About The times. (Gainesville, Ga.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 16, 2018)
LOCA^STATE The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | gainesvilletimes.com Friday, November 16, 2018 9A Officials race to finish counting votes in Georgia BY GREG BLUESTEIN AND MARK NIESSE The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ATLANTA — Elections officials scrambled Thursday to count a cache of hundreds of ballots that were previously rejected as they raced to comply with the latest fed eral ruling in the too-close-to-call contest for governor. Democrat Stacey Abrams called the judge’s order a major victory to extend her quest to become the nation’s first black female gover nor, but Republican Brian Kemp said it would hardly dent his “insur mountable lead” in the race for Georgia’s top job. The latest tally showed Abrams roughly 55,000 votes behind Kemp — and in need of more than 17,000 votes to force a Dec. 4 runoff. Geor gia law requires a runoff if no can didate gets a majority of the vote, which is only a possibility because Ted Metz netted about 1 percent. In the tight race for the 7th Con gressional District, Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Woodall appeared to defeat Democrat Carolyn Bour- deaux after additional ballots were counted in Gwinnett County. Bour- deaux gained more than 100 votes but trailed Woodall by about 400 votes. A recount is expected. A judge on Thursday denied her emergency motion that would have forced Gwinnett to tally absentee ballots previously rejected because of address and signature issues. In a separate ruling, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones issued an order Wednesday that all counties should count absentee ballots missing birth-date information, which could affect hundreds of ballots. That court order forced election officials across Georgia to revisit absentee ballots rejected solely because of a missing or incorrect date of birth. Secretary of State Robyn Crittenden told counties they have to recertify election results by 5 p.m. Friday if their totals change. It’s unclear when the election results will be finalized. Unless judges intervene further, the final count of ballots could be finalized as soon as Friday night. The state’s certification deadline is Tuesday. The last-minute rush to count every last ballot left the election unresolved, but Abrams and Bour- deaux were running out of options. There didn’t appear to be many ballots left to be found Thursday. About 700 absentee ballots state wide were rejected because of errors or omissions in their birth dates, according to an Atlanta Jour nal-Constitution analysis. Nearly 800 other ballots were rejected because of errors in their birth date and at least one other problem. And roughly 2,770 ballots were dismissed because of insufficient oath information, which could include errors in birth dates cited in the judicial order. The AJC’s analy sis is culled from Nov. 8 data before counties certified their votes. Most county election offices said they already counted those ballots if they could be authenticated. “The elections office currently is going through all of the absentee and provisional ballots and review ing all of them, per the judge’s order, to see if there’s any changes,” said Andrew Cauthen, a spokesman for DeKalb County. “If there are additional ballots that need to be counted, we definitely will need to recertify the election.” DeKalb had the second-highest number of rejected absentee bal lots in Georgia, 802, mostly because voters didn’t fill out all information on the return envelope. State elec tion data doesn’t specify how many of those rejections were because of incorrect date of birth information. In Fulton, no absentee ballot rejections were listed in the state’s election data. “The only reason we don’t count an absentee is if the signature is missing. If the signature is obviously different, we contact the voter,” Fulton Elections Director Richard Barron said. “That is the policy we follow for every election.” Abrams hailed the court ruling that could give her a narrow chance at forcing a runoff. Her campaign manager, Lauren Groh-Wargo, said several recent court rulings protect voters “from an acute assault on voting rights engineered” by Kemp when he was secretary of state. Kemp, meanwhile, has tried to cast himself as the eventual win ner. Several of his aides were at the Capitol on Thursday to work on the transition to power. And Kemp spokesman Ryan Mahoney repeated that Abrams has no math ematical chance at winning enough votes to force a runoff. OBITUARIES Emma JoAnn Abercrombie March 13, 1953 -Nov. 14, 2018 Mrs. Emma JoAnn Aber crombie, age 65, of Murray- ville passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, Nov. 14,2018. JoAnn was born on March 13,1953, to the late O.L. and Adell Underwood Hatcher. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brothers Johnny Hatcher, Tommy Hatcher, Jim Hatcher, and Perry Hatcher. JoAnn was a lov ing wife and mother. Her grandchildren affection ately called her “Gramma.” JoAnn had the heart of a teacher making sure all the children could tell time, spell their names and read. She helped so many to get their start at the basics and then to excel in life. JoAnn was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church #2. Survivors include her husband Upton Abercrom bie; son and daughter-in- law Shadrick and Vikki Abercrombie; daughter and son-in-law Shalece and Phillip Mull; grandchildren Baily Abercrombie, Kinlee Abercrombie, Kylee Aber crombie, Caleb Chastain, Braylen Chastain, and Kai- lyn Mull; great granddaugh ter Amelia Brookshire, all of Murrayville; brother and sis- ter-in-law Benny and Max ine Hatcher, Gainesville; sister Bea Moss, Dawson- ville; sister and brother-in- law Eula and Gene Parker; sister Ellon England, both of Murrayville; sisters and brothers-in-law Helen and Floyd Tanner, and Joyce and Clifton Chester, both of Dawsonville; brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Peggy Hatcher, Dahlonega; sister and brother-in-law Patsy and Mike Sherwood, Murrayville; sister-in-law Shirley Pace; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Una Abercrombie and John Lilac, both of Murrayville; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services are scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Stephen Gerrells will offi ciate and a eulogy will be given by Baily Abercrom bie. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church #2 Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers the family requests that con tributions be made to the Alzheimer Association act. alz.org/site/Donation or the Mt. Zion Baptist Church #2 Building Fund, c/o Randall Chambers, 1573 Major Aber crombie Circle, Murrayville, GA 30564. To share a memory of JoAnn or a condolence with the family visit anderson- underwood.com Anderson-Underwood, Dahlonega Sign the online guest book at gainesvilletimes.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Nov. 16, 2018 Mary Benefield Died Nov. 14, 2018 Mary Benefield, 73, of Flowery Branch passed away Tuesday, Nov. 14,2018. Born in Jackson County, Ga., to James and Kate Bales, Mary spent her child hood in Barrow County then moved to Hall, where she lived the rest of her life. She dedicated her life to her family and her faith. She worked to create a warm and loving home for her hus band and children. Over the course of her life, she was an active member of Air Line, Emmanuel, and Chicopee Baptist churches; she served as church secretary at Chi copee for more the two decades. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, James and Kate Bales, and her brother, Gene Bales. She is survived by her husband, Milton Benefield, her chil dren and their fami lies: Kevin Benefield and Whit ney Toma- sino, Susan and Keith Dargis, Katelyn Dixon, and Brittany and Emma Dargis. The family will receive friends Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home. The funeral service will take place Saturday, Nov. 17,2018, at 1 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Doug Collins will officiate. Interment will follow at Alta Vista Cemetery. Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledav- enport.com Little & Davenport Funeral Home & Crematory, Gainesville Sign the online guest book at gainesvilletimes.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Nov. 16,2018 Robert Wayne Carroll Jan. 1, 1938 -Nov. 13, 2018 Mr. Robert Wayne Car- roll age 80 of Flowery Branch passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center fol lowing an extended illness. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Robert was born on Jan. 1,1938 in Tampa, Florida to the late Luther Carroll and Rachel Hall Carroll. He was a member of Central Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents. Robert is survived by his wife, Aline “Pat” Car- roll of Flowery Branch, daughter, Marie Ashford - Smith of Tampa, daughter, Rachel Carroll of Tampa, son, Robert Carroll II of Chesapeake, VA, daughter, Rebecca Godoy of Cart- ersville, daughter, Brenda Schultz of Flowery Branch, daughter, Debra Wallace of Flowery Branch, daughter, Clara Ballard of Dahlonega, 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and sister, Eloise Wilkerson of Tampa. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville Sign the online guest book at gainesvilletimes.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Nov. 16,2018 John Henry Forrest July 4, 1958-Nov. 13, 2018 John Henry Forrest, age 60 of Gainesville, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2018, at his residence after a yearlong battle with GBM Brain Cancer. A celebration of life ser vice will be held at a later date. Mr. Forrest was born July 4,1958, in Atlanta, Georgia, to James Marcus Forrest and Emma Millwood For rest. John’s career spanned 40 years in the logistic and transportation industry. He was employed with Peach- state Trucking, Inc. at the time of his diagnosis. Mr. Forrest was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James Leonard Forrest. Mr. Forrest is survived by his son, Brandon Dale For rest of Gainesville; brother and sister-in-law, Nelson & Toni Forrest of Folly Beach, SC; sister and brother-in- law, Darlene & Elliott Shaw of Flowery Branch; nieces, Taylor Shaw and Rachel Shaw both of Flowery Branch; his dearly beloved dog, Petey. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville Sign the online guest book at gainesvilletimes.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Nov. 16,2018 Roy Timothy Goforth Nov. 9, 1962 -Nov. 3,2018 Roy Timothy Goforth, age 55, of Braselton, GA, passed away Saturday, Nov. 3,2018. He was preceded in death by stepfather, Millard “Red” Smith. Mr. Goforth is survived by his wife of 13 years, Jennifer Sue Bales Goforth; daughter, Chelsea Dotson and fiance J.T. Johos, Clermont, GA; son, Kenneth Williams and fiancee, Mag gie Jones, Braselton, GA; granddaughter, Ellie-Ann Williams; mother, Betty Ann Ensor Goforth, Tennessee; brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Kim Goforth, Ten nessee; and cousins. Mr. Goforth was born on Nov. 9, 1962, in Kingsport, Tennessee. He was an auto motive tech at Caliber Col lision in Oakwood, Georgia, with over 30 years of service. Mr. Goforth was a member of Airline Baptist Church in Gainesville. He loved sing ing in the choir and playing music. Mr. Goforth was an avid University of Georgia football fan. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, and watch ing football games. He loved his dog, Sadie. A memorial service will be held on Sun day, Nov. 18, 2018, at the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home at 3:30 p.m. with Dr. Jim Ferguson officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 18 from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford Sign the online guest book at gainesvilletimes.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Nov. 16,2018 Wiley Lancaster Died Nov. 14, 2018 Funeral services will be held Saturday Nov. 17,2018, at 11 a.m. at Belmont Baptist Church for Wiley Kennedy Lancaster, 88, of Gainesville. Rev. Bill Compton will offici ate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Lancaster passed away Nov. 14,2018. A lifelong resident of Hall County, Mr. Lancaster was a member of Belmont Baptist Church, where he served as Deacon and Song Director. He was also a member of the Johnny Hill Masonic Lodge. Mr. Lancaster was the son of late, James Walter and Lena Cleveland (Brasel ton) Lancaster. He was pre ceded in death by his wife, Hazel Payne Lancaster Survivors include, son, Mark Kennedy Lancaster ; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Douglas Morrow; grandchildren, John Doug las Morrow, Ellie Rebecca Lancaster Greer, Julie Anna Morrow Day, Lena Katherine Lancaster Fisk- ness; great grandchildren, Ezekiel “Zeke” Martin Fisk- ness, Kaia Grace Fiskness, Livi Kate Fiskness, Jude Martin Fiskness, Titus Mar tin Fiskness, Reed Owen Greer, Baylor Rose Greer, Scout Benjamin Greer, Ben jamin James Morrow, Caleb Kennedy Morrow, Addison Elizabeth Morrow, Callie Emiline Day and Laura Alli son Day; sisters, Lora Lee Lancaster Blasingame and Ruth Virginia Lancaster Cook. Mr. Lancaster was also preceded in death by broth ers, James Walter Lancaster Jr., Josephas Jackson Lan caster and sister, Frances Jane Lancaster Bailes. In lieu of flowers con tributions may be made to the Belmont Baptist Church Building Fund, care of Church Treasure Amber Evans, 4669 Countryside Drive, Flowery Branch, GA. 30542. Online condolences may be made to wardsfh. com Ward’s Funeral Home, 758 Main Street, Gainesville, GA. 30501. Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville Sign the online guest book at gainesvilletimes.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Nov. 16, 2018 Winford (Loy) York Oct. 9, 1930-Nov. 15, 2018 Winford (Loy) York stepped into eternity on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 4:53 a.m. He was born in White County, Georgia to Dilmas and Maggie Chastain York on Oct. 9,1930. His late wife was Betty Sue Taylor York of Hiawassee, Georgia. Mr. York has four chil dren, Joyce Thaxton, Kathy Davila, Rick York and Randy York. He has five grandchildren, Dani elle Thaxton, Brandon York, Nicholas York, the late Michael Grant Davila, Dustin York; and two great grandchildren, Braeden and Allie York. He also has two sons-in-law, Dan Thaxton and Michael Davila. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at 12:30 p.m. at Gate way Memory Park. The family will receive guests for viewing at 10 a.m. - noon on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland, Georgia. To share a memory or to leave a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland Sign the online guest book at gainesvilletimes.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Nov. 16,2018 DEATH NOTICES Patsy L. Bagley Died Nov. 14, 2018 Patsy L. Bagley, 72, of Cumming died Wednesday. Funeral service, 10 a.m. Sat urday, Nov. 17 funeral home chapel. Ingram Funeral Home, Cumming. Annie Mae Barrett Sept. 14, 1937 -Nov. 15, 2018 Annie Mae Barrett, 81, of Lula died Thursday. Grave side service, 2 p.m. Wednes day, Nov. 21, Hightower Church Cemetery. Memo rial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville. Martha Lee Bryan Aug. 16, 1929 -Nov. 12, 2018 Martha Lee Bryan, 89, of Jefferson died Monday. Memorial service, 2:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 23, First Bap tist Church. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson. Nancy Patricia Dupray Sept. 7, 1944 -Nov. 14, 2018 Nancy Patricia Dupray, 74, of Murphy, N.C. died Wednesday. Visitation, 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, funeral home. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland. Gladys Mary Grizzle Aug. 23, 1924 -Nov. 14, 2018 Gladys Mary Grizzle, 94, of Dahlonega died Wednes day. Funeral service, 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, funeral home chapel. Anderson- Underwood Funeral Home, Dahlonega. Flora Patrick Holman Aug. 24, 1925 -Nov. 14, 2018 Flora Patrick Holman, 93, of Hoschton died Wednesday. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Fri day, Nov. 16, Duncan Creek Congregational Church. Fla nigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford. Chris Mangum Sept. 30, 1965 -Nov. 7,2018 Chris Mangum, 53, of Lula died Wednesday, Nov. 7. Whitfield Funeral Home & Crematory, Baldwin. Robert William McGinn Died Nov. 14, 2018 Robert William McGinn, 83, of Gainesville died Wednesday. Memorial ser vice, 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, funeral home cha pel. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville. Angelina Meixner Died Nov. 13, 2018 Angelina Meixner, 97, of Cumming died Tuesday. McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming. Jerry Ralph Peek Died Nov. 14, 2018 Jerry Ralph Peek, 92, of Gainesville died Wednes day. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, Church of God of Prophecy. Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, Gainesville. Alton Matthew Reese Died Nov. 13, 2018 Alton Matthew Reese, 61, of Toccoa died Tuesday. Graveside service, 3 p.m. Sat urday, Nov. 17, Homer Pres byterian Church. Marshall Funeral Home, Biloxi, Miss. Obituary information Death notices are printed free as a public service by The Times. More information can be provided in paid obituaries. The rate is $50 per 100 words (or any part thereof). There is an additional mandatory $40 fee for online services, which includes a guest book that allows family and friends to post condolences. Deadline for publication is 6:30 p.m. seven days a week. Death notices and obituaries are accepted only from funeral homes. They should be emailed to obits@ gainesvilletimes.com. All submissions will appear in The Times and online at gainesvilletimes.com. For additional information, please call 770-718-3419 or 800-395- 5005, extension 3419, 3-6 p.m. weekdays. INTRODUCING eto' t/yt Little & Davenport Funeral Home To inquire about pricing packages available to memorialize a pet in print, please contact Megan Lewis at 770-535-6371 or mlewis@gainesvilletimes.com Pets at Peace will appear in The Times the last Sunday of each month.
