Catherine Callaway
Catherine Bradley Callaway, 68, of Hull, died Monday, March 19, 2007, at Comer Nursing Home.
Born in Madison County, she was the daughter of the late Clifford Melvin and Vella Gooch Bradley. She was retired from Lyons Garment and was a homemaker. She was Methodist. Mrs. Callaway was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Callaway; siblings, Ruth Adams, Mary Hooper, Blanche Eller, Norene Eller and Grace Haggard.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Pam and Ronnie Williams, Barbara and Ricky Busbin and Brenda Callaway, all of Hull; a sister, Mozelle Bird, Ila; brothers, Robert Bradley, Hull, Tommy Bradley, Ila; grandchildren and spouse, Dawn and Scott Denton, Commerce, Candace Williams and Brandon Busbin, both of Hull; great-grandchildren, Hannah Denton and Halina Denton; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 21, at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Revs. Robert Passmore and Kenny Ball officiating. Burial was in Gordon’s Chapel Methodist Church cemetery. Pallbearers were Kenneth Bradley, Terry Bradley, Bradley Allen, Jimmy Bird, Jerry Bird and Randy Gabriel.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Paul Hawks
Paul Talmadge Hawks, 70, of Nicholson, died Sunday, March 18, 2007, at St. Mary’s Hospice House.
Born in Madison County, he was the son of the late Warren Claude and Leona McConnell Hawks. He was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church, where he was the song leader for many years, and was retired from Westinghouse and ABB. Mr. Hawks was preceded in death by a brother, Roger Hawks.
Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Shelnutt Hawks, Nicholson; daughters and sons-in-laws, Vickie and Brant Prickett, Carnesville, Amanda and Chuck Hardy, Hull; daughter and fiancé, Terri Brown and Jody Craig, Hull; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Janet Hawks, Winterville; brothers, Harold Hawks and Julian Hawks, both of Nicholson; sisters, Mildred David and Evelyn Haynes, both of Danielsville; Dorothy Erdman, Missouri, and Catherine Baird, Commerce; granddaughters and grandsons-in-law, Deanna and Chad Gibson and Kelly and Jonothan Kelley; granddaughters, Katie Hawks and Taylor Hardy; grandsons, Cory Hawks and Kyle Hardy; great-grandchildren, India Kelley, Cayla Gibson and Carlee Gibson.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 21, at New Harmony Baptist Church with the Revs. Allen Seagraves and Andy Edwards officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Eddie Thomas, Cory Hawks, Byron David, Dick Haynes, Bobby Hawks and Brant Prickett. Honorary pallbearers were Freddie Massey and Marice Wardlaw.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice House, 1660 Jennings Mill Rd., Bogart, Ga. 30622.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Steven Fattig
Steven Ray Fattig Jr., 24, of Athens, formerly of Gillsville, died Saturday, March 17, 2007, at his residence.
He was born on July 18, 1982, in Snellville, and was the son of Carlene Duren Fattig of Athens and Steve Fattig and step-mother, Carolyn Fattig of Gillsville. He was a construction worker and was Baptist.
Survivors include a son, William Fattig, Athens; sister and brother-in-law, Tara and Jody Weeks, Athens; sister, Tonya Smallwood, Athens; brother, Chris Fattig, Athens; step-brothers, Scott Standridge, Commerce, Raymond Standridge and Chad Standridge, both of Gillsville; step-grandmother, Ruth Harris Parson, Gillsville; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 21, at Silver Shoals Baptist Church with the Rev. Perry Smith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Steve Ray Fattig Jr. Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 866, Baldwin, Ga. 30511.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Olivia Shirley
Olivia Anthony Shirley, 88, of Commerce, died Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born on February 25, 1919, in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late John and Grace Venable Anthony. She was previously employed with Commerce Manufacturing Company. Mrs. Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Dow Shirley; sisters, Ina Payne, Alma Sellers, Elise Evans, Mirdell Howington, Lottie Nix and Frances Wilbanks.
Survivors include a daughter, Elaine S. Lord, Greenwood, S.C.; grandsons, Brian Patrick and John Benton Lord; great-grandchildren, Austin Patrick Lord and Autumn Olivia Lord; and four step-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 17, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Donald Wilson and Carlton Peters officiating. Burial was in Grey Hill Cemetery in Commerce.
Little-Ward funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Shirley Windsor
Shirley Windsor, 63, of Nicholson, died Friday, March 16, 2007, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born on August 11, 1943, in Orange County, Fla., she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Pearley Fischer. She was a home health care nurse. Mrs. Windsor was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon Windsor.
Survivors include daughters, Doris Windsor, Union, S.C., and Bertha Barnett, Jefferson; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 18, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Presley officiating. Burial was in Nicholson Cemetery in Nicholson.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Annie Mae Benson
Annie Mae Love Benson, 85, a lifelong resident of Jackson County, died Friday, March 16, 2007, at her home.
Born on August 11, 1921, in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Charlie and Mary Sanders Love. She was a homemaker, a retired inspector for Empire Manufacturing Company, and a member of Pendergrass Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, according to loved ones.
Mrs. Benson was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, B.B. Benson Sr.
Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Martha B. and Danny Cooper, Jefferson, and Merita B. Beatty and friend, Kerry Rees, Newnan; sons and daughters-in-law, Bradford and Barbara Benson, Jefferson, and Jim and Guy Dean Benson, Jefferson; a sister and brother-in-law, Lucille Love and E.L. Fowler, Winder; grandchildren and spouses, Sidney and Genese Shropshire, Kelli B. and Ted Sosebee, Mat and Stephanie Benson, Pam Shropshire and John Colquitt, Mitch and Leesa Shropshire, Denny and Heather Beatty, Kip and Belinda Beatty, Andrew and Larissa Benson, Tracy B. and Louis Skomer; 13 great-grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, Joe and Steve Cooper; two step-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Nora B. Crowe, San Antonio, Texas, and Billie Benson, Commerce; and a special friend, Pete Doster.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 18, at Pendergrass Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Jenkins officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were Matt Benson, Andrew Benson, Ted Sosebee, Sidney Shropshire, Mitch Shropshire, John Colquitt, Denny Beatty and Kip Beatty.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pendergrass Baptist Church, 105 Church Street, Pendergrass, Ga. 30567.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Willard Carithers
Willard Howell Carithers, 71, of Commerce, died Sunday, March 18, 2007, at St. Mary’s Hospice House.
Born on January 14, 1936, in Jackson County, he was the son of the late B.T. and Sally Mae Wood Carithers. He was a heavy equipment operator.
Survivors include his wife, Geraldine Carithers, Commerce; a son, Leslie Carithers, Nicholson; daughters, Julie Vandiver, Rosanne Cherry and Suzanne Ferguson, all of Commerce; a brother, Griffeth Carithers, Center; sisters, Barbara Mace, Athens, Lou Alice Drake, Marietta, and Sue Ellen Piddie, Alabama; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Steven Sisk
Steven Michael Sisk, 46, of Maysville, died Saturday, March 17, 2007, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens, following an extended illness.
He was the son of Bob and Charlotte Sisk of Maysville.
Survivors in addition to his parents include brothers, Bobby Sisk, Nicholson, and Waldo Sisk, Maysville; and a sister, Charlotte Smith, Maysville.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, March 20, at Jackson Memorial Park with the Rev. David Sharpton officiating.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Cecelia Wilkinson
Cecelia Harber Wilkinson, 91, of Commerce, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007.
She was born on October 1, 1915, in Commerce, and was the daughter of the late T.A. and Lucille Phillips Harber. She lived several years at the Hart Personal Care Home in Carnesville before moving to Peachtree Village in Commerce. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce, Commerce Garden Club, a 50-year plus member of the DAR, and a member of the Magna Charta Dames in the North Georgia Division.
She graduated from Commerce High School in 1932 and was valedictorian of her senior class, and received a bachelor of arts degree from Shorter College and a master’s degree from Peabody College. She taught in several schools before going to Smith College to Officers Candidate School. She was an Ensign in the United States Navy serving as a WAVE during World War II. Following her marriage, she lived in Los Angeles and Burlingame and, upon retirement from the U.S. Postal Service, she returned to Commerce.
Mrs. Wilkinson was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Philip Wilkinson.
Survivors include a brother, Thomas A. Harber Jr., Richmond Hill; nephew, Thomas A. Harber III; nieces, Kay Reagan, Beth Swett and Susan Martin; four great-nephews; three great-nieces; three great-great-nephews; and one great-great-niece.
Graveside services were held Saturday, March 17, at Grey Hill Cemetery with the Dr. David Bowen officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Thomas Transue
Thomas G. Transue, 63, of Commerce, died Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at his residence.
He was born on May 8, 1943, in Monroe County, Pa., and was the son of the late George Sherman and Beulah Ludwig Transue.
Survivors include daughters, Bunnie Sue Transue, Pennsylvania, Candi Grisson, Jefferson, and Donnette Bowman, California; sons and daughter-in-law, Thomas Transue Jr. and April Transue, Homer, Theodore Transue, Missouri, and George Transue, Pennsylvania; sisters, Deborah Prater, Missouri, Judy Ann Lewis, Pennsylvania; brothers, Bobby Transue, Pennsylvania, Walt Transue, Florida, Ed Transue, Gainesville; 27 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
No services are planned at this time.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Emmett Winn
Emmett R. Winn, 75, of Athens, died Wednesday, March 14, 2007.
Born in Madison County, he was the son of the late Dave S. and Zora Maxwell Winn. He made his home in Athens for 51 years and attended Green Acres Baptist Church. He was retired from National Life and Accident Insurance Company and was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Winn was preceded in death by brothers, Walter, Maxwell, Hoil, Hugh and Lawrence Winn.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Doris Gunter Winn; children and spouses, Greg and Vicki Winn, Jefferson, Melanie and Rusty Savage, Watkinsville, Roxanne Glover, Athens, and Stave and Carla Winn, Winterville; sisters, Mildred Crook, Loganville, and Elizabeth Doolittle, Athens; brothers, Olis H. Winn, Carlton, and Hollis Winn, Washington; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 16, in the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Revs. Fred Rowell and Jerry Horton officiating. Burial was in Carlton Cemetery.
Lord & Stephens Home, East, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
‘Tater’ Slater
Ronnie “Tater” Slater, 53, of Commerce, died Thursday, March 15, 2007, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Cleo and Patsy Wood Slater.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Garrett Slater; a son, Kelly Slater, Commerce; daughter, Jill Mendoza, Athens; step-son, Heath Hewell, Commerce; step-daughter, Holly Hewell, Commerce; sisters, Kira Samples, Becky Pierce and Angie Gilliam, all of Commerce; and four grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 17, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Allen Carmichael officiating. The body was cremated.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Commerce Recreation Department.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Larry Van Tilburg
Larry L. Van Tilburg, 57, of Grover Hill, Ohio, died Sunday, March 11, 2007, at his residence.
Born on November 10, 1949, in Wapakoneta, Ohio, he was the son of the late Paul and Ethel Behm Van Tilburg. He was a bee inspector for the State of Ohio and was a veteran, having served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Survivors include a brother, Gary Van Tilburg, St. Mary’s, Ohio; half-brother, Jerry Van Tilburg; nieces, Amy Degeorge, Nicholson; and nephews.
Burial will be at a later date.
Den Herder Funeral Home, Paulding, Ohio, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Barbara O’Shields
Barbara Jean McLendon O’Shields, 71, of Maysville, died Thursday, March 15, 2007.
She was born on February 28, 1936, in Clearwater, Fla., and was the daughter of the late James M. and Stella Harris McLendon. She was a homemaker and a member of the Center Grove Baptist Church in Pendergrass.
Survivors include her husband of 51 years, Coy W. O’Shields Sr., Maysville; daughter, Rebecca Whitehead, Maysville; sons, Coy W. O’Shields Jr., Atlanta, Robert M. O’Shields, Jefferson, and James B. O’Shields, Tulsa, Okla.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Saturday, March 17, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Tom Fish and Larry Buffington officiating. Burial was in the Center Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
Doug O’Neal
Doug O’Neal, 48, of Homer, died Wednesday, March 14, 2007, at his residence following a sudden illness.
He was born on April 5, 1958, in Lake County, Fla., and was the son of Clinton C. O’Neal of Gainesville and the late Nancy O’Neal. He was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church, and was a paramedic and firefighter with the Banks County Fire and EMS.
Survivors in addition to his father include sons, Clint O’Neal and Michael O’Neal, both of Alto; a brother, Adam O’Neal, Birmingham, Ala.; and special friend, Cindi Cheek.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 19, at the Homer United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim McLendon officiating with full Fire Service Honors.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21,2007.
Ashley Blevins
Ashley Dawn Blevins, 18, of Homer, died Friday, March 16, 2007, following injuries received in an automobile accident.
She was the daughter of Ronald and Cynthia Blevins of Homer. She was a member of the Banks County girls varsity basketball team, the soccer team, the year book staff and member of the senior class.
Survivors in addition to her parents include a brother, Ryan Blevins; grandparents, Betty and Forrest Blevins, George and Sharon Hurley, and Barbara Harris; great-grandfather and great-grandmother, Herman and Cindy Craig; aunts and uncles, Wayne and Connie Blevins, Randy and Carol Beal, Tony and Janie Hurley, Lynn Miller, and Darlene and Tim Shepherd; cousins, Andrew and Kelly Blevins, Casey Bridges and Tabitha Martinez.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 20, at the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
‘MeMaw’ Jackson
Peggy Joyce “MeMaw” Jackson, 69, of Gillsville, died Sunday, March 18, 2007, following an extended illness.
She was born on November 29, 1937, in Fulton County, and was the daughter of Dera Hendrix Waters of Atlanta and the late John T. Bickers. She was a retired nurses aide and a homemaker. Mrs. Jackson was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene D. Jackson.
Survivors in addition to her mother include a daughter and son-in-law, Diane and Keith Nix, Commerce; sisters, Pat Reagan, Debbie Waters, and Hazel Ray; brothers, Gary Waters, Danny Bickers, Ronnie Bickers, Donnie Bickers and Tommy Bickers, all of Atlanta; grandchildren, April and Bill Turner, Chris and Barbara Nix and Kevin Nix; great-grandchildren, Casey and Blaze Turner and Tristan and Lane Nix; and a special nephew, Dan Bell.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 21, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Dewayne Eller officiating. Burial was in the Jackson Memorial Gardens.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, March 21, 2007.
