Ruby Kennedy
Ruby McGee Kennedy, 79, of Commerce, died Thursday, March 6, 2008, at her residence.
Born in Madison County, she was the daughter of the late James and Mamie Satterfield McGee. She was a member of Beaverdam Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Kennedy was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Kennedy.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Dennis Marlow, Pendergrass; sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Kathy Kennedy and Keith and Tonia Kennedy, all of Commerce; sisters, Lucy Phillips, Ila, Geneva McElroy, Commerce, and Gail Grogan, Athens; brothers, James McGee Jr., Willie McGee and Freddie McGee, all of Ila; grandchildren, Justin, Taylor and Mackenzie Kennedy, all of Commerce.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 9, at the Beaverdam Baptist Church with the Rev. Chad Payne officiating. Burial was in the Jackson Memorial Gardens.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Florence Robson
Florence Robson, of Commerce, died Friday, March 7, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
Born in Winnipeg, Canada, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Laura Greaves Pickup.
Survivors include a daughter, Sheila Hughey, Commerce.
No memorial services are scheduled for Mrs. Robson.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Dallas Haggard
Dallas G. Haggard, 92, died Sunday, February 3, 2008, at his residence.
He was born on June 24, 1915, in Commerce, and later moved to Miami, Fla., where he married Sue Evelyn in 1939 and lived there for 38 years, working for Pan American Airlines for 32 years. After retirement, he and his wife moved to the mountains of Sylva, N.C., living there for 30 years before making their home in Lexington, Tenn.
Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Evelyn Haggard, Lexington, Tenn.; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Jimmy Myers, Sylva, N.C.; son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Jane Haggard, Lexington, Tenn.; grandchildren and spouses, Denene and Richard Peek, Charlotte, N.C., Teneile and Scott Pickett, Asheville, N.C. and Lennon Haggard, Dylan and Nitra Haggard, Devin and Danal Maness, all of Lexington, Tenn.; two great-grandchildren; and three step-great-grandchildren.
Memorial services were held Saturday, February 9, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Lexington, Tenn.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Vicky Brown
Vicky June Gunter Brown, 60, of Commerce, died Wednesday, March 5, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of Mildred Blalock Gunter and the late Ernest Gunter and was retired from the University of Georgia, having served as office manager of the Georgia Museum of Art.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Nelson Brown, Commerce; a daughter and son-in-law, Darina Brown and William R. Boleman, Hartwell; brother and sister-in-law, Todd and Tara Gunter, Commerce; grandchildren, Lanae Boleman and Gevin Boleman; nephew, Anthony Drake; and niece, Valerie Drake.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 8, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Smith, Charles Vaughn and Robert Flippo officiating. Burial was in Jackson Memorial Park.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Bunice Sorrow
Bunice C. Sorrow, 87, of Commerce, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Hill Haven Nursing Home.
Born in Blue Ridge, she was the daughter of the late Sidney M. and Matilda Stanley Cochran. She retired from Gold Kist and Peerless Laundry in Commerce and was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church. Mrs. Sorrow was preceded in death by her husband, Thurston Sorrow; two sisters, Betty Jane Cochran and Orlean C. Fox; and brothers, Everett, Roy, Wilfred, Alden and Virgil G. Cochran.
Survivors include sisters, Wylene C. Patterson, Mineral Bluff; Oleta C. Tipton, Murphy, N.C.; brothers, William H. Cochran, Gainesville; Milford Cochran, St. Augustine, Fla.; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a special friend, Hilda Massey.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 8, from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Revs. Kenny Baker, Bill Manus and Henry Webb officiating. Burial was in Grey Hill Cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
J.T. Moore
J.T. Moore, 88, of Maysville, died Friday, March 7, 2008, at the BJC Hospital, following a brief illness.
He was born on May 15, 1919, in Banks County, the son of the late George and Cora Whitfield Moore. He was a farmer and a member of Diamond Hill Baptist Church. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army in combat during World War II. Mr. Moore was preceded in death by his wife, Sybil, whom he loved and missed dearly; and brothers, Thomas D. Moore and George H. Moore.
Survivors include brothers and sisters-in-law, Joe and Jinner Moore, Maysville, Kenneth and Sue Moore, Flowery Branch; sisters and brothers-in-law, Bonnie and Aaron Cash, Chattanooga, Tenn., Barbara Sue and Benny Holcomb, Gillsville, Ruby and Wayne Abernathy, Lula, Reba and Ray Aiken, Maysville; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 10, at Little-Ward Chapel with the Rev. Marshall Dale officiating. Burial was in Jackson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Lois Westmoreland
Lois Estelle Westmoreland, 94, of Lula, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at BJC Nursing Home.
She was born in Banks County on May 4, 1913 to the late Henry and Rosa Garner Forrester. She was a member at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and she retired from New Holland Mills where she worked in the spinning room. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Westmoreland.
Survivors include five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 7, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. Ralph O. Smith and James Duncan officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Allene Sanders
Allene Jeanette Sanders, 93, of Homer, died Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at BJC Nursing Home.
She was born in Banks County to the late James Newton and Eunice Chambers Bellamy. She was a member of Homer Presbyterian Church and was retired from Blue Bell. Mrs. Sanders was preceded in death by her husband, Young Sanders; son, Maxx Sanders Sr.; and a daughter, Betty Jean Sanders.
Survivors include daughter-in-law, Margie Sanders, Homer; grandson, Maxx Sanders Jr., Homer; granddaughters, Sheryl Hall, Lula and Deborah Gary, Homer; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 7, at the Homer Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bill Ford officiating. Burial was in Banks Memorial Gardens.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
James Sims
James Cory Sims, 19, of Nicholson, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born in Atlanta, he was the son of James Robert Sims Jr., and Virginia Louise Kelly-Boggs. He worked as an audio specialist installing radio systems.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a step-father, Daniel Boggs, Nicholson; grandparents, William J. and Barbara Kelly; step-grandmother, Mrs. M. Boggs; step-sister, Erica Boggs; step-brother, David Boggs; aunt, Kathy Harrison; and several cousins.
Memorial services were held Saturday, March 8, at Nicholson Baptist Church with the Rev. Terry Smith officiating. Minister of Music, Bob Habeck, was in charge of music.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Hazel Spencer
Hazel Martin Spencer, 91, of Athens, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008.
Born in Hancock County, she was the daughter of the late Lee O. and Leila Martin. She resided in Jackson County and Clarke County, where she owned and operated a grocery store for more than 20 years. She was a member of Prospect Methodist Church. Mrs. Spencer was preceded in death by her husband, William Spencer Jr.; and a son, William Reece Spencer.
Survivors include a daughter, Jackie Spencer Braswell, Athens; brother, Wilburn Martin, Maysville; grandchildren, Jonathan Braswell, William Reece Spencer II, and Kim Spencer; and several nieces.
Graveside services were held Thursday, March 6, from the Redstone United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Elizabeth Ann McKie
Elizabeth Ann McKie, 56, of Monroe, died Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at her residence.
Born on May 10, 1951, in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late J.R. and Myrtle Smallwood McKie. She was a member at Cabin Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include brothers, James McKie, Nicholson, Jim McKie, Lexington, and Tommy McKie, Commerce; sisters, Wanda McKie Compton, Comer, and Mary McKie, Nicholson.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 8, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenneth Segars officiating. Burial was in the Grey Hill Cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Leila Martin
Leila Myrtleene Pruitt Martin, 88, of Gainesville, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.
She was born in Hall County, to the late Clarence David and Minnie Ellen Land Pruitt. She was a member of Gainesville C.H. Church. Mrs. Martin was retired from Conagra. She was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus “R.L.” Martin; daughter, Jeanette Martin; sisters, Irene and Ellen Pruitt and Modane Pruitt Evans; and brothers, James and Charles Pruitt.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Mary Frances and the Rev. Lenair Tatum, Gainesville; daughter, Betty Kathryn Tatum, Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Ann and Randall Smith, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Ken and DeJuan Martin, Clermont; grandsons and wives, Lamar and Glynda Tatum, Clermont; Jerry and Cathy Tatum, Gainesville; Ray and Cathy Tatum, Flowery Branch; Bryan and Jennifer Martin, Commerce; and Bradley and Jennifer Martin, Cleveland; granddaughter and husband, Vicky and Joel Watkins, Flowery Branch; eight great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews and other family and friends.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 7, in Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Revs. Scott Ledbetter and Wayne Hicks officiating. Burial was in the Hope United Methodist Church cemetery.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Homer Merrill
Homer Jake Merrill, 90, of Jefferson, died Friday, March 7, 2008, at his residence.
He was a native of Mars Hill, N.C., and was retired from Olin Corporation after 38 years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Ruby “Irene” Merrill, Jefferson; son and daughter-in-law, Russell and Susan Merrill, Navarra, Fla.; daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Jeff Goodman, Maysville, and Sharon and Vonell Wilson, Gainesville; sisters, Lucille Sronce and Ora Fox, both of Mars Hill, N.C.; grandson, Scott Merrill, Brevard, N.C.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 11, in the chapel of Moody-Connolly Funeral Home with the Rev. Raymond Whitfield officiating. Burial was in Pisgah Gardens.
Local arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, 706-367-5467.
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home, Brevard, N.C.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Pearlie Mae Thurmond
Pearlie Mae Sims Thurmond, 69, of Statham, died Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at her residence, following an extended illness.
She was born on February 1, 1939, in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Robert and Katie Mae Kilgore Sims. She co-owned and operated the Willie Thurmond Poultry Farm, and worked at Westclock in Athens for many years. She was a member of the Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Thurmond was preceded in death by a brother, Bobby Sims.
Survivors include her husband, Willie Thurmond, Statham; daughters, Linda (Tyrone) Thurmond Davenport, Brenda Thurmond; sons, Anthony (Ramonia) Thurmond and Randy Thurmond, all of Statham; sisters, Evelyn Harrison, Dayton, Ohio, Grace Sims McGuire, Statham, Mary (Dozier) Stevens, Commerce, Marie (Roscoe) Sims, Dayton, Ohio, and Levonia Brown, Carlton; brother, Billy Sims, Carlton; mother-in-law, Vemma (J.K.) Thurmond, Statham; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 8, at Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Sylvania Watkins Sr. officiating. Burial was in the Barrow Memorial Gardens in Winder.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Dr. Terrell Tanner
Dr. Terrell Benson Tanner, 75, of Ellijay, died Monday, March 3, 2008, at his residence, after suffering a heart attack.
He was born on July 25, 1932, in Clermont, the son of the late Fred Homer and Alice Haynes Tanner. He grew up in Commerce and graduated from the Oxford College, Emory University, and Emory University School of Medicine.. Dr. Tanner was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Davidson Tanner. He was always active in service to his church, most recently as a member of the Cartecay Baptist Church in Ellijay.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Martha Cash Tanner; children and spouses, William Davidson Tanner, Sarah Tanner and Keith Ferguson, Robert Benson and Kristin Tanner, John Cash and Marcie Tanner; and foster sons, Michael and Todd Whitesides; eight grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law, Amanda and Hardeman Jones and Nancy and Carter Stewart.
The body was donated to Emory University School of Medicine for medical education and research.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Camp Ground or to a charity of one’s choice.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Elizabeth Shannon
Elizabeth Gunnells Shannon, 87, of Nicholson, died Wednesday, March 5, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospice House.
Born in Clarke County, she was the daughter of the late Clarence M. and Bertha Faulkner Gunnells. She was a homemaker and a member of Mars Hill Baptist Church. Mrs. Shannon was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Shannon.
Survivors include children, Martha E. Smith, Jacksonville, Fla., Marvin E. Shannon, Colbert, Paul M. Shannon, Nicholson, Terry W. Shannon, Colbert; sister-in-law, Virginia Gunnells, Savannah; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held Saturday, March 8, at Evergreen Memorial Park. Pallbearers were grandsons and great-grandsons.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Mary’s Hospice.
Lord & Stephens, West, Bogart, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Annie Price
Annie R. Phelps Price, 71, of Royston, died Saturday, March 8, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
She was born in Madison County on August 6, 1936, the daughter of Mary Sue Walls Phelps of Royston and the late Harry H. Phelps. She was retired from Pinnacle Bank and was a member of the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church.
Survivors in addition to her mother include her husband, Leland Price, Royston; son, Gary Price, Canon; daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia A. and Keith Salsman, Hoschton, and Sherri and Eddy Fowler, Danielsville; sisters, Donnie Barrett, Colbert, and Mary Ellen Fowler, Royston; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 11, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Bob Reynolds and Dennis Kesler officiating. Burial was in Franklin Memorial Gardens-South.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church Building Fund, c/o Irma Payne, 105 Gallery Dr., Homer, Ga. 30547.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Ernest Lunsford
Ernest William Lunsford, 81, of Carnesville, died Monday, March 10, 2008, at his residence.
Born on September 2, 1926, in Franklin County, he was the son of the late Lonnie and Annie Mae Hill McCollum Lunsford and was a retired mechanic and farmer. Mr. Lunsford was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Hambrick Lunsford; and brothers, Clarence and Cecil Lunsford.
Survivors include a son, Roger Dale Lunsford, Carnesville; three brothers; two sisters, one of whom is Faye Brown, Commerce; one granddaughter; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 12, at B.D. Ginn Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Clint Harper officiating. Burial was in the Careyl Memorial Gardens.
Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Michael Wilson
Michael Jeffery Wilson, 43, of Commerce, died Saturday, March 8, 2008.
He was born on April 16, 1964, in Cobb County, the son of the late Leon and Billie Jo Pierce Wilson. He was an Elder of the Commerce Presbyterian Church and was a driver for Papa John’s Pizza.
Survivors include his wife, Karen Green Wilson, Commerce; son, Walker Wilson, Commerce; daughter, Ellie Wilson, Commerce; brother, Keith Wilson, Marietta; sister, Lechia Tankersley, Austell; and aunts, nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, March 16, at 2 p.m., in the Commerce Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Gaye Brown officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 to 2:00 Sunday, March 16.
The family respectfully request that flowers be omitted and donations made to Michael Wilson Memorial Fund with First Commerce Bank, P.O. Box 210, Commerce, Ga. 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Kathleen Ramsey
Kathleen Ramsey, 52, of Homer, died Friday, February 29, 2008.
Born on April 2, 1955, she was the daughter of the late Ed and Elizabeth Ramsey. Mrs. Ramsey was preceded in death by four brothers and sisters; and a very special friend, Fred Jones.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Jerald Christopher Bernard and Juanita Ramsey, Mobile, Ala.; daughter, Vilvet Pershone Ramsey, Jefferson; sisters and brother-in-law, Ruby Spidell and Mary Ramsey, both of Gainesville, Christine and Dennis Mitchell, Athens, Viola Gillespie, Homer, and Tina David, Toccoa; brothers and sister-in-law, O.B. Ramsey, Gainesville, and Ralph and Alice Ramsey, Commerce; six grandchildren, Dikerrio, Terrick, and Ka-sha Ramsey, and their mother, Stacey Ramsey, Cameron, Autumn and Atalaya Adams; and a host of nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 6, at Homer First Baptist Church with the Rev. Fred Wilson officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Eberhart & Son Mortuary, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Bonnie Lou Kelly
Bonnie Lou Kelly, 51, of Winder, died Monday, March 10, 2008.
Born in South Shore, Ky., she was the daughter of the late Garland Wesley and Francis Jane Clarry Darnell, and was a homemaker. Mrs. Kelly was preceded in death by a son, Jason Kelly; and sister, Brenda Howard.
Survivors include a special friend, Gerald Racine, Winder; sons and daughters-in-law, James and Kathy Ruggles, Nicholson, Jeffrey and Stacey Ruggles, Portsmith, Ohio; daughters and sons-in-law, Janie Lou and Mitchell Bennett, Commerce, Jennie Kay and Jason Hollis, Pendergrass, Melissa Rachel Racine, Winder; brothers, Chuck Darnell, Kentucky, George Darnell, Ohio; sister, Beverly Love, Hartwell; nine grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
No memorial services are scheduled at this time.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
Mary Griffin
Mary Faith Jackson Griffin, 98, of Royston, died Friday, March 7, 2008, at the BJC Nursing Home in Commerce.
Born in Hart County on June 16, 1909, she was the daughter of the late Jim and Callie Hooks Jackson. She was a homemaker and member of the Gordon Church. Mrs. Griffin was preceded in death by her husband, Rupert Griffin.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Larry J. and Latrelle Griffin, Carnesville; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Graveside services were held Sunday, March 9, at Franklin Memorial Gardens-North with the Revs. Leonard Young and Clarence Davis officiating.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 12, 2008.
