NICHOLSON - Harold Erastus Hawks, age 90, of Nicholson, died Saturday, December 24, at his residence.
Mr. Hawks was born in Jackson County to the late Claud and Leona McConnell Hawks. He was a United States Air Force Veteran and a member of New Harmony Baptist Church. Mr. Hawks was retired from the USDA Poultry Research Lab.
Mr. Hawks is survived by his wife, Joyce Barnett Hawks, Nicholson; son, David Hawks, Nicholson; daughter, Lynda Hemphill, Athens; sisters, Evelyn Haynes, Danielsville; and Dorothy Erdman, Missouri; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Monday, December 26 at New Harmony Baptist Church with the Revs. Allen Seagraves, Melvin Cochran, Joseph Brooks and Zach Hawks officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 9 to 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to New Harmony Baptist Church, 8816 Hwy 334, Nicholson, GA 30565.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Jackson County
‘Ray’ Griffin Sr. (12-25-11)
NICHOLSON – Russell “Ray” Griffin Sr., 75, died Sunday, December 25, 2011.
He was the son of the late Luther and Amy Certain Griffin. He was preceded in death by a brother, Carter Griffin.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie G. Griffin, Nicholson; three sons, Russell Ray Griffin Jr. and Shelby Griffin, Athens, Anthony Griffin, Nicholson, and Brian (Jill) Griffin, Jefferson; two daughters, Betsy (Richard) Wiggins, Cummings, and Susan (Mike) Peneguy, Colbert; brother, Quinnion Griffin, Toccoa; and five sisters, Ollie Fowler, Anderson, S.C., Barbara Manley, Toccoa, Joette Roach, Seneca, S.C., Joyce Peeples, Toccoa, and Janice Pulliam, Toccoa; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, at 2 p.m. from the New Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Goodroe officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Tuesday,
December 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
He was the son of the late Luther and Amy Certain Griffin. He was preceded in death by a brother, Carter Griffin.
Survivors include his wife, Bonnie G. Griffin, Nicholson; three sons, Russell Ray Griffin Jr. and Shelby Griffin, Athens, Anthony Griffin, Nicholson, and Brian (Jill) Griffin, Jefferson; two daughters, Betsy (Richard) Wiggins, Cummings, and Susan (Mike) Peneguy, Colbert; brother, Quinnion Griffin, Toccoa; and five sisters, Ollie Fowler, Anderson, S.C., Barbara Manley, Toccoa, Joette Roach, Seneca, S.C., Joyce Peeples, Toccoa, and Janice Pulliam, Toccoa; 14 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 28, at 2 p.m. from the New Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Goodroe officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Tuesday,
December 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Betty Lord (12-25-11)
COMMERCE - Betty Shirley Lord, 86, died Sunday, December 25, 2011 at St. Mary's Hospice House.
She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Leo and Lauree Park Shirley. She was of the Baptist denomination and was retired from Jackson Electric Membership Corporation. Mrs. Lord is preceded in death by her husband, Telford Lee Lord; and two sons, Bert and John Shirley Lord.
Survivors include a daughter, Marvalee Townsend, Marietta; son, Robin Lord, Commerce; sisters, Marion Salter, Forrest Park, and Carolyn Merk, Dry Pond; brother, Ben Shirley, Commerce; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, at Maysville Baptist Church with the Rev. David Sharpton officiating. Interment will follow in Cabin Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday night, December 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Leo and Lauree Park Shirley. She was of the Baptist denomination and was retired from Jackson Electric Membership Corporation. Mrs. Lord is preceded in death by her husband, Telford Lee Lord; and two sons, Bert and John Shirley Lord.
Survivors include a daughter, Marvalee Townsend, Marietta; son, Robin Lord, Commerce; sisters, Marion Salter, Forrest Park, and Carolyn Merk, Dry Pond; brother, Ben Shirley, Commerce; seven grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 28, at Maysville Baptist Church with the Rev. David Sharpton officiating. Interment will follow in Cabin Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday night, December 27, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Emma Jean Richey (12-23-11)
COMMERCE - Emma Jean Richey, 78, died Friday, December 23, 2011 at Northridge Medical Center.
She was born in Homer, the daughter of the late Arvel and Cora Lee Watkins Baker. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Richey was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Richey.
Survivors include daughters, Wanda Wilson, Commerce, Cheryl Cummins, Fernandina Beach, Fla., and Starla Whiddon, Winterville; brothers, Bob, Lonnie, Calvin, and Winlynn Baker, all of Commerce; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 27, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, December 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Homer, the daughter of the late Arvel and Cora Lee Watkins Baker. She was a homemaker. Mrs. Richey was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Richey.
Survivors include daughters, Wanda Wilson, Commerce, Cheryl Cummins, Fernandina Beach, Fla., and Starla Whiddon, Winterville; brothers, Bob, Lonnie, Calvin, and Winlynn Baker, all of Commerce; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 27, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Wilson officiating. Burial will be in Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, December 26 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Lydia Bruce (12-24-11)
COMMERCE - Lydia Elizabeth Bruce, 89, died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at Northridge Health and Rehab Center.
She was born in Clarke County, the daughter of the late Early and Lois Wade Seay. She was a member of Homer Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Bruce was preceded in death by her husband, George B. Bruce.
Survivors include daughters, Martha Mauldin, Jefferson, and Audrey Brady, Homer; sons, George E. Bruce, Maysville, and Harold Bruce, Commerce; brother, Paul Seay, Jonesboro; sisters, Katie Paterson, Hull, and Sue Jonston, Danielsville; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 27 at 3 p.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Henry Webb and Anthony Cook officiating. Burial will be at the Riverside Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, December 26, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Clarke County, the daughter of the late Early and Lois Wade Seay. She was a member of Homer Baptist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Bruce was preceded in death by her husband, George B. Bruce.
Survivors include daughters, Martha Mauldin, Jefferson, and Audrey Brady, Homer; sons, George E. Bruce, Maysville, and Harold Bruce, Commerce; brother, Paul Seay, Jonesboro; sisters, Katie Paterson, Hull, and Sue Jonston, Danielsville; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, December 27 at 3 p.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Henry Webb and Anthony Cook officiating. Burial will be at the Riverside Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday, December 26, 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Virginia Chastain (12-21-11)
JEFFERSON - Virginia Chastain, 87, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2011.
A native of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late J.B. and Reba Raden Waddell. Mrs. Chastain was a graduate of Martin Institute of Jefferson, class of 1943. She was a homemaker and farmer and was a member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Edward Grady Chastain, Jefferson; daughter, Gail Kimbrell, Jefferson; and sister, Doris Wilkes, Pelham.
Funeral services will be held Friday Dec. 23, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with interment to follow at Barrow Memorial Gardens. The Revs. Tim Taylor and Tilly Welborn will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Friday, December 23.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bo Snelling, Jamey Snelling, Steve Collins, Mac Collins, Tex Baker and Randy Weatherford
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 1368 Ebenezer Church Road, Jefferson, Ga. 30549.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
A native of Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late J.B. and Reba Raden Waddell. Mrs. Chastain was a graduate of Martin Institute of Jefferson, class of 1943. She was a homemaker and farmer and was a member of the Ebenezer United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Edward Grady Chastain, Jefferson; daughter, Gail Kimbrell, Jefferson; and sister, Doris Wilkes, Pelham.
Funeral services will be held Friday Dec. 23, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with interment to follow at Barrow Memorial Gardens. The Revs. Tim Taylor and Tilly Welborn will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. Friday, December 23.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Bo Snelling, Jamey Snelling, Steve Collins, Mac Collins, Tex Baker and Randy Weatherford
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to Ebenezer United Methodist Church, 1368 Ebenezer Church Road, Jefferson, Ga. 30549.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Wayne Abbs (12-21-11)
COMMERCE - Wayne Edward Abbs, 47, died Wednesday, December 21, 2011 at Northridge Medical Center.
He was born in Portsmith, Va., the son of William Edward Abbs of Carnesville and Mary Jane Bellant Minesal of Commerce. He was a United States Army Veteran. He was owner of Wayne Neal Chevrolet. Mr. Abbs was also on the MDAC Board of General Motors, member of the Commerce Kiwanis Club, Blue Knights, chairman of Relay for Life of Jackson County, and honorary chair of Banks County Relay for Life.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Heather Abbs, Commerce; daughters, Kimberly Balenger, Carnesville, and Madison Abbs, Commerce; sons, Wayne Abbs, Jr., Germany, Chase Crumley, and Kyle Abbs, both of Commerce; and brothers, Robert Abbs, St. Johns, Mich., and Scott Abbs, Atlanta.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 24, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Jeff Williams and Tommy Cleveland officiating. Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday night, December 23, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Portsmith, Va., the son of William Edward Abbs of Carnesville and Mary Jane Bellant Minesal of Commerce. He was a United States Army Veteran. He was owner of Wayne Neal Chevrolet. Mr. Abbs was also on the MDAC Board of General Motors, member of the Commerce Kiwanis Club, Blue Knights, chairman of Relay for Life of Jackson County, and honorary chair of Banks County Relay for Life.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Heather Abbs, Commerce; daughters, Kimberly Balenger, Carnesville, and Madison Abbs, Commerce; sons, Wayne Abbs, Jr., Germany, Chase Crumley, and Kyle Abbs, both of Commerce; and brothers, Robert Abbs, St. Johns, Mich., and Scott Abbs, Atlanta.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 24, at the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Jeff Williams and Tommy Cleveland officiating. Interment will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday night, December 23, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Seagraves (12-19-11)
COMMERCE - Mary Clyde Seagraves, 79, died Monday, December 19, 2011 at UNI Healthcare.
She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Charlie and Lois Bell Fields Crawford. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce and was the retired owner of Seagraves Sweet Shop. Mrs. Seagraves was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Seagraves; and daughter, Judy Baxter.
Survivors include sons, Stanley Seagraves, Nicholson, and Tim Seagraves, Russellville, Ala.; a brother, Ronnie Crawford, Commerce; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 22, at the First United Methodist Church of Commerce with David Bowen and the Rev. Billy Pittman officiating. Interment will follow in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, December 21, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 755, Commerce, GA 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Charlie and Lois Bell Fields Crawford. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce and was the retired owner of Seagraves Sweet Shop. Mrs. Seagraves was preceded in death by her husband, James E. Seagraves; and daughter, Judy Baxter.
Survivors include sons, Stanley Seagraves, Nicholson, and Tim Seagraves, Russellville, Ala.; a brother, Ronnie Crawford, Commerce; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 22, at the First United Methodist Church of Commerce with David Bowen and the Rev. Billy Pittman officiating. Interment will follow in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, December 21, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 755, Commerce, GA 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Roger C. Vandiver (12-18-11)
ATHENS - Roger C. Vandiver, 80, beloved husband of Mrs. Helen Terrell Vandiver, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Vandiver served his country proudly from 1950-1954 with the United States Air Force. He worked with Dupont from 1954 until his retirement in 1988. Mr. Vandiver was a member of the Augusta Board of Realtors and the Million Dollar Club. He was also a member of Gideons International, and was the Vice-Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Tax Assessors from 1976-1982. Mr. Vandiver was a member of West Acres Baptist Church and the Love Sunday School Class. On July 27, 2008, he was honored as a Deacon Emeritus by the Deacon Fellowship of West Acres Baptist Church for serving our Lord Jesus Christ and his church for many years as a deacon and as deacon chairman.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Michael E. Vandiver (Ruth); daughters, Janice V. Braswell (Jim), and Sharon V. Raborn (Kenny); step-daughter, Terry Bennett (Edwin); brother, William Vandiver (Sandra); sister, Eutelle Yonce (Harry); sister-in-law, Barbara Vandiver; grandchildren, Ken and Brittany Raborn; step-grandchildren, Lauren and Kevin Bennett; and nieces and nephews.
Mr. Vandiver was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Seagraves Vandiver; and by his brother, Luke Vandiver, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, at West Acres Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry C. Harmon officiating. Interment to follow in Bellevue Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Richard Yonce, Steven Yonce, Mark Vandiver, Tommy Vandiver, Billy Vandiver, Jimmy Harper, and Philip Alexander. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Gideons International.
If so desired memorials may be made to The Gideon International, Augusta Southwest Camp, P.O. Box 204454, Martinez, GA 30907.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, December 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Platt Funeral Home, Augusta, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Vandiver served his country proudly from 1950-1954 with the United States Air Force. He worked with Dupont from 1954 until his retirement in 1988. Mr. Vandiver was a member of the Augusta Board of Realtors and the Million Dollar Club. He was also a member of Gideons International, and was the Vice-Chairman of the Columbia County Board of Tax Assessors from 1976-1982. Mr. Vandiver was a member of West Acres Baptist Church and the Love Sunday School Class. On July 27, 2008, he was honored as a Deacon Emeritus by the Deacon Fellowship of West Acres Baptist Church for serving our Lord Jesus Christ and his church for many years as a deacon and as deacon chairman.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Michael E. Vandiver (Ruth); daughters, Janice V. Braswell (Jim), and Sharon V. Raborn (Kenny); step-daughter, Terry Bennett (Edwin); brother, William Vandiver (Sandra); sister, Eutelle Yonce (Harry); sister-in-law, Barbara Vandiver; grandchildren, Ken and Brittany Raborn; step-grandchildren, Lauren and Kevin Bennett; and nieces and nephews.
