MAYSVILLE - Luke Langford Fyffe, 14, died Sunday, January 29, 2012 at his residence.
He was born in Fulton County, the son of William Fyffe of Commerce and Lynn Langford of Maysville. He was a student at East Jackson Middle School. Luke was on the East Jackson High School junior varsity soccer team, East Jackson Middle School football team and band. Luke is preceded in death by his grandparents, Bill and Faith Fyffe, Jr.; and grandmother, Patricia Pittman Langford.
Survivors in addition to his parents include a sister, Storey Fyffe, Commerce; grandfather, Richard Langford, Maysville; aunts, Ann Hopkins (Ron), Maysville, Cindy Steinbrecher (Daniel), Braselton, and Jill Daniel (Scott), Fayetteville; and six cousins.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 1 at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeff Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Holly Springs United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday night, January 31, from 5 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Luke's grandparents.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Jackson County - Topics from January, 2012
Jack H. Blair (1-27-12)
GAINESVILLE - Jack Harold Blair, 79, passed away Friday, January 27, 2012 at Embracing Hospice, Cumming.
Born in Fayetteville, Georgia, he was the son of Jesse Eugene Blair and Ethel Morrow Blair. He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He lived most of his adult life in the Alpharetta area and was retired at the time of his death.
Mr. Blair was an avid sports fan and closely followed racing, college football and many other sports. He also enjoyed travel and had visited all 50 states over the years.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Myrna Hockersmith Blair, Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Linda Blair Stooksbury and Tom Stooksbury; and granddaughter, Anna J. Stooksbury, Roswell; daughter and son-in-law, Denise Blair Buffington and Mike Buffington; and grandsons, Blair M. Buffington and Clark T. Buffington, Jefferson.
A private memorial service will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Embracing Hospice Foundation, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Suite D580, Atlanta, GA would be appreciated.
Born in Fayetteville, Georgia, he was the son of Jesse Eugene Blair and Ethel Morrow Blair. He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. He lived most of his adult life in the Alpharetta area and was retired at the time of his death.
Mr. Blair was an avid sports fan and closely followed racing, college football and many other sports. He also enjoyed travel and had visited all 50 states over the years.
Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Myrna Hockersmith Blair, Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Linda Blair Stooksbury and Tom Stooksbury; and granddaughter, Anna J. Stooksbury, Roswell; daughter and son-in-law, Denise Blair Buffington and Mike Buffington; and grandsons, Blair M. Buffington and Clark T. Buffington, Jefferson.
A private memorial service will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Embracing Hospice Foundation, 5775 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Suite D580, Atlanta, GA would be appreciated.
Francine Farmer (1-15-12)
ATHENS – Francine Wardlaw Farmer, 95, died Sunday, January 15, 2012.
A native of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Dewitt and Eula Porterfield Wardlaw. She was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church in Nicholson. Mrs. Farmer was preceded in death by her husband, J.E. “Ed” Farmer.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy and Mary Sue Farmer and Jerry and Louise Farmer, all of Athens; four grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 19, from New Harmony Baptist Church with the Rev. Joe Brooks officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
A native of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Dewitt and Eula Porterfield Wardlaw. She was a member of New Harmony Baptist Church in Nicholson. Mrs. Farmer was preceded in death by her husband, J.E. “Ed” Farmer.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Jimmy and Mary Sue Farmer and Jerry and Louise Farmer, all of Athens; four grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday, January 19, from New Harmony Baptist Church with the Rev. Joe Brooks officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.
Michael Harris (1-28-12)
GAINESVILLE - Michael Paul Harris, 32, died Saturday, January 28, 2012.
He was born in Huntington, W. Va., the son of Tammy and stepfather Leon Moses of Gainesville, and father and stepmother, Paul and Brenda Harris of Rockmart. He was an operator in industrial construction.
Survivors in addition to his parents include sisters, Michelle Free, Maysville, and Paula Harris, Rockmart; a stepbrother, Tripp Moses, Pooler; grandparents, Madeline and Delaney Wellman, Midkiff, W. Va., and Glenna Harris, Huntington, W. Va.; and a niece and nephew, Taylor and Kyle Freeman.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Scott Lance and Terry Page officiating. The burial will follow in the Revival Baptist Church Cemetery with Steven Lovejoy, Jason Lovejoy, Brandon Lovejoy, Billy Freeman, Roger Messinger and Mark Harris honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Huntington, W. Va., the son of Tammy and stepfather Leon Moses of Gainesville, and father and stepmother, Paul and Brenda Harris of Rockmart. He was an operator in industrial construction.
Survivors in addition to his parents include sisters, Michelle Free, Maysville, and Paula Harris, Rockmart; a stepbrother, Tripp Moses, Pooler; grandparents, Madeline and Delaney Wellman, Midkiff, W. Va., and Glenna Harris, Huntington, W. Va.; and a niece and nephew, Taylor and Kyle Freeman.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Scott Lance and Terry Page officiating. The burial will follow in the Revival Baptist Church Cemetery with Steven Lovejoy, Jason Lovejoy, Brandon Lovejoy, Billy Freeman, Roger Messinger and Mark Harris honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10 to 11 a.m., prior to the service.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Sarah Lee Bailey
ATLANTA - Sarah Lee Bailey, has passed away.
She was born and raised in Jefferson and graduated from Bryan High School. She was a wonderful cook and devoted mother.
Survivors include a daughter, Eleanor Denise (Bradley) Lovering, Rome; three grandchildren, Brandon and Amber Lovering, both of Rome, and Brian Lovering, Americus; one great-grandchild, Ava Claire Lovering, Rome; three sisters, Cenetta Johnson, Dallas, Gladys Browner, Jackson, Mich., and Betty Richardson, Stone Mountain; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The cortege will assemble at the residence at 11 a.m. Homegoing celebration for Ms. Sarah L. Bailey (66), of 3381 Greenbriar Parkway, Atlanta, will be held Friday, February 3, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul First Baptist Church, 573 Gordon St., Jefferson, with the Rev. Marvin Simmons, Pastor and Eulogist. The remains will be placed instate at 11 a.m. at St. Paul First Baptist Church. Interment will be at Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 4214 Athens Hwy., Jefferson. Visitation services will be held Thursday, February 2, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. from the chapel of Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home, 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr. Drive, East Point, Ga.
Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home of East Point, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born and raised in Jefferson and graduated from Bryan High School. She was a wonderful cook and devoted mother.
Survivors include a daughter, Eleanor Denise (Bradley) Lovering, Rome; three grandchildren, Brandon and Amber Lovering, both of Rome, and Brian Lovering, Americus; one great-grandchild, Ava Claire Lovering, Rome; three sisters, Cenetta Johnson, Dallas, Gladys Browner, Jackson, Mich., and Betty Richardson, Stone Mountain; nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.
The cortege will assemble at the residence at 11 a.m. Homegoing celebration for Ms. Sarah L. Bailey (66), of 3381 Greenbriar Parkway, Atlanta, will be held Friday, February 3, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul First Baptist Church, 573 Gordon St., Jefferson, with the Rev. Marvin Simmons, Pastor and Eulogist. The remains will be placed instate at 11 a.m. at St. Paul First Baptist Church. Interment will be at Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 4214 Athens Hwy., Jefferson. Visitation services will be held Thursday, February 2, from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. from the chapel of Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home, 1315 Gus Thornhill Jr. Drive, East Point, Ga.
Gus Thornhill's Funeral Home of East Point, is in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Johnson (1-27-12)
JEFFERSON - Barbara Hanson Johnson, 69, died Friday, January 27, 2012.
She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Marvin and Roberta Whitehead Hanson. She was a homemaker and a member of the Galilee Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School for 16 years. Mrs. Johnson was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson High School, where she served as Class President.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Johnson, Jefferson; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Darrell Eavenson, Carnesville; son, Rodney Johnson, Jefferson; sisters, Joan Perry and Dianne Pruitt, both of Jefferson; brother, Jimmy Hanson, Winder; grandchildren, Rachel and Reed Haga; and step-grandchildren, Cindel and Collin Eavenson, Commerce.
Funeral services were held Monday, January 30, in the Galilee Christian Church with Minister Tom Plank officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Henry Asbury, Grant Seibert, Billy Carruth, Jim Brewer, Jim Mason and Ernest Martin honored as pallbearers. Dewey Johnson, Tabby Love and Don Childers were honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Galilee Christian Church Building Fund, 2191 Galilee Church Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was be in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Marvin and Roberta Whitehead Hanson. She was a homemaker and a member of the Galilee Christian Church, where she taught Sunday School for 16 years. Mrs. Johnson was a 1960 graduate of Jefferson High School, where she served as Class President.
Survivors include her husband, Jerry Johnson, Jefferson; daughter and son-in-law, Kim and Darrell Eavenson, Carnesville; son, Rodney Johnson, Jefferson; sisters, Joan Perry and Dianne Pruitt, both of Jefferson; brother, Jimmy Hanson, Winder; grandchildren, Rachel and Reed Haga; and step-grandchildren, Cindel and Collin Eavenson, Commerce.
Funeral services were held Monday, January 30, in the Galilee Christian Church with Minister Tom Plank officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Henry Asbury, Grant Seibert, Billy Carruth, Jim Brewer, Jim Mason and Ernest Martin honored as pallbearers. Dewey Johnson, Tabby Love and Don Childers were honorary pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Galilee Christian Church Building Fund, 2191 Galilee Church Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was be in charge of arrangements.
Opal Patterson (1-27-12)
JEFFERSON - Opal Foster Patterson, 86, died Friday, January 27, 2012.
Born in Griffin, she was the daughter of the late Zona Lawson and Mary Vinson Foster. Mrs. Patterson was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, and was a member of the Samaritan Sunday School Class. Mrs. Patterson was also a member of the Norcross Woman's Club. Mrs. Patterson was preceded in death by her husband Reuben Thomas "R.T." Patterson; and brothers, James L. Foster, Virgil A. Foster and Charles A Foster.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Mari Beth and Sonny Hartsock, Pendergrass; son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Debbie Patterson, Jefferson; grandchildren, Matt and Ashley Hartsock, Augusta, Micah and Amy Hartsock, San Antonio, Texas, and Andrew Patterson, Emma Patterson and Anna Patterson, all of Jefferson; and a great-grandson, Micah Hartsock, San Antonio, Texas.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 29, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Larry Montgomery, Derek Watson and Michael Helms officiating. The burial was in the Evans Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, P.O. Box 395, Jefferson, GA 30549, or the Eagles Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502-0500.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Griffin, she was the daughter of the late Zona Lawson and Mary Vinson Foster. Mrs. Patterson was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, and was a member of the Samaritan Sunday School Class. Mrs. Patterson was also a member of the Norcross Woman's Club. Mrs. Patterson was preceded in death by her husband Reuben Thomas "R.T." Patterson; and brothers, James L. Foster, Virgil A. Foster and Charles A Foster.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Mari Beth and Sonny Hartsock, Pendergrass; son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Debbie Patterson, Jefferson; grandchildren, Matt and Ashley Hartsock, Augusta, Micah and Amy Hartsock, San Antonio, Texas, and Andrew Patterson, Emma Patterson and Anna Patterson, all of Jefferson; and a great-grandson, Micah Hartsock, San Antonio, Texas.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, January 29, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Larry Montgomery, Derek Watson and Michael Helms officiating. The burial was in the Evans Memory Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Jefferson, P.O. Box 395, Jefferson, GA 30549, or the Eagles Ranch, P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502-0500.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
George Emory Merk (1-29-12)
COMMERCE - George Emory Merk, 83, died Sunday, January 29, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospice House.
He was born in Jackson County, the son of the late Hoyt and Alva Garrison Merk. He was a member of Oconee Baptist Church and was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Merk was a farmer and school bus driver. Mr. Merk was preceded in death by grandchildren, Jessica Martin and Chris Merk.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Shirley Merk, Commerce; sons, Mike Merk (Joni), Maysville, and Phillip Merk (Ali), Commerce; daughter, Gloria Martin (Jerry), Winder; sisters, Dorothy Brewer, Statham, and Janette Johnson, Jefferson; and grandchildren, Thomas Chad Merk (Marla), Jarrett Emory Martin (Ashley), Gabriel Emory Merk and Vivi Ann Pearl Merk.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, at Oconee Baptist Church with the Revs. Ken Barrett and Gene Carlan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night, January 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Oconee Baptist Church or St. Mary's Hospice House.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Jackson County, the son of the late Hoyt and Alva Garrison Merk. He was a member of Oconee Baptist Church and was a United States Army Veteran of the Korean War. Mr. Merk was a farmer and school bus driver. Mr. Merk was preceded in death by grandchildren, Jessica Martin and Chris Merk.
Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Shirley Merk, Commerce; sons, Mike Merk (Joni), Maysville, and Phillip Merk (Ali), Commerce; daughter, Gloria Martin (Jerry), Winder; sisters, Dorothy Brewer, Statham, and Janette Johnson, Jefferson; and grandchildren, Thomas Chad Merk (Marla), Jarrett Emory Martin (Ashley), Gabriel Emory Merk and Vivi Ann Pearl Merk.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, January 31, at Oconee Baptist Church with the Revs. Ken Barrett and Gene Carlan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night, January 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Oconee Baptist Church or St. Mary's Hospice House.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Larry Dalton
JEFFERSON - Larry Arnold Dalton, 70, died Saturday, January 28, 2012.
Born in Royston, he was the son of the late Avery and Viola Skinner Dalton. He was a cabinet finisher at the University of Georgia and was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Dalton was preceded in death by daughters, Tammy Lynn Dowdle and Vickie Elaine Dalton.
Survivors include his wife, Audrey Jeanette Dalton, Jefferson; son, Tony Mitchell Dalton, Jefferson; daughter, Audrey Denise Hitt, Flowery Branch; sisters, Barbara Gordon, Royston, Elizabeth Holliday, Jefferson, Dorothy Owensby, Commerce, Margie Fitzpatrick, Danielsville, Norma Cromer, Spartanburg, S.C., Becky Standridge, Carnesville, and Angie Hernandez, Gainesville; brother, Merle Dalton, Jefferson; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Robby Black and David Sharpton officiating. The burial will follow in the Woodbine Cemetery in Jefferson with Scotty Dowdle, Stacey Griffin, Tony Mitchell Dalton Jr., Jeremy Dalton, Alan Wills and Charlie Stevens honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held on Monday, January 30 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Royston, he was the son of the late Avery and Viola Skinner Dalton. He was a cabinet finisher at the University of Georgia and was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church. Mr. Dalton was preceded in death by daughters, Tammy Lynn Dowdle and Vickie Elaine Dalton.
Survivors include his wife, Audrey Jeanette Dalton, Jefferson; son, Tony Mitchell Dalton, Jefferson; daughter, Audrey Denise Hitt, Flowery Branch; sisters, Barbara Gordon, Royston, Elizabeth Holliday, Jefferson, Dorothy Owensby, Commerce, Margie Fitzpatrick, Danielsville, Norma Cromer, Spartanburg, S.C., Becky Standridge, Carnesville, and Angie Hernandez, Gainesville; brother, Merle Dalton, Jefferson; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 31, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Robby Black and David Sharpton officiating. The burial will follow in the Woodbine Cemetery in Jefferson with Scotty Dowdle, Stacey Griffin, Tony Mitchell Dalton Jr., Jeremy Dalton, Alan Wills and Charlie Stevens honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held on Monday, January 30 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Adams (1-27-12)
COMMERCE - Mary Smith Adams, 90, died Friday, January 27, 2012 at her residence.
She was born in Madison County, the daughter of the late Horace T. and Flora Williams Smith. She was a member of Rogers Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Adams; and a grandson, Erick Adams.
Survivors include a son, Barry Adams (Sandra), Commerce; grandson, Brent Adams (Susan); granddaughter-in-law, Candace Adams; and great-grandchildren, Michael and Ashley Snover.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 29 at Rogers Baptist Church with the Revs. Rick Standard and Carlton Peters officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rogers Baptist Church.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce was in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Madison County, the daughter of the late Horace T. and Flora Williams Smith. She was a member of Rogers Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Adams; and a grandson, Erick Adams.
Survivors include a son, Barry Adams (Sandra), Commerce; grandson, Brent Adams (Susan); granddaughter-in-law, Candace Adams; and great-grandchildren, Michael and Ashley Snover.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 29 at Rogers Baptist Church with the Revs. Rick Standard and Carlton Peters officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rogers Baptist Church.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce was in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy