BRASELTON - Ansley Dawn Powell, 17, was born in Gwinnett County March 25, 1994, and was the daughter of Mark and Anita Powell of Braselton. She had lived several years in Weston, Fla. before moving back to Georgia. During her short time she touched many people and will be deeply missed. She was preceded in death by grandparents, Denver and Sharon Powell.
Survivors in addition to her parents include a sister, Brittany Pierce, Braselton; great-grandmother, Margaret Setser, Norcross; grandparents, Elvie and Mickie Dacus, Flowery Branch; niece, Zaelyn Pierce; and numerous aunts, uncles, and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday January 25, in Wards Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Ron Lewis and Jeremy Crocker officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 2302 Parklake Dr., N.E., Suite 210, Atlanta, GA 30345.
Ward's Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Jackson County
‘Granny’ Sosbee (1-23-12)
COMMERCE – Barbara J. “Granny” Daniel Sosbee, 71, died Monday, January 23, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens.
Born in Florida, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Arnette Cole. Mrs. Sosbee was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Sosbee; and a son, Roger Tracy Daniel.
Survivors include children, Craig Daniel, Danielsville, Russell Daniel, Michael Daniel and Christine Daniel, all of Commerce; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, at 4 p.m., from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home in Danielsville with the Rev. Bill Manus officiating, after which the body will be cremated. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Ivie Funeral Home, Madison County Chapel, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Florida, she was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Arnette Cole. Mrs. Sosbee was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Sosbee; and a son, Roger Tracy Daniel.
Survivors include children, Craig Daniel, Danielsville, Russell Daniel, Michael Daniel and Christine Daniel, all of Commerce; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, at 4 p.m., from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home in Danielsville with the Rev. Bill Manus officiating, after which the body will be cremated. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Ivie Funeral Home, Madison County Chapel, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Wanda Jean Mendoza (1-22-02)
CARNESVILLE – Wanda Jean Mendoza, 48, died Sunday, January 22, 2012, at the Northridge Medical Center in Commerce.
Born in Commerce, she was the daughter of Hazel Alexander Ginn of Commerce and the late Willis Wilson.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Eduardo Mendoza, Carnesville; children, Cynthia Bales, Maysville, Maria Mendoza, Kimberly Mendoza, Rickie Nation and Miguel Mendoza, all of Carnesville; sisters, Brenda Wilson and Melissa Perry, both of Commerce; six grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home, and at other times at 1646 Blacks Creek Church Road.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Commerce, she was the daughter of Hazel Alexander Ginn of Commerce and the late Willis Wilson.
Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Eduardo Mendoza, Carnesville; children, Cynthia Bales, Maysville, Maria Mendoza, Kimberly Mendoza, Rickie Nation and Miguel Mendoza, all of Carnesville; sisters, Brenda Wilson and Melissa Perry, both of Commerce; six grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 25, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 24, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home, and at other times at 1646 Blacks Creek Church Road.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Leata Mae Watson (1-20-12)
COMERCE - Leata Mae Watson, 91, died Friday, January 20, 2012 at Wilbanks Personal Care Home.
She was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Ambrose and Evy Embry Bennett. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and was retired from Sportswear. Mrs. Watson was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Wallace Watson.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Tony Davis and Janet and Ray Jones, all of Commerce; grandchildren, Carrie Savage, Tobie Jones, Tate Jones, Nicole Twisdale and Shae Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Noah Savage, Hannah Savage, Ella Savage, Evan Twisdale, Lauren Wilson and Lily Kate Wilson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 22, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Keith Savage and Blake Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday night, January 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. The family will be at the home of Mrs. Watson's daughter, Janet Jones, 125 Hospital Road, Commerce.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Commerce, the daughter of the late Ambrose and Evy Embry Bennett. She was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church and was retired from Sportswear. Mrs. Watson was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Wallace Watson.
Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Karen and Tony Davis and Janet and Ray Jones, all of Commerce; grandchildren, Carrie Savage, Tobie Jones, Tate Jones, Nicole Twisdale and Shae Wilson; and great-grandchildren, Noah Savage, Hannah Savage, Ella Savage, Evan Twisdale, Lauren Wilson and Lily Kate Wilson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, January 22, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Keith Savage and Blake Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday night, January 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. The family will be at the home of Mrs. Watson's daughter, Janet Jones, 125 Hospital Road, Commerce.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Clyde Houston (1-19-12)
ELBERTON – Clyde Ellis Houston, 62, died Thursday morning, January 19, 2012, at Elbert Memorial Hospital.
Born in Commerce on December 12, 1949, he was the son of the late Louie and Kathryn Benton Houston. He was the owner of Elberton Tire & Wheel Company. Mr. Houston was preceded in death by a sister, Alma Beth Houston, and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors include a nephew, Shane Hawks, Danielsville; and several friends.
Memorial services celebrating his life will be held Saturday, January 28, at 4 p.m. in the Contemporary Building at the Elberton First United Methodist Church with Danny Bessinger officiating. At Clyde’s request, his body will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the T.J. & Friends Foundation, 1675 Deep Creek Rd., Dewy Rose, GA 30634.
Berry Funeral Home, Elberton, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Commerce on December 12, 1949, he was the son of the late Louie and Kathryn Benton Houston. He was the owner of Elberton Tire & Wheel Company. Mr. Houston was preceded in death by a sister, Alma Beth Houston, and was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors include a nephew, Shane Hawks, Danielsville; and several friends.
Memorial services celebrating his life will be held Saturday, January 28, at 4 p.m. in the Contemporary Building at the Elberton First United Methodist Church with Danny Bessinger officiating. At Clyde’s request, his body will be cremated.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the T.J. & Friends Foundation, 1675 Deep Creek Rd., Dewy Rose, GA 30634.
Berry Funeral Home, Elberton, is in charge of arrangements.
MSgt John P. ‘Phil’ Vinson, USAF (Ret) (1-18-12)
WARNER ROBINS - John "Phil" Philip Vinson, 75, entered into rest on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.
Mr. Vinson was born on November 7, 1936 in Demorest, the son of late Marion Eugene and Maggie Ilean Dorsey Vinson. He was a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church. MSgt Vinson was a veteran of the Vietnam era, proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force retiring after twenty-three years of dedicated service. Subsequent to his distinguished military career, Phil worked at Lowes in Warner Robins for eight years and Union Switch and Signal for eight years.
His memory will forever be treasured by his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Maureen Frances Fidler Vinson, Warner Robins; daughters, Diana Lynn Sedell (Clarence), Haslett, Mich.; Christine Lesley Reed (Tim), Harrah, Okla.; son, John Philip Vinson, II, Tampa, Fla.; grandchildren, April Mayer (TSgt Jeremy), Mountain Home, Idaho; Christina Urie, Warner Robins; Cameron Sedell, Haslett, Mich.; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday evening, January 19, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 20, at All Saints' Episcopal Church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 8201 Corporate Dr., Suite 1000, Landover, MD 20785, or online at www.aafa.org.
McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory, Warner Robins, has charge of arrangements.
Mr. Vinson was born on November 7, 1936 in Demorest, the son of late Marion Eugene and Maggie Ilean Dorsey Vinson. He was a member of All Saints' Episcopal Church. MSgt Vinson was a veteran of the Vietnam era, proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force retiring after twenty-three years of dedicated service. Subsequent to his distinguished military career, Phil worked at Lowes in Warner Robins for eight years and Union Switch and Signal for eight years.
His memory will forever be treasured by his beloved wife of fifty-two years, Maureen Frances Fidler Vinson, Warner Robins; daughters, Diana Lynn Sedell (Clarence), Haslett, Mich.; Christine Lesley Reed (Tim), Harrah, Okla.; son, John Philip Vinson, II, Tampa, Fla.; grandchildren, April Mayer (TSgt Jeremy), Mountain Home, Idaho; Christina Urie, Warner Robins; Cameron Sedell, Haslett, Mich.; and two great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be Thursday evening, January 19, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, January 20, at All Saints' Episcopal Church. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 8201 Corporate Dr., Suite 1000, Landover, MD 20785, or online at www.aafa.org.
McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory, Warner Robins, has charge of arrangements.
Jimmy Lee Garrett (1-14-12)
STATHAM – Jimmy Lee Garrett, 68, died Saturday, January 14, 2012.
Born in Jefferson, he was the son Margie Blackmon of Statham and the late Ernest Garrett. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Peggy Thomas Garrett, Statham; daughters and son-in-laws, Lisa and Dwayne Ford; Tina and Jeff Westerfield, Statham; five grandchildren, Katie and Alex Gamblin; Kaela Ford; Destiny and Dreme Steed; Treasure Partin; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Sarah Garrett, Winder; and sister and brother-in-law, Linda Huguley and Tommy Sauls, Statham.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 16, at Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Ronnie Healan officiating. Burial was in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of the arrangements.
Born in Jefferson, he was the son Margie Blackmon of Statham and the late Ernest Garrett. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.
Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Peggy Thomas Garrett, Statham; daughters and son-in-laws, Lisa and Dwayne Ford; Tina and Jeff Westerfield, Statham; five grandchildren, Katie and Alex Gamblin; Kaela Ford; Destiny and Dreme Steed; Treasure Partin; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Sarah Garrett, Winder; and sister and brother-in-law, Linda Huguley and Tommy Sauls, Statham.
Funeral services were held on Monday, January 16, at Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Ronnie Healan officiating. Burial was in Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church Building Fund.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of the arrangements.
Anna Mae McDonald (1-14-12)
PENDERGRSS - Anna Mae McDonald, 93, died on Saturday, January 14, 2012.
She was born in White County, the daughter of the late Gus and Minnie Dickson Freeman. Mrs. McDonald was retired from McEver Packing Company and was a member of the Pendergrass Baptist Church. Mrs. McDonald was preceded in death by her husband, Homer McDonald; sons, Guy and Odean Faulkner; two brothers; six sisters; and a grandson, Allen Reed.
Survivors include a daughter, Linda Gregory, Pendergrass; grandsons, Ricky Pruitt, Tony Pruitt, Tommy and Lisa Pruitt, all of Pendergrass; two great-granddaughters and son-in-law, Melinda Pruitt, Jennifer Pruitt and David White; and a great-great-grandson, Taylor Lee Pruitt White.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 15, from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Eric Shelton officiating.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
She was born in White County, the daughter of the late Gus and Minnie Dickson Freeman. Mrs. McDonald was retired from McEver Packing Company and was a member of the Pendergrass Baptist Church. Mrs. McDonald was preceded in death by her husband, Homer McDonald; sons, Guy and Odean Faulkner; two brothers; six sisters; and a grandson, Allen Reed.
Survivors include a daughter, Linda Gregory, Pendergrass; grandsons, Ricky Pruitt, Tony Pruitt, Tommy and Lisa Pruitt, all of Pendergrass; two great-granddaughters and son-in-law, Melinda Pruitt, Jennifer Pruitt and David White; and a great-great-grandson, Taylor Lee Pruitt White.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 15, from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Eric Shelton officiating.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Williams (1-15-12)
COMMERCE - Joseph Thomas Williams, 80, died Sunday, January 15, 2012 at his residence.
Born in Commerce, he was the son of the late Bill and Hilda Wilbanks Williams. He was a member of the Commerce First United Methodist Church and a Charter member of the Cold Sassy Players. He was a retired United States Army veteran and a retired salesperson for C.M. Lee Asphalt Company. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Williams Sr.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Chamberland Williams, Commerce; daughters, Jennifer Sanders and Leslie Stephens, both of Commerce; grandchildren, Laura, Jessica, Katherine, and Joe Sanders, all of Commerce; nephew, Bob Williams Jr., Commerce.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 17, at 2 p.m. from the Commerce First United Methodist Church with David Bowen and Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, January 16, from 5 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Commerce First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 755, Commerce, GA 30529, or the Gideons International, P.O. Box 225, Commerce, GA 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of the arrangements.
Born in Commerce, he was the son of the late Bill and Hilda Wilbanks Williams. He was a member of the Commerce First United Methodist Church and a Charter member of the Cold Sassy Players. He was a retired United States Army veteran and a retired salesperson for C.M. Lee Asphalt Company. Mr. Williams was preceded in death by a brother, Bob Williams Sr.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Chamberland Williams, Commerce; daughters, Jennifer Sanders and Leslie Stephens, both of Commerce; grandchildren, Laura, Jessica, Katherine, and Joe Sanders, all of Commerce; nephew, Bob Williams Jr., Commerce.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 17, at 2 p.m. from the Commerce First United Methodist Church with David Bowen and Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, January 16, from 5 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Commerce First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 755, Commerce, GA 30529, or the Gideons International, P.O. Box 225, Commerce, GA 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of the arrangements.
‘Tommy’ Burnett Sr. (1-15-12)
BLAIRSVILLE - Thomas "Tommy" Lee Burnett Sr., 80, of Huckleberry Hills Rd., Blairsville, and formerly of Jackson County, passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2012 at his residence following an extended illness.
He was born on November 3, 1931 in Union County, the son of the late Edley and Alvia Alwayne MaHaffey Burnette. He was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from General Motors after over thirty years of service. After retiring from General Motors, he was a poultry farmer for over fifteen years. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. Mr. Burnett was preceded in death by three sisters, Alwaine Totherow, Norma Jean George and Brenda Lee Sosebee; and two brothers, Eugene Burnette and Gearl Lee Burnett.
Survivors include his loving wife, Peggy Ann Lovell Burnett, Blairsville; one son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Dannella Burnett, Gainesville; one daughter, Debbie Burnett, Hoschton, one stepson and daughter-in-law, Jamie and Shannon Garrett, Milwaukee, Wisc.; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Franklin and Carneal Burnette, Buford, Richard and Barbara Burnette, Junior and Brenda Burnette, and David and Mary Burnette, all of Blairsville; two sisters and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Wayne Dills, Lawrenceville, Wanda Brophy, Jefferson; three brothers-in-law, Lawrence Totherow, Blairsville, Edward George, Stone Mountain, and Randy Sosebee, Morganton; one sister-in-law, Wanda Burnette, Blairsville; four grandchildren, J.B. Burnett, Emma Burnett, Luke Garrett and Olivia Garrett; many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, at 1 p.m. from the Mountain View Chapel with the Revs. Waymon Lovell and Chad Underwood officiating. His nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Interment will follow in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 17, evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union County Dialysis Center.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements.
He was born on November 3, 1931 in Union County, the son of the late Edley and Alvia Alwayne MaHaffey Burnette. He was a veteran of the United States Army and retired from General Motors after over thirty years of service. After retiring from General Motors, he was a poultry farmer for over fifteen years. He was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church. Mr. Burnett was preceded in death by three sisters, Alwaine Totherow, Norma Jean George and Brenda Lee Sosebee; and two brothers, Eugene Burnette and Gearl Lee Burnett.
Survivors include his loving wife, Peggy Ann Lovell Burnett, Blairsville; one son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Dannella Burnett, Gainesville; one daughter, Debbie Burnett, Hoschton, one stepson and daughter-in-law, Jamie and Shannon Garrett, Milwaukee, Wisc.; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Franklin and Carneal Burnette, Buford, Richard and Barbara Burnette, Junior and Brenda Burnette, and David and Mary Burnette, all of Blairsville; two sisters and brother-in-law, Bonnie and Wayne Dills, Lawrenceville, Wanda Brophy, Jefferson; three brothers-in-law, Lawrence Totherow, Blairsville, Edward George, Stone Mountain, and Randy Sosebee, Morganton; one sister-in-law, Wanda Burnette, Blairsville; four grandchildren, J.B. Burnett, Emma Burnett, Luke Garrett and Olivia Garrett; many other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, at 1 p.m. from the Mountain View Chapel with the Revs. Waymon Lovell and Chad Underwood officiating. His nephews will serve as pallbearers.
Interment will follow in the Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 17, evening from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Union County Dialysis Center.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy