CLAYTON – Ruby Higdon Speed, 82, of the Warwoman Community, died Thursday, March 26, 2009, at her residence.
Born in Jackson County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late William Frederick and Kate Williams Higdon. She worked in the textile industry in the finishing department. Mrs. Speed was preceded in death by brothers, Coy Higdon and Bill Higdon; and sisters, Iva Lee Clouse, Ruth Oden, Rachel Ruth and Frankie Higdon.
Survivors include her loving husband, Milton Lloyd Speed, Clayton; sons, Mark Bradley, Long Creek, S.C., Brent Bradley, Clayton; stepson, Ricky Speed, Warwoman Community; daughters, Tava Welch, Franklin, N.C., Debbie Lafevre, Clayton; stepdaughter, Kathy Moore, Warwoman Community; brothers, Robert Higdon, Franklin, N.C., Troy Higdon, Danielsville; sisters, Bonnie Bradley, Franklin, N.C., Virginia Howard, Omak, Wash., Mildred Bradley, Comer; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 29, at Beck Funeral Home Chapel with Madison McCrackin, Gary McCoy and David Lee Williams officiating. Burial was in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery in Clayton.
Beck Funeral Home, Clayton, was in charge of arrangements.
Madison County - Topics from March, 2009
Madison Porterfield
DANIELSVILLE – Madison Grace Porterfield, infant daughter of Edmund Porterfield and Danielle Baker, has passed away.
Survivors in addition to her parents, include a brother, Brandon Porterfield; grandparents, Danny and Vonnie Baker, Linda Hewell; great-grandparent, Elinore Salsberry; and a number of aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 29, at Ridgeway Baptist Church cemetery.
Brown Funeral Home, Danielsville, was in charge of arrangements.
Survivors in addition to her parents, include a brother, Brandon Porterfield; grandparents, Danny and Vonnie Baker, Linda Hewell; great-grandparent, Elinore Salsberry; and a number of aunts and uncles.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 29, at Ridgeway Baptist Church cemetery.
Brown Funeral Home, Danielsville, was in charge of arrangements.
Jeannine Hall
ATHENS – Jeannine Stone Smith Hall, 80, died Tuesday, March 24, 2009, following an extended illness.
Born in Clarke County on October 17, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Ellison Blair and Lorene Dunston Stone. She was retired from the University of Georgia, where she served as a secretary of the Law School and Political Science Department. Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Joseph Smith Jr.; brother, Edwin “Brick” Stone; and sisters, Edith Work and Eleanor Hennings.
Survivors include her husband, Lanier Hall, Tennille; sons, Ruff E. (Pam) Smith and Steve C. Smith, all of Danielsville; daughter, Susan (Bob) Aspenleiter, Bethlehem, Pa.; stepchildren, Jerald (Carol) Conley and Barbara (Emory) Hudson, all of Macon; brother, Joel (May) Stone, Alpharetta; grandchildren, Apryl Jeannine and Whit Smith, and Brandon, Trent and Jeff Smith, all of Danielsville, Justin Aspenleiter, Bethlehem, Pa., Tracy Heard, Atlanta, Scott and Kristy Hudson and Angie White, all of Macon; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Oconee Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, March 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Clarke County on October 17, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Ellison Blair and Lorene Dunston Stone. She was retired from the University of Georgia, where she served as a secretary of the Law School and Political Science Department. Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Joseph Smith Jr.; brother, Edwin “Brick” Stone; and sisters, Edith Work and Eleanor Hennings.
Survivors include her husband, Lanier Hall, Tennille; sons, Ruff E. (Pam) Smith and Steve C. Smith, all of Danielsville; daughter, Susan (Bob) Aspenleiter, Bethlehem, Pa.; stepchildren, Jerald (Carol) Conley and Barbara (Emory) Hudson, all of Macon; brother, Joel (May) Stone, Alpharetta; grandchildren, Apryl Jeannine and Whit Smith, and Brandon, Trent and Jeff Smith, all of Danielsville, Justin Aspenleiter, Bethlehem, Pa., Tracy Heard, Atlanta, Scott and Kristy Hudson and Angie White, all of Macon; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Oconee Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, March 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
George Hutcherson
PRICEVILLE, ALA. – George Stewart Hutcherson, 83, died Thursday, March 19, 2009.
