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THE COMMERCE (GA) NEWS. WEDNESDAY. TANUARY 30. 2008 - PAGE 9A Area Death Notices William Everett William Everett, 92, of Commerce, formerly of Fannin County, died Sunday, January 27, 2008, at Southern Pines in Maysville. Born in Union County, he was the son of the late George Washington and Laura Galloway Everett. He was retired from General Motors. Survivors include several nieces and nephews with more local nieces being Mary (Ronnie) Seabolt, Commerce, and Maxcille Hite, Smyrna; and a sister, Lucille Donaldson, Mineral Bluff. Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 30, in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Revs. Mike Odham, James Montgomery and Keith Richey officiating. Burial was in Union Baptist Church Cemetery at Mineral Bluff, where graveside services were held. Ivie Funeral Home, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Clem Lowe Clem Lowe, 84, of Homer, died Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at his residence. Born in Stephens County on June 1, 1923, he was the son of the late Richard and Sallie Sargent Lowe. He was a retired poultry farmer. Survivors include a daughter, Hattie Garrett, Homer; four grand children; ten great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Friday, January 25, in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Luther Campbell officiat ing. Burial was at Oconee Baptist Church Cemetery in Jefferson. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Myra Durrett Myra Joy Ballard Durrett, 57, of Commerce, died Saturday, January 19, 2008. She was the daughter of the late Owen and Mary Ballard. She was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Doraville and worked as a shipping and receiving clerk at Craven’s Pottery. Mrs. Durrett was preceded in death by a broth er, Marvin Ballard. Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Brenda Ballard, Atlanta; sister, Elizabeth Faye Simmons, Commerce; and several nieces and nephews. The body was cremated and no services were planned. Memorial contributions may be made to The Wayne Ballard Fund, c/o Regions Bank, Account #636294837. Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home inNorcross was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Mitchell Smith Mitchell Smith, 52, of Bogart, died Monday, January 21, 2008. Funeral services were held Friday, January 25, at River of Life Worship Center in Nicholson. Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. 'Matt' Yates Charles Matthew “Matt” Yates, 26, of Baldwin, died Friday, January 25, 2008, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. Born in Jackson County on March 21,1981, he was the son of Chuck Yates of Rivera Beach, Fla., and Elaine Rogers of Baldwin. He attended the New and Living Way and The Torch. He enjoyed spending time with his son, Tyson, his family and friends, and playing sports, according to loved ones. Survivors in addition to his parents, include a son, Tyson Yates, Baldwin; step-father, Phillip Rogers, Baldwin; brother, John Paul Rogers, Turnerville; sister, Kim Payne, Homer; step-sisters, Tonya Ellerbee and Tara Rogers, both of Clarkesville; godmother, LeAnne Masten, Clarkesville; godparents, Bruce and Carolyn Joyce, Clarkesville; and sever al nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 29, at Grove Level Baptist Church with Pastor Mike Garroutte and Bruce and Carolyn Joyce officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery with Pastor Mike Franklin officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one’s choice. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Marilyn Smith Marilyn R. Smith, 48, of Commerce, died Thursday January 24, ■ 2008, at her res- idence, follow- JP ing an extend- w ed illness. She was the daughter of Fannie Hughes Anglin of i Lawrenceville. Survivors in addition to her mother, include her husband, Ronnie Smith, Commerce; sons, Robert Hewatt and Matthew Hewatt, both of Commerce; daughters, Ruth Ann Cox, Smithonia, and Hayley Cato, Clarkesville; brothers, Steve Anglin and David Anglin, both of Lawrenceville, Ricky Anglin, Stone Mountain, Randy Anglin, Buford, and Marty Anglin, Suwannee; six grandchildren; and a special friend, Jodi Hunter, Tallahassee, Fla. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 26, in the cha pel of Ivie Funeral Home with Gene Dolbear officiating. Burial was in Jackson Memorial Park. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. 'Don' Watkins Donald H. “Don” Watkins, 66, Georgia bluegrass music star and patriarch of the bluegrass gospel performers The Watkins Family of Eastanollee, died Saturday, January 26,2008, following a heart attack during an appearance at True Gospel Community Church in Dobson, N.C. Survivors and members of the bluegrass family, include his wife, Judy; a son, Todd; and daughters, Lorie and Shannon. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 31, at 2 p.m., at Liberty Baptist Church in Toccoa. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 30, from 4 to 8 p.m., at Whitlock Mortuary in Toccoa, 706-886-9411. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Sallie Mae Pearson Sallie Mae King Pearson, 84, of Royston, died Friday, January 25, 2008, at her residence. She was born on May 10, 1923, in Fair Play, S.C., the daughter of the late Memphis Tennessee and Sylvia Nix King. She was a home maker and of the holiness faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Wilford Pearson; and a daughter, Margaret Saxon. Survivors include sons, Rufus Pearson and Robert Pearson, both of Royston; Linda House, Canon, Mary Bryant and Deborah Rowland, both of Royston, and Patricia Dove, Danielsville; broth ers, Woodrow King, Royston, Walt King and W.C. King, both of Lavonia, and Jimmy King, Athens; sisters, Sara Bruce, Hartwell, Hazel Fleming, South Carolina, JoAnn King and Becky Blackwell, both of Winterville, and Nerea Barrett, Commerce; 26 grandchil dren; 49 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Monday, January 28, in the cha pel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Johnny Stowe and Gary Stewart officiating. Burial was in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park. Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Wallace Gaither Wallace Gaither, 66, died Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at the Vista Care Facilities in Atlanta. He was born in Banks County on March 18, 1941, the son of the late Willie and Ina Gaither. He joined Neal’s Grove Baptist Church in Commerce at an early age. He later moved to Atlanta, where he lived and blessed many with his presence, loved ones stated. Some of his works included singing and playing the piano for various churches, but he attended Bethel Grove Baptist Church in Covington, where he continued to bless many with his singing and gift of playing and leadership of the choir until he became ill. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Gaither. Survivors include sons and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Gaither Jr., Decatur, Willie Gaither, Atlanta; a daugh ter, Debra Yates, Conyers; his wife of 12 years, Brenda Johnson Gaither; sisters, brothers and spouses, Willie Mae Butler, Canon, Gennie F. Williams, Atlanta, Inez Harris, Forest Park, Mr. and Mrs. John Allen Gillespie, North Carolina, Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Gaither, Commerce; seven grandchildren; one great-grand child; and a multitude of aunts, nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral services were held Saturday, January 26, at Neal’s Grove Baptist Church in Commerce. Burial was in Bush River Cemetery. Moss-Stovall-Neal Funeral Home, Toccoa, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Louise Irvin Louise Brooks Irvin, 85, for merly of Elberton, died Thursday, January 24, 2008, at Parkwood Living Center in Snellville. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Roy and Bertie Brooks. She was a retired bookkeeper and home maker. She was a member of the Elberton First Baptist Church, the Friendship Sunday School Class, and was active for many years in the ladies auxiliary at Elbert Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Irvin was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph H. “Bud” Irvin; and a sister, Frances Brooks. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Donna Irvin, Lawrenceville; daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Mike Getz, Calera, Ala.; brother and sister-in-law, James and Betty Brooks, Maysville; nephew, Tim Brooks, Maysville; and an uncle, Harold Adams, Elberton. Funeral services were held Sunday, January 27, at the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Ed Sayer officiating. Burial was in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Pallbearers were Tim Brooks, Larry Howell, Norman Banks, Neal Banks, Ryan Brooks and Allen Moore. Berry Funeral Home, Elberton, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. jack Irvin Carl Jack Irvin Sr., 79, of Baldwin, died Friday, January 25, 2008, at Habersham County Medical Center. Born in Habersham County on January 16, 1929, he was the son of the late Lee V. and Stella Thomason Irvin. He was self-employed and a member of Leatherwood Baptist Church. Mr. Irvin served on the Banks County Commissioners’ Board for 20 years and later served in the State House of Representatives 10th District for 12 years. He was a member of the Hollingsworth Masonic Lodge #355 F.&A.M., a 50-year mason, and also a mem ber of the Yaarab Shrine Temple of Atlanta. He was preceded in death by a brother, Lee V. Irvin, Jr- He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most importantly he enjoyed being surrounded by his children and grandchildren, according to loved ones. Survivors include his loving wife, Ann D. Irvin, Baldwin; daughters and sons-in-law, Zoe and Rod Pass, Hope Mills, N.C., Wanda and Gene DeLeo, Washington, D.C., and Teresa and Steve Dodd, Baldwin; son and daughter-in-law, Carl Jack Irvin Jr. and Dessie Irvin, Baldwin; brother and sister- in-law, Tommie and Alice Irvin, Baldwin; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 29, in the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim House officiating. Burial was in Leatherwood Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Ken Franklin officiating. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Evia Stewart Evia Stewart, 84, of Commerce, died Sunday, January 27, 2008, at her residence. Born in Hall County, she was the daughter of the late Robert Richard and Tensie Fortson Campbell. Mrs. Stewart was pre ceded in death by her husband, Raymond Stewart; daughters, Elaine Wiley and Jody Lee; and sons, Johnny Stewart and Donnie Stewart. Survivors include daughters, Diane Matthews, Nicholson, Linda Lee, Commerce; sons, Merlin Stewart, Commerce, Robert WeldonStewart,Hoschton, Ronnie Stewart, Whitesburg, Gary Stewart, Buford; 24 grand children; 14 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 29, in the cha pel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Chad Rising officiating. Burial was in White Plains Baptist Church cemetery. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Beatrice Edwards Beatrice C. Edwards, 85, of Watkinsville, died Sunday, January 27, 2008, at Athens Heritage Nursing Home. Born in Jackson County, she was the daughter of the late Pet and Annie Myrt Adams Crawford. She was a member of Watkinsville Memorial Baptist Church and had worked at Watkinsville First Baptist Church Preschool Nursery Department for 12 years. She loved children, especially her grandchildren, loved ones stated. Mrs. Edwards was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edwards. Survivors include children, Charles William Norton, Athens, Harry Norton, Seneca, S.C., Linda Hardigree, Athens, Jimmy Edwards, Watkinsville; a sis ter, Lucille Brunett, Beaumont, Texas; brother, Bobby Crawford, Nicholson; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 29, in the chapel of Lord & Stephens West Funeral Home with the Revs. Jimmy Edwards, Darryl Gilmer and Ken Jennings officiating. Burial was at Edwards Family Cemetery in Watkinsville. Pallbearers were Hoyt Mauldin, Chris Norton, Brad Young, Kalip Young, Richard Cronic and Eddie Hardigree. Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Edna Bell Edna Bell, 88, of Baldwin, for merly of Toccoa, died Wednesday, January 23, 2008, at a private health care facility. She was born on January 29, 1919, in Stephens County, the daughter of the late Ernest and Marie Holcomb Purcell. She was a member of the Sunnyside Baptist Church and was a home maker. Mrs. Bell was preceded in death by her husband, Angus A. Bell; grandson, David Purcell; daughter-in-law, Nell Purcell; sister, Mary Hampton; broth ers, Clarence Purcell and Terrell Purcell. Survivors include a son, Elbert Purcell, Snellville; step-daugh ter, Peggy Bell, Clarkesville; sisters, Joyce Collins, Toccoa, Agnes Brown, Martin, Helen Taylor, Marietta, Ruby Ferguson, Dawsonville, Nancy Watson, Mansfield; brother, Edward Purcell, Toccoa; and several niec es and nephews. Funeral services were held Friday, January 25, at Whitfield Funeral Home with the Revs. Bill Evans and Robert Thomas officiating. Burial was in Yonah Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 2565 Thompson Bridge Rd., Suite 114, Gainesville, Ga. 30501. Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Adam Haggard Adam Reese Haggard, 20, of Watkinsville, died Friday, January 25, 2008. Born in Commerce, he was the son of Randy Haggard and step-mother, Melinda Haggard, of Colbert, and Janet Oglesbee and step-father, John W. Oglesbee, of Watkinsville. He was raised in Oconee County and attended Oconee County High School. He was at home in the outdoors, loved the mountains and camp ing, and was an avid music fan and among his favorite bands were Widespread Panic and Yonder Mountain String Band, according to loved ones. Survivors in addition to his parents, include a brother, Cory Haggard, Watkinsville; half-sister and spouse, Jessica Dawn and David Pittman; half-brothers and spouse, Christopher Shad and Charity Boswell, and Randall Clay Haggard; step-sisters, Jennifer Oglesbee (Dan Alamia) and Melissa Oglesbee; nieces and nephews, Douglas Boswell, Sydnee Boswell, Lily Pittman and Tristan Nix. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 29, in the cha pel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Douglas Duncan officiating. Burial was at Beaverdam Baptist Church Cemetery. Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, West, Bogart, was in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Mary Frances Wilkes Mary Frances Wilkes, 75, of Commerce, died Monday, January 28, 2008, at BJC Medical Center in Commerce. Born in Saxapaha, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Henry Grady and Zady Bell Fredericks Forrester. She was a retired realtor, and was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Daniel Wilkes Jr„ and a son, Gary Wilkes. Survivors include children, Steve Wilkes, Winterville, Charlie Wilkes and Stanley Wilkes, both of Ila, John Wilkes, Bogart, Jeanne Pratt, Athens, and Sharon Wilkes, Danielsville; brothers, Lloyd Forrester, Norfolk, Va., Ray Forrester, Henderson, N.C., and Frank Forrester, Maysville; 12 grandchildren; and six great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, February 1, 2008, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Henry Webb officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday, January 31, from 7 to 9 p.m. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Paul Beck Paul Beck, 63, of Commerce, died Monday, January 28, 2008, at his residence. He was the son of the late Harold and Ruby Evans Beck. Sur vivors include his wife, Lynda Roberts Beck, Commerce; son and daughter-in-law, Mickey and Wanda Patrick, Commerce; broth ers, Clifford Beck, Commerce, Donald Beck, Jefferson, and Ronald Beck, Lexington; sisters, Gladys Thomas, Dade City, Fla., Brenda Crane, Jefferson, and Linda Ward, Maysville; grandchil dren, Cruz and Blake Patrick. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 31, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Phil Parks officiat ing. Burial will be in the Banks County Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. The Commerce News, January 30, 2008. Help Keep Commerce Beautiful! Please read, then recycle, this newspaper. Now Your Parents Can live At Home! We know it isn’t easy to invite someone into your home to provide homecare. You’ll interview and select any caregiver we refer to you. At Visiting Angels., character matters in caregivers! Up to 24 Hour Care, Meal preparation, Light Housework, Companionship. Our caregivers are thoroughly screened. VUitUlci-An ge ls^lCw) LIVING ASSISTANCE SERVICES 770-886-7900 /■ N The political ad that published on January 16, 2008 entitled “Why Do Pulpits Remain Silent?” was paid for by Tri-County Ministerial Association 41 Hill Crest Street • Commerce, GA 30529 Rev. John Webber and Rev. 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