JEFFERSON – Minnie Beatrice “Bea” Kelley Baird, 101, died Wednesday, March 10, 2010.
Born on August 13, 1908, in Greene County, Tenn., she grew up in Chucky and Greenville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ancil R. Baird Sr.; parents, Homer Albert Kelley and Leila Ellen Frazier; brothers, John Earl Kelley, Aubrey Kelley; and a sister, Mary Katherine Hamblin.
Survivors include children, Richard Kelley Baird, Ann Beatrice Baird and Ancil Roscoe Baird Jr.; grandchildren, Cynthia Marie Horsley, Richard Kelley Baird Jr., John Baird and Andrew Tice Baird; and great-grandchildren, Allison Marie Horsley, Michelle Elizabeth Horsley, Rebecca Ann Horsley, Rollins MacMillan Baird, Reagan Grace Baird, Ian Nicholas Baird and Sienna Victoria Baird.
She lived in Knoxville, Tenn., from 1938 until 2003, when she moved to Georgia to be closer to family.
She was a loving homemaker, caring mother, and a faithful Christian member of First Baptist Church Knoxville. She was skilled in handwork (quilting, sewing, crocheting, knitting), which she continued to enjoy until the last month of her life. She delighted in giving her handiwork to family, relatives, friends and the staff of her assisted living center in Jefferson.
The family would like to extend a special heart-filled thanks to the staff and nurses at the Bentley Assisted Living Center in Jefferson who through their kindness, friendship, and caring attention made the last years of her life enjoyable and full of the laughs and smiles she so enjoyed throughout her long life.
Local funeral arrangements are being handled by Ivie Funeral Home of Commerce. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 12, at 1 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn. Those wishing to make a memorial remembrance gift may do so by contributing to the General Fund of First Baptist Church Knoxville, Tenn., or to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Commerce. A memorial/remembrance service was held at Bentley Assisted Living at Northminister in Jefferson, Georgia, on Wednesday, March 17. All friends of “Bea” were welcomed to attend.
Jackson County
Gladys McCain
COMMERCE – Gladys Louise McCain, 88, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at her residence.
She was born in Mayo, Fla., on March 2, 1922.
Survivors include daughters, Glenda Hunt, Darthy Buckhalter and Zyra Hetherman; grandchildren, Richard, Eileen, Johnny Ann, Wendy, Brian and Billy; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Private memorial services will be held by the family.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Mayo, Fla., on March 2, 1922.
Survivors include daughters, Glenda Hunt, Darthy Buckhalter and Zyra Hetherman; grandchildren, Richard, Eileen, Johnny Ann, Wendy, Brian and Billy; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
Private memorial services will be held by the family.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Judy Hall
MONTICELLO – Judy Whitlock Hall, 58, died Thursday, March 11, 2010.
Born in Jefferson, she was the daughter of the late Guy Whitlock Jr. and Willene Knight Whitlock. She worked as a computer programmer with Baldor Automation in Athens. Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by her husband, Boyce William Hall; brothers, Billy and Ricky Whitlock; and a sister, Janice Whitlock.
Survivors include a daughters and son-in-law, Melissa and Richard Chastain, Martin, and Marsha Hall and her fiancé Kris Avera, Ila; four granddaughters; companion, John Wright Johnson; sisters, Patricia Roper-McCoy, Betty Woods and Sandra Mashburn; and a brother, Steve Whitlock.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, March 14, at 3 p.m., from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, March 14, from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jefferson, she was the daughter of the late Guy Whitlock Jr. and Willene Knight Whitlock. She worked as a computer programmer with Baldor Automation in Athens. Mrs. Hall was preceded in death by her husband, Boyce William Hall; brothers, Billy and Ricky Whitlock; and a sister, Janice Whitlock.
Survivors include a daughters and son-in-law, Melissa and Richard Chastain, Martin, and Marsha Hall and her fiancé Kris Avera, Ila; four granddaughters; companion, John Wright Johnson; sisters, Patricia Roper-McCoy, Betty Woods and Sandra Mashburn; and a brother, Steve Whitlock.
Memorial services will be held Sunday, March 14, at 3 p.m., from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday, March 14, from 1 p.m. until the time of service.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Updated: Bonnie Mae Powell
COMMERCE – Bonnie Mae Carpenter Powell, 90, died Wednesday, Marc 10, 2010, at her residence.
Born in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late William Stanhope and Lillie Mae Turpin Carpenter. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Commerce and the Harmony Grove Garden Club. She was a retired elementary school teacher with the Commerce City School System. Mrs. Powell was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Edward Powell.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Melinda Powell, Macon; sisters, Florence Carter, Newport News Va., and Ethel Lovett, Rome; and grandchildren, Katie, Clare and Trey Powell, all of Macon.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m., from the First Baptist Church of Commerce with the Rev. Chuck Smith and Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, March 13, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice Advantage of Athens or the First Baptist Church of Commerce.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late William Stanhope and Lillie Mae Turpin Carpenter. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Commerce and the Harmony Grove Garden Club. She was a retired elementary school teacher with the Commerce City School System. Mrs. Powell was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Edward Powell.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Melinda Powell, Macon; sisters, Florence Carter, Newport News Va., and Ethel Lovett, Rome; and grandchildren, Katie, Clare and Trey Powell, all of Macon.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m., from the First Baptist Church of Commerce with the Rev. Chuck Smith and Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, March 13, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice Advantage of Athens or the First Baptist Church of Commerce.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Groover
GREENSBORO, N.C. – Barbara Beatty Groover, 83, died Sunday, March 7, 2010, at Moses Cone Hospital.
Born on April 22, 1926, in Maysville, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Mattie Tolbert Beatty. Mrs. Groover was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Howard H. Groover. She attended Brenau College in Gainesville and Phillips University in Enid, Okla. She was a member of First Christian Church in Greensboro, N.C., where her husband served as Pastor for many years. She was very active in the Christian women’s fellowship and various other activities.
Survivors include a daughter, Carol Groover, Greensboro, N.C.; son and daughter-in-law, John H. and Kristie Groover, formerly of Asheville; grandchildren, Julian Groover and Alexandra Ryan.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 10, from the First Christian Church with the Rev. Lee Moses officiating. Graveside services will follow Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Salem Fork Christian Church Cemetery in Dobson, N.C. with the Rev. June Haislip officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Mount Airy, 1132 W. Pine St., Mt. Airy, NC 27030-3443, or to the Humane Society of the Piedmont, 4527 W. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27409.
Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Born on April 22, 1926, in Maysville, she was the daughter of the late John A. and Mattie Tolbert Beatty. Mrs. Groover was preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. Howard H. Groover. She attended Brenau College in Gainesville and Phillips University in Enid, Okla. She was a member of First Christian Church in Greensboro, N.C., where her husband served as Pastor for many years. She was very active in the Christian women’s fellowship and various other activities.
Survivors include a daughter, Carol Groover, Greensboro, N.C.; son and daughter-in-law, John H. and Kristie Groover, formerly of Asheville; grandchildren, Julian Groover and Alexandra Ryan.
Funeral services were held Thursday, March 10, from the First Christian Church with the Rev. Lee Moses officiating. Graveside services will follow Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m. at Salem Fork Christian Church Cemetery in Dobson, N.C. with the Rev. June Haislip officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Greater Mount Airy, 1132 W. Pine St., Mt. Airy, NC 27030-3443, or to the Humane Society of the Piedmont, 4527 W. Wendover Ave., Greensboro, NC 27409.
Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Updated: Richard Wilbanks
NICHOLSON – Richard Kim Wilbanks, 52, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at his residence.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of David Gordon and Ann Mauldin Wilbanks of Nicholson. He was a United States Navy Veteran and was employed at Southeastern.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his fiancée , Kathy Casper, Nicholson; stepsons, Travis Ingram, Athens, and Steve Atkins, Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Karen Moody, Athens; grandchildren, Jacob and Bridget Bogel.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11, from the River of Life Worship Center with the Revs. Dennis Kesler and Bobby Ivester officiating. Burial will be in Howington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of David Gordon and Ann Mauldin Wilbanks of Nicholson. He was a United States Navy Veteran and was employed at Southeastern.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his fiancée , Kathy Casper, Nicholson; stepsons, Travis Ingram, Athens, and Steve Atkins, Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Karen Moody, Athens; grandchildren, Jacob and Bridget Bogel.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11, from the River of Life Worship Center with the Revs. Dennis Kesler and Bobby Ivester officiating. Burial will be in Howington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Updated: ‘Tink’ Waters
JEFFERSON – Roy Douglas Waters Jr., “Tink”, 44, died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Athens Regional Medical Center.
He was the son of the late Roy Douglas Waters Sr. and Sybil Beek Waters.
Survivors include brothers, Jerry Wade Waters, Danielsville, Jimmy Edward Waters, Arnoldsville; sister, Sonya Waters Farmer, Jefferson; nephews, Wayne Farmer, D.J. Waters and Randy Waters; nieces, Chelsey Farmer, Ashleigh Waters, Summer Waters and Madison Waters.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 4 p.m., at Nicholson Baptist Church with Pastor Terry Smith officiating.
He was the son of the late Roy Douglas Waters Sr. and Sybil Beek Waters.
Survivors include brothers, Jerry Wade Waters, Danielsville, Jimmy Edward Waters, Arnoldsville; sister, Sonya Waters Farmer, Jefferson; nephews, Wayne Farmer, D.J. Waters and Randy Waters; nieces, Chelsey Farmer, Ashleigh Waters, Summer Waters and Madison Waters.
Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 4 p.m., at Nicholson Baptist Church with Pastor Terry Smith officiating.
Aubrey Winters
Aubrey O. “Uncle Bru” Winters, 79, died Sunday, February 21, 2010.
