MAYSVILLE - Bonnie Lingerfelt Gardiner, 88, died Friday, December 30, 2011 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
She was born in Lumpkin County, the daughter of the late Cicero and Madge Mintz Lingerfelt. She was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and also WMU, and was a homemaker. Mrs. Gardiner was preceded in death by her husband, John Pledger Gardiner.
Survivors include sons, Johnny Gardiner (Connie) and Ron Gardiner (Elizabeth), all of Maysville; daughters, Mary Brantley (Phil), Maggie Valley, N.C. and Joyce Massey (Patrick Roberts), Destin, Fla.; brothers, Ralph Gardiner and Jake Gardiner, both of Dahlonega; sisters, Lois Arthur, Dahlonega, and Joyce Mize, Dacula; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 1, 2012, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. James Duncan and Ralph O. Smith officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Banks County
Wendell Reems (12-24-11)
BALDWIN - Wendell Voyce Reems, 71 died Saturday, December 24, 2011 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Born in Banks County on November 24, 1940, he was a son of the late Inez Norton Reems and Ruben Reems. Mr. Reems was a member of Leatherwood Baptist Church and was retired from the road department. He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, dirt track racing and watching NASCAR. Mr. Reems was preceded in death by a son, Marty Reems; and brother, Fred Lee Reems.
Survivors include daughter, Amy Reems Goss, Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, J.R. and Ann Reems, Baldwin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Hazel and Joe Lunsford, Clarkesville, and Evelyn and Raymond Holbrooks, Baldwin; three grandchildren; half sister and husband, Teresa Reems Smith and James Smith, Cornelia.
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, from the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Kenneth Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in the Leatherwood Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720 and the American Legion Post #84. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Banks County on November 24, 1940, he was a son of the late Inez Norton Reems and Ruben Reems. Mr. Reems was a member of Leatherwood Baptist Church and was retired from the road department. He served his country proudly in the United States Air Force during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, gardening, dirt track racing and watching NASCAR. Mr. Reems was preceded in death by a son, Marty Reems; and brother, Fred Lee Reems.
Survivors include daughter, Amy Reems Goss, Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, J.R. and Ann Reems, Baldwin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Hazel and Joe Lunsford, Clarkesville, and Evelyn and Raymond Holbrooks, Baldwin; three grandchildren; half sister and husband, Teresa Reems Smith and James Smith, Cornelia.
Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, from the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Kenneth Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in the Leatherwood Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15, the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720 and the American Legion Post #84. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
‘Simon’ Simmons (12-23-11)
BALDWIN - Dwayne "Simon" Simmons, 63 died Friday, December 23, 2011.
Born in Habersham County on October 26, 1948, he was a son of Beatrice Norton Simmons and the late William Simmons. Simon was a fanatic Georgia Bulldogs fan and spent many Saturdays gathered around the television with his sons supporting the Dawgs. He was also a former youth football coach who touched the lives of many young men, and an avid golfer. Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Simmons.
Simon was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church of the Hollingsworth Community. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Margaret Kaye Smallwood Simmons, Baldwin; son, Jeff Sosebee, Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Kerri Simmons, Alto; grandchildren, Blake and Brittany Sosebee; brothers and sisters-in-law, the Rev. Terrell Simmons and Shirley Simmons and Verlon and Denise Simmons, all of the Hollingsworth Community, and Steve and Stephanie Simmons, Commerce; and a brother, Harold Simmons, Homer.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27, at the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with the Revs. Rick Darby and Paul Bryson officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Hollingsworth Community.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 26.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Habersham County on October 26, 1948, he was a son of Beatrice Norton Simmons and the late William Simmons. Simon was a fanatic Georgia Bulldogs fan and spent many Saturdays gathered around the television with his sons supporting the Dawgs. He was also a former youth football coach who touched the lives of many young men, and an avid golfer. Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by a brother, Glenn Simmons.
Simon was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church of the Hollingsworth Community. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son and brother who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his two grandchildren.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Margaret Kaye Smallwood Simmons, Baldwin; son, Jeff Sosebee, Mt. Airy; son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Kerri Simmons, Alto; grandchildren, Blake and Brittany Sosebee; brothers and sisters-in-law, the Rev. Terrell Simmons and Shirley Simmons and Verlon and Denise Simmons, all of the Hollingsworth Community, and Steve and Stephanie Simmons, Commerce; and a brother, Harold Simmons, Homer.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 27, at the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with the Revs. Rick Darby and Paul Bryson officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Baptist Church Cemetery, Hollingsworth Community.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 26.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
Benjamin Abernathy (12-15-11)
LULA - Benjamin Ralph Abernathy, 80, of Lula, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2011 at his residence following an extended illness.
He was born October 25, 1931 in the village of Chicopee in Hall County, Georgia. He was the son of the late Henry Abernathy and Mazie Lawrence Abernathy. He was a member of the Gillsville Baptist Church and also a member of the Lula Masonic Lodge # 352. Mr. Abernathy drove a Hall County School Bus for nine years. Ralph was well known for his wood carving and leather workmanship. He was a retired poultry and cattle farmer and enjoyed working and sharing his vegetable garden. He was preceded in death by sisters, Margaret Poore and Bernice Tritt; and a brother, John Henry Abernathy.
Survivors include his loving wife, Rose L. Abernathy, Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Charles Duke, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Carol Abernathy, Gillsville; son, Michael Abernathy, Lula; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ruby Abernathy, Lula; brother-in-law, the Rev. Donald Tritt; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17, at Gillsville Baptist Church in Gillsville, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The Revs. Bill Calhoun, Doug Tritt and Tim House will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 16, at the funeral home.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born October 25, 1931 in the village of Chicopee in Hall County, Georgia. He was the son of the late Henry Abernathy and Mazie Lawrence Abernathy. He was a member of the Gillsville Baptist Church and also a member of the Lula Masonic Lodge # 352. Mr. Abernathy drove a Hall County School Bus for nine years. Ralph was well known for his wood carving and leather workmanship. He was a retired poultry and cattle farmer and enjoyed working and sharing his vegetable garden. He was preceded in death by sisters, Margaret Poore and Bernice Tritt; and a brother, John Henry Abernathy.
Survivors include his loving wife, Rose L. Abernathy, Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Beverly and Charles Duke, Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Randall and Carol Abernathy, Gillsville; son, Michael Abernathy, Lula; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Ruby Abernathy, Lula; brother-in-law, the Rev. Donald Tritt; and a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, December 17, at Gillsville Baptist Church in Gillsville, with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The Revs. Bill Calhoun, Doug Tritt and Tim House will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, December 16, at the funeral home.
Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Woods (12-8-11)
MAYSVILLE – Mary Sorrow Woods, 102, widow of Maurice E. Woods, died Thursday, December 8, 2011 at Southern Pines Senior Care.
She was born September 11, 1909 in Carlton, the daughter of the late Thomas Harvey and Mary Steadman Sorrow.
Mrs. Woods, formerly of Atlanta, was retired from the United States Government.
She is survived by stepdaughters, Carolyn Middour and her husband Don, Decatur; Annette Braselton, Decatur; step- grandsons Stephen and David Middour, three step-great-grandsons; nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; and great-great nieces; and great-great nephews.
Graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Atlanta, on Tuesday, December 13, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Rd., Union City, GA 30291.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born September 11, 1909 in Carlton, the daughter of the late Thomas Harvey and Mary Steadman Sorrow.
Mrs. Woods, formerly of Atlanta, was retired from the United States Government.
She is survived by stepdaughters, Carolyn Middour and her husband Don, Decatur; Annette Braselton, Decatur; step- grandsons Stephen and David Middour, three step-great-grandsons; nieces; nephews; great-nieces; great-nephews; and great-great nieces; and great-great nephews.
Graveside services will be held at Greenwood Cemetery, Atlanta, on Tuesday, December 13, at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southwest Christian Care, 7225 Lester Rd., Union City, GA 30291.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Fanneal Mathis (12-6-11)
BALDWIN - Fanneal Simmons Mathis, 83, died Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at the Oaks at Scenic View.
She was born on March 17, 1928, and was a native and lifelong resident of Banks County. Mrs. Mathis was the daughter of the late Cleve and Martha Broome Simmons. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Mathis; and brothers, Branson Simmons and Grover Simmons.
Survivors include her sister, Mozelle Simmons, Hollingsworth; son and daughter-in-law, Darryl and Lynn Mathis, Athens; four grandchildren, Beth Anne Mathis, Maria Mathis, Mallory Mathis, and Melany Mathis; sister-in-law, Novella Simmons; and several nieces and nephews.
The service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 9, at Harmony Baptist Church with the Revs. Mark Vandiver, Edward Bolen and Darryl Mathis officiating. Mrs. Mathis will lie in state at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral hour. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, from Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin.
The family requests that contributions be made to the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5223 Old Hwy. 441 N, Baldwin, GA 30511.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born on March 17, 1928, and was a native and lifelong resident of Banks County. Mrs. Mathis was the daughter of the late Cleve and Martha Broome Simmons. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Mathis; and brothers, Branson Simmons and Grover Simmons.
Survivors include her sister, Mozelle Simmons, Hollingsworth; son and daughter-in-law, Darryl and Lynn Mathis, Athens; four grandchildren, Beth Anne Mathis, Maria Mathis, Mallory Mathis, and Melany Mathis; sister-in-law, Novella Simmons; and several nieces and nephews.
The service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 9, at Harmony Baptist Church with the Revs. Mark Vandiver, Edward Bolen and Darryl Mathis officiating. Mrs. Mathis will lie in state at the church from 1:30 p.m. until the funeral hour. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 8, from Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin.
The family requests that contributions be made to the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 5223 Old Hwy. 441 N, Baldwin, GA 30511.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Lisa Halski (12-06-11)
Lisa Halski, 87, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 06, 2011 at Athens Regional Medical Center with family by her side.
Born in Belarus on March 17, 1924, she was the daughter of Natalia and Dennis Shabkov. She immigrated to the United States in 1950 by way of Germany. She had remained in Germany after World War II ended, as a displaced person at Camp Lysenko. She met and married Eugene Halski at the camp.
Through the Lutheran Church Lisa and her family, including their three-year-old son, Walton, and her parents, were sponsored to come to Georgia. They ultimately settled in Georgia buying a small farm. They became American citizens and built a cattle and broiler farm business.
Lisa was passionate about her family. She was a tenacious and hard working woman who loved her children and grandchildren. She instilled a sense of loyalty to family. In her own way she undertook great challenges and overcame significant obstacles when she came to the United States and created a life here.
Lisa is lovingly survived by her four children, sons, Walton Halski (Peggy), Alto, and Toni Halski, Sanibel Island; and daughters, Wanda Neislar (Ron), Athens, and Sweetlana Stewart (Dean), Kennesaw; grandchildren, Lisa Halski, Lewis Halski, Ranie Neislar Hayes, Lindsey Neislar, Glen Stewart, Alex Stewart, Ellen Stewart, and Hayley Halski; and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 10, at 1 p.m. in the Talmo Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Spence officiating. Interment will follow in the Talmo Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday evening, December 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Talmo Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 96, Talmo, GA 30575, or American Red Cross, P.O. Box 101508, Atlanta, GA 30392.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Belarus on March 17, 1924, she was the daughter of Natalia and Dennis Shabkov. She immigrated to the United States in 1950 by way of Germany. She had remained in Germany after World War II ended, as a displaced person at Camp Lysenko. She met and married Eugene Halski at the camp.
Through the Lutheran Church Lisa and her family, including their three-year-old son, Walton, and her parents, were sponsored to come to Georgia. They ultimately settled in Georgia buying a small farm. They became American citizens and built a cattle and broiler farm business.
Lisa was passionate about her family. She was a tenacious and hard working woman who loved her children and grandchildren. She instilled a sense of loyalty to family. In her own way she undertook great challenges and overcame significant obstacles when she came to the United States and created a life here.
Lisa is lovingly survived by her four children, sons, Walton Halski (Peggy), Alto, and Toni Halski, Sanibel Island; and daughters, Wanda Neislar (Ron), Athens, and Sweetlana Stewart (Dean), Kennesaw; grandchildren, Lisa Halski, Lewis Halski, Ranie Neislar Hayes, Lindsey Neislar, Glen Stewart, Alex Stewart, Ellen Stewart, and Hayley Halski; and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday December 10, at 1 p.m. in the Talmo Baptist Church with the Rev. Mark Spence officiating. Interment will follow in the Talmo Baptist Church Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday evening, December 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Talmo Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 96, Talmo, GA 30575, or American Red Cross, P.O. Box 101508, Atlanta, GA 30392.
Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.
Ted Roberts (12-2-11)
LULA - Ted Roberts, Sr., 80, died Friday, December 2, 2011 at Northridge Health and Rehab Center.
He was born in Hall County the son of the late Enoch Buffington and Ella Carlee Scott Roberts. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and was retired from Mt. Vernon Mills. Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Ward Roberts.
Survivors include a son, Ted Roberts, Jr. (Sherry), Maysville; daughter, Dianne Westmoreland (Steve), Maysville; sisters, Roberta Gailey, Gillsville, Ruth Bray, Flowery Branch, and Ruby Edge, Gainesville; grandchildren, Kyle Roberts, Mandy Sullens (Justin), Jill Slaton and Brian Westmoreland (Nita); and one great-grandchild, Aubree Westmoreland.
Funeral services were held Sunday, December 4 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. James Duncan, Phil Parks and Ralph Smith officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Carmel Building Fund, 2405 Hwy. 51 South, Lula, GA 30554.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Hall County the son of the late Enoch Buffington and Ella Carlee Scott Roberts. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church and was retired from Mt. Vernon Mills. Mr. Roberts was preceded in death by his wife, Bertha Ward Roberts.
Survivors include a son, Ted Roberts, Jr. (Sherry), Maysville; daughter, Dianne Westmoreland (Steve), Maysville; sisters, Roberta Gailey, Gillsville, Ruth Bray, Flowery Branch, and Ruby Edge, Gainesville; grandchildren, Kyle Roberts, Mandy Sullens (Justin), Jill Slaton and Brian Westmoreland (Nita); and one great-grandchild, Aubree Westmoreland.
Funeral services were held Sunday, December 4 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. James Duncan, Phil Parks and Ralph Smith officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Carmel Building Fund, 2405 Hwy. 51 South, Lula, GA 30554.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Dooley (12-2-11)
CORNELIA - Mary Ethel Dooley, 79, died Friday, December 2, 2011, at her residence following a sudden illness.
She was born in Banks County, on May 24, 1932, the daughter of the late Ernest F. and Cleo Chambers Dooley. Ms. Dooley was preceded in death by brothers, Frank, John W., and Ervin Dooley; and a sister, Allie Mae Dooley. She was a house cleaner for various families and of the Baptist denomination.
Survivors include a son, Alvin D. Dooley, Sr., Demorest; grandchildren, Alvin D. Dooley, Jr., April Galloway, and Alex Dooley; and great-grandchildren, Bethany Dooley, Kelsi Galloway, and Maci Galloway.
Funeral services were held Monday, December 5, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, with the Rev. Billy Burrell officiating. Burial was in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Banks County, on May 24, 1932, the daughter of the late Ernest F. and Cleo Chambers Dooley. Ms. Dooley was preceded in death by brothers, Frank, John W., and Ervin Dooley; and a sister, Allie Mae Dooley. She was a house cleaner for various families and of the Baptist denomination.
Survivors include a son, Alvin D. Dooley, Sr., Demorest; grandchildren, Alvin D. Dooley, Jr., April Galloway, and Alex Dooley; and great-grandchildren, Bethany Dooley, Kelsi Galloway, and Maci Galloway.
Funeral services were held Monday, December 5, at Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, with the Rev. Billy Burrell officiating. Burial was in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements.
‘Reggie’ Morris (11-28-11)
LULA – Reginald “Reggie” Robert Morris, 30, died Monday, November 28, 2011, at his residence.
Born in Clarke County, he was the son of Doris Morris-Anglin of Maysville and the late Bobby James Morris. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Mr. Morris was preceded in death by grandparents, Robert and Minnie Ruth Morris and Cleo and Plummer Meeler.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his stepfather, Jimmy Anglin, Maysville; sister, Ashley Morris and brother-in-law, Grant Funk, both of Lula; stepsisters, Susan Redmon, Sandy Davis, Cathy Watts and Jimmie Carol Elrod, all of Maysville; eight nieces and nephews; and three great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 30, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. James Duncan and Ralph O. Smith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, c/o Youth Group, 2405 Hwy. 51 South, Lula, GA 30554.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Clarke County, he was the son of Doris Morris-Anglin of Maysville and the late Bobby James Morris. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Mr. Morris was preceded in death by grandparents, Robert and Minnie Ruth Morris and Cleo and Plummer Meeler.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his stepfather, Jimmy Anglin, Maysville; sister, Ashley Morris and brother-in-law, Grant Funk, both of Lula; stepsisters, Susan Redmon, Sandy Davis, Cathy Watts and Jimmie Carol Elrod, all of Maysville; eight nieces and nephews; and three great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, November 30, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church with the Revs. James Duncan and Ralph O. Smith officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, c/o Youth Group, 2405 Hwy. 51 South, Lula, GA 30554.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy