DANIELSVILLE – Betty Ruth Wallace Fortson, 79, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2012, at the Cobb Health Care Center in Comer.
Born in Fulton County on April 12, 1933, she was the daughter of the late James Cooper and Ester Lee Milligan Wallace. She was a seamstress with Ila Sportswear and attended the New Hope Worship Center in Danielsville. Mrs. Fortson was preceded in death by her husband, John Lace Fortson.
Survivors include her children, Mike Fortson, Danielsville, Bobby Fortson, Commerce, Cheryl Brock, Lula and Linda Patrick, Danielsville; 13 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; and brother, James Marvin Wallace, Sugar Hill.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, at the New Hope Worship Center with the Revs. Mike Spence and Glenn Guest officiating. Burial will follow in the Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery.
The body is at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m., Monday, May 14. The body will be placed in the church at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. The family is at the home.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
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Marvin Bridges (5-13-12)
DANIELSVILLE – Marvin David Bridges, 89, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens.
Born in Madison County on September 15, 1922, he was the son of the late Nim H. and Kate Meadow Bridges. He was a retired shop foreman with Oliver Rubber Company and was also retired from Madison County Hardware. He was a member of the John H. Jones Masonic Lodge, a member of the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church and was a United States Navy Veteran having served during World War II. Mr. Bridges was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Bailey; brothers, Garland, Charlie and Donald Bridges; and sister, Grace Spearman.
Survivors include his wife, Ouida Dean Bridges, Danielsville; children, Connie Bridges-Morris, Athens, David (Judy) Bridges, Bowman, Doug (Kay) Bridges, Commerce; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Calvin Bridges, Comer.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, at the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church in Danielsville with Tom Elliot and Rev. Steven Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The body is at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, and the body will be placed in the church at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The family is at the home of Doug Bridges, 2555 Neese-Commerce Road, Commerce, GA 30530.
Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Hospice House, 1660 Jennings Mill Road, Bogart, GA 30622.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Madison County on September 15, 1922, he was the son of the late Nim H. and Kate Meadow Bridges. He was a retired shop foreman with Oliver Rubber Company and was also retired from Madison County Hardware. He was a member of the John H. Jones Masonic Lodge, a member of the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church and was a United States Navy Veteran having served during World War II. Mr. Bridges was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail Bailey; brothers, Garland, Charlie and Donald Bridges; and sister, Grace Spearman.
Survivors include his wife, Ouida Dean Bridges, Danielsville; children, Connie Bridges-Morris, Athens, David (Judy) Bridges, Bowman, Doug (Kay) Bridges, Commerce; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; and brother, Calvin Bridges, Comer.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 16, at the Jones Chapel United Methodist Church in Danielsville with Tom Elliot and Rev. Steven Parker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The body is at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 15, and the body will be placed in the church at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday. The family is at the home of Doug Bridges, 2555 Neese-Commerce Road, Commerce, GA 30530.
Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to the St. Mary’s Hospice House, 1660 Jennings Mill Road, Bogart, GA 30622.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.
Leita Nix
Leita Virginia Nix, daughter of William and Alma Nix, passed away.
She is survived by Lydia Allen, Gainesville, and a number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home on Monday, May 14. The Rev. Henry Webb will officate the service and she will be laid to rest at Woodbine Cemetery in Jefferson.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She is survived by Lydia Allen, Gainesville, and a number of nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home on Monday, May 14. The Rev. Henry Webb will officate the service and she will be laid to rest at Woodbine Cemetery in Jefferson.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Gregory Ledford (4-16-12)
ILA - Gregory Harold Ledford, 49, died Monday, April 16, 2012 at his residence.
He was born in Jackson County, the son of Bobby and Willie V. LeCroy Ledford of Commerce. He attended Little Country Church. Mr. Ledford was a Boy Scout leader for 17 years and his boys were his life. He was also involved in the Clarke County Challenger League for special needs kids for 20 years and served as coach for the past 10 years. He was employed at Roper Pump Company.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Mary Jane Duncan Ledford, Ila; son, Gregory Ryan Ledford, Ila; brother, Marty Ledford, Commerce; and several beloved pets, including cats Buckwheat, Punkin and Dippy, and dogs Biz and Daisy.
“Greg loved life and everyone he met, and he never met a stranger,” his wife said.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 18, at Little Country Church with the Revs. Wes Bond and Swayne Cochran officiating. Interment was in Jackson Memorial Gardens. Eagle Scouts served as pallbearers and Boy Scouts served as honorary pallbearers.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Jackson County, the son of Bobby and Willie V. LeCroy Ledford of Commerce. He attended Little Country Church. Mr. Ledford was a Boy Scout leader for 17 years and his boys were his life. He was also involved in the Clarke County Challenger League for special needs kids for 20 years and served as coach for the past 10 years. He was employed at Roper Pump Company.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Mary Jane Duncan Ledford, Ila; son, Gregory Ryan Ledford, Ila; brother, Marty Ledford, Commerce; and several beloved pets, including cats Buckwheat, Punkin and Dippy, and dogs Biz and Daisy.
“Greg loved life and everyone he met, and he never met a stranger,” his wife said.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 18, at Little Country Church with the Revs. Wes Bond and Swayne Cochran officiating. Interment was in Jackson Memorial Gardens. Eagle Scouts served as pallbearers and Boy Scouts served as honorary pallbearers.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements.
Barbara Fitzpatrick (4-8-12)
HEPHZIBAH – Barbara C. Fitzpatrick, 65, died Sunday, April 8, 2012, at the University Hospital in Augusta.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of Robert E. Chasteen and the late Grethel Elrod Chasteen. She moved to Hephzibah in 1999. She worked for Shepard Blood Center as a recruiter for donors. Before moving to the area, she worked for the Madison County School System. Barbara enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, working with children, and singing gospel songs. She was a member of Providence Baptist Church.
Survivors in addition to her father include her fiancée, Wayne Totten; daughter, Kim Fitzpatrick, Commerce; sons, Bob (Tammy) Fitzpatrick, Danielsville, Troy (Anna) Totten, Grovetown; a sister, Brenda Chasteen, Augusta; grandchildren, Cassandra Carey, Gretta Carey, Trey Carey, Andrew Fitzpatrick; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. from the Providence Baptist Church in Danielsville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Lumpkin Road Chapel in Augusta, Thursday, April 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. and at Ivie Funeral Home in Commerce, Friday, April 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home along with Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Lumpkin Road, Augusta, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of Robert E. Chasteen and the late Grethel Elrod Chasteen. She moved to Hephzibah in 1999. She worked for Shepard Blood Center as a recruiter for donors. Before moving to the area, she worked for the Madison County School System. Barbara enjoyed cooking, reading, gardening, working with children, and singing gospel songs. She was a member of Providence Baptist Church.
Survivors in addition to her father include her fiancée, Wayne Totten; daughter, Kim Fitzpatrick, Commerce; sons, Bob (Tammy) Fitzpatrick, Danielsville, Troy (Anna) Totten, Grovetown; a sister, Brenda Chasteen, Augusta; grandchildren, Cassandra Carey, Gretta Carey, Trey Carey, Andrew Fitzpatrick; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. from the Providence Baptist Church in Danielsville. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Lumpkin Road Chapel in Augusta, Thursday, April 12, from 7 to 9 p.m. and at Ivie Funeral Home in Commerce, Friday, April 13, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home along with Elliott Sons Funeral Home, Lumpkin Road, Augusta, is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Wilson (3-31-12)
Thomas Kelley Wilson, 98, passed peacefully from this world to his heavenly home on March 31, 2012, at St. Mary's Hospice House in Athens.
Born January 1, 1914 on the family farm in Banks County, he was an active member of Webbs Creek Baptist Church for 89 years, where he served as a deacon and in other positions of leadership. He also was a faithful member of the Gideon Ministry.
Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Eva Faulkner Wilson; her two sons, Bill Faulkner and Jerry Faulkner and their wives and children; nephew Clarence Lomas; six great-nephews and nieces, Tom Jones, Mary Pat Beckum, Linda Couey, Stephen Lomas, Susan Holcombe, and Sandy Lomas; eleven great-great nephews and nieces. He also leaves behind a beloved and faithful caregiver, Andrew Wiley.
Mr. Wilson was predeceased by his parents, Michael John Wilson and Pearl Kelley Wilson; his first wife, Guynelle Green Wilson; sisters, Laura Wilson DuPree, Cortez Wilson Lomas, and Rosalee Wilson Jones; and nephews, Jackson Jones and John Jones.
He graduated from Banks County High School in 1930, attended North Georgia Military College for three years, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1934 with a BS in agriculture. He then began his career with the USDA in the AAA program started by President Roosevelt. In 1941 he was called to active duty with the United States Army as a transportation and supply officer and then fought with the 7th Army in France and Germany until the end of World War II, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1963. He returned home and worked with the USDA Farm Home Administration until his retirement in 1972.
Mr. Wilson served his community well for many years in numerous capacities. Organizations he served, many of which he presided over or chaired, include Banks County Commissioners, American Legion Post 215, Banks County Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Festival, AARP, Washington Lions Club, Georgia Mountain Development Authority, North Georgia Health System Agency, Bank of Banks Board of Directors, Hudson River Watershed Association, Banks County Development Authority, Banks County Sunday School Celebration, Community Brotherhood, Jackson EMC Board of Directors for 26 years, Masons and Shriners, Banks County Historical Society, Banks County Cattlemen's Association, and Meals on Wheels since its inception.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, April 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The celebration of life service will be on Tuesday, April 3, at Webbs Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Robert Beckum, Bob Hill and Wade Lott officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Gideons International at P.O. Box 225, Commerce, GA 30529, or to Webbs Creek Baptist Church at 647 Webbs Creek Rd., Commerce, GA 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born January 1, 1914 on the family farm in Banks County, he was an active member of Webbs Creek Baptist Church for 89 years, where he served as a deacon and in other positions of leadership. He also was a faithful member of the Gideon Ministry.
Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Eva Faulkner Wilson; her two sons, Bill Faulkner and Jerry Faulkner and their wives and children; nephew Clarence Lomas; six great-nephews and nieces, Tom Jones, Mary Pat Beckum, Linda Couey, Stephen Lomas, Susan Holcombe, and Sandy Lomas; eleven great-great nephews and nieces. He also leaves behind a beloved and faithful caregiver, Andrew Wiley.
Mr. Wilson was predeceased by his parents, Michael John Wilson and Pearl Kelley Wilson; his first wife, Guynelle Green Wilson; sisters, Laura Wilson DuPree, Cortez Wilson Lomas, and Rosalee Wilson Jones; and nephews, Jackson Jones and John Jones.
He graduated from Banks County High School in 1930, attended North Georgia Military College for three years, and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1934 with a BS in agriculture. He then began his career with the USDA in the AAA program started by President Roosevelt. In 1941 he was called to active duty with the United States Army as a transportation and supply officer and then fought with the 7th Army in France and Germany until the end of World War II, eventually retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1963. He returned home and worked with the USDA Farm Home Administration until his retirement in 1972.
Mr. Wilson served his community well for many years in numerous capacities. Organizations he served, many of which he presided over or chaired, include Banks County Commissioners, American Legion Post 215, Banks County Chamber of Commerce, Holiday Festival, AARP, Washington Lions Club, Georgia Mountain Development Authority, North Georgia Health System Agency, Bank of Banks Board of Directors, Hudson River Watershed Association, Banks County Development Authority, Banks County Sunday School Celebration, Community Brotherhood, Jackson EMC Board of Directors for 26 years, Masons and Shriners, Banks County Historical Society, Banks County Cattlemen's Association, and Meals on Wheels since its inception.
The family will receive visitors on Monday, April 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. The celebration of life service will be on Tuesday, April 3, at Webbs Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Robert Beckum, Bob Hill and Wade Lott officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Gideons International at P.O. Box 225, Commerce, GA 30529, or to Webbs Creek Baptist Church at 647 Webbs Creek Rd., Commerce, GA 30529.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Emma Baughcum (3-22-12)
BETHLEHEM – Emma Jade Baughcum, 3 months, died Thursday, March 22, 2012.
Born in Clarke County, she was the daughter of Keith and Kelley Savage Baughcum of Bethlehem.
Survivors in addition to her parents include grandparents, Patricia Savage, Maysville, Morris Ricky Savage, Arcade, Tammy Metcalf Jones, Bethlehem, Scott Wilson, Bethlehem, and Darrell Keith Baughcum Sr., Winder; great-grandparents, Shirley Baughcum, Columbus, Richard Baughcum, Winder, Linda Lee, Commerce, Ellene Savage, Maysville, and Jeff and Wanda Wilson, Winder.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 26, at 1 p.m. from Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Mike Peavy officiating. Burial will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Clarke County, she was the daughter of Keith and Kelley Savage Baughcum of Bethlehem.
Survivors in addition to her parents include grandparents, Patricia Savage, Maysville, Morris Ricky Savage, Arcade, Tammy Metcalf Jones, Bethlehem, Scott Wilson, Bethlehem, and Darrell Keith Baughcum Sr., Winder; great-grandparents, Shirley Baughcum, Columbus, Richard Baughcum, Winder, Linda Lee, Commerce, Ellene Savage, Maysville, and Jeff and Wanda Wilson, Winder.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 26, at 1 p.m. from Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Mike Peavy officiating. Burial will be in Barrow Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.
Jo Beth Lawson (3-25-12)
CORNELIA - Jo Beth Graham Lawson, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 25, 2012, at Habersham Medical Center.
Born in Danielsville on July 10, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Annie Lou Stribling Graham Irvin and the late Joseph Benjamin Graham. Mrs. Lawson attended Davis Academy and graduated from Commerce High School. After graduating high school she attended Mercer University. She was a member of the Cornelia United Methodist Church. Her brother, John Franklin Irvin, preceded Mrs. Lawson in death.
Even though Jo Beth experienced health issues most of her adult life, she enjoyed many special relationships and was surrounded by loving friends and family. She enjoyed taking care of her family, flowers, baking bread and building homes with her husband, Wade.
Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Thomas Wade Lawson, Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Annaclair and Jim Kiger, Columbia, S.C.; sister, Billie Graham Herrin, Cornelia; special friend, Heather Burke Cody, Cornelia; and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Cornelia United Methodist Church with Jay Hughes officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 26, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter, 1850 Lake Park Drive, Suite 101, Smyrna, GA 30080, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3715 Northside Pkwy., Bldg. 400 Northcreek, Ste. 300, Atlanta, GA 30327 or to the Cornelia United Methodist Church, 275 Wyly St., Cornelia, GA 30531.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who have taken care of Mrs. Lawson.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Danielsville on July 10, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Annie Lou Stribling Graham Irvin and the late Joseph Benjamin Graham. Mrs. Lawson attended Davis Academy and graduated from Commerce High School. After graduating high school she attended Mercer University. She was a member of the Cornelia United Methodist Church. Her brother, John Franklin Irvin, preceded Mrs. Lawson in death.
Even though Jo Beth experienced health issues most of her adult life, she enjoyed many special relationships and was surrounded by loving friends and family. She enjoyed taking care of her family, flowers, baking bread and building homes with her husband, Wade.
Survivors include her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Thomas Wade Lawson, Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Annaclair and Jim Kiger, Columbia, S.C.; sister, Billie Graham Herrin, Cornelia; special friend, Heather Burke Cody, Cornelia; and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 27, at the Cornelia United Methodist Church with Jay Hughes officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, March 26, at the funeral home.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, Georgia Chapter, 1850 Lake Park Drive, Suite 101, Smyrna, GA 30080, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 3715 Northside Pkwy., Bldg. 400 Northcreek, Ste. 300, Atlanta, GA 30327 or to the Cornelia United Methodist Church, 275 Wyly St., Cornelia, GA 30531.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the many doctors, nurses and caregivers who have taken care of Mrs. Lawson.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.
R.T. Hardy (3-19-12)
COLBERT – R.T. Hardy, 74, died early Monday morning, March 19, 2012, at the Ty Cobb Healthcare Center in Comer.
Born in Banks County, he was the son of the late Ralph and Willie Mae Evans Hardy. Mr. Hardy was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Frank Hardy. He was a veteran of the United States Army.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Bates Hardy, Colbert; children, Tammy Everett, Tennessee, Russell Hardy, Alabama, and James Hardy, Texas; siblings, Betty Turner, Athens, Mary Drake, Ila, and Aaron Hardy, Banks County; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 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 Wednesday, March 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Born in Banks County, he was the son of the late Ralph and Willie Mae Evans Hardy. Mr. Hardy was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Frank Hardy. He was a veteran of the United States Army.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly Bates Hardy, Colbert; children, Tammy Everett, Tennessee, Russell Hardy, Alabama, and James Hardy, Texas; siblings, Betty Turner, Athens, Mary Drake, Ila, and Aaron Hardy, Banks County; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, March 22, 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 Wednesday, March 21, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Thomas Varner (3-18-12)
MADISON, GA - Thomas ONeal Varner, 61, died Sunday, March 18, 2012 at his residence.
He was born in Homer, the son of the late Felton and Etta Mae Ervin Varner. Mr. Varner was a carpenter.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean McCulloch Varner, Winder; daughter, Melissa Cox, Commerce; son, Johnny Ivey, Winder; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 20, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Eddie Gordon officiating. Burial will follow at Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
He was born in Homer, the son of the late Felton and Etta Mae Ervin Varner. Mr. Varner was a carpenter.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean McCulloch Varner, Winder; daughter, Melissa Cox, Commerce; son, Johnny Ivey, Winder; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral service will be Tuesday, March 20, at 2 p.m. from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Eddie Gordon officiating. Burial will follow at Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Expressions of sympathy