The times. (Gainesville, Ga.) 1972-current, December 28, 2018, Image 9

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The times., December 28, 2018, Image 9

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Newspaper Page TextLOCATSOUTHEAST The Times, Gainesville, Georgia | gainesvilletimes.com Friday, December 28, 2018 9A CHARLESTON, SC Convicted kidnapper says he killed woman Associated Press During his guilty plea in Sep tember to kidnapping a 4-year-old girl, a South Carolina prosecutor said Thomas Evans told the FBI he stabbed his girlfriend days before and left her to die. But three months later, no one has found 40-year-old Sharon Hayden’s body. She hasn’t been heard from since February. Her family promises to keep looking and keep pressure on police not to drop the case at the very least to honor a final request from Hayden’s mother who died from an illness this summer. “I made her mom a promise ... that I would try to do what I could to find her and have her properly buried,” one of Hayden’s uncles, Pat Follin, told The Post and Cou rier . “I just wanna make sure that she’s not laying in the woods somewhere alone.” Investigators are still looking for Hayden, said FBI Supervisory Special Agent Donald Wood, who didn’t share any details. Evans said he stabbed Hayden during a fight in her Spartanburg County home, prosecutors said. Evans said he chased his girl friend as she ran into the woods where she collapsed and he thinks she died, according to prosecutors during the guilty plea in federal court where he admitted follow ing a James Island woman and her 4-year-old daughter home after they dropped other siblings off at school. Hayden’s car was found not far from that home, where Evans said he beat the mother so severely she had to be hospitalized for facial fractures, then drove off with the girl. The kidnapping and attack were not discovered until police checked on the mother after her other children weren’t picked up from school, prosecutors said. The girl was rescued safely in Alabama and Evans was arrested in Mississippi. Evans is awaiting sentencing in the federal case. He faces 30 years to life in prison. Hayden’s family considered putting money in Evans’ prison account to see if he would give more information, but decided against it. Toys for Tots meets campaign goal in southwest GA BY JENNIFER PARKS Tribune News Service ALBANY - The goal for the Toys for Tots campaign based out of southwest Geor gia, despite a drop in activity due to Hurricane Michael, was to collect 50,000 toys for children living in 11 counties. When it was time for the campaign to wrap up, it had met that mark. “We had a really big suc cess,” Staff Sgt. Ellese Law rence, the Toys for Tots coordinator for the Albany- based campaign, said. “We hit 50,000 toys, or just a little bit over.” The campaign’s primary distribution event took place in Albany on Dec. 15, where in addition to receiving toys for their children to open up on Christmas morning, needy families also received giveaways from attractions such as Chehaw and All- American Fun Park. “It was a really good turn out,” Lawrence said. A last-minute registration event for eligible families was held on Dec. 6, which Lawrence said brought in 350 additional toy recipi ents. There were some toys left behind by families who did not pick them up, as well as a few donations that came in late -- all of which will now go toward the 2019 campaign. Lawrence said there was significant business support, especially after the hurri cane hit on Oct. 10. She also gave significant credit to those working directly with her to collect and distribute for the needs of low-income families who may have otherwise not had any toys under their Christmas tree. “Each one of them played a vital part,” she said. She made a point of praising Deerfield-Windsor School, which collected 500- 600 toys and raised $16,000. Monetary donations given to Toys for Tots are used to purchase toys for children up to age 14 who are regis tered to receive donations. Lawrence said that, next year, the campaign would likely be doing its own toy drive, and get Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany more involved in the cause. While receiving support from schools and businesses, the media played an impor tant role. Lawrence said the campaign received news coverage from Albany area media outlets at least once every two weeks, and that those involved next year’s campaign would be sure to maintain that connection. “I thought it (the cam paign) was amazing,” the staff sergeant, coming off of her first year as a campaign coordinator, said. “There was a lot that came with it, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. We really enjoyed it. ” The goal of this year’s campaign was to collect 50,000 toys while serving at least 4,000-5,000 children in southwest Georgia. Fol lowing the distribution in Albany, the campaign also conducted distribution events in Milledgeville on Dec. 22 and in Thomasville on Dec. 23. Nationally, Toys for Tots has distributed 548 million toys to date since 1947. For more information, visit toys- fortots.org. ATLANTA Proposed disabilities services legislation moving forward The Georgia Senate Study Committee on the Excessive and Duplicative Regulatory Oversight of Community Based Intellec tual and Developmental Dis ability Services held its final study committee meeting on Thursday and adopted seven recommendations to be considered in drafting legislation for next year’s legislative session in the General Assembly. State Sen. Greg Kirk, R, Americus, will carry the legislation -- which is antici pated to improve access to health care for disabled Georgians by eliminating bureaucratic regulations and enhancing services available at the community level. “The certification pro cess for individuals with developmental disabilities shouldn’t be as difficult as it has been,” Kirk said. “The legislation we will create from the recommendations the committee adopted will consolidate the process to allow individuals, as well as agencies, to be clear on who needs to do what and where information needs to be reported and stored. “This study committee gave us insight on where the most problems occur and will help to create efficient legislation moving forward. ” Senate Majority Leader Mike Dugan, R-Carrollton, the chairman of the commit tee, said the goal is to make sure the proper resources are in place for those with disabilities. “It was an honor to chair this important committee and I believe the work we did over the interim has led to sound recommenda tions,” Dugan said. “Our top priority is to make sure that individuals with devel opmental disabilities have access to proper care, along with agencies having the appropriate framework in place to provide assistance. “Senator Kirk has been instrumental through out the study committee process and he will do a great job championing this legislation.” For the committee’s final report, including the full list of its recommendations, visit http:/ / www.senate.ga.gov/ sr o / Documents / StudyCom- mRpts/2018 IDD.pdf SAVANNAH No serious injuries in Olde Pink House fire No serious injuries have been reported when a fire started in the second-floor ballroom of the Olde Pink House restaurant in down town Savannah. News outlets reported the fire was started Thursday morning and was quickly extinguished by firefighters. One woman was rescued from a second floor win dow by firefighters with a ladder. There was no immediate word on damage Thursday. The cause of the fire has not been determined. The restaurant is in a mansion constructed in 1771 and offers “new South ern cuisine,” according to the Visit Savannah website. JACKSON, MISS. Tornado warning as windy storm front moves across South Parts of the Gulf Coast are at risk for severe weather Thursday as a line of storms marches eastward. The National Weather Service has posted tor nado watches for much of Louisiana and southern Mississippi. An area of heavy rain is moving through Louisiana and Arkansas and is pre dicted to douse areas to the east by Friday morning. Forecasters predict a slight chance or tornadoes across southern Louisiana and Mis sissippi on Thursday. Sus tained winds of 25 mph (40 kph) with higher gusts are also predicted across parts of Alabama, Louisiana, Mis sissippi, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee. The same system pro duced numerous reports of trees down and power outages across Texas and Arkansas late Wednesday and early Thursday. KENNESAW, Teen accused of slashing student with box cutter A student is accused of punching another student in the head in a school bath room and then slashing that student’s wrist with a box cutter. News outlets report the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office says 18-year-old Addison Bram Johnson was arrested last Friday on charges including aggravated assault. An arrest warrant says the Kennesaw Mountain High School student got into a fight with another student in a school bathroom last week. Authorities didn’t immedi ately release the identity of the wounded student. Associated Press OBITUARIES Eric Loren Saxton Died Dec. 24, 2018 Eric Loren Saxton, 48, of Gainesville passed away Monday, Dec. 24,2018 at North east Georgia Medical Cen ter following an extended illness. A Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Satur day, Dec. 29, 2018 at Lake- wood Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Smiley and Rev. Robert Puckett officiating. The family will receive friends following the service until 4 p.m. First and foremost, Eric Saxton loved God. Second to that, he loved his family, his beloved wife Julie and his beautiful children Jack, Eli and Sadie, of whom he was tremen dously proud. He found joy in the outdoors, surfing in Southern California, riding dirt bikes in the Arizona desert, and cycling in the mountains of Northeast Georgia. He was an accomplished photographer and collec tor of old film cameras. He fought cancer for eight years, inspiring others by his cour age and unwavering faith in God’s goodness. Mr. Saxton is survived by his wife, Julie Fletcher Saxton of Gainesville; sons, Jackson Vincent Saxton, Eli Tate Saxton; daughter, Sadie Jane Saxton all of Gainesville; parents, Loren and Mary Saxton of San Diego, CA; brother, Vince Saxton (Tracy) of San Diego, CA; sister, Laura Keach (Kelly) of San Diego and their son, Casey Keach, CA; mother in law, Lynn Fletcher of Gainesville; sisters in law, Lisa Fletcher, Amy Booth (Derreck) and their children, Devin, Annie and Rowan all of Gainesville, Christy Fletcher of Atlanta and a number of other relatives. Mr. Saxton is preceded in death by his father in law, Richard Fletcher. Send online condolences to www.memori- alparkfuneralhomes.com Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville Sign the online guest book at gainesville- times.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Dec. 28, 2018 Marion Richard “Dick” Trimmer Nov. 12, 1927-Dec. 26, 2018 Marion Richard “Dick” Trimmer, went home to be with the Lord on Dec. 26,2018. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Bonnie, Daugh ter and Son in law Christy and Dave Roberts of Ari zona, Son Mark Trimmer of Idaho, Son and Daughter in law Paul and Vicky Trim mer, Son Bob Trimmer, and Son and Daughter in law Dean and Patsy Trim mer, all of Georgia. Eleven Grandchildren: Tracy McCarty, Mike Roberts, Angela Rose, Jeremy Trimmer, Amanda Boylen, Jennifer Mermon, Melissa Latty, Ashley Sexton, Jes sica Callahan, Will Trimmer and Keri Trim mer. Twelve Great Grandchildren; Tanner, Mary, Sarah, Luke, Leah, Aiden, Gabriel, Noah, Elijah, Jace, Gideon and Olivia. Born in Marion, Ohio on Nov. 12, 1927, Dick was a veteran of the US Navy in World War 2, attended Bowling Green State Uni versity, had a career in computer sales with RCA, was a self taught home builder and an ordained minister, pastoring a church in Logan, Utah. He was a resident of Hall County for the last 28 years and was a mem ber of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is preceded in death by his Father Marion Leroy Trimmer, Mother Cecile Leona Biggs and Sister Leona May Benner. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sat urday, Dec. 29, 2018 in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home. Rev. Wayne Hicks will officiate. Interment will follow in the Alta Vista Cemetery with military hon ors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28, 2018. A special thanks to the dear staff at Ashton Senior Living for their love and care. Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport. com Little & Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville Sign the online guest book at gainesville- times.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Dec. 28, 2018 Linda Williamson March 8, 1930-Dec. 26, 2018 Mrs. Linda Williamson age 88 of Baxley, Ga passed away on Wednesday Dec. 26, 2018 at her residence following an extended illness. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday Dec. 29, 2018 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Reverend Will Curry will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday Dec. 28, 2018 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Linda was born on March 8, 1930 in Screven, Ga to the late James Walter Nettles and Minnie Groover Nettles. She was a home maker, of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Williamson is preceded in death by her parents, several siblings, and grand-daughter, Terri Lynn Patterson. Mrs. Williamson is survived by her son, W.E. “Jimmy” Williamson of Flowery Branch, son, Bronnie W. Williamson of Cum- ming, son, Donnie Ray Williamson of Cum- ming, daughter, Karen Patterson of Flowery Branch, daughter, Edna Faye Kidd of Flow ery Branch, son and son-in-law, James Ervin Williamson and Michael Anthony Staples of Baxley, several grandchildren, several great grandchildren, sister, Lottie Adams of Clear Water, Florida, and special friend, Janice Thomas of Flowery Branch. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville Sign the online guest book at gainesville- times.com. The Times, Gainesville, Ga. Dec. 28, 2018 DEATH NOTICES Barbara Meaders Allison Died Dec. 27, 2018 Barbara Meaders Allison, 86, of Cleve land died Thursday. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland. Betty Jane Brooks Died Dec. 26, 2018 Betty Jane (Thach) Brooks, 90, of Cum- ming died Wednesday. Funeral service, 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, funeral home chapel. Ingram Funeral Home, Cumming. Stevie Michael Caudell June 15, 1958-Dec. 27, 2018 Stevie Michael Caudell, 60, of Homer died Thursday. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, funeral home chapel. McGahee- Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia. Hazel Lamb Corn Died Dec. 26, 2018 Hazel Lamb Corn, 89, of Cumming died Wednesday. Funeral service, 1 p.m. Satur day, Dec. 29, funeral home chapel. Ingram Funeral Home, Cumming. Bobby J. Cray Died Dec. 27, 2018 Bobby J. Croy, 84, of Cumming died Thurs day. McDonald and Son Funeral Home, Cumming. William Hoyt Dover Jr. May 6, 1970-Dec. 23, 2018 William Hoyt Dover Jr., 48, of Dahlonega died Sunday. Graveside service, 2 p.m. Satuday, Jan. 5, Summerour Family Cem etery. Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home, Dahlonega. Byron Doussa Jones Died Dec. 26, 2018 Byron Doussa Jones, 56, of Gillsville died Wednesday. Funeral service 1 p.m. Satur day, Dec. 29, funeral home chapel. Memo rial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville. Michael William Meyers Jan. 22, 1962-Dec. 24, 2018 Michael William Meyers, 56, of Atlanta died Monday. Funeral service, 3:30 p.m. Sun day, Dec. 30, funeral home chapel. Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford. Charles Mote Feb. 1, 1935-Dec. 24, 2018 Charles Mote, 83, of Good Hope died Mon day. Funeral service, 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, funeral home chapel. Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford. Connie Mote Died Dec. 13, 2018 Connie Mote, 67, of Gainesville died Thursday, Dec. 13. Funeral service, 12 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, Temple Baptist Church, Gainesville. Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford. Dolores Dubois Mulazzi March 1, 1937-Dec. 26, 2018 Dolores Dubois Mulazzi, 91, of Sugar Hill died Wednesday. Memorial service, 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 31, funeral home chapel. Fla nigan Funeral Home, Buford. Anna Marie Seabolt July 15, 1963-Dec. 22, 2018 Anna Marie Seabolt, 55, of Dahlonega died Saturday. Funeral service, 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 28, funeral home chapel. Anderson- Underwood Funeral Home, Dahlonega. Nancy Ruth Shields Died Dec. 23, 2018 Nancy Ruth Shields of Gainesville died Sunday. Service, 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29, New Salem Baptist Church, Jefferson. Young’s Funeral Home, Gainesville. Mary Owen Sowers Oct. 10, 1927-Dec. 26, 2018 Mary Owen Sowers, 91, of Buford died Wednesday. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Sun day, Dec. 30, funeral home chapel. Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford. 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, between 3 and 6 p.m. weekdays.