Newspaper Page Text
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021
BARROW NEWS-JOURNAL
PAGE 7A
Obituaries
Pollock Eugene “Pete” Adams
JEFFERSON — Pollock Eugene "Pete” Adams, 63, Jefferson,
entered into rest Friday, July 30, 2021.
Mr. Adams was bom in Ben-
nettsville. South Carolina, a
son of the late Eural Eugene
Adams Jr. and Marie Petty Ad
ams of Jefferson. Mr. Adams
was an engineer with Chateau
Elan. In addition to his father,
Mr. Adams is preceded by a
sister, Kimberly Adams Brook
shire.
In addition to his mother, Mr.
Adams is survived by his wife,
Kathy Vandiver Adams, Jeffer
son; a daughter, Lisa Mapes
and her husband Thomas, Jef
ferson; a granddaughter, Carrie
Mapes, also of Jefferson; sister, Sandy Ciulla and her husband
Eddie, Jefferson; two brothers, Wayne Adams, Jefferson, and
Steve Adams and his wife Tammy, Gainesville.
Graveside service: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 10 a.m. from
Evans Memory Gardens in Jefferson.
No public visitation is planned.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Richard E. “Rick” Ayers
Richard E. “Rick” Ayers, 67, cherished husband, father and
grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2021.
Rick was a Veteran of the
United States Army and was
employed for over 25 years at
LTM Textile Resources as the
business development manag
er. He attended Attica Baptist
Church and was a member
of Living Stone Fellowship.
Rick was an avid University of
Georgia football fan and most
importantly, he thrived on time
spent with his family and his
grandchildren. He was pre
ceded in death by his grand
parents, William Francis Ayers
and Leo Nell Ayers.
Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Michele Ayers; three
children, Andy Ayers (Jessica), Jennie Owen Van Houten (Ryan)
and Jeremiah Pike-Ayers; five grandchildren, Riley Ayers, Tyler
Ayers, Karsyn Van Houten, Owen Van Houten and Nicholas Asa
Pike; one uncle, Bobby Ayers; and his beloved cat, Luna.
Memorial service: Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Attica
Baptist Church with the Rev. Shane Moore officiating.
Family to receive friends: Saturday, August 7, 2021 from 1 un
til 2 p.m. at the church.
Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Attica Bap
tist Church, 4352 Lebanon Church Road, Athens, Ga. 30607 or
March of Dimes at www.marchofdimes.org.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements, www.
lordandstephens.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Suzanne Raper Bridges
JEFFERSON — Suzanne Raper Bridges, 58, Jefferson, en
tered into glory Monday, July 26, 2021.
Mrs. Bridges was bom in
Atlanta, a daughter of Kelly
and Vicki Treadwell Raper of
Cumming. Mrs. Bridges re
ceived her Master’s Degree
from Oral Roberts University,
was a graduate of the Universi
ty of Georgia, was an educator
along with being a loving wife,
mother and grandmother.
Survivors in addition to her
parents is her husband, Sid
ney L. Bridges, Jefferson; two
sons, Christopher Bridges, Jef
ferson, and Josiah Bridges and
his wife Caroline, Commerce;
one daughter, Hannah Smith and her husband Justin, Colbert; one
grandson, Noah Bridges; and one sister, Robin Muntean and her
husband Mike, Cumming.
Memorial service: Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 2 p.m. from the
chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Reverend Ron Crews and
Pastor Maureen Saunders officiating with a private family burial
to follow.
Family to receive friends: Saturday, July 31, 2021 from
12-2 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Su
zanne to Larry Huch Ministries. PO. Box 610890, Dallas, Texas
75261 or www.supportlhm.com.(F > roject Aliyah, Feeding Holo
caust Survivors, Ambulances)
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Cynthia “Cindy” Alexander Courtney
DANIELSVILLE — Cynthia "Cindy" Alexander Courtney,
61, Danielsville, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 23, 2021
with loved ones by her side.
Cindy was bom in Hilo, Ha
waii on July 19, 1960 to James
and Joan Alexander. Because
her father served in the U.S.
Coast Guard, she traveled to
and grew up in many different
states, sharing adventures with
her three sisters, Bonnie, Jessie
and Tracy.
Later, she met her husband
Max in Florida and they were
married in 1978. During their
43 years of marriage, Cindy
and Max raised two daughters,
Sarah and Kelly. For most of
Cindy’s career, she worked
as a labor and delivery nurse at Bayfront Medical center where
she helped families bring new life into the world. Before retiring
from nursing, Cindy felt proud and fulfilled working at the Athens
Pregnancy Center continuing to love and care for expectant moth
ers. She was an involved member at Galilee Christian Church of
Jefferson. Cindy’s sense of humor, kind and nurturing heart and
perfect chocolate chip cookies positively impacted people every
where.
Survivors honoring Cindy’s legacy include her husband, Max
Courtney; daughters, Sarah LaRue along with her husband Brian
LaRue, and Kelly Hefty along with her husband Lukas Hefty. She
was a devoted "Nanny” to her seven grandchildren, Sadie, Han
nah, Isaac, Michael, Cameron, Tate and Lucy. She is also survived
by her parents, James and Joan Alexander; her sisters, Bonnie Al
exander, Jessie Sweeney and Tracy Alexander; several nieces and
nephews; and her lifelong friends, Keri Jo Rinke and David and
Sherrye Johnson.
Family to receive friends: Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 1:30 p.m.
at Galilee Christian Church.
Funeral service: Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. at Galilee
Christian Church.
Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to the
Athens Pregnancy Center. www.AthensPregnancyCenter.kindful.
org.
Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, Danielsville, is in charge of
arrangements, www.lordandstephens.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Gatress Andrew Downs Jr.
ATHENS — Gatress Andrew Downs Jr., 79, Athens, passed
away on Wednesday, July 29, 2021.
Before moving to Winder,
Mr. Downs lived and worked in
Manhattan, New York. He was
a graduate of Princess Anne
High School in Virginia Beach,
Va., and the University of Geor
gia where he was a member of
Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Mr.
Downs served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves in Cape
May, New Jersey.
He had a long and successful career as a designer. He was the
owner of Parrish-Woodworth, Boutique Florist, in New York City.
He was a fashion designer for Andrew Downs Collections and a
private label manufacturer and designer for Saks Fifth Avenue,
Horchow Collection, Victoria's Secret Clothing. He also owned a
clothing factory.
Mr. Downs was a writer for various newspapers and was an ed
itor for The Athens Observer. He will also be remembered as a
decorator and home designer with Andrew Downs & Company
in Athens.
Andrew was preceded in death by his parents Gatress Andrew
Downs Sr. and Genevieve George Downs; and his sister, Joan Ma
rie Downs (Matt) Kukrall.
Andrew is survived by his wife, Lane Parker Downs, Athens,
formerly of Winder. He is also survived by a step-son, Joshua
(Anna) Brantley; step-daughter, Morgan Brantley (Jason) Pow
er; brother, Donald (Elizabeth) Downs; and four grandchildren,
Brantley Power, Grace Power, Parker Brantley and Ella Brantley.
Memorial service: Monday, August 2, 2021 at 2 p.m. at Smith
Memory Chapel in Winder. An inurnment will follow at Nazareth
Methodist Church. The service will be officiated by the Reverend
Robert W. Greene, pastor of Ashford Memorial Methodist Church.
Family to receive friends: Monday, August 2, 2021 from 11 a.m.
until 2 p.m. at the funeral home.
Smith Funeral Home, Winder has been entrusted with arrange
ments.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Gladys Ruth (Lacey) Embrick
Gladys Ruth (Lacey) Embrick, 78, passed away Friday July 30,
2021.
She was bom on April 20,
1943, a daughter of the late
Clarence and Kate Owensby
Lacey and the widow of Earl
F. Embrick. She was preceded
in death by a brother, William
Lacey.
Mrs. Embrick is survived by
two sons, Ronald (Regina) Em
brick, Danielsville, and Greg
(Teresa) Embrick, Maysville;
sister, Annette Hanley, Com
merce; three grandchildren; and
one great-grandchild.
Funeral service: Monday,
August 2, 2021 at 2 p.m. from
the Madison Street Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt McKinney
officiating with burial in the Grey Hill Cemetery.
Family to receive friends: Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 4 to
7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Billy John Hicks Jr.
Billy John Hicks Jr., 55, passed away Friday, July 23, 2021, in
Gainesville.
Mr. Hicks was bom December 25, 1965, a son of the late Billy
John Hicks Sr. and Bernice (Hanson) Hicks in Rome.
He is survived by his partner Crystal Wheeler, Gainesville;
daughters, Stephanie Davis, Elberton, and Jayla Hicks, Gaines
ville; brother, Joe Hicks, Cleveland; sisters, Lynn Jackson, Canon,
and Wanda Hicks, Royston; four grandchildren; and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Wimberley
& Jackson of Gainesville, Georgia.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Marie Dean McElroy
COMMERCE — Marie Dean McElroy, 77, Commerce,
passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
Marie was bom in Danielsville to the late Joe Worley Dean and
Bertie Lee Coile Dean. She graduated from Madison County High
School in 1962, was immediately hired by American Telephone
& Telegraph in Atlanta, where she retired with 40 years service as
manager in various departments. She was married to Gene O’Neal
McElroy on October 26, 1963.
Marie was a member of First Baptist Church in Jefferson, Geor
gia; she was a member of Sunday School Class Adult 3, and also
taught Vacation Bible School as well as assisting with the Chil
dren’ Choir.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Dean Gently;
brothers, William Waymon, Jack Edsel, James Roscoe, Hugh El
ton, all of Danielsville, and Richard B., Denison, Texas; and sister,
Rachel Frances, Kannapolis, N.C. (Hugh also deceased).
She is survived by her husband, Gene McElroy; son, Todd
O’Neal McElroy (Ruth); grandson, Zane O’Neal; great-grand
daughters, Carrigan Ann and Mattilyn Marie, all of Commerce;
sisters, Agnes Dean Fitts (Furman) and Charlotte Dean Gunnels
(Kenneth deceased), all of Danielsville; sisters-in-law, Earlene
Booth Dean, Comer, and Shari McElroy-Sinclaire, Hull; and nu
merous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A private funeral will be held.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Mary Linda Murray
COLBERT — Our beloved mother, Mary Linda Murray, 84,
Colbert, passed away on Thursday, July 29, 2021.
She was the daughter of the
late Marvin C. Smith and Mary
Lucille Ginn Smith. She was of
the Baptist faith, attended East
Athens Baptist Church and
was a kindergarten teacher for
many years at Athens Christian
School.
In addition to her parents, she
was preceded in death by her
best friend and loving husband,
Roger F. Murray; brothers,
Marvin Jr., Bobbie, Jerry and
Jimmy Smith; sons-in-law, La
mar Palmer and Wayne Uzzel.
Survivors include her chil
dren, Debra (Eddie) Freeman, Donna Palmer, Denise Uzzel and
Mary Delyn Bailey; 12 grandchildren, Erin F. Greer (Nick),
Grayson Freeman, Will Palmer (Chelsea), Dan Palmer (Melis
sa), Hannah P. Bugh (DJ), Colton Palmer, Callie Palmer, Mallo
ry Uzzel, Abbey U. Burbach (Nick), Houston Uzzel, Mary Jes B.
Wilson (Andrew) and Connor Bailey (Cassidy); six great-grand
children, Caden Bailey, Ben Palmer, Hamilton Bugh, Rhett Sharp,
Lily Palmer and Mary Paige Wilson; sister, Carolyn Craft, South
Carolina; and many more loving family members and friends.
Graveside service: Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. at Ev
ergreen Memorial Park with the Rev. Nathan Palmer officiating.
Family to receive friends: Sunday, August 1, 2021 from 12 to
1 p.m. at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home East Chapel.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, East, Athens is in charge of
arrangements, www.lordandstephens.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Todd Powers
JEFFERSON — Todd Powers, 50, Jefferson, entered rest Sun
day, July 25, 2021.
Mr. Powers was born in Vienna, a son to the late James Grego
ry Powers and the late Ginger Arnold Powers Young. Mr. Powers
graduated from Crisp County High School, the Abraham Baldwin
Agriculture College and earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the
University of Georgia School of Forest Resources.
Todd coached youth soccer, was den leader and treasurer of
Cub Scout pack 795 in Maysville and operated the scoreboard at
Jefferson High School soccer games. Mr. Powers was a soil con
servationist with the USDA and a member of the Jefferson First
United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Georgiana Powers. Jefferson; sons,
Jacob Stephen Powers and Justin David Powers, both of Jeffer
son; brother, Torre Powers, College Station, Texas; sister, Brittni
Young Cook, Rochelle; step-mother, Sue Oliver Powers, Pitts;
aunt, Robyne Arnold Smith and uncle, Charles Arnold, both of
Warner Robins; several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Funeral service: Thursday, July 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Jef
ferson First United Methodist Church with Pastor Brian Funder-
burke officiating. The burial will follow in the Evans Memory
Gardens with Jacob Powers, Justin Powers, Greg Widmer, Torre
Powers, Steve Hall and Wade Mize honored as pallbearers. Todd’s
co-workers at the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Family to receive friends: Wednesday, July 28, 2021 from
6-8 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Pancreatic
Action Cancer Network at https://www.pancan.org/.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
Lena Elizabeth “Libby” Rogers
JEFFERSON — Lena Elizabeth “Libby" Rogers, 89, Jeffer
son, entered into rest Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
Ms. Rogers was bom in Lin-
colnton, a daughter of the late
Clinton and Mary Kate Ross
Rogers. She was one of four
sisters, Betty Posey, Pat Rogers
and Mary Ann Rogers Gray.
She lived in Vidalia and Valdos
ta, North Augusta, S.C., Clarks
burg, West Va. and Jefferson.
She began her career at the
Clearwater Finishing Plant,
making corduroy. She then
worked at North Augusta Bank
ing Company and finished her
career with 30 years of service
with Tetrick-Bartlett Company,
CPA firm in Clarksburg, West Virginia as an accountant.
Survivors include her beloved daughter, Jackie Rogers
Bishoff and her husband Brad, Jefferson; two grandsons, Ross
and William, Jefferson; a sister, Mary Ann Rogers Gray, Goose
Creek, South Carolina; seven nieces and nephews; and multiple
great-nieces and great-nephews.
Memorial service: Sunday, August 1, 2021 at 4 p.m. from the
Commerce Presbyterian Church with Pastor Jeff Cain officiating.
Burial will follow at a later date.
Family to receive friends: Sunday, August 1, 2021 at the church
after the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in memory of Libby
to the Commerce Presbyterian Church, 89 Lakeview Drive, Com
merce, Georgia 30529.
Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson,
Georgia. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com.
Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.
Week of August 1-7
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