JEFFERSON - Marjorie Maughon Elrod, 88, died Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Born in Winder, was the daughter of the late, Samuel and Emaline Williams Maughon. She worked as a cloth inspector with a sewing plant, and was a member of the Bethany United Methodist Church. Mrs. Elrod was preceded in death by her husband, Cedric Elrod; brothers, H.S. “Jake” Maughon, Harlan “Rab” Maughon, Carl Maughon, and Jim Rainey Maughon; sisters, Jewel Clack, Evalene Brooks, and Burt Carter; grandsons, R. Stanley Hall and David P. Hall.

Survivors include a daughter, Brenda McGee, Maysville; sons, William C. “Pete” Elrod, Jr. (Dora), Gilbert, S.C., and Donald T. Elrod (Jan), Jefferson; six grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, March 13, from the Bethany United Methodist Church with the Revs. Johnny Ray and Mike McLemore officiating. Burial will in the Ebenezer United Methodist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jimbo Elrod, Randy Elrod, Lane Hall, Dalton Hall, Scott Phillips, and Mike Nabors. The family will receive friends on Friday, March 12, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Bethany United Methodist Church, 4659 Brockton Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

JEFFERSON - Aubrey Thomas Nolan, 13, died on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

The son of Jennifer Nolan and Ray Faircloth Jr., he was a student at Kings Bridge Middle School where he played trombone in the school band. He loved music and had the ability to play many instruments. Aubrey had an inventive mind; dreaming of one day being an engineer at NASA. He was preceded in death by great-grandparents, Colonel H.L. Nolan and Julia Nolan, and John Bahney.

Survivors in addition to his parents include grandparents, Phillip and Bonnie Nolan, Frank Faircloth, Sr., and Harry and Betty Jones; uncles, Chris and Tammy Nolan, and Aaron and Aimee Nolan; aunt, Rhonda and Larry Mainland; cousins, Brittany, April, and Lauren Nolan, Matthew Craig, Robert Brimer, and Jarod Mainland; great-grandmother, Evelyn Bahney; and many great-aunts, uncles, and cousins. A very special thanks to the Bahney family.

Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, March 16, from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Duval officiating. Burial will follow in Evans Memory Gardens, Jefferson. The family will receive friends on Monday, March 15, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

WINDER - Miriam Wallace, 84, died Thursday, March 11, 2010.

A lifelong resident of Barrow County, she was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Ruth Hardigree Lyle. A member of the Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, she was a retiree of Superior Garment Manufacturing Company. She was preceded in death by her husband, G.W. “Jink” Wallace.

Survivors include children, Linda and H. N. Pannell, Jr., Charleston, S.C., Barbara and Clifton Shedd, Tim and Kathy Wallace, all of Winder; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13, at 1:30 p.m., from the Bethlehem First United Methodist Church, with the Revs. Parker Benson and Dennis Dodge officiating. The remains will be placed in state at the church at 1:00 p.m. Burial was in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday, March 12, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers are welcomed or memorials may be made to the Bethlehem First United Methodist Church Building Fund, 709 Christmas Ave., Bethlehem, GA 30620 or Southern Hospice Care, 5095 Jefferson Rd., Suite 110, Athens, GA 30607.

Carter Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

LULA – Thomas C. Giles III, formerly of Oakridge, Tenn., died Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

He was a graduate of the Georgia Tech Class of 1973 and a tireless, dedicated engineer traveling around the world. He loved doing anything outdoors from hunting and fishing with his sons to gardening on the family farm. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and a “Hell of An Engineer,” his family stated.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Glenda J. Giles; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffrey Thomas Giles, Lula, Bradley Allen and Stephanie Giles, Holiday, Fla., Joshua McRhea and Blair Giles, Atlanta; grandchildren, Mason and Davis Giles; brothers, John Giles, James Giles, Sam Giles; sisters, Linda Knauer, Ginger Ross, Sharon Disse, Cindy McCandles; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held in the chapel of Briarlake Baptist Church Saturday, March 13, at 1 p.m. with Russell Garner officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday, March 12, from 6 to 8 p.m.

For those who prefer, donations may be made to the Wilderness Scouts of America, Inc., 1275 Chatam Dr., P.O. Box 807, Blairsville, GA 30514.

A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, Decatur, is in charge of arrangements.

JEFFERSON – Minnie Beatrice “Bea” Kelley Baird, 101, died Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Born on August 13, 1908, in Greene County, Tenn., she grew up in Chucky and Greenville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ancil R. Baird Sr.; parents, Homer Albert Kelley and Leila Ellen Frazier; brothers, John Earl Kelley, Aubrey Kelley; and a sister, Mary Katherine Hamblin.

Survivors include children, Richard Kelley Baird, Ann Beatrice Baird and Ancil Roscoe Baird Jr.; grandchildren, Cynthia Marie Horsley, Richard Kelley Baird Jr., John Baird and Andrew Tice Baird; and great-grandchildren, Allison Marie Horsley, Michelle Elizabeth Horsley, Rebecca Ann Horsley, Rollins MacMillan Baird, Reagan Grace Baird, Ian Nicholas Baird and Sienna Victoria Baird.

She lived in Knoxville, Tenn., from 1938 until 2003, when she moved to Georgia to be closer to family.

She was a loving homemaker, caring mother, and a faithful Christian member of First Baptist Church Knoxville. She was skilled in handwork (quilting, sewing, crocheting, knitting), which she continued to enjoy until the last month of her life. She delighted in giving her handiwork to family, relatives, friends and the staff of her assisted living center in Jefferson.

The family would like to extend a special heart-filled thanks to the staff and nurses at the Bentley Assisted Living Center in Jefferson who through their kindness, friendship, and caring attention made the last years of her life enjoyable and full of the laughs and smiles she so enjoyed throughout her long life.

Local funeral arrangements are being handled by Ivie Funeral Home of Commerce. Graveside services will be held Friday, March 12, at 1 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Knoxville, Tenn. Those wishing to make a memorial remembrance gift may do so by contributing to the General Fund of First Baptist Church Knoxville, Tenn., or to the building fund of First Baptist Church of Commerce. A memorial/remembrance service was held at Bentley Assisted Living at Northminister in Jefferson, Georgia, on Wednesday, March 17. All friends of “Bea” were welcomed to attend.

WINDER – Mary Lee Buchanan, 89, died Wednesday, March 10, 2010.

Born in Auburn, she was the daughter of the late Lee Roy and Ruby L. Sharpton Herndon. She was a member of the Pentecost Methodist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Buchanan was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Buchanan; and a daughter, Carol Smith.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Beth Buchanan, Bethlehem; daughter, Gail Buchanan, Winder; grandchildren, Alicia Henderson, Lance Buchanan, Christopher Smith; great-grandchildren, Daniel Henderson and Brianna Henderson.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 12, at 11 a.m. from Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Kerry Walker officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Christian Church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, March 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice, 1660 Jennings Mill Rd., Bogart, GA 30622.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements.

COMMERCE – Gladys Louise McCain, 88, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at her residence.

She was born in Mayo, Fla., on March 2, 1922.

Survivors include daughters, Glenda Hunt, Darthy Buckhalter and Zyra Hetherman; grandchildren, Richard, Eileen, Johnny Ann, Wendy, Brian and Billy; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Private memorial services will be held by the family.

Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

COMMERCE – Bonnie Mae Carpenter Powell, 90, died Wednesday, Marc 10, 2010, at her residence.

Born in Habersham County, she was the daughter of the late William Stanhope and Lillie Mae Turpin Carpenter. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Commerce and the Harmony Grove Garden Club. She was a retired elementary school teacher with the Commerce City School System. Mrs. Powell was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Edward Powell.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Melinda Powell, Macon; sisters, Florence Carter, Newport News Va., and Ethel Lovett, Rome; and grandchildren, Katie, Clare and Trey Powell, all of Macon.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m., from the First Baptist Church of Commerce with the Rev. Chuck Smith and Carlton Allen officiating. Burial will be in Jackson Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday, March 13, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Hospice Advantage of Athens or the First Baptist Church of Commerce.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

WINDER – Betty Jean Blanton, 62, formerly of Atlanta, died Monday, March 8, 2010.

She was born in Fulton County, the daughter of the late William B. and Lucille N. Blanton. She was a member of Atlanta First Baptist Church. Mrs. Blanton was preceded in death by a special aunt, Pauline Blanton Holden.

Survivors include a paternal aunt and uncle, Betty and Reyno Petree, Winder; and many cousins.
Graveside services were held Thursday, March 11, from the Blanton family cemetery in Talbot County with the Rev. Dan Brown officiating.

Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.

NICHOLSON – Richard Kim Wilbanks, 52, died Tuesday, March 9, 2010, at his residence.

Born in Jackson County, he was the son of David Gordon and Ann Mauldin Wilbanks of Nicholson. He was a United States Navy Veteran and was employed at Southeastern.

Survivors in addition to his parents include his fiancée , Kathy Casper, Nicholson; stepsons, Travis Ingram, Athens, and Steve Atkins, Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Karen Moody, Athens; grandchildren, Jacob and Bridget Bogel.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11, from the River of Life Worship Center with the Revs. Dennis Kesler and Bobby Ivester officiating. Burial will be in Howington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday, March 10, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

DANIELSVILLE – Grace Louise Allen died Saturday, March 6, 2010, following an extended illness.

Born in Athens, she was the daughter of the late James Billups and Hattie Lou Fitzpatrick Smith. She attended Faith Pentacostal Holiness Church. Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by her husband, Carlton Allen.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Ronnie Steed, Danielsville; grandchildren, Jonathan Steed, Ronnie Steed, and Lindsey Steed, all of Danielsville; sisters, Lorine Privette, Comer, Mary Jean Bray, Colbert, Annie Laura (Allen) Scott, Carlton; a brother, Edwin (Francis) Smith, Carlton; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 8, from the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Billy Fowler officiating. Burial was at Fitzpatrick Smith Cemetery. Pallbearers were Ronnie Steed, Jonathan Steed, Steven Dudley, Michael Bishop, Talmadge Stamey and Royce Bray.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, was in charge of arrangements.

COLBERT – Dorothy M. Colquitt, 82, died Friday, March 5, 2010, following an extended illness.

A native of Clarke County, she was the daughter of the late Harry Gordon and Arnettie Bradley Melton. She was a homemaker and a member of the Hull Baptist Church. Mrs. Colquitt was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Colquitt; the father of children, Harold D. Huth Sr.; and a brother, Robert G. Melton.

Survivors include children, Howard Dennis Huth Jr., Hull, David Phillip Huth, Statham, James William Huth, Colbert, Brenda Jean Whitley, Nicholson, Gail Elizabeth Wyatt and Jerry Pamela Everett, both of Colbert, and Sara Patricia Bolden, Snellville; brothers, Billy Melton, Hull, and Richard Melton, Elberton; sisters, Daisy Bagwell, Winterville, Bonnie LaCount, Bessemer City, N.C., and Joyce Bonner, Colbert; 21 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 8, in the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home with the Rev. Randy Crowe officiating. Burial was in Athens Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were Brad Bates, Christopher Little, Sean Wyatt, Donnie Huth, Lee Huth and Bryan Huth.

Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements.

JEFFERSON – Roy Douglas Waters Jr., “Tink”, 44, died Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Athens Regional Medical Center.

He was the son of the late Roy Douglas Waters Sr. and Sybil Beek Waters.

Survivors include brothers, Jerry Wade Waters, Danielsville, Jimmy Edward Waters, Arnoldsville; sister, Sonya Waters Farmer, Jefferson; nephews, Wayne Farmer, D.J. Waters and Randy Waters; nieces, Chelsey Farmer, Ashleigh Waters, Summer Waters and Madison Waters.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 4 p.m., at Nicholson Baptist Church with Pastor Terry Smith officiating.

Aubrey O. “Uncle Bru” Winters, 79, died Sunday, February 21, 2010.

He was born on October 10, 1931, in Franklin County, the son of the late Robert L. and Talcie H. Winters. He came from a large family of 14 siblings, of which ten preceded him in death. He joined Kings Branch Baptist Church at an early age.
Mr. Winters was a faithful employee of BJC Medical Center for over 30 years. He had a God-given gift for singing gospel music. His favorite gospel group of all was his family group, “The Rising Stars,” among many others.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Elizabeth P. Winters; children, John A. Winters, Lizzie D. Winters, Marylin Winters, Ted V. Winters and Connie F. Winters, all of Commerce, Dennis D. Winters, Arcade, Jerry L. Winters, Atlanta, Kenny Scott, Carnesville; siblings, Franklin D. Winters (Emily), Ila, Kathleen Brown, Lavonia, Alice Faye Winters and Geraldine Winters, both of Athens; nine grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren, Nekita and Zedrick Beasley; close family friends, Perry Wiley and Jackie Richie; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and other friends.

COMMERCE – Hilda Adams Baxter, 80, died Monday, March 8, 2010, at her residence.

Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Alcy and Cleo Pittman Adams. She was a homemaker and a member of Erastus Christian Church.

Survivors include her husband, Elrige “Duck” Baxter, Commerce; son, Ted Baxter, Commerce; daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Doug Bridges, and Debbie and Mike Morris, all of Commerce; brother, Jerry Adams, Commerce; sisters, Peggy Booth, Nicholson, and Jo Avant, Commerce; eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 2 p.m., from the Erastus Christian Church with Mr. Jim Jacobs and Mr. Steven Parker officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, March 9, from 6-8 p.m.

Flowers are optional and donations may be made to Erastus Christian Church, 2050 Neese Commerce Rd., Commerce, GA 30530 or Freedom from Bondage Women’s Recovery House, P.O. Box 80744, Athens, GA 30608.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.

HULL – Thomas Nathan Gibson, 25, died Sunday, March 7, 2010.

A native of Clarke County, he was the son of Thomas Jordan and the late Gloria Jordan. He was a graduate of Cedar Shoals High School and was employed at Hill’s Fabrication.

Survivors in addition to his father include his fiancé, Ashley Tumlin; daughter, Jorgia Nacole Gibson; brothers, Steve Turner and Jeffery Jordan; sister, Melanie Pritchett; uncles, Benny and Robert Kitchens; great-uncle and aunt, Danny and Kathy Anthony; nephew, Jordan Pritchett; niece, Betty Pritchett; best friend, Josh Barnett; and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 13, at 2 p.m., at the funeral home with the Rev. Jerome Hill officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.

JEFFERSON – Elizabeth Jane Smith, 73, died Saturday, March 6, 2010.

Born in Birmingham, Ala., she was a homemaker and the daughter of the late John P. and Leila Mae Bomar Pointer.

Survivors include her husband of 31 years, Elvie Smith Jr., Jefferson; son and daughter-in-law, James A. (Jimmy) and Jennifer Eubanks, Tucker; daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy Wilkins, Sandra and Steven Caldwell, Sherrill and Rhett Godfrey, all of Jefferson; 11 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date. The family request that memorials be made to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice, 2150 Limestone Pkwy., Gainesville, GA 30501.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.

DANIELSVILLE – Sara Sue Fortson Adams of the Brown Memorial Convalescent Center died Monday, March 8, 2010.
Born on November 20, 1931, in Madison County, she was the daughter of the late King David and Birdie Mae Carithers Fortson. She was the 11th of 15 children. She was a homemaker and worked in several area sewing plants. She had an inhome daycare for many years and was retired from General Times in 1989 due to failing eyesight. She always lived within 20 miles from where she was born and raised.

Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Herman Adams. She was the caregiver for four years prior to his death. She then decided to sell the family home to Evangelical Church so they could build a Family Life Center. She was a resident of the Gables in Royston, where she had numerous friends and adventures. In late 2006, she broke a second hip due to her lack of sight and frailty and became a resident of Brown Memorial Convalescent Center. She had her hair and nails done every week and loved Bingo. She had friends and enjoyed friend and family visits. She enjoyed good physical health most of her life.

Survivors include children, Lee Douglas Adams, Herman Daniel Adams and Ophelia Adams Hart; a brother, King Fortson Jr.; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by 13 brothers and sisters, James, Alson, Bethune, Early, Thelma, Sally, Emma Ruth, Mildred, Mary, Edna, Linda, Carolyn and Janice.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 10, at 2 p.m., from the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Peek officiating. Burial will be in the Community Baptist Church Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The body is at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 9. The family is at their respective homes.

Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, is in charge of arrangements.

CARLTON – John Loy Moon, 88, died Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

He was the son of the late Onnie Loy and Mamie Moon. He was a deacon and choir member of the Carlton Baptist Church for many years and is a member of Colbert Baptist Church. He retired from S.S. Kresge Company after 25 years of service.

Mr. Moon was a veteran of World War II with active service at the Battle of Attu Island, where he was wounded May 28, 1943. For this he received a Purple Heart.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Dorothy L. Moon; a son John Larry Moon and wife Linda Moon and their sons, Charlie Moon and Chad Moon; son, O. Lee Moon and wife Debbie Moon and their daughters, Lori Moon and Erin Moon.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 6, at 11 a.m., from the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with Chaplain Maitland LaForce officiating. Burial will be in Old Fork Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Purple Heart Unit and VFW members.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 10 a.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to your favorite charity.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.

JEFFERSON – George Thomas “Tommy” Samples, 74, died Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

Born in Habersham County, he was a poultry farmer and the owner of Samples Plumbing and Electrical. He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Samples; and his mother and stepfather, Myrtle Edmondson Marsingill and Frank Marsingill.

Survivors include his wife, Tommie Garrison Samples, Jefferson; daughters, Malinda Cain and Wilani Ortez, both of Jefferson, Terri Seagraves, Pendergrass, Cathy Wolfe, Cherokee, N.C.; sons, James Samples, Mike Samples and Billy Samples, all of Jefferson; a special nephew, Frankie Samples; special friend, Jimmy Voyles; 17 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 5, at 11 a.m. from the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Hardy officiating. Burial will be at Jackson Memorial Park cemetery in Commerce. Serving as pallbearers will be Jimmy Voyles, Chad Samples, Keith Seagraves, Jason Elrod, Chris Bowles and Mike Johnson. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, March 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, is in charge of arrangements.