Pauline Lewallen
Pauline M. Lewallen, 88, of Commerce, died Sunday, February 24, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
She was born in Banks County, December 26, 1919 to the late Grover Cleveland and Laura Shubert Merck. She was a caregiver.
Survivors include sons, Jerry N. and Norman C. Lewallen, both of Commerce; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, February 26, from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Troy Herbert officiating. Burial was in Grey Hill Cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Annie Griffin
Annie Claire Griffin, 77, of Commerce, died Thursday, February 21, 2008, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce.
She was born in Banks County, daughter of the late William Monroe and Eva Madeline Gordon, and was a member of the First Methodist Church of Commerce. Mrs. Griffin was preceded in death by her husband, GL Griffin.
Survivors include daughters, Ellen Miller, Canton, Kathy Simmering, Ft. Myers, Fla., and Mary Shallenberger, Powder Springs; a son, Groves Lester Griffin III, Douglasville; brothers, Milton Gordon, Greer, S.C., and Dillard Gordon, Clayton; a sister, Sara Myrte Ingram, Lafayette; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 24, at the First Methodist Church of Commerce with the Rev. David Bowen officiating. Burial was in the Homer Presbyterian Church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Mary Ellen Saylors
Mary Ellen Harris Fincannon Saylors, 66, of Commerce, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at Grandview Care Center in Athens.
She was born in Franklin County, the daughter of Mary Elizabeth Phillips Harris of Royston and the late Fred Harris.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, JD Saylors, Commerce; a daughter, Dana Lynn Harrin, Banks County; sons, Daniel Horace Varner and Larry Joe Fincannon, both of Banks County; step-children, Ernest JD Saylors, Toccoa, Lori Lynn Saylors, Stone Mountain; a sister, Annie Sue Herrin, Royston; brothers, Bobby Harris, Winterville, William Harris, Canon; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 27, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home. Burial was in the Bold Springs Methodist Church cemetery, Franklin County.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Douglas Purdy
Douglas Purdy, Sr., 57, of Commerce, died Sunday, February 24, 2008.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced at a later date by Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Jerry Sailers
Jerry Rogers Sailers, 69, of Orange Park, Fla., formerly of Homer, died Sunday, December 30, 2007.
He was born in Jackson County on March 30, 1938, the son of Walter Sailers and Carrie Shelnutt Sailers. He graduated from Banks County High School in 1956, where he was active in baseball and basketball. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961, serving during the Vietnam Conflict and eventually retiring in September, 1991, after serving 31 years of decorated service as a Command Master Chief. During his years of service, he was active in sports and was a member of the All Navy Softball Team in 1976 and 1977. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for the recreational department at Jacksonville Naval Air Station.
He enjoyed being surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. He especially enjoyed supporting his grandchildren in their recreational activities, according to loved ones. Mr. Sailers was preceded in death by brothers, Dupree and Donald Sailers; and a sister, Merle Sailers Jones.
Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Mildred Meeks Sailers, formerly of Maysville; a son, Anthony Rogers Sailers; daughter and son-in-law, Tanya Sailers and David Kuramoto, Jacksonville, Fla.; six grandchildren, Kierstin, Lauren and Alyssa Sailers, Ryan, Tyler and Jacob Kuramoto; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bill and Lona Sailers, Jacksonville, Fla., and John and Edna Sailers, Acworth; and many other family members.
Jerry will be missed and remembered by friends he made, the family he took such great care of and the lives he touched. You can send his family a message at legacy.com.
Announcement courtesy of the Sailers family.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Eugene Pike
Eugene T. Pike, 74, of Baldwin, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce.
He was born in Dade County on July 14, 1933, the son of the late William Ezekial and Fannie Belle Smith Pike and was an air traffic controller. Mr. Pike was a veteran, having served in the United States Navy and Air Force during the Korean Conflict.
Survivors include a daughter, Sara Pike, Baldwin; son, Bevan Pike, Riverdale; and grandson, Adam Z. Clay, Baldwin.
The body was cremated and no services have been planned.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Georgia Chapter Alzheimer’s Association, 1925 Century Blvd., NE, Suite 10, Atlanta, Ga. 30345-3315.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Thomas Farmer
Thomas Crawford Farmer, 93, of Nicholson, died Thursday, February 21, 2008.
A native of Jackson County, he was the son of the late Willie Edgar Farmer Sr. and Oza Mae Crawford. He served on the Athens Fire Department for 35 years, was a member of the Woodman of the World, Jackson County Cattlemen’s Association, the Jackson County Farm Bureau, and the Antioch Methodist Church in Jefferson. Mr. Farmer was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Pittman.
Survivors include brothers, Neville Farmer, Nicholson, Togie Farmer, Asheville, N.C.; a sister, Edna Good, Sayemore, Mo.; and a number of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Sunday, February 24, in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with the Revs. Robert Passmore and Billy Pittman officiating. Burial was at Evergreen Memorial Park. Pallbearers were members of the Athens-Clarke County Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers were other area fire fighters, nephews and great-nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Odyssey Hospice, 575 Research Dr., Suite A, Atlanta, Ga. 30605.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
George Blalock
George Thomas Blalock, 69, of Nicholson, died Saturday, February 23, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
He was born May 5, 1938 in Walton County to the late John Hoke and Edna Merle Swindle Blalock and was a retired auto body worker.
Mr. Blalock was a Christian with a heart of compassion for his family, friends and animals. He was “Papa George” to all children, according to loved ones. Mr. Blalock was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Watson.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Glinda Ann Williams Blalock, Nicholson; daughter, Beverly Blalock, Commerce; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Johnny Stancil, Jefferson; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Jonathon and Jennifer Stancil, Jefferson; granddaughter, Holly Gaddis, Commerce; great-grandchildren; Chance and Kyler Stancil, Jefferson; nephew, Wayne Powell, Commerce; nephew and niece-in-law, Tommy and Janet Watson, Commerce; great- nephew, Josh Brockman, Commerce; great-niece, Samantha Watson, Commerce; aunts, Ollie Raven, Greenville, S.C. and Pearl Swindle, Spartanburg, S.C.; uncle, Ben Swindle, Greenville, S.C.; and his dog, Bugger.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, February 26, at Howington Cemetery in Nicholson with the Revs. Tommy Watson and Troy Herbert officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Elnora Gailey
Elnora Gailey, 91, of Alto, died Saturday, February 23, 2008, at a private nursing facility following an extended illness.
Born in Banks County on November 29, 1916, she worked for several years at Carwood and was a homemaker. She was a member of B.C. Grant Baptist Church, was an avid gardener and enjoyed planting flowers. Mrs. Gailey was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Gailey; and a son, Ray Gailey.
Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Mitchell and Edith Gailey, Alto; daughter-in-law Ruby Youngblood Gailey, Cleveland; brothers and sisters-in-law, Horace and Pat Bennett and C.D. and Bert Bennett, all of Alto; eight grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Monday, February 25, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Rev. Doyal Conley officiating. Burial was in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Lurlene King
Lurlene Thompson King, 91, of Baldwin, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at Oak Heritage Healthcare, following an extended illness.
Born in Banks County on June 14, 1916, she was the daughter of the late R.O. and Ida Chastain Thompson. She and her husband were the owners and operators of K & L Cab Services and Rental Properties in Baldwin for over 50 years. She was a member of Baldwin Baptist Church, where she served in the Joy Sunday School Class. Mrs. King was preceded in death by her husband, Sandy N. King; a daughter, Doris Carolyn King; and an infant sister and brothers, Claude, Lewis, Roy and Abener Thompson.
She loved the Lord and always wanted to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ all over the world, according to loved ones. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Grace and Howard Hogsed, Toccoa; son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Joyce King, Baldwin; grandchildren and spouses, David and Keri Hogsed, Waxhaw, N.C., Rodney and Sandra Payne, Criss and Pam Cobb, Stuart and Kim Gaines, all of Toccoa, Chris and Sherry Lewis and Tim Lewis, all of Maysville, Scott Lewis, Mt. Airy, Jack and Robin Davidson, Jefferson, Beth Lewis, Cornelia, Shad and Charity Boswell, Gulf Port, Miss., Rodney and Missy King and Jeff King, all of Baldwin, Reed and Angela Ballew, Clarkesville, and Steven and Camilla Rumsey, Alto; 23 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 28, at 2 p.m., at the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church with the Revs. Sherry Lewis and Jerrell Beatty officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, February 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Virginia Sosby
Virginia Anderson Sosby, 81, died Tuesday, February 19, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
She was born July 2, 1926, the daughter of the late Dolie P. and Julius James Anderson. She was a homemaker and a member of Hunter’s Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, George W. Sosby Sr.; sons and daughter-in-laws, George W. Jr. and Yvonne Sosby Jr., Commerce; and Kevin and Beth Sosby, Martin; daughters and son-in-laws, Avis and Leonard Barrett, Martin; Jerrie Lynn and John Collier, Toccoa; and Rena and Richard Matheson, Mountain Rest, S.C.; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, James Anderson and Randall Anderson, both of Anderson, S.C.; Charles Anderson and Billy Anderson, both of Starr, S.C.; and Herman Anderson, Toccoa; sisters, Nettie Stancill, Anderson, S.C. and Sue Ayers, Toccoa.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 22, at B.D. Ginn Memorial Chapel of Ginn Funeral Home with the Revs. Truitt Brawner and Roy Smith officiating. Burial was in Hunter’s Creek Baptist Church cemetery.
Ginn Funeral Home, Carnesville, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Edna Dalton
Edna Earl Dalton, 86, of Jefferson, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home.
Born in Hall County, she was the daughter of the late James Perno and Cumi Malcolm Davis. She was retired from Jefferson Mills, and was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Dalton; and a son, Bradley Dalton.
Survivors include daughters, Dink Wood, Commerce, and Kathie Dalton, Atlanta; a sister, Martha Cronic, Columbus; five grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 27, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral home with the Rev. Bill Manus and Shad Lankford officiating. Burial was in the Jackson Memorial Gardens.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Alyssa Sullens
Alyssa Sullens, 15-month-old daughter of Cortney Dickerson and David Sullens of Dahlonega, died Wednesday, February 13, 2008, from injuries received in a motor vehicle accident.
She was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on November 14, 2006, and had lived in Dahlonega since she was four months old.
Survivors in addition to her parents, include grandparents, David and Dana Sullens, Eva and Bob Wood, and Karey Dickerson, all of Dahlonega, Lori and Freddy Rodriguez, South Carolina; great-grandparents, R.C. and Jolene Dickerson, Commerce, Albert and Sue Simmons, Thea Tolbert, Ray and Belle Sullens, all of Dahlonega, Brenda Owens, Roanoke, Va.; uncles, Ira Dickerson and Roland Dickerson, Dahlonega; godparents, Shay Dickerson and Michael Sullens, both of Dahlonega; and a number of cousins, aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, February 20, at the Banister Funeral Home Chapel in Dahlonega with the Rev. Frank Colladay officiating. Burial was in Antioch Cemetery in Lumpkin County.
Banister Funeral Home, Dahlonega, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Robert L. Huff
Robert L. Huff, Sr., 83, of Nicholson, died Sunday, February 17, 2008, peacefully from neurological and cardiac disease at his home in Madison County.
He was born on June 22, 1924, in Madison County, the son of the late Arthur and Evie Huff.
He enlisted in the army in 1942, and after fighting in the North African campaign, including Casablanca, he served in the 92nd Reconnaissance unit of the Fifth Cavalry Brigade during the liberation of Sicily. In subsequent service near Itri, Italy, he was awarded the Bronz Star for heroic action during combat. Because of wounds suffered during combat, he was also awarded the Purple Heart. During World War II, he enlisted in the Air Force, where he remained for more than 27 years, until he retired due to disability. Upon retirement, he returned to the Madison County land that he had farmed as a boy. During his retirement, he supported the Sanford Community by maintaining several community cemeteries, including the Bethaven Cemetery, as well as by erecting memorials to students and teachers at the Sawdust School and the Sanford Community School. During retirement, he loved to fish and to work on small projects around his house and property, particularly those involving cement work, loved ones added.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Betty Huff, Nicholson; older brother, Lawrence Huff, Kerrville, Texas; daughters, Susan Carta, Athens, Robin Wright, Minneapolis, Minn.; sons, Robert Huff Jr., Nicholson, and Steve Starr, Orlando, Fla.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Friday, February 22, in the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Barry Black officiating. Burial was in Bethaven Cemetery
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice Service.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
Fred Martin
Fred William Martin, 74, of Commerce, died Monday, February 25, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born in Franklin County on August 27, 1933, he was the son of the late Willie and Loudez Byrd Martin. He retired from Royston Corporation and was a member of Hudson River Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Linda Joyce Reems Martin, Commerce; a son, Mark Martin, Commerce; daughter, Marcia Ayers, Carnesville; and four grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Thursday, February 28, at 2 p.m. at Hudson River Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Troy Herbert officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the funeral home.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
The Commerce News, February 27, 2008.
