law, Peggy Stricklin and Janice Stricklin; one son, Eddy Willingham, and one daughter, Molly (Mike) Alverson; grandchildren, Adam (Jessi) Willingham, Jesse (Abbigail) Willingham, Sarah (Garrett) Hurley, Joshua Willingham, April (Leroy) Luallen, Melisha (Jimmy) Porter; great grandchildren, Landyn Durham, Brooklyn Durham, Bryanna Wallin, Kristopher Wallin, Reed Willingham, Avery Willingham, and Rett Hurley; great great granddaughter, Athena Shropshire; and a host of Nieces and Nephews, that she adored.

Ms. Willingham was born in Savannah (Hardin County), Tennessee on September 30, 1936, before her family moved to Chattooga County in the early 1940’s. Ms. Willingham retired as City Clerk in 1999, after serving the City of Summerville for 44 years. Her co-workers there were a second family, and always held a special place in her heart. She was a member of Perennial Springs Baptist Church, but had attended Dry Valley Baptist Church her last few years with her family, where she was a member of the Grace Sunday School Class. Ms. Willingham faithfully served our Veterans as a member of the Chattooga County Ladies Auxiliary VFW for many years. She was awarded Gold Circle membership in 2015.

A Private Graveside service will be held 2:00 P.M. Saturday, December 12, 2020 at Greenhills Memory Garden. Pallbearers are Adam Willingham, Jesse Willingham, Joshua Willingham, Garrett Hurley, Landyn Durham, Kristopher Wallin. Officiating the service will be Brother Tom Russell, Perennial Springs Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, the Family request donations be made to the Summerville Mainstreet Program, in Memory of Ms. Shirley Willingham.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ms. Shirley Stricklin Willingham.

Mrs. Deborah Maton Bryant

MRS. DEBORAH MATON BRYANT, age 56, of Glenn Drive, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Friday, November 27, 2020, in a Rome hospital. She was born in Rome, Georgia on January 5, 1964, a daughter of the late Paul Leonard Maton and Annie Sue Touchstone Maton Matthews, who survives. Mrs. Bryant was Baptist by Faith.

Surviving are Her husband, William Bryant; mother, Annie Sue Matthews; daughters, Crystal Maton and Deborah Austin; son, Bud Bryant; sisters, Marie Long, Darlene Jordan, and Diane Smith; Eight Grandchildren, One Great Grandchild; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held Monday, November 30th, at 1:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery, with Rev. David Long officiating; active pallbearers, Jimmy Lowe, Justin Lowe, Jimmy Jordan, Clay Brown, Matthew Austin, Jimmy Nixon, Casey Jennings, and Robert Warren.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for MRS. DEBORAH MATON BRYANT.

Mr. Alton Luther Shaw, Sr.

MR. ALTON LUTHER SHAW, Sr., age 68, of Trion, Georgia, Mountain View Community, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020, at his residence. Born in Cedartown, Georgia on April 11, 1952, He was a son of the late Melvin and Anner Redden Shaw. Mr. Shaw was a retired heavy equipment operator.

Surviving are His wife, Gail Shaw; daughters, Anna Gary, Aquilla White, April Shaw, Lisa Shaw, and Lynn Hill; son, Alton Shaw, Jr.; sister, Betty Ryan; Eleven Grandchildren, Three Great Grandchildren, several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral and Interment services will be Private, with interment in the Family Plot of Cave Spring Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Jerry Gary, Todd White, Bryce Blackmon, Timothy Shaw, Eddie Shaw, and Randy Hill.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Alton Luther Shaw, Sr. who died Sunday.

Mrs. Rhonda Pettyjohn Sterner

MRS. RHONDA PETTYJOHN STERNER, age 57, of Greeson Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away early Saturday morning, November 21, 2020, at her residence. Born in Rome, Georgia on March 7, 1963; She was a daughter of the late Thomas S. and Louise Greene Pettyjohn. Mrs. Sterner was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and was employed with Southeast Pathology, in Rome.

Surviving are Her husband, John Sterner; daughter, Alanna J. Sterner; and son, Mason D. Sterner; aunt, Linda Greene; special cousins, Cecila and Craig Holt and Susan Brooks; special friends, Ken and Carol Fries and Ann McCollum.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, November 22nd, at 3:00 P.M. from Antioch Baptist Church with Pastors Brian Butler, Jimmy Bryant, and Miles Phillips officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Alan Smith, Rusty Wilson, Tommy Wilson, Eddie Wilson, Randy Wilson, and Bobby Purcell; Honorary Pallbearers Associates of Southeastern Pathology. The Family will receive friends Sunday from 1 until 3 P.M. at Antioch Baptist Church, Big Texas Valley Road, Rome, Georgia. The Family request no flowers and suggest contributions to Antioch Baptist Church or Cancer Navigators of Rome.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for MRS. RHONDA PETTYJOHN STERNER who passed away early Saturday.