He was born on October 10, 1931, in Franklin County, the son of the late Robert L. and Talcie H. Winters. He came from a large family of 14 siblings, of which ten preceded him in death. He joined Kings Branch Baptist Church at an early age.
Mr. Winters was a faithful employee of BJC Medical Center for over 30 years. He had a God-given gift for singing gospel music. His favorite gospel group of all was his family group, “The Rising Stars,” among many others.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth P. Winters; children, John A. Winters, Lizzie D. Winters, Marylin Winters, Ted V. Winters and Connie F. Winters, all of Commerce, Dennis D. Winters, Arcade, Jerry L. Winters, Atlanta, Kenny Scott, Carnesville; siblings, Franklin D. Winters (Emily), Ila, Kathleen Brown, Lavonia, Alice Faye Winters and Geraldine Winters, both of Athens; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren, Nekita and Zedrick Beasley; close family friends, Perry Wiley and Jackie Richie; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and other friends.
He was born on October 10, 1931, in Franklin County, the son of the late Robert L. and Talcie H. Winters. He came from a large family of 14 siblings, of which ten preceded him in death. He joined Kings Branch Baptist Church at an early age.
Mr. Winters was a faithful employee of BJC Medical Center for over 30 years. He had a God-given gift for singing gospel music. His favorite gospel group of all was his family group, “The Rising Stars,” among many others.
Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth P. Winters; children, John A. Winters, Lizzie D. Winters, Marylin Winters, Ted V. Winters and Connie F. Winters, all of Commerce, Dennis D. Winters, Arcade, Jerry L. Winters, Atlanta, Kenny Scott, Carnesville; siblings, Franklin D. Winters (Emily), Ila, Kathleen Brown, Lavonia, Alice Faye Winters and Geraldine Winters, both of Athens; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren, Nekita and Zedrick Beasley; close family friends, Perry Wiley and Jackie Richie; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and other friends.
Steven Vandeford
PENDERGRASS – Steven Keith Vandeford, 50, died Saturday, March 6, 2010, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born in Gwinnett County, he was the son of the late Donald Douglas and Ruth Watson Vandeford. Mr. Vandeford was preceded in death by a brother, Craig Vandeford; and a sister, Debra Gail Vandeford.
Survivors include a brother, Michael (Kathy) Vandeford, Winder; sister, Sherry Black, Jefferson; nephews, Derick, Daniel and Kevin Vandeford; nieces, Cindy Jordan, Amanda, Nickie and Tracy Moss; four great-nieces and nephews; and best friends, Donald Nix and Ray Cannon.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 8, from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Wess King officiating with cremation to follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Michael Vandeford by contacting the family.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Gwinnett County, he was the son of the late Donald Douglas and Ruth Watson Vandeford. Mr. Vandeford was preceded in death by a brother, Craig Vandeford; and a sister, Debra Gail Vandeford.
Survivors include a brother, Michael (Kathy) Vandeford, Winder; sister, Sherry Black, Jefferson; nephews, Derick, Daniel and Kevin Vandeford; nieces, Cindy Jordan, Amanda, Nickie and Tracy Moss; four great-nieces and nephews; and best friends, Donald Nix and Ray Cannon.
Funeral services were held Monday, March 8, from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Wess King officiating with cremation to follow the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Michael Vandeford by contacting the family.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Hilda Baxter
COMMERCE – Hilda Adams Baxter, 80, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at her residence.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Alcy and Cleo Pittman Adams. She was a homemaker and a member of Erastus Christian Church.
Survivors include her husband, Elrige “Duck” Baxter, Commerce; son, Ted Baxter, Commerce; daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Doug Bridges, and Debbie and Mike Morris, all of Commerce; brother, Jerry Adams, Commerce; sisters, Peggy Booth, Nicholson, and Jo Avant, Commerce; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 2 p.m., from the Erastus Christian Church with Mr. Jim Jacobs and Mr. Steven Parker officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, March 9, from 6-8 p.m.
Flowers are optional and donations may be made to Erastus Christian Church, 2050 Neese Commerce Rd., Commerce, GA 30530 or Freedom from Bondage Women’s Recovery House, P.O. Box 80744, Athens, GA 30608.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Alcy and Cleo Pittman Adams. She was a homemaker and a member of Erastus Christian Church.
Survivors include her husband, Elrige “Duck” Baxter, Commerce; son, Ted Baxter, Commerce; daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Doug Bridges, and Debbie and Mike Morris, all of Commerce; brother, Jerry Adams, Commerce; sisters, Peggy Booth, Nicholson, and Jo Avant, Commerce; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 2 p.m., from the Erastus Christian Church with Mr. Jim Jacobs and Mr. Steven Parker officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, March 9, from 6-8 p.m.
Flowers are optional and donations may be made to Erastus Christian Church, 2050 Neese Commerce Rd., Commerce, GA 30530 or Freedom from Bondage Women’s Recovery House, P.O. Box 80744, Athens, GA 30608.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy