COMMERCE - Arline T. Hickman, 92, died Sunday, December 18, 2011, at Bentley Assisted Living.
She was born in Sturgis, Miss., the daughter of late, George Lamar and Bessie Hunt Taylor. Mrs. Hickman was the owner of Western Auto Store and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joe W. Hickman. The family would like to specially thank the staff at Bentley Assisted Living for all that they did.
Survivors include daughters, Shirley Anderson (Joel), Maysville, Debbie Patrick, Commerce, and Terri Cleveland (Ed), Watkinsville; grandchildren, Joe Anderson, Stacey Anderson Thomas, Melissa Patrick, and Taylor Cleveland; great-grandchildren, Emma Grace, and Colby Anderson, and Hayden Thomas.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 20, at 3 p.m. from the First United Methodist Church of Commerce with David Bowen and the Rev. Jerry Cameron officiating with the interment following at Jackson Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night, December 19, from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association: 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3715 Northside Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30327.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Jackson County
Harvard Kniffen (12-17-11)
HOSCHTON - Harvard Kniffen, 87, died Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Gwinnett Medical Center following an extended illness.
He was born September 19, 1924, the son of the late Earl and Bertha Kniffen. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 8th Air Force during World War II. He enjoyed a 28-year career in retail management with the same company before starting and running his own successful business for 12 years until his retirement. Mr. Kniffen was also preceded in death by his sisters, Phyllis Hamilton and Geraldine Richmond.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Bernice Kniffen; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Tim Sennitt, Hampshire, England; sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Jacqui Kniffen, Charlotte, N.C., and Dan and Cheryl Kniffen, Braselton; grandson, Matthew Kniffen, Braselton; granddaughter, Michelle Kniffen, Braselton; and sisters, Beverly Fonseth and Barbara Rau, both of Indiana.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 21, from the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with interment following in Memorial Park South Cemetery. Pastor Alan Johnson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, at the funeral home. Refreshments will be served at the funeral home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Old Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 1756 Old Peachtree Rd., Duluth GA 30097-3418.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born September 19, 1924, the son of the late Earl and Bertha Kniffen. He was a Staff Sergeant in the 8th Air Force during World War II. He enjoyed a 28-year career in retail management with the same company before starting and running his own successful business for 12 years until his retirement. Mr. Kniffen was also preceded in death by his sisters, Phyllis Hamilton and Geraldine Richmond.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 64 years, Bernice Kniffen; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Tim Sennitt, Hampshire, England; sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Jacqui Kniffen, Charlotte, N.C., and Dan and Cheryl Kniffen, Braselton; grandson, Matthew Kniffen, Braselton; granddaughter, Michelle Kniffen, Braselton; and sisters, Beverly Fonseth and Barbara Rau, both of Indiana.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 21, from the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with interment following in Memorial Park South Cemetery. Pastor Alan Johnson will officiate. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, December 20, at the funeral home. Refreshments will be served at the funeral home following the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Old Peachtree Presbyterian Church, 1756 Old Peachtree Rd., Duluth GA 30097-3418.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Wilbanks (12-18-11)
JEFFERSON - Mary Elizabeth Ray Wilbanks, 75, died Sunday, December 18, 2011.
She was born in Elberton, the daughter of the late Fred and Juliatte Eaves Ray. She was retired from Wilkins Industries, where she was a secretary and was a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Mrs. Wilbanks was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Ray Wilbanks.
Survivors include her husband, Billy Wilbanks; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kathy Wilbanks; grandson, William Wilbanks; granddaughter, Emily Wilbanks, all of Jefferson.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 20, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike McLemore officiating. The burial will follow in the Jackson Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, December 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Bethany United Methodist Church 4659 Brockton Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Elberton, the daughter of the late Fred and Juliatte Eaves Ray. She was retired from Wilkins Industries, where she was a secretary and was a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church in Jefferson. Mrs. Wilbanks was preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Ray Wilbanks.
Survivors include her husband, Billy Wilbanks; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Kathy Wilbanks; grandson, William Wilbanks; granddaughter, Emily Wilbanks, all of Jefferson.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday, December 20, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike McLemore officiating. The burial will follow in the Jackson Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Monday evening, December 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Bethany United Methodist Church 4659 Brockton Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Gladys Ray (12-15-11)
PENDERGRASS – Gladys H. Ray, 86, died early Thursday morning, December 15, 2011, at the Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born in Dawson County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Watson and Bertha Pinson Hyde. Mrs. Ray was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Ray; and a son, David Emmette Ray.
Survivors include children, Janice Fields, Dennis Ray and Kenneth Ray, all of Maysville, and Judy Marlow, Commerce; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, December 16, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Dawson County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Watson and Bertha Pinson Hyde. Mrs. Ray was preceded in death by her husband, Howard E. Ray; and a son, David Emmette Ray.
Survivors include children, Janice Fields, Dennis Ray and Kenneth Ray, all of Maysville, and Judy Marlow, Commerce; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 17, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, December 16, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Wanda Strickland
JEFFERSON - Wanda Truett Strickland, 65, died Tuesday December 13, 2011.
She was was born in Murphy, N.C., the daughter of the late Giles Tillman and Margaret Deerberry Truett. Mrs. Strickland was a hairdresser for over 30 years, owning and operating Wanda's Family Hair Care in Jefferson and was a member of the Living Word Worship Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Strickland; and a son, Russell Strickland.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Lawanna Strickland, Maysville, Dennis and Michelle Strickland, Jefferson; daughter, Amanda Strickland, Jefferson; sisters, Doris Mulkey, Helen Tart, both of Gastonia, N.C., and Bertha Lee Pace, Tennessee; brother, Harold Johnson Truett, Murphy, N.C.; three grandchildren, Nathan Wayne Strickland, Leanne Marie Strickland and Dalton William Strickland.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 17, at 11 a.m. from the Living Word Worship Center with the Revs. Mark Mobley, Dennis Kesler and Rev. and Mrs. Hugh Lee Hubbard officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Church Saturday morning. The burial will follow in the Jackson Memorial Park with Ronnie Norris, Rick Strickland, Greg Huckabee, Lee Swain, Chris Motes and John Strickland honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held on Friday evening, December 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia, P.O. Box 49309, Athens GA 30604.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
She was was born in Murphy, N.C., the daughter of the late Giles Tillman and Margaret Deerberry Truett. Mrs. Strickland was a hairdresser for over 30 years, owning and operating Wanda's Family Hair Care in Jefferson and was a member of the Living Word Worship Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Strickland; and a son, Russell Strickland.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Lawanna Strickland, Maysville, Dennis and Michelle Strickland, Jefferson; daughter, Amanda Strickland, Jefferson; sisters, Doris Mulkey, Helen Tart, both of Gastonia, N.C., and Bertha Lee Pace, Tennessee; brother, Harold Johnson Truett, Murphy, N.C.; three grandchildren, Nathan Wayne Strickland, Leanne Marie Strickland and Dalton William Strickland.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 17, at 11 a.m. from the Living Word Worship Center with the Revs. Mark Mobley, Dennis Kesler and Rev. and Mrs. Hugh Lee Hubbard officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in the Church Saturday morning. The burial will follow in the Jackson Memorial Park with Ronnie Norris, Rick Strickland, Greg Huckabee, Lee Swain, Chris Motes and John Strickland honored as pallbearers. The visitation will be held on Friday evening, December 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to The Cancer Foundation of Northeast Georgia, P.O. Box 49309, Athens GA 30604.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Ralph Howard (12-13-11)
DECATUR – Ralph Lee Howard, 86 passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011.
Mr. Howard was born in Jefferson, a son to the late Ernest Lee and Almeda E. Carruth Howard. Mr. Howard was retired from General Motors in Doraville, and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II in the South Pacific Theater. Mr. Howard was a member of the Oak Grove Methodist Church in Decatur and an avid member of the Airstream Club.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Brown Howard, Decatur; son and daughter-in-law, Ernest Lee and Zoe Howard II, Marietta; sister, Elaine Sims, Decatur; brother, Dwight Howard, Dawsonville; sister, Jean Hayes, Jefferson; two grandchildren, Forrest Howard and Garrett Howard.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Kent Burel officiating. The burial will follow in the Howard Family Cemetery in Jefferson. The visitation will be held on Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m., one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Alzheimer's Association-Georgia Chapter, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Howard was born in Jefferson, a son to the late Ernest Lee and Almeda E. Carruth Howard. Mr. Howard was retired from General Motors in Doraville, and was a veteran of the United States Army, serving in World War II in the South Pacific Theater. Mr. Howard was a member of the Oak Grove Methodist Church in Decatur and an avid member of the Airstream Club.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Brown Howard, Decatur; son and daughter-in-law, Ernest Lee and Zoe Howard II, Marietta; sister, Elaine Sims, Decatur; brother, Dwight Howard, Dawsonville; sister, Jean Hayes, Jefferson; two grandchildren, Forrest Howard and Garrett Howard.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Kent Burel officiating. The burial will follow in the Howard Family Cemetery in Jefferson. The visitation will be held on Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m., one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Alzheimer's Association-Georgia Chapter, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson is in charge of arrangements.
Doris Phillips (12-13-11)
JEFFERSON – Doris Shumake Phillips, 75, died Tuesday December 13, 2011 in Athens, Georgia.
A native of Crawford, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Ollie Mae Aldridge Shumake. She was retired from the Jackson County Board of Education and Commerce City School System, where she worked in the lunchroom. Mrs. Phillips was also employed with Baker and Taylor in Commerce and was a member at White Plains Baptist Church. Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie Ralph Phillips; and brothers, Donald Shumake, Marvin Shumake, and Gordon Shumake, Jr.
Survivors include children, Tony Nunn, Commerce, Elaine (Mike) Strickland, Danielsville, Terry (Cindy) Nunn, Jefferson, and Tim (Amy) Nunn, Commerce; step children, Tammy Hayes, Jefferson; sisters, Marion Kent, Toccoa, Barbara (Pete) Petering, Jefferson, and Ruby Mae (Hillier) Duke, Cooksville, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Thursday December 15, at 2 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Hillier Duke and Kevin Page officiating. Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Jefferson. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. Those that will be honored as pallbearers will be Joseph Nunn, Justin Nunn, Holden Nunn, Bobby Smith, Phillip Crumley and Tracy Phillips.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
A native of Crawford, she was the daughter of the late Gordon and Ollie Mae Aldridge Shumake. She was retired from the Jackson County Board of Education and Commerce City School System, where she worked in the lunchroom. Mrs. Phillips was also employed with Baker and Taylor in Commerce and was a member at White Plains Baptist Church. Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie Ralph Phillips; and brothers, Donald Shumake, Marvin Shumake, and Gordon Shumake, Jr.
Survivors include children, Tony Nunn, Commerce, Elaine (Mike) Strickland, Danielsville, Terry (Cindy) Nunn, Jefferson, and Tim (Amy) Nunn, Commerce; step children, Tammy Hayes, Jefferson; sisters, Marion Kent, Toccoa, Barbara (Pete) Petering, Jefferson, and Ruby Mae (Hillier) Duke, Cooksville, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Thursday December 15, at 2 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Hillier Duke and Kevin Page officiating. Interment will follow at Woodbine Cemetery in Jefferson. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. Those that will be honored as pallbearers will be Joseph Nunn, Justin Nunn, Holden Nunn, Bobby Smith, Phillip Crumley and Tracy Phillips.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
‘Stan’ Duck (11-30-11)
PATTERSON, CALIF. - Lewis Stanley "Stan" Duck, 69, formerly of Braselton, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, following a long-term and brave battle with skin cancer.
He was born in Braselton, and attended South Hall High School. He played basketball with his High School’s team and was elected by his classmates as Senior Class President. His first job was as a clerk in a Gainesville grocery store, and he was later promoted to Produce Manager. He worked as a reporter for several newspapers, and he then began working as a printing press operator for the John Harland Company and was ultimately promoted to plant manager. In 1985, Stan took a job with Don Panoz at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, as a Construction Field Coordinator. In 1989 he went with Don Panoz to visit what is now Diablo Grande, a cattle ranch, located outside of Patterson Calif. In 1990, he was the first employee at Diablo Grande and it was under Stan's guidance that the vision of the dream for it was started. Stan maintained a long-term role as General Manager of the Western Hills Water District until his recent retirement in August of this year. In his final months he enjoyed the view and serenity of his home that allowed him to look over the accomplishments that he had achieved at Diablo Grande.
Stan was a member of the Zion Baptist Church in Braselton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gibson Lewis Duck and Allene Louise White Duck; his older brother, Kenneth Ray Duck; and his dear dogs, Taco, Mitsy, Nacho, Pepper and Romeo.
Survivors include his first wife, Sara Weiler, and their three children, Stan Weiler, Steve Weiler and Susan Weiler; his second wife, Brenda Dinkins Piland, and their two children, Jennifer Duck King, and Kenny Duck; and six much-loved grandchildren. In his final months, Stan was attended to by his dear friend and colleague of over 17 years, Jerry Phillips.
Funeral services will be held at the chapel in the Evans Funeral Home on Saturday, December 17, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ricky Thrasher officiating. The burial will follow in the Zion Baptist Cemetery in Braselton. The visitation will be held on Saturday morning, December 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Braselton, and attended South Hall High School. He played basketball with his High School’s team and was elected by his classmates as Senior Class President. His first job was as a clerk in a Gainesville grocery store, and he was later promoted to Produce Manager. He worked as a reporter for several newspapers, and he then began working as a printing press operator for the John Harland Company and was ultimately promoted to plant manager. In 1985, Stan took a job with Don Panoz at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort in Braselton, as a Construction Field Coordinator. In 1989 he went with Don Panoz to visit what is now Diablo Grande, a cattle ranch, located outside of Patterson Calif. In 1990, he was the first employee at Diablo Grande and it was under Stan's guidance that the vision of the dream for it was started. Stan maintained a long-term role as General Manager of the Western Hills Water District until his recent retirement in August of this year. In his final months he enjoyed the view and serenity of his home that allowed him to look over the accomplishments that he had achieved at Diablo Grande.
Stan was a member of the Zion Baptist Church in Braselton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gibson Lewis Duck and Allene Louise White Duck; his older brother, Kenneth Ray Duck; and his dear dogs, Taco, Mitsy, Nacho, Pepper and Romeo.
Survivors include his first wife, Sara Weiler, and their three children, Stan Weiler, Steve Weiler and Susan Weiler; his second wife, Brenda Dinkins Piland, and their two children, Jennifer Duck King, and Kenny Duck; and six much-loved grandchildren. In his final months, Stan was attended to by his dear friend and colleague of over 17 years, Jerry Phillips.
Funeral services will be held at the chapel in the Evans Funeral Home on Saturday, December 17, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Ricky Thrasher officiating. The burial will follow in the Zion Baptist Cemetery in Braselton. The visitation will be held on Saturday morning, December 17, from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Connie Evans (11-23-11)
GULFPORT, MISS. - Connie Lee Evans, 74, formerly of Jefferson, died on November 23, 2011.
He was born in Banks County, the son of the late Fletcher and Elsie Savage Evans, and was retired from the United States Navy. Mr. Evans was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Loggins, Ola Mae Carlan, Ethel Morgan and Viola Standridge; and brothers, Lee and Elton Evans.
Survivors include a son, Randy Evans, Jefferson; sister, Montine Davis, Jefferson; and brothers Alonzo Evans, Bogart, and Loyd Evans, Jefferson.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Barnes officiating.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Banks County, the son of the late Fletcher and Elsie Savage Evans, and was retired from the United States Navy. Mr. Evans was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Loggins, Ola Mae Carlan, Ethel Morgan and Viola Standridge; and brothers, Lee and Elton Evans.
Survivors include a son, Randy Evans, Jefferson; sister, Montine Davis, Jefferson; and brothers Alonzo Evans, Bogart, and Loyd Evans, Jefferson.
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Barnes officiating.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Joanne Legg (12-10-11)
COMMERCE - Joanne Bellamy Legg, 74, prominent civic and church leader, died Saturday, December 10, 2011 at Kennestone Hospital.
She was born in Banks County, daughter of the late William Parks and Kathleen Vaughan Bellamy. Mrs. Legg was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce, where she was a member of Circle and the Altar Guild. Mrs. Legg was also a member of the Tumbling Waters Society, Lost Art Club, Book Club, Gideon Auxiliary, Bridge Club, and Meals on Wheels.
Survivors include her husband, Powell Jackson Legg, Commerce; daughter, Lisa Roper, Armuchee; son, Jeff Legg, Jefferson; sister, Joyce B. Masters, Calhoun; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Thursday, December 15, at 2 p.m. from the First United Methodist Church of Commerce with the Revs. David Bowen and Hoyt Allen officiating. Burial will follow at the Dry Pond United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, December 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Commerce, P.O. Box 755, Commerce, GA 30529, or the Commerce Public Library.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Banks County, daughter of the late William Parks and Kathleen Vaughan Bellamy. Mrs. Legg was a homemaker and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Commerce, where she was a member of Circle and the Altar Guild. Mrs. Legg was also a member of the Tumbling Waters Society, Lost Art Club, Book Club, Gideon Auxiliary, Bridge Club, and Meals on Wheels.
Survivors include her husband, Powell Jackson Legg, Commerce; daughter, Lisa Roper, Armuchee; son, Jeff Legg, Jefferson; sister, Joyce B. Masters, Calhoun; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be Thursday, December 15, at 2 p.m. from the First United Methodist Church of Commerce with the Revs. David Bowen and Hoyt Allen officiating. Burial will follow at the Dry Pond United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, December 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Commerce, P.O. Box 755, Commerce, GA 30529, or the Commerce Public Library.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy