Lester W. Whittle, 95, passed away Monday, January 23, 2012.
Lester was a United States Army World War II veteran who proudly served his country in the Pacific. He worked for the John H. Harland Company from 1948 until his retirement in 1983. Lester never met a stranger and was a kind and gentle soul.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years, Lillian Lowe Whittle; and his second wife of 21 years, Annie Chisenhall Whittle.
Survivors include a daughter, Leslie W. Johnson; granddaughters, Kaye (Todd) Hood, Lori (Gerry) Carroll, Mandy Johnson; great-granddaughters, Jamie and Jodie Hood; stepdaughters, Jackie (Mike) Smith, Sybil (Tommy) Walker and their families.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Mary Strickland, LaTashia Cade and the staff of United Hospice for their care and compassion.
Graveside services will be held Wednesday January 25, 2012 at 12:00 in Westview Cemetery, in Atlanta. The family will receive guest at the main entrance to Westview one hour prior to the service.
Donation may be made to ACCA Meals on Wheels, 135 Hoyt St., Athens, GA 30601.
Lord and Stephens, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Madison County
Freddie Jason Martin (1-16-12)
COMER - Freddie Jason Martin, 50, died Monday, January 16, 2012.
A native of Athens, he was the son of Raymie Martin of Athens and Veronica F. Wilson of Commerce. He worked in Food Service Maintenance Department for the University of Georgia. He was of the Baptist denomination and has gone home to be with his lord.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Lynda Martin; son, Michael Jason Martin, Comer; daughter, Amanda Lou Martin, Comer; granddaughter, Hayleigh Grace Martin; and brother, Joe Martin, Watkinsville.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, at 3 p.m. at Lord & Stephens East Chapel with the Rev. Stan Hauntsman officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 18, at the funeral home.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
A native of Athens, he was the son of Raymie Martin of Athens and Veronica F. Wilson of Commerce. He worked in Food Service Maintenance Department for the University of Georgia. He was of the Baptist denomination and has gone home to be with his lord.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Lynda Martin; son, Michael Jason Martin, Comer; daughter, Amanda Lou Martin, Comer; granddaughter, Hayleigh Grace Martin; and brother, Joe Martin, Watkinsville.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, at 3 p.m. at Lord & Stephens East Chapel with the Rev. Stan Hauntsman officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 18, at the funeral home.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
Anthony Darrell Epps (1-15-12)
ILA - Anthony Darrell Epps, 55, died peacefully on Sunday, January 15, 2012, following a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born in Commerce, on December 6, 1956, the son of Shirley Epps of Pocataligo and the late Clarence Epps. He was a lifelong resident of Madison County. He was Chairman of Deacons at Providence Baptist Church, Ila, where he was active in several ministries over the years, such as VBS, Youth Ministries, and Music Ministry. Mr. Epps also had a passion for nature and wildlife photography that led him to establish BlueRidge Imageworks.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Robin Doster Epps; daughter, Lindsay Holland; daughter and son-in-law, Leesa and Kevin Tuttle; son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Nina Epps; grandchildren, Cerah Collins, Joseph Holland, Jacob Holland, Natalie Tuttle and Kathryn Tuttle; brothers, Tim Epps and Darien Epps; sisters, Deborah Willis and Tracy Willis, all of Ila; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church with the Revs. Tim Peek and Robby Brown officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Northeast Georgia Cancer Foundation or TJ & Friends Foundation.
Lord & Stephens, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Commerce, on December 6, 1956, the son of Shirley Epps of Pocataligo and the late Clarence Epps. He was a lifelong resident of Madison County. He was Chairman of Deacons at Providence Baptist Church, Ila, where he was active in several ministries over the years, such as VBS, Youth Ministries, and Music Ministry. Mr. Epps also had a passion for nature and wildlife photography that led him to establish BlueRidge Imageworks.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Robin Doster Epps; daughter, Lindsay Holland; daughter and son-in-law, Leesa and Kevin Tuttle; son and daughter-in-law, Jonathan and Nina Epps; grandchildren, Cerah Collins, Joseph Holland, Jacob Holland, Natalie Tuttle and Kathryn Tuttle; brothers, Tim Epps and Darien Epps; sisters, Deborah Willis and Tracy Willis, all of Ila; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 19, at 2 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church with the Revs. Tim Peek and Robby Brown officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, January 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Northeast Georgia Cancer Foundation or TJ & Friends Foundation.
Lord & Stephens, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Jessie Mae Hilley (1-12-12)
DANIELSVILLE – Jessie Mae Collins Hilley, 78, died Thursday, January 12, 2012, at her residence.
Born in Madison County on March 27, 1933, she was the daughter of the late John C. and Etha Evans Collins. She was a homemaker and member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Royston. Mrs. Hilley was preceded in death by her husband, Waymon C. “Babe” Hilley.
Survivors include daughters, Jenny Parham, Danielsville, and Donna Hilley, Augusta; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Stefani Hilley and David and Marilyn Hilley, all of Danielsville; grandchildren and spouses, Mason Parham, John Parham, Kelly and Wayne Roach, Nicole and Cullen Bryant, Kayla Hilley, Michaela Jones and Montana Jones; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 15, from New Hope Baptist Church in Royston with the Rev. Brian David officiating. Burial was in the Bethel M Baptist Church Cemetery in Danielsville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church, P.O. Box 679, Royston, GA 30662.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Madison County on March 27, 1933, she was the daughter of the late John C. and Etha Evans Collins. She was a homemaker and member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Royston. Mrs. Hilley was preceded in death by her husband, Waymon C. “Babe” Hilley.
Survivors include daughters, Jenny Parham, Danielsville, and Donna Hilley, Augusta; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Stefani Hilley and David and Marilyn Hilley, all of Danielsville; grandchildren and spouses, Mason Parham, John Parham, Kelly and Wayne Roach, Nicole and Cullen Bryant, Kayla Hilley, Michaela Jones and Montana Jones; and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday, January 15, from New Hope Baptist Church in Royston with the Rev. Brian David officiating. Burial was in the Bethel M Baptist Church Cemetery in Danielsville.
Memorial contributions may be made to the New Hope Baptist Church, P.O. Box 679, Royston, GA 30662.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
Bill ‘L.G.’ Kelley (1-9-12)
Bill Kelley peacefully left this world on Monday, January 9, 2012, following a long illness.
Bill was the founder of Critter Magazine and a gentle and generous friend to Athens area animal adoption organizations, as well as many others. Bill resided in Madison County with his two devoted dogs, Frog and Goose.
Survivors include his sister and spouse, Beth Kelley Zorbanos, Danielsville; and brother and spouse, David Kelley, Houston, Texas; as well as their children and grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to the Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter (moaspets.org) or to your favorite area rescue organization.
Bill was the founder of Critter Magazine and a gentle and generous friend to Athens area animal adoption organizations, as well as many others. Bill resided in Madison County with his two devoted dogs, Frog and Goose.
Survivors include his sister and spouse, Beth Kelley Zorbanos, Danielsville; and brother and spouse, David Kelley, Houston, Texas; as well as their children and grandchildren.
A memorial service is being planned.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to the Madison-Oglethorpe Animal Shelter (moaspets.org) or to your favorite area rescue organization.
Wanda C. Cannon (01-07-12)
HARTWELL - Wanda C. Jordan Cannon, 84, died Saturday, January 07, 2012 at Hartwell Health Care Center.
Born on March 7, 1927 in Royston, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Thelma Edwards Jordan. She was a retired seamstress for Elberton Manufacturing Company and was a member of the Liberty Hill United Methodist Church. Mrs. Cannon was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin C. Cannon Sr.; a son, Lamar Cannon; sister, Lanora Dean; and two brothers, Madison Jordan and Kennister Jordan.
Survivors include three daughters, Joyce Foster, Hartwell, Kathy Hill and her husband Doug, Danielsville, and Debbie Trotter, Hartwell; two sons, Calvin Cannon Jr. and his wife Linda, Elberton, and Morris Cannon and his wife Hazel, Bowersville; two sisters, Condyce Phillips and her husband Jack, Marietta, and Martha Ginn, Hartwell; eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 9, at 4 p.m. in the chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with the Rev. Kathleen Deegan-Neal officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Garden of Prayer.
Flowers are optional and memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1925 Century Blvd., Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345-3315, or Hospice Advantage, 2470 Daniel's Bridge Rd., Bldg. 100, Suite 171, Athens, GA 30606.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.
Born on March 7, 1927 in Royston, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Thelma Edwards Jordan. She was a retired seamstress for Elberton Manufacturing Company and was a member of the Liberty Hill United Methodist Church. Mrs. Cannon was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin C. Cannon Sr.; a son, Lamar Cannon; sister, Lanora Dean; and two brothers, Madison Jordan and Kennister Jordan.
Survivors include three daughters, Joyce Foster, Hartwell, Kathy Hill and her husband Doug, Danielsville, and Debbie Trotter, Hartwell; two sons, Calvin Cannon Jr. and his wife Linda, Elberton, and Morris Cannon and his wife Hazel, Bowersville; two sisters, Condyce Phillips and her husband Jack, Marietta, and Martha Ginn, Hartwell; eleven grandchildren; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 9, at 4 p.m. in the chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with the Rev. Kathleen Deegan-Neal officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Garden of Prayer.
Flowers are optional and memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1925 Century Blvd., Suite 10, Atlanta, GA 30345-3315, or Hospice Advantage, 2470 Daniel's Bridge Rd., Bldg. 100, Suite 171, Athens, GA 30606.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.
Calvin Swain (01-08-12)
Calvin Lee Swain, 54, of 267 Jim Crittenden Road, Hartwell, died Sunday, January 8, 2012 at Hart County Hospital.
Born on March 9, 1957 in Seneca, S.C., he was the son of Juanita Bowen Swain and the late Walter C. Swain. He was a former singer for the Georgialina Band and sang at the Red Minnow and for private parties. He was preceded in death by two stepsons, Dennis Miller and William Brian Miller.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Theresa J. Swain; three stepsons, Michael Miller, Orlando, Fla., Robert Miller, Ocala, Fla., and Joseph Miller, Hartwell; one stepdaughter, Stephanie Cole, Hartwell; two brothers, David Swain, Danielsville, and Stanley Swain, Gillsville; two sisters, Becky Roberts, Maysville, and Annie Chamlee, Toccoa; and eight grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, at 1 p.m. at Victory Chapel Holiness Church, 1337 Bob Mann Rd., Maysville, GA, with the Revs. Donald Trammell and Davey Harris officiating.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.
Born on March 9, 1957 in Seneca, S.C., he was the son of Juanita Bowen Swain and the late Walter C. Swain. He was a former singer for the Georgialina Band and sang at the Red Minnow and for private parties. He was preceded in death by two stepsons, Dennis Miller and William Brian Miller.
Survivors in addition to his mother include his wife, Theresa J. Swain; three stepsons, Michael Miller, Orlando, Fla., Robert Miller, Ocala, Fla., and Joseph Miller, Hartwell; one stepdaughter, Stephanie Cole, Hartwell; two brothers, David Swain, Danielsville, and Stanley Swain, Gillsville; two sisters, Becky Roberts, Maysville, and Annie Chamlee, Toccoa; and eight grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, at 1 p.m. at Victory Chapel Holiness Church, 1337 Bob Mann Rd., Maysville, GA, with the Revs. Donald Trammell and Davey Harris officiating.
The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is in charge of all arrangements.
Jane Roach (01-06-11)
ROYSTON – Jane Rogers Roach, 73, died Friday, January 6, 2012, at her residence.
She was born in Kenwood, Okla., on June 29, 1938, the daughter of the late Fred and Leona Simkins Rogers. She was a retail manager and was a member of the Riverside Baptist Church. She was a volunteer for the Cornerstone Ministries. Mrs. Roach was preceded in death by her husband, Hal T. Roach; two brothers, Gene Rogers and Junior Rogers; and two sisters, Alice Curtis and Mae Sloan.
Survivors include a daughter, Robyn B. Coker, Royston; sons, Randall J. Bennett, Comer, and Robert W. Bennett Sr., Lexington, S.C.; stepdaughter, Marilyn R. Chastain, Hartwell; stepson, Michael T. Roach, Danielsville; brothers, James Rogers, Rose, Okla., and Cecil Rogers, Peggs, Okla.; sisters, Louvena Rogers and Kay Rogers, both of Tahlequah, Okla., and Ruth Taylor, Wichita, Okla.; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 9, at 11 a.m., from the Riverside Baptist Church with the Revs. Chris LeCroy, Roger Elrod and Andy Giffen officiating. Burial will be in the Cary Memorial Gardens in Royston. The body will be placed in the church at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning. The family is at home.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Kenwood, Okla., on June 29, 1938, the daughter of the late Fred and Leona Simkins Rogers. She was a retail manager and was a member of the Riverside Baptist Church. She was a volunteer for the Cornerstone Ministries. Mrs. Roach was preceded in death by her husband, Hal T. Roach; two brothers, Gene Rogers and Junior Rogers; and two sisters, Alice Curtis and Mae Sloan.
Survivors include a daughter, Robyn B. Coker, Royston; sons, Randall J. Bennett, Comer, and Robert W. Bennett Sr., Lexington, S.C.; stepdaughter, Marilyn R. Chastain, Hartwell; stepson, Michael T. Roach, Danielsville; brothers, James Rogers, Rose, Okla., and Cecil Rogers, Peggs, Okla.; sisters, Louvena Rogers and Kay Rogers, both of Tahlequah, Okla., and Ruth Taylor, Wichita, Okla.; 12 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 9, at 11 a.m., from the Riverside Baptist Church with the Revs. Chris LeCroy, Roger Elrod and Andy Giffen officiating. Burial will be in the Cary Memorial Gardens in Royston. The body will be placed in the church at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning. The family is at home.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
‘Tony’ Smith (01-06-12)
DANIELSVILLE - Anthony "Tony" Nelson Smith, 38, passed away Friday, January 6, 2012.
Born May 8, 1973, he was the son of Emory and Syble Phillips Smith. He was employed for several years as a sales associate for Home Depot.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a sister, Annette (Stan) Rowland; and nieces, Ansley and Ashlyn Rowland.
Graveside services will be held Monday, January 9, at 3 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Monday from 2 until 3 p.m. Pallbearers will be Kip Manders, Brian Combs, Daniel Threlkeld, Dennis Adams, Joey Matthews and Zach Manders.
Lord & Stephens, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Born May 8, 1973, he was the son of Emory and Syble Phillips Smith. He was employed for several years as a sales associate for Home Depot.
Survivors in addition to his parents, include a sister, Annette (Stan) Rowland; and nieces, Ansley and Ashlyn Rowland.
Graveside services will be held Monday, January 9, at 3 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, Monday from 2 until 3 p.m. Pallbearers will be Kip Manders, Brian Combs, Daniel Threlkeld, Dennis Adams, Joey Matthews and Zach Manders.
Lord & Stephens, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Marjorie Moore (01-05-12)
Marjorie McCarty Moore passed away Thursday, January 5, 2012.
She was born July 5, 1918 in Madison County, the daughter of the late Howard and Lois Winfrey McCarty. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald P. Moore; a daughter, Shirley Moore Griffith; brother, Loyd McCarty; and sister, Lucille McCarty Fowler. She lived her adult life in Athens, and was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church.
Survivors include sons, Stephen E. Moore (Tina), Gillsville, Terry Moore (Teresa), Watkinsville, Wayne Moore (Paulette), Hull, Larry Moore (Ann), Hull; a daughter, Glenda Moore Miller (Pelham), Powell, Tenn.; and a brother, Alton McCarty, Comer; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 8, in the chapel of Bridges Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Smith officiating. Interment will be in Meadow Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will be at the home of Wayne Moore, 159 Paul Smith Rd. Hull, GA.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, has charge of the arrangements.
She was born July 5, 1918 in Madison County, the daughter of the late Howard and Lois Winfrey McCarty. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald P. Moore; a daughter, Shirley Moore Griffith; brother, Loyd McCarty; and sister, Lucille McCarty Fowler. She lived her adult life in Athens, and was a longtime member of Central Baptist Church.
Survivors include sons, Stephen E. Moore (Tina), Gillsville, Terry Moore (Teresa), Watkinsville, Wayne Moore (Paulette), Hull, Larry Moore (Ann), Hull; a daughter, Glenda Moore Miller (Pelham), Powell, Tenn.; and a brother, Alton McCarty, Comer; nine grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, January 8, in the chapel of Bridges Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Smith officiating. Interment will be in Meadow Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will be at the home of Wayne Moore, 159 Paul Smith Rd. Hull, GA.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, has charge of the arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy