Charles Overton Hill, 76, of Commerce, died Tuesday, December 2, 2008, at Crawford W. Long Hospital.
Born in Banks County, he was the son of the late Edwin and Marian Harber Hill. He was retired from the State of Georgia as a Safety Director and was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Frances Wood Hill, Commerce; a sister, Francis Marian Moore, Wellington, Fla.; grandchildren, Brandon Hill, Lauren Hill, Taylor Hill, and Caitlin Hill, all of Commerce.
Funeral services were held Friday, December 5, at the Homer United Methodist Church with the Revs. Jim McLendon, James Turpen and Bob Hill officiating. Burial was at the New Salem United Methodist Church cemetery.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Morene Coffee
Morene Garrison Coffee, 95, of Demorest, died Monday, December 1, 2008, at the Habersham Medical Center.
Born on March 26, 1913, in Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late John Marvin and Ollie McDuffie Garrison. She was a 1930 graduate of the Franklin County High School and graduated from Piedmont College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia. She was a school teacher for 41-1/2 years, having taught in Franklin, Rabun, Jackson, and Habersham County school systems. She was awarded the Teacher of the Year in Habersham County in 1974 and was included in the Habersham County Teacher’s Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Demorest Baptist Church and was the last member of her immediate family. Mrs. Coffee was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Wilson “Jack” Coffee; brothers and sister-in-law, Howard Garrison and Dwayne “Shorty” and Madelene Garrison.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Marvin and Lynn Coffee, Cornelia; granddaughter, Mary Beth Coffee, Cornelia; sisters-in-law, Louise Garrison, Carnesville, and Evelyn Garrison, Griffin.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 3, at 11 a.m., at Whitfield Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tom Mewborn officiating. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, December 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the Demorest Baptist Church, P.O. Box 87, Demorest, Ga. 30535.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on March 26, 1913, in Franklin County, she was the daughter of the late John Marvin and Ollie McDuffie Garrison. She was a 1930 graduate of the Franklin County High School and graduated from Piedmont College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and obtained her Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia. She was a school teacher for 41-1/2 years, having taught in Franklin, Rabun, Jackson, and Habersham County school systems. She was awarded the Teacher of the Year in Habersham County in 1974 and was included in the Habersham County Teacher’s Hall of Fame. She was a member of the Demorest Baptist Church and was the last member of her immediate family. Mrs. Coffee was preceded in death by her husband, Woodrow Wilson “Jack” Coffee; brothers and sister-in-law, Howard Garrison and Dwayne “Shorty” and Madelene Garrison.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Marvin and Lynn Coffee, Cornelia; granddaughter, Mary Beth Coffee, Cornelia; sisters-in-law, Louise Garrison, Carnesville, and Evelyn Garrison, Griffin.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 3, at 11 a.m., at Whitfield Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Tom Mewborn officiating. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, December 2, from 6 to 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to the Demorest Baptist Church, P.O. Box 87, Demorest, Ga. 30535.
Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Fields
Charles Thurston Fields, 87, of Danielsville, died Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Leonard and Ruby Kittle Fields. He was employed as a building supervisor and was a United States veteran of World War II. He was a member of V.F.W. Mitchell Fields Post 2872, and the American Veterans Post 10 Athens. Mr. Fields was preceded in death by a son, Herman Fields.
Survivors include his wife, Opal Matthews Fields, Danielsville; sons, Jimmy Fields, Nicholson, Johnny Fields, Danielsville, Jerry Fields, Hull; sisters, Virginia Grammer and Ellie Mae Shedd, both of Macon; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 2, at 2 p.m., at the Antioch United Methodist Church with the Rev. Allen Seagraves officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County, he was the son of the late Leonard and Ruby Kittle Fields. He was employed as a building supervisor and was a United States veteran of World War II. He was a member of V.F.W. Mitchell Fields Post 2872, and the American Veterans Post 10 Athens. Mr. Fields was preceded in death by a son, Herman Fields.
Survivors include his wife, Opal Matthews Fields, Danielsville; sons, Jimmy Fields, Nicholson, Johnny Fields, Danielsville, Jerry Fields, Hull; sisters, Virginia Grammer and Ellie Mae Shedd, both of Macon; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 2, at 2 p.m., at the Antioch United Methodist Church with the Rev. Allen Seagraves officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Mary Sue Vaughn
Mary Sue Vaughn, 95, of Commerce, died Wednesday, November 26, 2008, at BJC Nursing Home in Commerce.
Born in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late James Dilmus and Myra Blanche Whitworth Langston. She was a member of Hudson River Baptist Church and was retired from Commerce Sportswear.
Survivors include a number of cousins.
Funeral services were held Friday, November 28, at Hudson River Baptist Church with the Rev. Troy Herbert officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Banks County, she was the daughter of the late James Dilmus and Myra Blanche Whitworth Langston. She was a member of Hudson River Baptist Church and was retired from Commerce Sportswear.
Survivors include a number of cousins.
Funeral services were held Friday, November 28, at Hudson River Baptist Church with the Rev. Troy Herbert officiating.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
UPDATED: Leonard Purdy
Leonard Lee Purdy Sr., 85, of Commerce, Banks County, died Monday, November 24, 2008, at the VA Hospital in Decatur.
Born on September 15, 1923, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Roy Atlas and Lillie Shirley Purdy. He was an independent truck driver and was Baptist. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army in the European Theatre during World War II, and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Purdy was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Clara Parker Purdy; sons, Richard T. Purdy, Douglas D. Purdy and Larry W. Purdy; and a brother, Garnett Purdy.
Survivors include sons, Leonard L. Purdy Jr., Commerce, Johnny D. Purdy, Statham; sisters, Jeanette Flournoy, Helen Vinson, Imogene Trotter, all of Cornelia, Dorothy Mae Kimbrell, Mt. Airy; brother, Leroy Purdy, Beaumont, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, at 11:30 a.m., at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Revs. Doyal Conley officiating. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, November 28, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.
Born on September 15, 1923, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Roy Atlas and Lillie Shirley Purdy. He was an independent truck driver and was Baptist. He was a veteran, having served in the United States Army in the European Theatre during World War II, and was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. Mr. Purdy was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Clara Parker Purdy; sons, Richard T. Purdy, Douglas D. Purdy and Larry W. Purdy; and a brother, Garnett Purdy.
Survivors include sons, Leonard L. Purdy Jr., Commerce, Johnny D. Purdy, Statham; sisters, Jeanette Flournoy, Helen Vinson, Imogene Trotter, all of Cornelia, Dorothy Mae Kimbrell, Mt. Airy; brother, Leroy Purdy, Beaumont, Texas; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 29, at 11:30 a.m., at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Revs. Doyal Conley officiating. Burial will be in Yonah Memorial Gardens with full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, the Habersham County American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, November 28, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, is in charge of arrangements.
Clara Fitzpatrick
Clara Mildred Fitzpatrick, 93, of Ila, died Thursday, November 20, 2008, at her residence.
A native of Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Bennett and Anno Parks Segars. She was a seamstress and a very active member of Ila Baptist Church until her health declined not allowing her to attend. Mrs. Fitzpatrick was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Fitzpatrick; and daughter, Beverly Hardison.
Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Wanda Thomas and Jimmy Lanphear, Ila, and Rachael Drake, Colbert; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Cheryl Fitzpatrick, Mooresville, N.C.; brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Brenda Segars, Banks County; sister-in-law, Melease Watkins, Jacksonville, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m., at Ila Baptist Church. Burial will be at Ila Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, November 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
A native of Banks County, she was the daughter of the late Bennett and Anno Parks Segars. She was a seamstress and a very active member of Ila Baptist Church until her health declined not allowing her to attend. Mrs. Fitzpatrick was preceded in death by a son, Wayne Fitzpatrick; and daughter, Beverly Hardison.
Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Wanda Thomas and Jimmy Lanphear, Ila, and Rachael Drake, Colbert; son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Cheryl Fitzpatrick, Mooresville, N.C.; brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Brenda Segars, Banks County; sister-in-law, Melease Watkins, Jacksonville, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m., at Ila Baptist Church. Burial will be at Ila Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, November 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Flowers will be accepted.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Roy Coggins
Roy Chester Coggins, 79, of Commerce, died Tuesday, November 18, 2008, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce, following an extended illness.
Born in Gwinnett County, he was the son of the late Hubert and Birdie Overby Coggins and was Baptist.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Roy Coggins Jr. and Linda Coggins, Commerce, Michael and Sherry Coggins, Cleveland; grandsons, John and David Coggins, Commerce; granddaughters, Destiny and Desiree Coggins, Cleveland; sister, Betty Boggs, Flowery Branch; brothers, Frank D. Coggins, Maysville, and Bob Coggins, Flowery Branch; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, November 20, in the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home. Burial was in Memorial Park South Cemetery.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Gwinnett County, he was the son of the late Hubert and Birdie Overby Coggins and was Baptist.
Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Roy Coggins Jr. and Linda Coggins, Commerce, Michael and Sherry Coggins, Cleveland; grandsons, John and David Coggins, Commerce; granddaughters, Destiny and Desiree Coggins, Cleveland; sister, Betty Boggs, Flowery Branch; brothers, Frank D. Coggins, Maysville, and Bob Coggins, Flowery Branch; and a host of other family and friends.
Funeral services were held Thursday, November 20, in the chapel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home. Burial was in Memorial Park South Cemetery.
Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, was in charge of arrangements.
‘Buck’ Rucker
Luther Frank “Buck” Rucker, 78, of Commerce, died Tuesday, November 11, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center following an extended illness.
Born on March 25, 1930, he was the son of the late James Taylor and Willie Lee Davis Rucker of Banks County. He received his education at Johntown School, which later became known as the Commerce School System. He received his high school diploma from Timber Ridge Industrial School in Gainesville and furthered his education by enlisting in the United States Army, serving two tours of duty in Korea.
He joined the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Commerce at an early age. He later joined the Hurricane Grove Baptist Church, where he served as an active deacon.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Sammy Sue Rucker, Commerce; children, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Rucker Sr. and Michelle Rucker, Monroe, Saverne Rucker Varnum, Jefferson; special daughter, Mary (Bobby) Burley, Commerce; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Evelyn Fields, Viola (Willie) Jackson and Hilda (Bobby) Worsham, all of Gainesville; aunts, Ruby Rucker and Geneva Rucker, both of Commerce; brothers-in-law, Lovett (Lucille) Law, William (Laverne) Law, and George (Rachel) Law; sister-in-law, Ardie Bell Law; special son, Marshall F. Varnum Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 15, at Hurricane Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Ivey White officiating.
Forestglen Mortuary, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
Born on March 25, 1930, he was the son of the late James Taylor and Willie Lee Davis Rucker of Banks County. He received his education at Johntown School, which later became known as the Commerce School System. He received his high school diploma from Timber Ridge Industrial School in Gainesville and furthered his education by enlisting in the United States Army, serving two tours of duty in Korea.
He joined the Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Commerce at an early age. He later joined the Hurricane Grove Baptist Church, where he served as an active deacon.
Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Sammy Sue Rucker, Commerce; children, Dr. Anthony “Tony” Rucker Sr. and Michelle Rucker, Monroe, Saverne Rucker Varnum, Jefferson; special daughter, Mary (Bobby) Burley, Commerce; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sisters, Evelyn Fields, Viola (Willie) Jackson and Hilda (Bobby) Worsham, all of Gainesville; aunts, Ruby Rucker and Geneva Rucker, both of Commerce; brothers-in-law, Lovett (Lucille) Law, William (Laverne) Law, and George (Rachel) Law; sister-in-law, Ardie Bell Law; special son, Marshall F. Varnum Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 15, at Hurricane Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Ivey White officiating.
Forestglen Mortuary, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements.
Lillie Lewallen
Lillie Faye Lewallen, 82, of Commerce, died Thursday, November 13, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Born in Stephens County, she was the daughter of the late Holman and Pearl Williams Ayers. She was self-employed, having retired from Lewallen’s Tot and Teen Shop, and was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Commerce.
Survivor include her husband of 66 years, Felton Lewallen, Commerce; daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Billy Parson, Cumming; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Paulette Lewallen, Commerce; grandsons, Eric Parson, Cumming, Paul Lewallen and Brad Lewallen, both of Commerce; great-grandchildren, Ahsley, Amber and Braison Lewallen, all of Commerce, Cayla and Cody Lewallen, Maysville, and Nikki Parson, Cumming; sisters, Ann Kennedy, Clarksville, Mary Ensley, Tucker, and Pat Lord, Upland, Calif.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 15, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Henry Webb officiating. Burial was in the Grey Hill Cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Born in Stephens County, she was the daughter of the late Holman and Pearl Williams Ayers. She was self-employed, having retired from Lewallen’s Tot and Teen Shop, and was a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Commerce.
Survivor include her husband of 66 years, Felton Lewallen, Commerce; daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Billy Parson, Cumming; son and daughter-in-law, Mike and Paulette Lewallen, Commerce; grandsons, Eric Parson, Cumming, Paul Lewallen and Brad Lewallen, both of Commerce; great-grandchildren, Ahsley, Amber and Braison Lewallen, all of Commerce, Cayla and Cody Lewallen, Maysville, and Nikki Parson, Cumming; sisters, Ann Kennedy, Clarksville, Mary Ensley, Tucker, and Pat Lord, Upland, Calif.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 15, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Henry Webb officiating. Burial was in the Grey Hill Cemetery.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
James Armstrong
James Ernest Armstrong, 53, of Royston, died Thursday, November 13, 2008.
Born in Miami, Fla., on August 19, 1955, he was the son of James Robert Armstrong of Royston and the late Nell Fraser Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was preceded in death by a sister, Marlene A. Armstrong.
Survivors in addition to his father, include a son, James Robert Willis, Homer; daughter, Patrice Luvann Armstrong, Royston; grandchildren, Christopher Robert Willis and Casey James Willis; brother, Joseph Lloyd Armstrong, Etowah, N.C.; sisters, Robbie Thibeault, Hendersonville, N.C., and Brenda Joyce Moore, Summerville.
The body was cremated and the family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Miami, Fla., on August 19, 1955, he was the son of James Robert Armstrong of Royston and the late Nell Fraser Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong was preceded in death by a sister, Marlene A. Armstrong.
Survivors in addition to his father, include a son, James Robert Willis, Homer; daughter, Patrice Luvann Armstrong, Royston; grandchildren, Christopher Robert Willis and Casey James Willis; brother, Joseph Lloyd Armstrong, Etowah, N.C.; sisters, Robbie Thibeault, Hendersonville, N.C., and Brenda Joyce Moore, Summerville.
The body was cremated and the family will hold a memorial service at a later date.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
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Expressions of sympathy
Fri, 21.11.2008 11:15
This was a nice and sweet aunt she will be missed by all.
Fri, 21.11.2008 00:52
Gene - I am sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce. You two were such a great example of wh [...]
Wed, 19.11.2008 10:54
Every Good Tree Joy, sing together of many generations Any man or woman that believeth No [...]
Tue, 18.11.2008 14:55
Sincere sympathy to Mrs. Rucker and Family. I just found out today (18th). I'll be in touch.