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THE COMMERCE (GA) NEWS, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2007- PAGE 9A Area Death Notices How To Avoid Burning The House Down With Your Christmas Tree Floyd Vandenack Floyd Raymond Vandenack, 68, of Commerce, died Wednesday, November 28, 2007, at his resi dence. Born in Sentinel, Okla., he was the son of Ruth V. Dryden Peoples and the late Floyd Ray Vandenack. Survivors in addition to his mother, include his wife, Loett Vandenack, Commerce; daugh ters, Cynthia Madrid, Sugar Hill, Carrie Moenii-azad, Braselton; sons, Floyd Vandenack, Buford, Nicholas Bain, Commerce; broth ers, Larry Wayne Cone and Gary Dean, both of Texas; sister, Ruth Ann Rae, Okla; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Ray Smith Ray Smith, 70, of Nicholson, died Thursday, November 29, 2007. He was born on June 17, 1937, in Oglethorpe County, the son of the late George E. and Ina Wood Smith. He was retired from Westinghouse as a supervisor. Mr. Smith was a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Ann Walden Smith, Nicholson; daughter and son-in law, Tracy and Daniel Wilson, Commerce; son, Todd Smith, Juliette; and three grandchil dren, Ben, Sam, John and Rachel Wilson, all of Commerce. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 1, in the cha pel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Dennis Kesler and Marty Smith officiating. Burial was in Nicholson Cemetery. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Elizabeth Wilbanks Elizabeth Ostine Smith Wilbanks, 93, of Baldwin, died Sunday, December 2, 2007. She was born on February 6, 1914, in Banks County, and was the daughter of the late Logan Sylvester, Sr., and Lena Stephens Smith. She was a graduate of Baldwin High School and was a member of the Broad River Baptist Church. She was a retired teacher with the Habersham County School System with sev eral years service, a member of the AARP, and member of the Retired Teachers Association. Mrs. Wilbanks was preced ed in death by her husband, Telford R. Wilbanks; daughter, Priscilla Waters; grandson, Kevin Galloway; sister, Isabel Ervin; and brothers, Bruce, Happy and Clayton Smith. Survivors include daughters, Paula Haynes Hudgins and Leila McDowell, both of Gainesville, Sylvia Mason, Phyllis Johnson and RosemaryWilliams,allof Baldwin, Elaine Maxwell, Americus, Joan Bradley, Rockmart, Karen Graves, Fayetteville; sons, Ronnie Wilbanks, Charlotte, N.C., Stephen Wilbanks, Baldwin, and Tim Wilbanks, Naples, Fla.; a sister, Annie Ruth Wilbanks, Baldwin; 28 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren. DID YOU KNOW? By Preacher Clint DID YOU KNOW THAT THE BIRTH OF JESUS WAS PROMISED IN THE 1ST BOOK OF THE BIBLE? GEN. 3:15 Here we find the 1st promise of a redeemer, as GOD said to the woman your seed (CHRIST) will bruise the head of the serpent (Satan) and he (Satan) will bruise His (CHRIST) heel. Satan is a deceiver and a destroyer, but he is a defeated enemy, CHRIST born of a woman was the promised seed...(Gal. 4: 4 & 5). The death of JESUS on the cross fulfilled this promise and redeemed all who would believe. Send comments to Clinton Sexton 116 Ashland Drive Commerce, GA 30529 Funeral services were held Tuesday, December 4, at the Broad River Baptist Church with Drs. Michael Haynes and Dwayne Mercer, and the Rev. Ray Rhodes officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with the Rev. Steve Loeffler officiating at the graveside. Memorial contributions may be made to the Broad River Church Mission Fund, c/o Sylvia Mason, 1004 Ga. Hwy. 105, Baldwin, Ga. 30511. Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Michael Joy Michael D. Joy, 56, of Pendergrass, died Friday, November 23, 2007. He was born in Hall County on October 7, 1951, and was the son of James and Edith Joy of Gainesville. He was a mechanic and a born-again Christian. Mr. Joy was preceded in death by a brother, Danny B. Joy. Survivors in addition to his par ents include his wife, Shelby Joy, Pendergrass; sons, Dustin Cody Joy and Jeremy Scott Joy, both of Pendergrass; daughter, Jennifer Chastain; brothers and sisters- in-law, Ronnie and Gaynelle Joy and Billy and Brenda Joy, all of Gainesville, Jimmy and Patricia Joy, Lawrenceville, Randy and Wanda Joy, Baldwin; sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and Taylor Cantrell, Pendergrass, Jamie and Charles Phillips, Flowery Branch, Karen Allison and Rick Keeler and Robin and Chris Smith, all of Gainesville, Cindy Moses and R.L. Pruitt, Commerce; grand children, Marcus, Morgan, Blake and Lucas; mother-in-law, Grace Beckhart, Gainesville; brother-in law, Wayne Wilson, Gainesville; sister-in-law, Shelia Burkhart, Liberty, S .C.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Misty and Keith Wilson, Dahlonega; and a num ber of nieces, nephews and other relatives. Funeral services were held Monday, November 26, in the chapel of Ward’s Funeral Home with the Rev. Richard Thomas officiating. Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Buddy Veal Buddy J. Veal, 71, of Gainesville, died Saturday, November 24, 2007, following an extended ill ness. He was the son of the late Coy and Laura Freemen Veal, previously of Banks County. He worked over 45 years at Milliken Manufacturing Company New Holland and was a member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church. Mr. Veal was preceded in death by one great-grandchild; brother, Ralph Veal; and sister, Christine Watkins. Survivors include his wife, Shelby J. Veal, Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Vickie and Steve David, Maysville; son, Todd Veal, Commerce; step-daughter, Ella Ann Reed, Gainesville; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brother, Gordon Veal, Gainesville; sister, Rozeno Webb, New Holland, Dolline Maddox and Betty Webb, both of Gainesville, June Bond, Cleveland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 27, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with the Revs. Doug Tritt and Ralph Smith officiat ing. Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Eulene Baird Eulene Grier Baird, 93, of Braselton, died Tuesday, November 27, 2007. Born in Jackson County, she was the daugh ter of the late Richard and Hattie White Grier. She was a seamstress and a member of Zion Baptist Church. Mrs. Baird was pre ceded in death by her husband, Ira Lee Baird; daughter, Clarice M. Wheeler; son, Jack W. Baird. Survivors include sons, Randall L. Baird, Gillsville, Terry R. Baird and Norman Baird, both of Braselton; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Friday, November 30, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home. Burial was in the Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Braselton. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Joanna Whitfield Joanna Whitfield, 74, of Commerce, died Tuesday, December 4, 2007, at her resi dence. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Roy and Ruth Williams Crane. Survivors include sons, Ralph “Danny” Whitfield, Commerce, Michael “Mike” Eugene Whitfield, Fairmont, Randall Whitfield, Gainesville; sister, Frances Massey, Commerce; three grand sons; five great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 6, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Revs. Douglas Duncan and Dave Shanelle offi ciating. Burial will be in the Grey Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 5, from 6 to 9 p.m., at the funeral home, and at other times at the residence. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Jerry Helton Jerry Dwayne Helton, 28, of Cornelia, died Saturday, December 1, 2007, following inju ries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Born on April 14, 1979, in Habersham County, he was the son of Jerry Helton and step mother, Theresa Helton of Cleveland, and mother, Donna Fuller, and step-father, Vince Ferrera, Gainesville. He was a self-employed dry wall installer and was Baptist. Mr. Helton was preceded in death by his grandfa ther, William Armour. Survivors in addition to his parents, include fiance, Amanda Harkness, Cornelia; daughter, Desiree Helton, Gainesville; sons, Christian Diaz Helton, Gainesville, Donovan Helton, Decatur; step-sisters, Hope Wanstreet, Baldwin, and Falon Scott, Duluth; brothers, Jeremy Helton, Cornelia, Kevin Armour, Alto; step-brother, Jeremiah Scott, Cleveland; paternal grand parents, Roy and Thelma Helton, Cleveland; maternal grand parents, Ora Belle and Tommy Martin, Gainesville. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 5, at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Trotter officiating. Burial was in the Yonah Memorial Gardens. Whifield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Mozell Holmes Mozell Shirley Neese Holmes, 84, of Jefferson, died Tuesday, December 4, 2007. Born in Seneca, S .C., she was the daughter of the late Odell and Leila Carter Shirley. She was a retired spinner with Jefferson Mills and was Baptist. She enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, mentor and friend to everyone, loved ones stated. Mrs. Holmes was preceded in death by her husbands, W.P. Neese and Dewey Holmes; a son, George Odell Neese; daughter, Shirley Denise Holmes; two broth ers; and two sisters. Survivors include daugh ters and sons-in-law, Leila and Wayne Daniel, Buford, Carol and Thomas Beck, Commerce, Polly and Hugh Jones and Debbie Holmes and Gary Fricks, all of Jefferson, Barbara and Hurbert Carlan, Homer; daughter-in-law, Mae Neese, Pendergrass; sons and daughters-in-law, A.C. Neese, Athens, Clarence and Janet Neese, Eatonton, and Dewey and Tammy Holmes, Jefferson; sister and brother-in-law, Laura and Henry Colman, Gainesville; 25 grand children; 46 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 5, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Rev. Donald Tritt officiat ing. Burial was in Diamond Hill Baptist Church Cemetery. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. By Stephanie Schupska Matthew Chappell knows the dangers of a burning Christmas tree. The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension horticul turist has seen it firsthand. With a flick of a cigarette, his outdoor Christmas tree was on fire. It was back during his col lege days at Virginia Tech. And while he still had a 14-foot tree inside his home, the 7-footer went up in smoke, thanks to a careless driver. While most Georgians won’t have to deal with a cigarette- sparked bonfire, following gen eral safety tips will help make Christmas less hazardous. •Inspect your lights. “If they’re frayed and you see insulation or wires, get rid of them,” Chappell said . •Keep trees away from elec tronics. While it’s common knowledge that placing a tree near a fireplace or stove is a bad idea, setting one next to the The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority’s (GEFA) Weatherization Assistance Program recently hosted a site demonstration on measures that homeowners can take to increase home energy efficiency and to lower their energy bills. “The need for increased energy efficiency continues to rise as the state of Georgia grows and we require more energy” said GEFA executive director Chris Clark. “Georgia’s Weatherization Assistance Program helps low- income families save money through energy efficiency and it demonstrates effective steps that all of us can take in our homes to conserve energy,” Clark added. The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) works with low-income families to reduce energy costs by providing free home energy efficiency testing and solutions for individuals and families whose incomes do not exceed 150 percent of the fed eral poverty level (about $30,000 for a family of four). Preference is given to the elderly, people with disabilities and families with television is just as dangerous. “Don’t place a tree near a TV, PlayStation, Xbox or anything that’s hot and has ventilation holes in it,” he said. “Needles can fall in the back of these and start a fire.” •Know your needles. “The pecking order for trees that lose their needles the fastest is fir, then pine and then spruce,” he said. •Avoid New Year’s bonfires. If you do light your tree on fire, do it well away from structures or forest areas, and have at least one water source available. “The biggest thing is to observe all laws and regulations of the city and county wherever you live,” Chappell said. If you still want to burn your tree, he sug gests cutting it up and using it piece by piece. Stephanie Schupska is a news editor with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. children. Last year in Georgia, 2,467 homes were weatherized, serv ing 3,618 clients. Nationally, weatherization programs pro vide energy-efficiency services to nearly 100,000 homes on aver age every year. Based on cur rent energy prices, weatherizing a home reduces average annual energy costs per household by $358 in the first year alone. Weatherization measures that were demonstrated included the installation of wall and attic insulation, duct pressure testing, sealing of ductwork, appliance metering, blower door air infil tration testing, and a “house of pressure” demonstration, which demonstrates air flows through out a house. WAP was created by the fed eral government in 1976 to assist low-income families who lacked the resources to respond to vola tile energy markets by helping those families invest in energy efficiency. For more information regard ing Georgia’s Weatherization Assistance Program, call 404 584-1000. f| The new iMac. Power is a beautiful thing. peachmac mats • ipods • software * service H 50 Etipt Bridge Parkway (xhki from I 7D5-2QR.-9930 ■ pe*: lininr .riim The Commerce News, December 5, 2007. Har-Lee Enterprises Of Georgia, Inc. 24 Hr. Roadside Assistance • Licensed and Fully Insured 678-215-8519 • Jump Start • Tire Change 1 Fuel Delivery 1 Lock Out Mobile Mechanic Services Including: • Minor Repairs • Gasolin/Diesel Engines • RV Repair • Trailer Repair • Brakes (Hydraulic & Air) • Air Bag Suspension Replacement (on RVs, Trucks, & Trailers) • Maintenance Program On Fleet Vehicles \ 10% Discount On Labor When You Mention This Ad! 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