Born in Madison County on April 19, 1925, he was the son of the late Jim and Hattie Hutcherson. He was a member of the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, was a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Ala., a Mason, and in retirement worked with Meals on Wheels. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army, was Company First Sergeant in the 864th Engineering Battalion in the Philippines and New Guinea. Following his discharge, he acquired his B.A. in business at the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, he went to work with Kroger, where he retired as a zone manager after 39 years of service. He was an ardent outdoorsman who loved gardening, fishing and nature, loved ones added. Mr. Hutcherson was preceded in death by sons, David and John Hutcherson; and brothers, John Worley, Walton, Brawner and Grady Hutcherson.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Mildred Phillips Hutcherson, Priceville, Ala.; sons, Tim Hutcherson and Greg Hutcherson, both of Decatur, Ala.; grandchildren, Zachary and Russell Hutcherson, both of Tulsa, Okla.; daughter-in-law, Faye Hutcherson, Tulsa, Okla; sisters-in-law, Ruby Hutcherson, Fort Lamar, and Mary Hutcherson, Athens.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 25, at 2 p.m., at the Liberty Methodist Church cemetery with the Rev. Mike Hutcherson officiating.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Madison County on April 19, 1925, he was the son of the late Jim and Hattie Hutcherson. He was a member of the Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church, was a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Ala., a Mason, and in retirement worked with Meals on Wheels. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army, was Company First Sergeant in the 864th Engineering Battalion in the Philippines and New Guinea. Following his discharge, he acquired his B.A. in business at the University of Georgia. Upon graduation, he went to work with Kroger, where he retired as a zone manager after 39 years of service. He was an ardent outdoorsman who loved gardening, fishing and nature, loved ones added. Mr. Hutcherson was preceded in death by sons, David and John Hutcherson; and brothers, John Worley, Walton, Brawner and Grady Hutcherson.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Mildred Phillips Hutcherson, Priceville, Ala.; sons, Tim Hutcherson and Greg Hutcherson, both of Decatur, Ala.; grandchildren, Zachary and Russell Hutcherson, both of Tulsa, Okla.; daughter-in-law, Faye Hutcherson, Tulsa, Okla; sisters-in-law, Ruby Hutcherson, Fort Lamar, and Mary Hutcherson, Athens.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday, March 25, at 2 p.m., at the Liberty Methodist Church cemetery with the Rev. Mike Hutcherson officiating.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
Evelyn Messer
ATHENS – Evelyn Messer, 74, died Thursday, March 19, 2009.
A native and lifelong resident of this area, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Jessie Fuller Kubitzky. She attended Johnson Drive Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Lyndel Messer.
Survivors include sons, Troy Messer, Vine Grove, Ky., and Jeff Messer, LaCrosse, Wis.; sisters, Louise Petty, Sanford, N.C., and Kaye Kubitzky, Hull; grandson, Andrew Messer; nieces and nephews from the local area; and many friends in LaCrosse, Wis.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, March 24, at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, was in charge of arrangements.
A native and lifelong resident of this area, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Jessie Fuller Kubitzky. She attended Johnson Drive Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Lyndel Messer.
Survivors include sons, Troy Messer, Vine Grove, Ky., and Jeff Messer, LaCrosse, Wis.; sisters, Louise Petty, Sanford, N.C., and Kaye Kubitzky, Hull; grandson, Andrew Messer; nieces and nephews from the local area; and many friends in LaCrosse, Wis.
Graveside services were held Tuesday, March 24, at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, was in charge of arrangements.
Lawrence Couch
ATHENS – Lawrence Bruce Couch, 78, died Sunday, March 22, 2009.
A native of Clarke County, he was the son of the late Ernest and Ester Bradberry Couch. He owned and operated Athens Super Market for a number of years, was retired from Bells Food Store, was a member of the Princeton United Methodist Church, and had served in the Georgia National Guard.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Vickie Lorene Bales Couch, Athens; daughter, Cathy Heard (Shaefer), Bishop; son, Eddie Couch (Kim), Mt. Airy, formerly of Hull; grandchildren, Justin Couch (Brenna), Amanda Tibbs (Shawn), Cristin Heard, Callie Heard, Andrew Shirley, and Bridget Shirley; great-grandchildren, Avery Heard, Bowie Couch, Brady Couch and Emma Stratton; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 25, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with the Rev. Russell Repetske officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park. The Princeton United Methodist Men’s Group will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Princeton United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 2390 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30606.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
A native of Clarke County, he was the son of the late Ernest and Ester Bradberry Couch. He owned and operated Athens Super Market for a number of years, was retired from Bells Food Store, was a member of the Princeton United Methodist Church, and had served in the Georgia National Guard.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Vickie Lorene Bales Couch, Athens; daughter, Cathy Heard (Shaefer), Bishop; son, Eddie Couch (Kim), Mt. Airy, formerly of Hull; grandchildren, Justin Couch (Brenna), Amanda Tibbs (Shawn), Cristin Heard, Callie Heard, Andrew Shirley, and Bridget Shirley; great-grandchildren, Avery Heard, Bowie Couch, Brady Couch and Emma Stratton; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 25, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with the Rev. Russell Repetske officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Park. The Princeton United Methodist Men’s Group will serve as Honorary Pallbearers. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Princeton United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 2390 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30606.
Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
Florrie Baughcum
ATHENS – Florrie Burt Baughcum, 90, died Saturday, March 21, 2009.
Born in Crawford on January 27, 1919, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Pearl Adkins Burt. She was a longtime Athens resident and a faithful member of Beech Haven Baptist Church until her health prevented her from attending. She was retired from Belk Department Store after 17 years of employment and was the last surviving member of her family. Mrs. Baughcum was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Baughcum; siblings, Dolphus Burt, William “Bill” Burt, and Connie Burt Colquitt.
She loved her church and continued to be a faithful prayer warrior up until her death, loved ones stated. She was a person that touched whom ever she came in contact with, showering love and kindness to all. She prayed many powerful and faithful prayers for those she knew and for those she did not know. Her life was an awesome testimony of love, kindness, gentleness, courage, devotion and a strong passion for the Lord. Many lives have been touched and enriched by her.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Kenneth Bond, Comer, Karon and Gene Couch, Colbert, and Arretta and David Piatek, Athens; grandchildren, Russell Couch, Atlanta, and Kelli (Couch) and Heath Perry, Winder.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m., at Evergreen Memorial Park with Stewart B. Simms and the Rev. Russell Couch officiating. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Bond, Gene Couch, David Piatek, Heath Perry and Russell Couch.
Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice House in her memory.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, March 23, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Crawford on January 27, 1919, she was the daughter of the late William J. and Pearl Adkins Burt. She was a longtime Athens resident and a faithful member of Beech Haven Baptist Church until her health prevented her from attending. She was retired from Belk Department Store after 17 years of employment and was the last surviving member of her family. Mrs. Baughcum was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest Baughcum; siblings, Dolphus Burt, William “Bill” Burt, and Connie Burt Colquitt.
She loved her church and continued to be a faithful prayer warrior up until her death, loved ones stated. She was a person that touched whom ever she came in contact with, showering love and kindness to all. She prayed many powerful and faithful prayers for those she knew and for those she did not know. Her life was an awesome testimony of love, kindness, gentleness, courage, devotion and a strong passion for the Lord. Many lives have been touched and enriched by her.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Janice and Kenneth Bond, Comer, Karon and Gene Couch, Colbert, and Arretta and David Piatek, Athens; grandchildren, Russell Couch, Atlanta, and Kelli (Couch) and Heath Perry, Winder.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m., at Evergreen Memorial Park with Stewart B. Simms and the Rev. Russell Couch officiating. Pallbearers will be Kenneth Bond, Gene Couch, David Piatek, Heath Perry and Russell Couch.
Flowers are optional. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice House in her memory.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, March 23, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, is in charge of arrangements.
Willie Coker
COMER – Willie Russum Coker, 90, died Saturday, March 21, 2009, at the Cobb Health Care Center in Comer.
Born in Madison County on April 19, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Elizabeth Norton Russum. She was a retired seamstress, having worked with Blue Bell Manufacturing in Comer. She was a member of the Comer Baptist Church and the Madison County Senior Citizens Association. Mrs. Coker was preceded in death by her husband, Cephus Coker; brothers, Luther and Arthur Russum; and sisters, Burt Graham, Mary Martin, Ann Taylor and Jane Graham.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Randolph and Rachel Coker, Comer, Reginald and Malinda Coker, Bowman; grandchildren and spouses, Dale and Regina Coker, David and Tracy Coker and India Coker; great-grandsons, Andrew, Adam and Cody Coker; brother, Oscar Russell, Anderson, S.C.; and a sister, Sara Crosby, Coolidge.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 22, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Williard Crider and Rodney Owens officiating. Burial was in the Meadow Baptist Church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Odyssey Hospice Association, 855 Gaines School Rd., Suite G, Athens, GA 30605.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Madison County on April 19, 1918, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Elizabeth Norton Russum. She was a retired seamstress, having worked with Blue Bell Manufacturing in Comer. She was a member of the Comer Baptist Church and the Madison County Senior Citizens Association. Mrs. Coker was preceded in death by her husband, Cephus Coker; brothers, Luther and Arthur Russum; and sisters, Burt Graham, Mary Martin, Ann Taylor and Jane Graham.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Randolph and Rachel Coker, Comer, Reginald and Malinda Coker, Bowman; grandchildren and spouses, Dale and Regina Coker, David and Tracy Coker and India Coker; great-grandsons, Andrew, Adam and Cody Coker; brother, Oscar Russell, Anderson, S.C.; and a sister, Sara Crosby, Coolidge.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 22, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Williard Crider and Rodney Owens officiating. Burial was in the Meadow Baptist Church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Odyssey Hospice Association, 855 Gaines School Rd., Suite G, Athens, GA 30605.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements.
Betty Neelley
CEDARTOWN – Betty A. Neelley, 81, died Saturday, March 14, 2009.
Born in Comer on February 12, 1927, she was the daughter of the late James and Lillian Carithers Patten. She graduated from Girls High in Atlanta at the age of 16, and had been office manager at W.G. Bruner Oil Company in Cedartown for 30 years. Mrs. Neelley was preceded in death by her husband, John William Neelley; and a daughter, Doris Neelley.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Roland Jordan; grandchildren and spouses, Kelly and Brad Dennis, Jason and Molly Jordan, and Jenean and Chad Prater; great-grandchildren, Tyler Dennis, Lily Kate Prater and Caroline Jordan; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 16, at the Meadow Baptist Church in Comer with the Rev. Wayne Benefield officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 101 N College St., Cedartown, GA 30125.
Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home, Cedartown, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Comer on February 12, 1927, she was the daughter of the late James and Lillian Carithers Patten. She graduated from Girls High in Atlanta at the age of 16, and had been office manager at W.G. Bruner Oil Company in Cedartown for 30 years. Mrs. Neelley was preceded in death by her husband, John William Neelley; and a daughter, Doris Neelley.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Roland Jordan; grandchildren and spouses, Kelly and Brad Dennis, Jason and Molly Jordan, and Jenean and Chad Prater; great-grandchildren, Tyler Dennis, Lily Kate Prater and Caroline Jordan; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 16, at the Meadow Baptist Church in Comer with the Rev. Wayne Benefield officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 101 N College St., Cedartown, GA 30125.
Olin L. Gammage & Sons Funeral Home, Cedartown, was in charge of arrangements.
Mattie Cuff
COMER – Mattie Maebelle Cuff, 87, died Wednesday, March 11, 2009, at Comer Nursing Home.
Survivors include a son, Jim McKee, Winterville; grandchildren, Jim McKee Jr., Sheryl Matteis and Deborah McKee; five great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
Survivors include a son, Jim McKee, Winterville; grandchildren, Jim McKee Jr., Sheryl Matteis and Deborah McKee; five great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be private.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy