DANIELSVILLE - Charles Brown Mathis, 80, died Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at Gentiva Hospice IPU.
Mr. Mathis was born in Commerce, the son of the late Joe Brown and Lorene Smith Mathis. He was a member of Redeemed Baptist Church, a United States Army Veteran, and a Mason. Mr. Mathis was a retired butcher. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jean Benton Mathis; and a sister, Hilda Anglin.
Survivors include sons, Mike Mathis and Ricky Mathis, both of Commerce; brother, James Mathis, Commerce; sister, Elizabeth Duncan, Commerce; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Phil Parks officiating. Interment will follow in Blacks Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, March 3, from 6 to 8 pm.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Updated: Charles Mathis (03-03-15)
Nelson A. Cowart (03-02-15)
WINTERVILLE - Nelson Albert Cowart, 58, passed away Monday, March 2, 2015.
A native of Madison County, Mr. Cowart was the son of the late J.C. and Essie Ruth Whitehead Cowart. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Cowart; and sister, Robin Burroughs. Mr. Cowart was a retired truck driver with Athens Seed Company.
Survivors include his wife, Patty Miller Whitehead Cowart, Winterville; son, Billy (Staci) Anglin, Hull; daughter, Pam (Ralph Willoughby) Booth, Hull; sister, Susan (Asa) Huff, Hull; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Ivie Funeral Home, Danielsville, with the Rev. Clay Huff officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens. The family is at the residence and will receive friends Tuesday, March 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
Ivie Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
A native of Madison County, Mr. Cowart was the son of the late J.C. and Essie Ruth Whitehead Cowart. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Cowart; and sister, Robin Burroughs. Mr. Cowart was a retired truck driver with Athens Seed Company.
Survivors include his wife, Patty Miller Whitehead Cowart, Winterville; son, Billy (Staci) Anglin, Hull; daughter, Pam (Ralph Willoughby) Booth, Hull; sister, Susan (Asa) Huff, Hull; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at Ivie Funeral Home, Danielsville, with the Rev. Clay Huff officiating. Burial will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park in Athens. The family is at the residence and will receive friends Tuesday, March 3, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.
Ivie Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
Updated: D. W. “Shorty” Elrod (03-01-15)
STATHAM - D.W. “Shorty” Elrod, 66, died Sunday, March 1, 2015.
A native of Commerce, he was the son of the late Viola Parker and Dorsey Weldon Elrod and was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Elrod.
In 1972, Shorty joined the automobile sales industry with Ivy Coile Motors and continued his sales career with Barrett Dodge and was presently employed with Landmark/Athens Dodge. Over the years, he became known for his advertising slogans and was best known for his “Boom, Boom, Boom” advertising campaign.
Shorty will be remembered as a self-motivated, strong-willed, courageous man whose family came first.
Survivors include his wife, Pamela Elrod; daughter, Tiffany Elice Elrod (fiancé, Nicholas Allen Wegel), Statham; sister, Mary Jean Elrod Strickland, Commerce; brother, Danny L. Elrod, Jefferson; and many other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be Thursday, March 5, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Lord and Stephens, WEST, with Pastor Tim Hammond officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 4, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, which Shorty supported for many years.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
A native of Commerce, he was the son of the late Viola Parker and Dorsey Weldon Elrod and was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Elrod.
In 1972, Shorty joined the automobile sales industry with Ivy Coile Motors and continued his sales career with Barrett Dodge and was presently employed with Landmark/Athens Dodge. Over the years, he became known for his advertising slogans and was best known for his “Boom, Boom, Boom” advertising campaign.
Shorty will be remembered as a self-motivated, strong-willed, courageous man whose family came first.
Survivors include his wife, Pamela Elrod; daughter, Tiffany Elice Elrod (fiancé, Nicholas Allen Wegel), Statham; sister, Mary Jean Elrod Strickland, Commerce; brother, Danny L. Elrod, Jefferson; and many other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be Thursday, March 5, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Lord and Stephens, WEST, with Pastor Tim Hammond officiating. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 4, from 4 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, which Shorty supported for many years.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
Willie Marion Cooner (02-02-15)
COMER - Marion Cooner, 87, died March 2, 2015.
Born in Graham, Ga., Marion lived in Jacksonville until 1984. He was a member of Vineyard Creek Baptist Church and served in the Marines during World War II. He will be remembered as a loving dad and papa. Mr. Cooner was preceded in death by siblings, Jonnie Cooner and Eloise Newcomer; and grandchildren, Kimberly Cooner and Bonny Cooner.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Kathleen; children, Suzzette Stratton, Troy Bruce Cooner (Cathy), Roland M. Cooner (Annie), Lynette Bell (Bob), Pamela McComas (Ronnie), and Scott Cooner (Lisa); sisters, Hazel Mobley and Bobbie Beck; brother, James Cooner; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at Vineyard Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Gerald Hunt officiating. Interment will follow at Colbert Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
Born in Graham, Ga., Marion lived in Jacksonville until 1984. He was a member of Vineyard Creek Baptist Church and served in the Marines during World War II. He will be remembered as a loving dad and papa. Mr. Cooner was preceded in death by siblings, Jonnie Cooner and Eloise Newcomer; and grandchildren, Kimberly Cooner and Bonny Cooner.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Kathleen; children, Suzzette Stratton, Troy Bruce Cooner (Cathy), Roland M. Cooner (Annie), Lynette Bell (Bob), Pamela McComas (Ronnie), and Scott Cooner (Lisa); sisters, Hazel Mobley and Bobbie Beck; brother, James Cooner; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, at Vineyard Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Gerald Hunt officiating. Interment will follow at Colbert Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
Rickey Wilson (03-01-15)
NICHOLSON - Rickey Lynn Wilson, 56, died Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Wilson was born in Monroe to Rev. Vernon and Mildred Geraldine Perry Wilson of Nicholson. He was a senior design engineer for Mereal Stork Gamco.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Angela Renee Wehunt Wilson, Nicholson; son, Joshua V. Wehunt, Athens; and a brother, Rev. Ronald Wilson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, at River of Life Worship Center with the Revs. Ronald Wilson, Tim Lewis and Bobby Ivester officiating. Interment will follow in Howington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at River of Life Worship Center Tuesday, March 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Wilson was born in Monroe to Rev. Vernon and Mildred Geraldine Perry Wilson of Nicholson. He was a senior design engineer for Mereal Stork Gamco.
Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Angela Renee Wehunt Wilson, Nicholson; son, Joshua V. Wehunt, Athens; and a brother, Rev. Ronald Wilson.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 4, at River of Life Worship Center with the Revs. Ronald Wilson, Tim Lewis and Bobby Ivester officiating. Interment will follow in Howington Cemetery. The family will receive friends at River of Life Worship Center Tuesday, March 3, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Lydia Sanders (03-01-15)
WINTERVILLE - Lydia Wilson Sanders, 94, died Sunday, March 1, 2015.
Born in Commerce, she was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Callie Hawks Wilson and widow of Charlie W. Sanders. She was preceded in death by her children, Idona Elizabeth Cowart, Annis Sanders Carlton, and Bennie Sanders; sisters, Ouida Barnett and Brenda Benton; and brother, G.C. Wilson. A devoted and loving mother and grandmother, Mrs. Sanders loved working outdoors. She was an exceptional cook, preparing many meals from her garden.
Survivors include her children, Caroline (Steve) Rice, Winterville, and Horace Lee (Janie) Sanders, Colbert; daughter-in-law, Lynn Sanders; sisters, Linda Martin, Jefferson, and Jenny Reidling, Cleveland; grandchildren, Davy, Miranda, Jeffry, Michael, Ronda, Randall, Matthew, Steve, Lara, Eric and Steven G; 16 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the Lord and Stephens, EAST, Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. Services will follow on Wednesday, March 4, at 3 p.m., in the chapel with the Rev. Buford Lockman and Dr. Phil Wages officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
Born in Commerce, she was the daughter of the late Grover Cleveland and Callie Hawks Wilson and widow of Charlie W. Sanders. She was preceded in death by her children, Idona Elizabeth Cowart, Annis Sanders Carlton, and Bennie Sanders; sisters, Ouida Barnett and Brenda Benton; and brother, G.C. Wilson. A devoted and loving mother and grandmother, Mrs. Sanders loved working outdoors. She was an exceptional cook, preparing many meals from her garden.
Survivors include her children, Caroline (Steve) Rice, Winterville, and Horace Lee (Janie) Sanders, Colbert; daughter-in-law, Lynn Sanders; sisters, Linda Martin, Jefferson, and Jenny Reidling, Cleveland; grandchildren, Davy, Miranda, Jeffry, Michael, Ronda, Randall, Matthew, Steve, Lara, Eric and Steven G; 16 great-grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the Lord and Stephens, EAST, Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. Services will follow on Wednesday, March 4, at 3 p.m., in the chapel with the Rev. Buford Lockman and Dr. Phil Wages officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com
Loy Crowder (03-01-15)
CORNELIA - Dr. Loy Crowder, 95, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015, at his residence.
Dr. Crowder was born February 5, 1920, in Polkville, N.C., the son of the late Robert Perry and Margaret Cora Shufford Crowder. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Crowder; sister, Ruth Wilson; grandson, Ryan Perry Crowder; and granddaughter, Anna Eloise Hall.
Dr. Crowder was a graduate of Berry College, University of Georgia, and Cornell University. He was an active member of the Homer United Methodist Church and a former Rotarian. Dr. Crowder was a United States Army Air Corp World War II Veteran. He was a retired professor of Agronomy, having taught at Cornell University for 20 years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 72 years, Eloise Cooper Crowder, Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-law, Judie and Fred Wendt, Alto, and Suzi and Randy Hall, Augusta; son and daughter-in-law, Van and Patricia Crowder, Bethesda, Md.; sisters, Linda Spangler, Fredericksburg, Va., Carole Lattimore, New Melle, Mo; grandchildren, Nathan Crowder, Melissa Tymchuk, Frank Wendt, Mary Catherine Hall, Betsy Hall, Julietta Crowder; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Homer United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim McLendon officiating. A private interment will follow. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in the Family Life Center at the Homer United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homer United Methodist Church, 141 Sycamore St., Homer, GA 30547
Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin.
Those wishing to express online condolences to the Crowder family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
Dr. Crowder was born February 5, 1920, in Polkville, N.C., the son of the late Robert Perry and Margaret Cora Shufford Crowder. He was preceded in death by a brother, Gene Crowder; sister, Ruth Wilson; grandson, Ryan Perry Crowder; and granddaughter, Anna Eloise Hall.
Dr. Crowder was a graduate of Berry College, University of Georgia, and Cornell University. He was an active member of the Homer United Methodist Church and a former Rotarian. Dr. Crowder was a United States Army Air Corp World War II Veteran. He was a retired professor of Agronomy, having taught at Cornell University for 20 years.
Survivors include his loving wife of 72 years, Eloise Cooper Crowder, Cornelia; daughters and sons-in-law, Judie and Fred Wendt, Alto, and Suzi and Randy Hall, Augusta; son and daughter-in-law, Van and Patricia Crowder, Bethesda, Md.; sisters, Linda Spangler, Fredericksburg, Va., Carole Lattimore, New Melle, Mo; grandchildren, Nathan Crowder, Melissa Tymchuk, Frank Wendt, Mary Catherine Hall, Betsy Hall, Julietta Crowder; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, at the Homer United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim McLendon officiating. A private interment will follow. The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, in the Family Life Center at the Homer United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Homer United Methodist Church, 141 Sycamore St., Homer, GA 30547
Arrangements are in care of Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin.
Those wishing to express online condolences to the Crowder family may do so by visiting our website at www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.
Updated: Sharon Williamson (03-01-15)
COMMERCE - Sharon Williamson, 72, died Sunday, March 1, 2015, at Embracing Hospice Foundation.
She was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the daughter of the late Clarence and Willene West Wells. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Ralph Williamson, Commerce; children, Teresa Short (Dr. Sid), Lumberton, N.C. Russ Anderson and Scott Anderson, both of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Pamela Collins (Marvin), Snellville, and Paula Phillips (Ted), Dallas, Ga.; brothers, Jeff Wells (Celia) and Buddy Wells (Synthia), both of Commerce; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, March 6, at Damascus Baptist Church with the Revs. Roy Roger, Donald Wilson and Chad Payne officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, March 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
She was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., the daughter of the late Clarence and Willene West Wells. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Ralph Williamson, Commerce; children, Teresa Short (Dr. Sid), Lumberton, N.C. Russ Anderson and Scott Anderson, both of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., Pamela Collins (Marvin), Snellville, and Paula Phillips (Ted), Dallas, Ga.; brothers, Jeff Wells (Celia) and Buddy Wells (Synthia), both of Commerce; 14 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, March 6, at Damascus Baptist Church with the Revs. Roy Roger, Donald Wilson and Chad Payne officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, March 5, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements.
Jeanette Rooks (02-16-15)
WINDER - Jeanette Savannah Rooks, 88, died Thursday, February 26, 2015.
Ms. Rooks was the daughter of the late Robert Samuel and Alma Bell Thrasher Rooks. She was retired from Family Dollar. Ms. Rooks was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Lynne Rooks.
Survivors include a special niece, Joni Everett; brother, Robert Rooks; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 28, in the Smith Memory Chapel. The Rev. Terry Hawkins officiated. Burial was at Barrow Memorial Gardens.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Rooks was the daughter of the late Robert Samuel and Alma Bell Thrasher Rooks. She was retired from Family Dollar. Ms. Rooks was preceded in death by a daughter, Janice Lynne Rooks.
Survivors include a special niece, Joni Everett; brother, Robert Rooks; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, February 28, in the Smith Memory Chapel. The Rev. Terry Hawkins officiated. Burial was at Barrow Memorial Gardens.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements.
Vivian Osborn (02-26-15)
COMMERCE - Vivian Louise Osborn, 90, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2015, at the Oaks of Athens, where she resided the past four years.
Mrs. Osborn was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Osborn. She had been a homemaker and was active in the Kingdom Hall of Johovah's Witnesses.
Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Patricia Kiser, Franklin, N.C., and Robin and Terry Riles, Commerce; granddaughter, Kimberly Riles, Dacula; and grandson and granddaughter, Mathew and Bricklyn Riles, Commerce.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Johovah's Witnesses in Commerce.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
www.bridgesfuneral.com
Mrs. Osborn was preceded in death by her husband, Rex Osborn. She had been a homemaker and was active in the Kingdom Hall of Johovah's Witnesses.
Survivors include daughters and son-in-law, Patricia Kiser, Franklin, N.C., and Robin and Terry Riles, Commerce; granddaughter, Kimberly Riles, Dacula; and grandson and granddaughter, Mathew and Bricklyn Riles, Commerce.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 7, at 2 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Johovah's Witnesses in Commerce.
Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements.
www.bridgesfuneral.com
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