Mr. Vandiver was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Seagraves Vandiver; and by his brother, Luke Vandiver, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 22, at West Acres Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry C. Harmon officiating. Interment to follow in Bellevue Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Richard Yonce, Steven Yonce, Mark Vandiver, Tommy Vandiver, Billy Vandiver, Jimmy Harper, and Philip Alexander. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Gideons International.
If so desired memorials may be made to The Gideon International, Augusta Southwest Camp, P.O. Box 204454, Martinez, GA 30907.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening, December 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Platt Funeral Home, Augusta, is in charge of arrangements.
Hazel Clark (12-13-11)
Hazel Wheeler Clark, 88, residing most of her adult life in Culpeper, Va. passed away Tuesday morning, December 13, 2011, following an extended illness where she was lovingly assisted at Meadowbrook in Reva.
Hazel was born September 23, 1923, in Commerce, Georgia, daughter of the late Charlie and Bertha Wheeler. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Clark, and her brothers, Clifford, Garland, Felton, and Lloyd Wheeler; and sisters, Vera Wheeler and Golden Wheeler Hile.
Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Ann Clark (Webster) Maughan, Sandusky, Ohio; two sons, Nolan (Liz) Clark, Hartwood, Va., and Thomas (D'Arcy) Clark, Culpeper, Va.; one grandson, William Weldon Clark, Culpeper, Va.; and three granddaughters, Mitzi Maughan (Chris) White, Staunton, Va., Monica Clark Maughan, Norfolk, Va., and Jessie McKnew Clark, Culpeper, Va.; three great-grandchildren, Allison Elizabeth White, Jason Webster White and Spencer Charles White, all of Staunton, Va.; two sisters, Jetteree (Clarence) Hull, Spencerville, Ind., and Gwen Smitherman, Commerce; and numerous nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and other relatives.
Family and faith are both significant elements of her legacy. Her spiritual companions treasure memories of days when she joined them in songs and prayers of thanksgiving and how she cherished studies of scripture. Scores of nieces and nephews fondly remember her visits and contacts, no matter how far away they moved.
A funeral service was held on Friday, December 16, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, Va. with Steve Marshall and Stephen Jayne officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Hazel Wheeler Clark, to YOUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD or CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper, Va. was in charge of arrangements.
Hazel was born September 23, 1923, in Commerce, Georgia, daughter of the late Charlie and Bertha Wheeler. Hazel was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Clark, and her brothers, Clifford, Garland, Felton, and Lloyd Wheeler; and sisters, Vera Wheeler and Golden Wheeler Hile.
Survivors include a daughter, Joyce Ann Clark (Webster) Maughan, Sandusky, Ohio; two sons, Nolan (Liz) Clark, Hartwood, Va., and Thomas (D'Arcy) Clark, Culpeper, Va.; one grandson, William Weldon Clark, Culpeper, Va.; and three granddaughters, Mitzi Maughan (Chris) White, Staunton, Va., Monica Clark Maughan, Norfolk, Va., and Jessie McKnew Clark, Culpeper, Va.; three great-grandchildren, Allison Elizabeth White, Jason Webster White and Spencer Charles White, all of Staunton, Va.; two sisters, Jetteree (Clarence) Hull, Spencerville, Ind., and Gwen Smitherman, Commerce; and numerous nieces, nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and other relatives.
Family and faith are both significant elements of her legacy. Her spiritual companions treasure memories of days when she joined them in songs and prayers of thanksgiving and how she cherished studies of scripture. Scores of nieces and nephews fondly remember her visits and contacts, no matter how far away they moved.
A funeral service was held on Friday, December 16, at Found and Sons Funeral Chapel, 850 Sperryville Pike, Culpeper, Va. with Steve Marshall and Stephen Jayne officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Hazel Wheeler Clark, to YOUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER RESCUE SQUAD or CHARITY OF YOUR CHOICE.
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper, Va. was in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy