Jackson County Obituaries...

DECEMBER 22, 2004

Don Bullock Don Bullock, 56, of LaFayette, died Wednesday, December 15, 2004. Mr. Bullock was a graduate of Jefferson High School in 1966. Survivors include a daughter, Rene Bullock, LaFayette; granddaughter, Mary Katherine Bullock, LaFayette; brother, Dennis Bullock, Jefferson; nephew, Bryan Bullock, Jefferson. Graveside services were held Sunday, December 19 in LaFayette Cemetery with Minister Clark Sosebee officiating. Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home of LaFayette was in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Mary Rutledge Mary Austin Rutledge, 90, of Winder, died Monday, December 20, 2004. Born in Barrow County, she was the daughter of the late John and Sudie Harrison Austin. She was a member of Carter Hill Christian Church and was retired from Empire Manufacturing Company. Mrs. Rutledge was preceded in death by her husband, Albertus Samuel Rutledge. Survivors include a son, Jim Rutledge, Winder; granddaughter, Kellie Rutledge Ouzts, Winder; great-grandchildren, Brooks Rutledge Farmer, Forbes Ouzts, Addison Ouzts and Graham Ouzts; sisters, Lois Dean Harrison, Loganville, Lola Mae Simmons, Jefferson, Johnnie Sue Bryan, Mobile, Ala., and Lela McDonald, Winder; brother, Jimmy Austin, Winder. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 22, in the Smith Memory Chapel, Smith Funeral Home, with the Rev. Donnie Pennington officiating. Burial was in the Barrow Memorial Gardens. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Nelle Venable Nelle Eliza-beth Webb Ven-able, 92, of Jef-ferson, died Monday, December 20, 2004, following a sudden illness. She was born July 20, 1912, in McRae, daughter of the late Frank and Pearl Parks Webb. Mrs. Venable was a homemaker, had operated a beauty shop in her home, had helped her husband at the Mays Venable Store, and had worked at the Jackson County tag office. She was a member of Bethany United Methodist Church, serving as pianist a number of years, and was active in 4-H and other youth groups. Mrs. Venable had been a columnist for The Jackson Herald and was the “mayor” of Brockton. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Mays Venable and Harold Venable. Survivors include her daughters, Joyce Venable Smith, Crown Pointe, Ind., and Patricia Venable Johnson, Jefferson; son and daughter-in-law, Mays Venable, Jr. and Carol Venable, Fort Mill, S.C.; step-daughter, Mary Ann Toney, Hartwell; sister, Caroldyne Harmon, Tucker; eight grandchildren, Dr. Eric Smith, Dr. Kirk Smith, Janet Rubinate, Ed Johnson, Jeffrey Johnson, Michelle Calvert, Bryant Venable and Trey Venable; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 22, at 11 a.m. at the Bethany United Methodist Church with the Revs. Johnny Ray and Hulon Hill officiating. Burial followed in the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Patricia Saucier Patricia Jean Saucier, 47, of Pendergrass, died Saturday, December 11, 2004, following an extended illness. Born February 10, 1957, she was the daughter of Bennie and Patricia Barnes of Panama City Beach, Fla., and the late Ronald and Barbara Ward, Louisville, Ky. She was a homemaker and attended both Center Grove Baptist church and Community Chapel. Mrs. Saucier was preceded in death by a son, Burch Anno “BJ” Saucier, Jr. Survivors include her husband, Burch Anno Saucier, Sr., Pendergrass; a son, Joshua Saucier, Talmo; daughter, Clairissa Ann “Cassie” Hansen, Pendergrass; sisters, Arie Ann Bryant, Jefferson, Debra Crabtree and Patty Browning, both of Louisville, Ky.; brothers, Kevin Barnes, Panama City, Fla., Ronnie Barnes, Kansas City, Mo., and Ronnie Ward, Louisville, Ky.; six grandchildren, Tiffany Saucier, Joshua Saucier, Savannah Saucier, Hunter Saucier, Jacqueline Saucier, and Jeremiah Saucier; five nieces and nephews, Christopher Bryant, Alex Bryant, both of Jefferson, Phillip Barnes, Angela Barnes, Ronnie Barnes, all of Kansas City, Mo. Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 14, at Center Grove Baptist Church with the Revs. Kenny Sizemore and Coy Ward officiating. Burial was at the Centergrove Baptist Church cemetery. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Pauline Fagan Pauline Freeman Fagan, 89, of Jefferson, died Monday, December 20, 2004. Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Tom and Lulu Bell Elliott Freeman. She was a retired seamstress and a member of Nazareth United Methodist Church. Mrs. Fagan was preceded in death by her husband, Ottis Fagan, Sr., and a son, Ottis Fagan, Jr. Survivors include a daughter, Jimmy Sue Lee, Jefferson; sister, Edrie Irvin, Conyers; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and the special caregivers at Bentley Assisted Living Facility in Jefferson. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 22, in the chapel of Carter Funeral Home. Burial was in the Barrow Memorial Gardens. Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Talmadge Stephens Talmadge Stephens, 78, of Bethlehem, died Sunday, December 19, 2004. Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late William Hugh and Beulah Skinner Stephens. He was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, and was employed by Southland Life for 27 years. Mr. Stephens was preceded in death by a son, Mark Stephens. Survivors include his wife, Joyce Stephens, Bethlehem; sons, Wayne Stephens, Clayton, and Doug Stephens, Acworth; daughter, Susan McElhannon, Winder; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, W.H. Stephens, Edward Stephens and Jarold Stephens, all of Winder; sisters, Iva Lee England, Gainesville, Clara Belle Kinney, Athens, and Nell Adcock, Monroe. Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 21, at Bethlehem Methodist Church with Jay Tenney and the Rev. Billy Beard officiating. Burial was in the Bethlehem Methodist Church Cemetery. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. James Ash James Arthur Ash, 86, of Lumber City, died Tuesday, December 21, 2004. He was born February 1, 1920, in Lumber City, the son of the late Arthur Worley and Stella Walden Ash of Jefferson. He graduated from Lakemont Consolidated High School in 1936, attended North Georgia College, Dahlonega, for two years, and then entered Piedmont College in Demorest in 1941. He graduated from Piedmont in 1943. After graduation he served as Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific. He returned home in November 1945 at the end of the war and received an Honorable Discharge from the United States Navy in Charleston, S.C. on March 9, 1946. After discharge from the Navy, he attended the University of Georgia and graduated in June of 1948 with a Masters of Education and Minor in Physical Education. Mr. Ash was an active member and Life Deacon of First Baptist Church, Green Street. He also served as chairman of the board of deacons and as Sunday School Superinten-dent. He was an active member of the Anglers’ Sunday School Class. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Eloise Hood Ash; daughters and sons-in-law, Ann and Eddie Hartness, Gainesville, Jean and Perry McNeal, Roswell, and Cindy and Brian Terrell, Atlanta; granddaughters, Erin Hartness, Greenville, S.C., and Alison Terrell, Marietta; grandsons, Russell Hartness, Gainesville, Matthew, Zachary, and Nathan Terrell, all of Atlanta, and Brooks McNeal, Roswell; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Carolyn Ash, Smyrna; sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn and Hal Henninger, Athens; sister, Jean Gruhn, Gainesville; and a number of nieces and nephews. Private burial services will be held prior to the service. Memorial services will be held in the First Baptist Church sanctuary on Green Street Thursday, December 23, at 3 p.m. Visitation with the family to immediately follow in the sanctuary foyer. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ministry of Caring, First Baptist church, 751 Green Street, Gainesville, Ga. 30501. Little-Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Ellis Redd Ellis Redd, 74, of Jefferson, died Tuesday, December 21, 2004, at his residence due to heart failure. Born August 3, 1930, in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Charlie and Leah O’Donald Redd. He was a lifelong member of Bethany United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by two brothers and eight sisters. After starting a family with his beloved wife of 50 years, Rita Raiford Redd, Ellis and Rita owned and operated The Redd House Restaurant in Jefferson for nearly 30 years. He greeted each customer with his familiar “How Y’all are?,” or inquired to old and young couples alike, “Ya’ll still married?” The restaurant was a distant second in Ellis’s life to his family. During his life, no one referred to “Ellis”, rather, it was “Ellis and Rita”. “As proud as Papa was of us and his restaurant, we are every bit as proud of him and will be always grateful for the mountain of wonderful memories that he leaves with us,” loved ones stated. Mr. Redd was a veteran having served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include a daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Andy Marlowe, Jefferson; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Mitzi Redd, Jefferson; sister, Joan Bradberry, Hoschton; brother, Charles Redd, Atlanta; six grandchildren, Cody, Kyle and Lucas Redd, Dustin Brooklyne and A.J. Marlowe, “about whom he bragged to anyone who would listen,” loved ones said. Funeral services will be held Friday, December 24, at 11 a.m. at the Bethany United Methodist Church with the Revs. Hulon Hill and Johnny Ray officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Branson Dowdy, Herman Stancil, William Puckett, Will Jackson, Bob Standridge, Brad Marlowe, Buster Shirley and Michael Coley. Visitation will be held Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Nelle Stewart Nelle Stewart, 37, of Jefferson, died Monday, December 20, 2004, following a sudden illness. Arrangements will be announced at a later date. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004. Julia Ray Julia Pam Ray, 54, of Elberton, died Wednesday, De-cember 15, 2004, at Rockdale County Hospital, Covington. Born in Elbert County, she was the daughter of the late Fred Brooks and Juliaette Eaves Ray. She was a retired florist and a member of the First Baptist Church of Elberton. She was preceded in death by a sister Virginia Lou “Jenny” Beckham, three brothers, Buck Ray, Bobby Ray and Larry Ray, and a brother-in-law, Jerry Hall. Survivors include three sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary and Billy Wilbanks, Jefferson, Jane and Sam Crisco, Cov-ington, and Susan Hall, Hartwell; two sisters-in-law, Jeanette Ray and Lera Ray, both of Elberton; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Friday, December 17, at the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Doug Parham officiating. Burial was in Elmhurst Cemetery, Elberton. Berry Funeral Home, Elberton, was in charge of arrangements. The Jackson Herald, December 22, 2004.

Loria Hardman Loria Mae Phillips Hardman, 95, of Carlton, died Tuesday, December 14, 2004, at the Winder Health Care Center. Born in Jackson County March 8, 1909, she was the daughter of the late O.A. and Rilia Curthers Phillips. She was a retired seamstress and attended the New Haven Holiness Church. Mrs. Hardman was preceded in death by her husband, William Bethel Hardman, a son, Odean Hardman, brothers, Alfred, Albert, Linnie and Lonney Phillips, and sisters, Margie Brown and Orlee Baldwin. Survivors include sons, Thomas Hardman and Elmer Hardman, both of Carlton; daughters, Thelma Drake, Danielsville, and Elizabeth Beck, Winder; eight grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Friday, December 17, at the New Haven Holiness Church. Burial was in the church cemetery with the Rev. Rufus Miller officiating. Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004. Charles Davis Dr. Charles E. Davis, 72, of Jefferson, long-time Georgia educator, died Thursday, December 16, 2004, at his residence. Dr. Davis was born June 15, 1932, in Jefferson, the only son of Mrs. Essie Stephens Davis Burns and Issac Van Davis, and stepson of Jesse (Buck) Burns. He attended high school at Union Institute, graduating in 1951. He attended Albany State College, Albany, and obtained his bachelor of science in elementary education in 1955. Dr. Davis earned a master of arts degree in 1963 from Atlanta University and went on to earn his doctorate of education from the University of Georgia, Athens, in 1973. Dr. Davis devoted 37 years of his life as an educator. It was his goal to teach proficiency in reading. He taught at Ocilla High School, Ocilla; Forrest Road Elementary School, Muscogee County; The University of Georgia; Atlanta University; and Gainesville College. He also co-authored two reading texts, “Flying Hoofs” and “Sea Treasures.” Dr. Davis also served his country as a member of the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957. For many years, Dr. Davis served as pianist for Jefferson’s Paradise A.M.E. Church Choirs. Next to reading, music was his second love. Dr. Davis was a devoted member of the Paradise Church and served as a member of the steward board. He and two other members of the church joined together to create and fund the Brown, Davis, Victrum Scholarship. Established by Mrs. Doris Brown, Dr. Davis, and the late Otis Victrum, it provided $500 to college-bound members of the Paradise Church. Dr. Davis always sought to help others, and was an active member of the Jefferson community, family members said. He served on the Jefferson Library Board; the Historical Committee, highlighting the history of black churches in the community; and served as a test monitor for the Jefferson school system. “Dr. Davis was a devoted son, a loving brother, and a supportive uncle,” said the family member. “He was a friend to many and loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed.” Survivors include his nieces and their spouses, Anita B. Crosby, Atlanta; Rinda and Robert McDaniel, Stone Mountain; Ronald C. and Wanda Burns, Jefferson; Kimberly and Dean Gower; sister, Margaret Davis Parr, Commerce; her sons, David Harris, Dahlonega, and Micah Parr, Commerce; her daughters, Nancy Scott, Anderson, S.C., and Evette Marshell, Commerce; adopted sister, Ella Mae Bailey; and nine great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Monday, December 20, at the Paradise A.M.E. Church, Jefferson, with the Rev. Sharon M. Miller officiating. Interment was in Paradise Memorial Gardens. The Forestglen Mortuary, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004. ‘Bill’ Bryson Billy Jackson “Bill” Bryson, 78, of Commerce, died Monday, December 13, 2004, at Athens Regional Medical Center. Survivors include his wife, Johnnie Freeman Bryson, Commerce; son, Andrew M. Bryson, Laramie, Wyo.; daughter and grandson, Lory B. Hemby and Tyler L. Hemby, both of Birmingham, Ala. Memorial services were held Wednesday, December 15, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Young Harris College, Young Harris, Georgia. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004. Bobby Stewart Bobby Weldon Stewart, 37, of Braselton, died Friday, December 17, 2004, following a sudden illness. He was born June 5, 1967, in Barrow County, and was the son of Robert Weldon Stewart and Virginia Ann Smith Stewart, both of Hoschton. Survivors, in addition to his parents, are sisters, Tina Brooks, Hoschton, and Tammy Yarbrough, Commerce; one brother, Christopher Gregory Stewart, Hoschton; and a grandmother, Evia Viola Stewart, Commerce. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 22, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Donnie Pennington officiating. Burial was in the White Plains Baptist Church cemetery. Pallbearers were Tim Brooks, Daniel Brooks, Mike Yarborough, Randall Faulkner, Shane Reidling, Tony Esco, Jason Stewart, Tim Esco and Chad Sauls. Memorial donations may be made to the Bethany United Methodist Church, 4659 Brockton Road, Jefferson, Ga. 30549. Evans Funeral Home, Jeffer-son, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004. Lena Spencer Lena M. Spencer, 78, of Jefferson, died Saturday, December 18, 2004, at BJC Medical Center, Commerce. Born December 21, 1925, in Van Deusenville, Mass., she was the daughter of the late Louis E. and Jeanette Guthire Faivre. She was a retired homemaker and was Episcopalian. Mrs. Spencer was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Donald G. Spencer, and a brother, Robert Faivre. Survivors include a daughter, Marcia E. Spencer, Jefferson; son, Mark C. Spencer, Tuscon, Ariz.; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Judy Spencer, Massachusetts; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Heather and Christopher Hitt, Commerce; grandsons, Michael Healey, Hendersonville, Tenn., Christopher Spencer and Ryan Spencer, both of Boulder, Colo.; and great-grandsons, Taylor, Matthew, and Andrew Hitt, all of Commerce. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004. Mary Griffin Mary M. Griffin, 92, of Maysville, died Wednesday, December 15, 2004, at BJC Medical Center, Commerce, following a sudden illness. She was born in Hall County March 2, 1912, and was the daughter of the late William Leander and Naomi Buffington Griffin. She was a homemaker and enjoyed crocheting and quilting and was an avid gardener and loved flowers, according to family members. Mrs. Griffin was a member of Lebanon United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Griffin, Sr.; brothers, Lewis Griffin, Randolph Griffin and Acie Griffin; and sisters, Cara Mae Thomas and Kathleen Hewell. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Geraldine and Charles Smith, Comer, and Gail and Mike Sheppard, Homer; sons and daughter-in-law, Billy Griffin, Homer; son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Danielle Griffin, Homer; step-daughters, Joyce Cleveland, Atlanta, Eleanor Kennedy, Homer, and Frances Myers, Norcross; brothers, Ernest Griffin, Rudolph Griffin and Albert Griffin, all of Gillsville; sister, Nanette Cato, Flowery Branch; grandchildren, Charles M. Smith, Jr., Hartwell, Jeff Smith, Lisa West and Stephen Smith, all of Comer, Bill Griffin, Westly Griffin, Michael Sheppard, all of Homer, Tim Sheppard, Winder, Carol Ashworth, Commerce, and Laura Tate, Jefferson; 19 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 18, at the Lebanon United Methodist Church with the Revs. Sven Mossinger and Chris Branschomb officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to Lebanon UMC or the American Heart Association, both c/o P.O. Box 725, Cornelia, Ga. 30531. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004. Marvin Eberhart, Jr. Marvin DeWitt Eberhart, Jr., 76, of Athens, died Tuesday, December 14, 2004, following an extended illness. Born in Charlotte, N.C., September 13, 1928, he was the son of Marvin D. Eberhart, Sr. and Charlotte M. Lyle. The Eberharts moved back to Athens shortly thereafter. In 1949 he married the former Thabetha June Coile. He had worked in shoe repair since 1941, where he worked after school for Frank Hoffmaster in his Clayton St. shoe shop. In 1945 he went to Mr. C.A. Tuck’s shoe repair shop on Broad St. and continued there until 1956, when he moved his family to Winter Haven, Fla. In 1962, after 6 years in the Blue Ribbon shoe shop, he bought the shop and remained in Winter Haven as the owner until 1969, when he returned to Athens to buy Tuck’s shoe repair shop along with his brother Frank. In 1977 Mr. Eberhart moved around the corner to buy the College Ave. shop of Leonard Hale and changed the name to Marvin’s Shoe Service. He has been a familiar face in the downtown area ever since. He was a faithful member of Victory Baptist Church, Athens. His devotion and faith in the Lord was a constant beacon for his family to follow. His loving and gentle spirit will forever be missed by family and friends alike, according to loved ones. In 1968 he married the former Shirley O. Walter in Winter Haven. They shared a rare and gentle love for 36 years, according to family members. Survivors include his wife, Shirley; four sons and daughters-in-law, Richard M. and Monnie Eberhart, Crawford; Robert F. (Frank) and Bonita Eberhart, Nicholson, Bill Eberhart and Jimmy Dees, both of Athens; three daughters and sons-in-law, Chyrle Dees and Robert Bentley, Watkinsville, Renee’ Eberhart and Mike Rohme, Lexington, and Mary Williams and James Jordan, Milledgeville; 17 grandchildren; sisters, Carolyn Griggs, Atlanta, Mary Towns, Macon; and brothers, W. Frank Eberhart, Robert J. Eberhart and Ernest L. Eberhart, all of Athens. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 16, in the chapel of Bridges Funeral Home with the Rev. Elmer Butler officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Donald Bentley, Bill Bentley, Milan Duncan, Marlon Duncan, James D. Jordan, and Steve Shubert. Honorary pallbearers were the breakfast bunch at the 5 Points Waffle House. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice of Athens. Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004. L.M. Campbell L.M. Campbell, 80, of Maysville, died Tuesday, December 14, 2004, at his residence. He was born in White County August 28, 1924, and was the son of the late Samuel Hamilton and Leona Dyer Campbell. He was a retired truck driver and a member of the Lighthouse Congregational Holiness Church. Mr. Campbell was a veteran having served in the United States Navy in World War II. He was preceded in death by his wife, Annie M. Adams Campbell and a son, Larry Campbell. Survivors include two daughters, Martha Campbell, Maysville, and Marcell Campbell, Jefferson; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Memorial services were held Saturday, December 18, at the Lighthouse Congregational Holiness Church with the Rev. Winfred Bingham officiating. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 22, 2004.

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