Staci Suzanne Chestnut, beloved daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Joe Slocum, died Saturday, August 9, 2008.
She was born in Commerce, Jackson County, and was a member of Maysville Baptist Church. She was employed with the Department of Human Resources, Division of Family and Childrens Services, as a social services administrator. She graduated with honors from Truett McConnell College, Mercer University and received her masters in clinical psychology from the University of South Alabama.
Survivors in addition to her parents, include children Rebecca and Zach; sisters and brothers-in-law, her twin, Suzette and Tim Brown, Michele Mines and Lynn and Juan Rangel; eight nieces and nephews; and paternal grandmother, Beatrice Slocum.
Funeral services were held at Maysville Baptist Church Wednesday, August 13, with Dr. J K Segars and the Rev. Brian Stowe officiating. Burial was in the Nails Creek Baptist Church cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Jackson County
Michael Pearson
Michael Lee Pearson, 23, of Toccoa, formerly of Commerce, died Sunday, August 10, 2008.
He was the son of Jimmy Michael Pearson and Teresa Ann Godfrey Spurlock. Mr. Pearson was preceded in death by a great-grandmother, Frances Tatum.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a son, Tyler Pearson; sister, Shauna Dawn Spurlock; grandmother, Mabel Manus; grandfather, Billy Godfrey; fiancé, Michelle Sypin Pearson; and step-daughter, Corina Sue Ann Sypin.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 14, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Loggins officiating. Burial will be in the Howington Cemetery. The family is at the residence and will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, August 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
He was the son of Jimmy Michael Pearson and Teresa Ann Godfrey Spurlock. Mr. Pearson was preceded in death by a great-grandmother, Frances Tatum.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a son, Tyler Pearson; sister, Shauna Dawn Spurlock; grandmother, Mabel Manus; grandfather, Billy Godfrey; fiancé, Michelle Sypin Pearson; and step-daughter, Corina Sue Ann Sypin.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 14, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Roger Loggins officiating. Burial will be in the Howington Cemetery. The family is at the residence and will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, August 13, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Fields
Charles Gordon Fields Jr., 41, of Athens, died Tuesday, July 29, 2008.
He was the son of Patricia Fields of Commerce.
Survivors in addition to his mother, include sisters, Kathy Baker, Jefferson, Priscilla Fields, Winder; and a brother, Stanley Shane Fields, Commerce.
Funeral services will be held at a later date.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
He was the son of Patricia Fields of Commerce.
Survivors in addition to his mother, include sisters, Kathy Baker, Jefferson, Priscilla Fields, Winder; and a brother, Stanley Shane Fields, Commerce.
Funeral services will be held at a later date.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Tompkins
Donald Wills Tompkins, 64, of Jefferson, died Sunday, August 10, 2008, at his residence.
He was born on February 16, 1944, in Jefferson, the son of the late Jimmy and Joan Wills Tompkins. He graduated from North Georgia College in 1966 with a degree in P.E. and history. He later received two masters degrees from the U.S. Sports Academy. He spent almost 40 years teaching P.E., history, health, and social studies and coaching football, basketball and track at various schools in Georgia and Idaho. While coaching football in Oakley, Idaho, his team won the Idaho State Championship and he was also nominated as the Idaho State Coach of the year two times. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Commerce and the Unity Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Clark Tompkins, Jefferson; daughters and sons-in-law, Megan and Cony Metcalf, Rowell, Jennifer and Jason Swaim, Dahlonega, and Emily Tompkins, Woodstock; sons and daughters-in-law, Clark and Rachel Tompkins, Euharlee, Greg and Kim Tompkins, Matthew and Rose Tompkins, all of Dahlonega; brothers and sister-in-law, Bennie and Ann Tompkins and Earl Tompkins, all of Jefferson; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 15, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Commerce with Bishop Gaultney officiating. The body will lie in state from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund, c/o The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4859 Mount Olive Rd., Commerce, Ga. 30529.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born on February 16, 1944, in Jefferson, the son of the late Jimmy and Joan Wills Tompkins. He graduated from North Georgia College in 1966 with a degree in P.E. and history. He later received two masters degrees from the U.S. Sports Academy. He spent almost 40 years teaching P.E., history, health, and social studies and coaching football, basketball and track at various schools in Georgia and Idaho. While coaching football in Oakley, Idaho, his team won the Idaho State Championship and he was also nominated as the Idaho State Coach of the year two times. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Commerce and the Unity Masonic Lodge.
Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Clark Tompkins, Jefferson; daughters and sons-in-law, Megan and Cony Metcalf, Rowell, Jennifer and Jason Swaim, Dahlonega, and Emily Tompkins, Woodstock; sons and daughters-in-law, Clark and Rachel Tompkins, Euharlee, Greg and Kim Tompkins, Matthew and Rose Tompkins, all of Dahlonega; brothers and sister-in-law, Bennie and Ann Tompkins and Earl Tompkins, all of Jefferson; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 15, at 11 a.m., at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Commerce with Bishop Gaultney officiating. The body will lie in state from 10 to 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund, c/o The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 4859 Mount Olive Rd., Commerce, Ga. 30529.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, August 14, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
‘Bill’ Freeman
William G. “Bill” Freeman, 83, of Hoschton, died Thursday, August 7, 2008.
Born in White County, he was the son of the late William G. Freeman Sr. and Minnie Belle Freeman. He worked in the mobile home manufacturing industry for over 20 years and was a member of the Athens V.F.W. and the Loganville American Legion. He was a retired veteran, having served in the United States Air Force with 20 years of service. Mr. Freeman was preceded in death by sons, Donald Lee Freeman and Michael Richard “Richie” Freeman.
Survivors include children, Deborah Patton, Sandra Whitlock McGinnis and Janet Johnson, all of Jefferson, Glenda Freeman, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; sisters, Vannie Lee Hix, Jefferson, Anna Mae McDonald, Pendergrass, and Ruth Reed, Commerce; former wife, Juanita Freeman, Jefferson; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. David Maddox officiating. Burial will be in Evans Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Charles Freeman, Hugh Freeman, Todd Elrod, Greg McGinnis, Scott Johnson and Robert Whitlock. The family will receive friends Friday, August 8, at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in White County, he was the son of the late William G. Freeman Sr. and Minnie Belle Freeman. He worked in the mobile home manufacturing industry for over 20 years and was a member of the Athens V.F.W. and the Loganville American Legion. He was a retired veteran, having served in the United States Air Force with 20 years of service. Mr. Freeman was preceded in death by sons, Donald Lee Freeman and Michael Richard “Richie” Freeman.
Survivors include children, Deborah Patton, Sandra Whitlock McGinnis and Janet Johnson, all of Jefferson, Glenda Freeman, Ft. Wayne, Ind.; sisters, Vannie Lee Hix, Jefferson, Anna Mae McDonald, Pendergrass, and Ruth Reed, Commerce; former wife, Juanita Freeman, Jefferson; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 9, at 11 a.m., in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. David Maddox officiating. Burial will be in Evans Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Charles Freeman, Hugh Freeman, Todd Elrod, Greg McGinnis, Scott Johnson and Robert Whitlock. The family will receive friends Friday, August 8, at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Elsie Conde
Elsie Elizabeth Conde, eight week old infant daughter of Ignacio Conde and Maria Maddox Conde, died Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta, following a sudden illness.
Miss Conde has extended family in Jackson County.
Survivors in addition to her parents, include a sister, Marcia Conde; maternal grandparents, Elton and Claire Maddox; paternal grandparents, Jose and Maria Conde; aunts and uncles, Jana and Johnny Maddox, Julie Maddox, Patricia Conde and Joe and Maggie Conde, all of Gainesville; and a number of cousins.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, at 10 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church Lakeside Worship Area (outdoors) in Gainesville, with Dr. Gerald Atkins officiating.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Miss Conde has extended family in Jackson County.
Survivors in addition to her parents, include a sister, Marcia Conde; maternal grandparents, Elton and Claire Maddox; paternal grandparents, Jose and Maria Conde; aunts and uncles, Jana and Johnny Maddox, Julie Maddox, Patricia Conde and Joe and Maggie Conde, all of Gainesville; and a number of cousins.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 9, at 10 a.m., at the First United Methodist Church Lakeside Worship Area (outdoors) in Gainesville, with Dr. Gerald Atkins officiating.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Cochran
Mary Frances Byrd Cochran, 95, of Pendergrass, died Tuesday, August 5, 2008, at Northeast Georgia Lanier Park Campus, following a brief illness.
Born in Hall County, she was the daughter of the late Claude W. and Fannie Mae Johnson Byrd and was a member of Sardis Baptist Church. She was retired from Northeast Georgia Medical Center cafeteria, where she was known as “Granny”. Mrs. Cochran was preceded in death by her husband, William Andrew Cochran; sons, Harold Cochran and Walter Cochran; and a brother, George Brown Byrd.
Survivors include a grandson, Paul Cochran, Gainesville; great-granddaughter, Katie Cochran, Jefferson; great-grandson, Drew Hall, Maysville; granddaughter-in-law, Connie Cochran, Jefferson; a niece and nephew; and two cousins.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. David Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Sardis Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Hall County, she was the daughter of the late Claude W. and Fannie Mae Johnson Byrd and was a member of Sardis Baptist Church. She was retired from Northeast Georgia Medical Center cafeteria, where she was known as “Granny”. Mrs. Cochran was preceded in death by her husband, William Andrew Cochran; sons, Harold Cochran and Walter Cochran; and a brother, George Brown Byrd.
Survivors include a grandson, Paul Cochran, Gainesville; great-granddaughter, Katie Cochran, Jefferson; great-grandson, Drew Hall, Maysville; granddaughter-in-law, Connie Cochran, Jefferson; a niece and nephew; and two cousins.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Rev. David Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Sardis Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, August 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Evelyn Demarest
Evelyn Demarest, 72, of Sprindale, Ark., formerly of Commerce, died Friday, August 1, 2008.
She was born June 18, 1936, in Jackson, the daughter of the late Bill and Clara Howington Archer. She was retired from food service.
Survivors include sons, Chris Demarest, Springdale, Ark., Scott Demarest, Jackson, Miss., and Richard Demarest, Little Rock, Ark.; daughters, Donna Henry, Bryan, Ark., and Retta Harrison, Springfield, Ala.; brother, Jerry Archer, Commerce; sister, Betty Jean Ayers, Homer; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, August 5, at 2 p.m., at the Grey Hill Cemetery with the Rev. David Fitzpatrick officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, August 5, from 12 to 2 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born June 18, 1936, in Jackson, the daughter of the late Bill and Clara Howington Archer. She was retired from food service.
Survivors include sons, Chris Demarest, Springdale, Ark., Scott Demarest, Jackson, Miss., and Richard Demarest, Little Rock, Ark.; daughters, Donna Henry, Bryan, Ark., and Retta Harrison, Springfield, Ala.; brother, Jerry Archer, Commerce; sister, Betty Jean Ayers, Homer; 12 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday, August 5, at 2 p.m., at the Grey Hill Cemetery with the Rev. David Fitzpatrick officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, August 5, from 12 to 2 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
‘JW’ Patman
J.W. Patman Sr. “JW”, 85, died Sunday, August 3, 2008, at St. Mary’s Hospice in Athens.
Born in Jackson County on April 7, 1923, he was the son of the late Milledge and Senie Patman. He was a lifelong member of Flats Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for many years, and loved the Lord. He attended Athens Technical College and worked at Athens Regional Hospital until retirement in 1996, in the plastering and sheetrock trade. He was preceded in death by a son, Eugene (Betty) Wood.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Wilda “Boots” Patman; children, Martha (Dr. Grady) Cornish, Brenda Harper, Randy Patman, all of Athens, J.W. (Tommy) Patman Jr., Detroit, Mich., Carol (Rev. Oland) Tarpkins, Commerce.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County on April 7, 1923, he was the son of the late Milledge and Senie Patman. He was a lifelong member of Flats Creek Baptist Church, where he served as a Deacon for many years, and loved the Lord. He attended Athens Technical College and worked at Athens Regional Hospital until retirement in 1996, in the plastering and sheetrock trade. He was preceded in death by a son, Eugene (Betty) Wood.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Wilda “Boots” Patman; children, Martha (Dr. Grady) Cornish, Brenda Harper, Randy Patman, all of Athens, J.W. (Tommy) Patman Jr., Detroit, Mich., Carol (Rev. Oland) Tarpkins, Commerce.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Gowder
Joseph Cody Gowder, 16, of Alto, died Saturday, August 2, 2008.
Born in Hall County, he was the son of Joe Keith Gowder of Alto and Tammy Irvin Gowder of Atlanta. He was a member of Charity Baptist Church and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He played varsity football and baseball at Banks County High School.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a sister Ashley Gowder, Athens; grandparents, Bill and Edna Gowder, Maysville, Dennis and Gail Irvin, Homer; great-grandmother, Bonnie May Gowder, Maysville; two uncles; one aunt; and six cousins.
Funeral services will be held Monday, at 11 a.m., August 4, at Grove Level Baptist Church with the Revs. James McClendon and Bobby Griffin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cody Gowder Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Northeast Georgia Bank, P.O. Box 818, Commerce, Ga. 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Hall County, he was the son of Joe Keith Gowder of Alto and Tammy Irvin Gowder of Atlanta. He was a member of Charity Baptist Church and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He played varsity football and baseball at Banks County High School.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a sister Ashley Gowder, Athens; grandparents, Bill and Edna Gowder, Maysville, Dennis and Gail Irvin, Homer; great-grandmother, Bonnie May Gowder, Maysville; two uncles; one aunt; and six cousins.
Funeral services will be held Monday, at 11 a.m., August 4, at Grove Level Baptist Church with the Revs. James McClendon and Bobby Griffin officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cody Gowder Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Northeast Georgia Bank, P.O. Box 818, Commerce, Ga. 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy