Newspaper Page Text
Page 8A
The Braselton News
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
Obituaries
Ricky Charles Akins
MAYSVILLE — Ricky Charles Akins, 61, Maysville, passed
away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at his residence.
Born on April 17, 1959 in At
lanta, Mr. Akins was the son of
Linda Herrin Akins and the late
Ray Akins. He was the owner of
Akins Plumbing, of the Baptist
faith, a NRA member, a veter
an of the U.S. Marine Corps;
and was preceded in death by a
brother, Randy Akins.
Survivors in addition to his
mother include his wife, Debbie
Calidonna Akins, of the home;
sons. Chuck (Becky) Akins and
Ben Akins; step-sons, Richard
(Mia) Owens, Derek Curry and
Andy Curry; daughters, Lana
Michelle (Ryan) Jackson and Karissa (Michael) Bucci; brothers,
Ronnie Bennett and Joey (Roxanne) Bennett; 13 grandchildren; and
one great-grandchild.
Graveside service: Friday, December 11, 2020 at 3 p.m. at Sun
rise Cemetery, Maysville, Ga.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Wounded War
riors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org or P.O. Box
758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
Online condolences may be made at www.iviefuneralhomecom-
merce.com. Arrangements are in the care of Ivie Funeral Home,
Commerce, Ga.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Jerry Wilton Blackmon
COMMERCE — Jerry Wilton Blackmon, 60, Commerce, passed
away Thursday, December 10, 2020.
Bom on December 31, 1959
in Gainesville, Mr. Blackmon
was the son of the late John Will
and Ruby McCollum Blackmon.
He was a self-employed painter
and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include a son, Josh
ua Blackmon; daughters, Megan
Blackmon (Nicholas) Hall and
Maggie Blackmon; sister, Vicky
Carter; and one grandchild.
Funeral service: Monday, De
cember 14, 2020 at 11 a.m. at
Ivie Funeral Home Chapel with
the Revs. Tim Butler and Edwin
Patterson officiating. Burial will
follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens.
Family to receive friends: Sunday, December 13, 2020 from
6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.iviefuneralhomecom-
merce.com. Arrangements are in the care of Ivie Funeral Home,
Commerce, Ga.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Delores Ann Cochran
NICHOLSON — Delores Ann Cochran, 77, Nicholson, died
Sunday, December 13, 2020 at her residence.
Mrs. Cochran was bom in Commerce to the late Dewey and
Marguerite Lord Pearson. She was a member of Harmony Baptist
Church and was retired from ABB. In addition to her parents, Mrs.
Cochran was preceded in death by her brothers, Paul Pearson and
Larry Pearson.
Mrs. Cochran is survived by her husband, Melvin Cochran, Nich
olson; sons, Chad M. Cochran (Lynn) and Jason T. Cochran (Don
na), both of Nicholson; sisters, Patricia Medlin (Harold), Daniels-
ville, and Peggy Bray (Buren), Jefferson; nine grandchildren; and
19 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service: Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 2 p.m. grave
side at New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Andy
Edwards officiating.
Family to receive friends: Thursday, December 17, 2020 from 12
until 2 p.m. at New Harmony Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.
At the family’s request, omit flowers and make contributions to
New Harmony Baptist Church, 8816 Hwy. 334, Nicholson, Ga.
30565.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrange
ments.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Terry Joel Cooper
PENDERGRASS — Terry Joel Cooper, 66, Pendergrass, entered
into rest Saturday, December 5, 2020.
Mr. Cooper was bom in Com
merce, a son of the late C.P.
and Thelma Gee Cooper, was a
1972 graduate of Jefferson High
School, former Chief Investi
gator for the Jackson County
Sheriff’s Office before joining
the Georgia Bureau of Investiga
tion where he worked as a Spe
cial Agent, working his way up
to the position of Crime Scene
Specialist. Mr. Cooper taught at
the Georgia Public Safety Train
ing Center and the Athens Police
Academy as well as the Harriett
Austin Writers Conference at
the University of Georgia and wrote several books. Mr. Cooper re
tired after 21 years with the Bureau and upon his retirement was
employed with the ORICA U.S.A. Company for 10 years before
retiring once again.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Cooper is preceded in death by
two daughters, Stephanie Renee Neese and Tammy Lynn Carmona;
brother, Johnny Ray Cooper; and a sister, Mary Louise Grimes.
Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Joyce Lord Cooper, Pen
dergrass; son, Larry Marshall Carter (Van Tran), Norcross; broth
ers, Curtis Cooper (Chris), Sylva, N.C., and Jerry Cooper (Jackie),
Pendergrass; sisters, Doris Lassetter (Grady), Pine Mountain, Hazel
Shadburn, Pendergrass, and Juanita Nash, Candler community; 10
grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Lisa Lord
Seagraves (Mickey), Hull, and Tracy Lord (Ricky Sorrow), Gaines
ville. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Graveside service: Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 2 p.m. from
the Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Jeff Hogan offi
ciating. Those attending are asked to maintain a safe social distance
and to wear masks due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneral-
homeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Kurtis Shane Cox
JEFFERSON — Kurtis Shane Cox, 44, Jefferson, entered into
rest Wednesday, December 9,2020 from injuries received in an auto
accident.
Mr. Cox was bom in Vicenza
Italy, the son of the late George
Thomas Cox Jr. and Kim Sheila
Cox of Douglasville. Mr. Cox
was a city councilman for the
City of Arcade, a board member
of GCLA, a firefighter for the
City of Arcade and the owner of
Design Logistics. In addition to
his father, Mr. Cox is also pre
ceded by a sister, Brittany Cox.
Survivors in addition to his
mother, include his wife, Jessica
Maria Cox, Jefferson; daughter,
Sophia Cox; and son, Jackson
Cox, both of Jefferson; brothers,
Derek Cox and his wife Melissa, and Alex Cox; sister, Tavie George
and her husband Bryan; and grandfather, Harold Askea.
Graveside service: Saturday, December 12, 2020 at 11 a.m. from
Woodbine Cemetery with Fireman’s Honors. The family will re
ceive friends at the graveside. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers
will be Mr. Cox’s fellow firefighters. Those attending are asked to
maintain safe social distancing and please wear a mask due to the
COVID Pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cure Childhood
Cancer, 200 Ashford Center, North Suite 250, Atlanta, Georgia,
curechildhoodcancer.org, or to the Extra Special People, 189 VFW
Drive, Watkinsville, Georgia 30677, extraspecialpeople.com.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneral-
homeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Sherri Lynn Nabors Edwards
COMMERCE — Sherri Lynn Nabors Edwards, 65, Commerce,
entered into rest Saturday, December 12, 2020.
Mrs. Edwards was a native
of Jackson County and was the
daughter of the late William
Broughton Nabors and the late
Thelma Wilkes Nabors, was
a graduate of Jefferson High
School, a member of Bethany
United Methodist Church and
was a teller with South State
Bank. In addition to her parents,
Mrs. Edwards is preceded by a
sister, Brenda Fortner.
Survivors include her hus
band David “Gabby” Edwards,
Commerce; one son, Dustin Ed
wards and his wife Kim, Cames-
ville; granddaughter, Kadie Lynn Edwards, Camesville; and broth
er, Tommy Nabors and his wife Sheila, Winder.
Funeral service: Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 5 p.m. from the
chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Hardy officiating.
Family to receive friends: Sunday, December 13, 2020 from
3-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning to attend are asked to
maintain safe social distancing and to please wear a mask due to the
COVID-19 Pandemic.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneral-
homeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Brady Otis Gilley
Brady Otis Gilley passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020
at his home in Statham.
He attended church at River
side Baptist Church in Colbert.
He was preceded in death by
his parents, Grady and Sybil
Gilley; his wife, Sharon Gil
ley; sister, Brenda Shuler; and
brother, Bradford Gilley. He
was a retired service member
of the U.S. Army and a veteran of three tours in Vietnam. He loved
his family, his country and God.
He is survived by his family, Kathy; his children, Teresa, Brian
(Lori) and Susan; two sisters, Faye and Kaye; six grandchildren,
Kaitlyn, Hailey, Erica, Trevor, Keely and Olivia; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
A private family service was held.
We love you, Bubba!
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.Ber-
nsteinFuneralHome.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Grace C. Gowder
MAYSVILLE — Grace C. Gowder, 85, Maysville, passed away
on Monday, November 9, 2020 at her residence.
Bom on October 24, 1935 in
Maysville, Mrs. Gowder was
the daughter of the late Johnny
Randolph and Annie Mae Reid
Carlan. She was a homemaker
and was preceded in death by
a brother, Hoyt Carlan; a sister,
Mildred Wilson; and a grand
child, Christopher Lee Hulett.
Mrs. Gowder loved working
in her flower garden and was
famous for her fried apple pies.
Survivors include her hus
band of 64 years, Harold Tra
vis Gowder, of the home; son,
Audry Dean (Connie) Gowder,
Maysville; daughter, Denise Elaine Gowder, Maysville; brothers,
Randall Carlan, Maysville,, Rev. Swayne Carlan, Maysville, Rev.
Gene Carlan, Commerce, and Pete Carlan, Lula; sisters, Thelma
Brown, Homer, Brenda Garrison, Gainesville, and Evelyn Baker,
Nicholson; grandchild, Noah Audry Gowder, Maysville; and a num
ber of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service: Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 2:30p.m.at
Ivie Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Solid Rock Baptist
Church Cemetery.
Family to receive friends: Thursday, November 12, 2020 from
2-2:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.iviefuneralhomecom-
merce.com. Arrangements are in the care of Ivie Funeral Home,
Commerce, Ga.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Thomas 0. "Tommy” Hall
DANIELSVILLE — Thomas O. "Tommy” Hall, 69, Daniels-
ville, passed away on Monday, December 7,2020.
Tommy was bom on April
25, 1951 in Royston to Clar
ence and Bonnie Hall. He is
preceded in death by his father,
Clarence.
He is survived by his moth
er, Bonnie Hall Standard (hus
band, Almond); his wife, Pam
Hall (married 38 years); their
children. Matt Hall (wife, Lau-
rin) and Melissa Seehom (hus
band, Micah); and his sister,
Terri Myers. He also had five
grandchildren and a nephew,
Jason Myers (wife, Wendy);
and a niece, Ashley Mercer
(husband, Jason).
Tommy was an active member of Colbert Baptist Church
where he sang in the choir and served in several other roles over
the years. He was the lead singer of the Southern Gospel quartet,
Fourgiven. He enjoyed being a member of the Madison County
Rotary Club and helping build handicap ramps for people in the
area.
Tommy was a people person — he loved being around people
and helping others. He was a local insurance agent for Farm Bu
reau and later for Madison Insurers. He was an entertainer who
loved to sing. He loved his family and was proud of his children.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Private services were held.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations/memorials be
made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.act.alz.org/donate).
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home in Danielsville has charge
of arrangements. Online condolences can be posted on their
website www.lordandstephens.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
William Clark "Bill” Hill
MCDONOUGH — William Clark "Bill" Hill, 65, Mc
Donough, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at Piedmont Henry
Hospital.
Mr. Hill was bom in Atlanta to Ernest Clark and Dorothy Jean
Ayers Hill. He was retired from Kroger.
Mr. Hill is survived by his sons, Jeremy Hill, McDonough,
William Hill, Bamesville, Travis Hill, Locust Grove, and Ryan
Hill, Roanoke, Ala.; daughter, Ashley Whaley, Roanoke, Ala.;
sisters, Marcia Sullivan, Wagram, N.C., Jennifer Wright, Co
nyers, and Christy Phelps, Gainesville; and 11 grandchildren.
Funeral service: Friday, December 18, 2020 at 2 p.m. grave
side at Banks Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Bill Manus of
ficiating.
Family to receive friends: Friday, December 18, 2020 from
10 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of ar
rangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Betty Ingram
Betty Ingram, 90, passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2020 in
Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.
The native and life-long resident of Madison County was bom
August 23,1930 to the late Grady Fouche and Eva Epps Fouche.
Betty graduated from Madison County High School and was a
lifetime member of Gordon's Chapel United Methodist Church,
where she was a member of the United Methodist Women. Betty
worked many years as a salesperson with Brownstone Fashions
and Davidson's Department Store, before retiring.
In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her
husband, Johnnie Ingram; brother, Willard Fouche; and son and
daughter-in-law, Mike and Reatha Ingram.
Betty is survived by her son, Rick Ingram and his wife,
Brenda, Nicholson; four grandchildren, Brian Ingram, Wash
ington; Brice Ingram and his wife, Melanie; Kim Ingram; and
Kevin Ingram and his wife, Laura, all of Madison County; nine
great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren; and many
nieces and nephews.
Private graveside funeral service: Thursday, December 10,
2020 in Gordon’s Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery
with the Rev. Andy Hargrove officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Gordon's Chapel
United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, 6625 No
where Road, Hull, Ga. 30646.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19
Doris J. Leachman
COMMERCE — Doris J. Leachman, 77, Commerce, passed
away on Friday, November 27, 2020 at her residence.
Bom on August. 29, 1943
in Banks County, Mrs. Leach
man was the daughter of the
late Curtis and Mary Beck
Ledford. She was the wife of
Charlie Leachman to whom
she was married for 60 years.
She was a homemaker, and
was preceded in death by
three brothers, Allen Ledford,
Tommy Ledford and Kenneth
Ledford.
Survivors include brothers,
Steve Ledford, Terry Ledford,
Donnie Ledford and Mark
Ledford; sisters, Susan Linder
and Carol Pace; sons and daughters-in-law, Tim and Carolyn
Leachman, and Phillip and Jolene Leachman; daughter and son-
in-law, Tam and Chet Crumley. Her legacy will continue in the
lives of her seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Funeral service: Monday, November 30, 2020 at 11 a.m. at
Ivie Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Don Blalock officiat
ing. Burial will follow in Jackson Memorial Gardens.
Family to receive friends: Sunday, November 29, 2020 from
5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be made at www.iviefuneralhome-
commerce.com. Arrangements are in the care of Ivie Funeral
Home, Commerce, Ga.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of December 13-19