The Commerce news. (Commerce, Ga.) 1???-current, November 02, 2016, Image 11

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The Commerce news., November 02, 2016, Image 11

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Newspaper Page TextWEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2016 MAINSTREET NEWSPAPERS PAGE 11A-B Obituaries ‘Libbie’ Fitts DADE CITY, FLA. - Elizabeth "Libbie” Hix Fitts, 86 died Monday, October 17, 2016, at her residence sur rounded by family and under the care of Hernando-Pasco Hospice. Born on September 18, 1930, in Comer, she moved to Dade City, Fla., from Georgia in 1956. She worked many years for Tatum and John son Department Store in Dade City. From there, she worked as Assistant Manager School Lunchroom at Lacoochee Ele mentary and later retired from Assistant Manager School Lunchroom at San Antonio Elementary in 1992 after 22 years of service. Mrs. Fitts was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Mattie Hix, Comer; husband of 59 years Ferris Fitts, Dade City, Fla.; daughter, Brenda Gail Fitts, Danielsville; sisters, Virgin ia Ray Hix, Comer, Mattie Ruth Drake, Comer, and Flo- rine Smith, Dade City, Fla.; brothers, William "Bud" Hix, Comer, Charles Wilbur Hix, Comer, Henry Hix, Comer, Weldon Hix, Athens, Kenneth Paul Hix, Danielsville, and Walter Hix, Milledgeville. Survivors include children and spouses, Darrell (Deb bie) Fitts, Donna (Tommy) Dorman, and Joanna (David) Akers, all of Dade City, Fla.; grandchildren, Derek Fitts, Justin Dorman, and Ryan Akers, all of Dade City, Fla., Kayla Akers, Tacoma, Wash., Hatcher and Haley Porter, San Antonio, Fla.; sister, Sylvia Hix Parham, Comer; special nieces, Deb (Bill) Porter and her family, San Antonio, Fla., Rita (Ken) Martin and her family, Danielsville; "adopt ed” daughter, Dianne (Tom) Ankoviak, Dade City, Fla.; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation was held Octo ber 20 at Whitfield Funeral Home, Zephyrhills, Fla. Funeral services were held Friday, October 21, at First Baptist Church in Dade City, Fla., with the Rev. Bradley J. Stevens officiating. Burial was at Florida National Cem etery in Bushnell, Fla. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. Mary Hill COMMERCE Mary Elizabeth Hill, 95, died Sun day, October 30, 2016, at her residence. Mrs. Hill was born in Royston, the daughter of the late Charlie Lee and Alice Ray Edins. Mrs. Hill was a homemaker and a member of Berea Baptist Church. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Onnie S. Hill; a son, Horace Hill; daugh ters, Doris Boswell and Mary Hembree; grandson, Lee Hill; sister, Gladys Massey; broth ers, Luke Edins, Joe Edins, and Waco Edins; and daugh- ter-in-law, Dianne Carithers Hill. Survivors include her son, Charles Hill (Joan), Com merce; daughters, Linda Brown (Michael), Commerce, and Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, Hull; sisters, Sara Beard, Danielsville, Mattie Sue Wil loughby, Watkinsville, and Mirl Williamson, Jefferson; grandchildren, Paul Hill (Diane), Kim Mull (Duane), Rebecca Lance (Malcolm), Scott Hill, Mike Brown, Jr. (Lisa), Michelle Mitch ell (Bobby), Mark Boswell (Terri), Lanier Boswell, Kenny Hembree, Jr., Nancy Hill and Sherry Hill; 29 great grandchildren; and two great- great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 1, from Berea Baptist Church with the Revs. Sam Henderson and Terry James officiating. Interment was in in Jackson Memorial Gardens. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. (622) ‘Mae’ Hutchins WINDER - “Mae” Fran ces Hutchins passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2016, at Great Oaks Retirement Com munity in Monroe, Ga. She was a longtime resi dent of Winder and Asheville, N.C., where she worked for the National Weather Service, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. She retired in 1982 and returned to live in Winder in 1987. Frances was a devout Christian and a mem ber of the Winder First Baptist Church. She was devoted to her family, and she was a lov ing and caring friend. Mrs. Hutchins was preced ed in death by her parents, Fred O. and Sunie Kenne dy Hutchins, Carl; brothers, Andrew, Oak Ridge, Tenn., Robert, Carl, Grady, Auburn, and Harold, Carl, twin broth er, Fred, Carrollton; and sister, Lois Brown, Monroe. Survivors include a sister- in-law, Mrs. Fred Hutchins (Johnnye), Carrollton; 12 nieces and nephews, scattered out from Georgia to Oregon; and many great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 5, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 5, from 1 p.m. until the funeral hour at the funeral home. Interment will follow in Barrow Memo rial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, dona tions may be made to the Winder First Baptist Church. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. (18360) ‘Joan’Lutz Allie “Joan" Lutz, known as the Card Lady for her fond ness for sending people inspi rational messages right when they needed them. Joan would have turned 86 on Octo ber 26. She was born in 1930 in Charlotte, N.C., the daughter of parents Leonard “Buck” and Ozelle Potts Caudle. She passed Monday afternoon in an auto accident. Her life-long friend Sharon Beson was travelling with her. Joan was survived by her sister, Gayle Stowe, Jeffer son, Georgia; her five chil dren; Brenda Broadway (Ray Shields), Gary Lutz (Donna), Jeff Lutz, Karen Packer, and Wade Lutz (Karen); seven grandchildren; Megan Kieper (Nathan), Michael Broadway (Felicia), Heather Lewis, Dylan Lutz, Shawn Packer (Palmer), Jennifer Splaingard, and Clark Breese (Kim); and eight great-grandchildren. For 35 years Joan was a National Sales Director for Primerica Financial Services. She had a love of helping people that extended to help ing those that could not help themselves. Joan was a tire less disciple of Christ and shared his love with everyone with whom she came into con tact. Joan was instrumental in developing many ministries in the communities wherever she lived, touching hundreds of lives. It would be impossible to list them all. Joan loved Christmas and its true mean ing. She showed that every year to many families in need by anonymously donating at Christmas. She even hosted several families to her person al family Christmas, where Santa Claus would come and visit the children. The Celebration of Her Life service was held Saturday, October 29, at Cohutta First Baptist Church, in Cohutta, Ga. In honor of her love for Christmas, the family requests that donations be made to your choice of an Operation Christmas Child or to a family in need. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. Essie Lou McCullers MONROE - Essie Lou McCullers, 84, died on Fri day, October 21, 2016. She was born in Jackson County, the daughter of the late Arline Garrett Wallace and Lee Wallace. She was preceded in death by her hus band, Eugene Lee McCullers. Survivors include her daughters and son-in-law, Tracey McCullers, Monroe, Kathy and Jerry Miller, Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; son, Buster McCullers, Monroe; sister Betty Sims, Winder; brother, Henry Wallace, Bethlehem; and grandchildren, Gunner and Shelby. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 25, in the Chapel of Meadows Funeral Home with the Rev. Chris Conner officiating. Interment was at Hill Haven Memory Gardens. Please sign the guestbook at www.meadowsfuneralho- meinc.com. Meadows Funeral Home, Monroe, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. Betty Mingus WINDER - Betty L. Min gus, 87, passed away Friday, October 28, 2016. A daughter of the late Samuel Merrick and Estella Frances Noble Colvin, Mrs. Mingus gradu ated from Battle Creek High School in Battle Creek, Mich. She was a former member of Jug Tavern Squares, and a member of Winder First United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death in 2008 by her husband, Richard Glenn (Dick) Mingus. Survivors include her chil dren, Mike Mingus and Debra Gilstrap, Winder, Judith Lynn and Randall Sims, Winder; brother, Roger E. Colvin, Marshall, Mich.; five grand children; eight great-grand children; and one great-great- grandchild. Funeral services were held Monday, October 31, from the Chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Larry Rary officiating. Carter Funeral Home of Winder was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.carterfh- winder.com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. (19080) Josephine Perry JEFFERSON - Josephine McLuskie Perry, 73, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016. Survivors include her loving husband of 49 years, Robert J. Perry; sons, Robert Perry, Jr., Michael Perry and Gregory Perry, all of Atlanta; broth ers, John Campbell, Whip- pany, N.J., Robert Campbell, Edison, N.J., and William Campbell, Kearny, N.J. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Margarite Campbell. Josephine worked as a bank professional for most of her career. However, in her early retirement years, she was employed at Cracker Barrel in Braselton. Jo-Jo was beloved by all that crossed her path. She will be forever remem bered as a shining star by fam ily, friends, and co-workers. A funeral service honoring the life of Josephine was held on Friday, October 28, at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville Cha pel with Minister Harold Sav age officiating. Interment was in East Shadowlawn Memo rial Gardens. Condolences may be sent to or viewed at www.wages- funeralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, Lawrenceville, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc.' November 2, 2016. (19806) Robert Phillips JEFFERSON Robert L. Phillips, 84, entered into rest Wednesday, October 26, 2016. Mr. Phillips was born in Jef ferson, the son of the late Melvin and Myrtie Greer Phil lips. He was retired from Stan dard Coosa Thatcher and was a member of Crooked Creek Baptist Church. Mr. Phillips was pre ceded in death by a brother, James Phillips; and two sis ters, Evelyn Wilder and Annie Nell Cain. Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Bonnie Aberna thy Phillips, Jefferson; two sons, Glenn Phillips and his wife Desiree, Jefferson, and Bobby Phillips, Gainesville; daughter, Lisa Wilson and her husband Trent, Commerce; two sisters, Julia Phillips, Jef ferson, and Roberta Waldrup, Jefferson; eight grandchil dren; and three great-grand children. Funeral services were held Friday, October 28, from the Crooked Creek Baptist Church with Dr. Tom Miles, the Revs. James Kanady, and Brenson Jennings officiating. Burial was in the Crooked Creek Baptist Church Cem etery. Gentlemen honored as pallbearers were Phillip Stringer, Jonathan Stringer, Wesley Cain, Tommy Phillips, Lamar Waldrup and Darrell Phillips. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc. com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. (875) Richard Brevard Russell, III Richard Brevard Russell, III, entered this world on Janu ary 31, 1930, as the third child of Robert Lee Russell, Sr. and Sybil Nannette Millsaps Russell. He left this world on Thursday, October 20, 2016, shortly after 5 p.m., or “cocktail hour,” as he would have said. Richard was a caregiver to many people throughout his life. His interest in others and their well-being was a driv ing force in his life. He was a passionate man whose faith in God, as well as his love and devotion to family and friends was of upmost importance. Surviving siblings include Betty Russell Vandiver (Ernie, pre-deceased), Betty Ann Russell (sister-in-law) and Ina Russell Ingram (Jim, pre deceased). Richard was pre ceded in death by his brother, the Hon. Robert Lee Russell, Jr. Richard’s greatest pride and joy was his wife of 65 years, Nancy Patricia Randolph Rus sell (Pat). Ever the social butterfly, perfect hostess and home maker, Richard said that she “made him look good.” Being her primary caregiver for many years as her memory slowly faded from him, Rich ard continued to be the love and romantic for Pat as she struggled. When he could no longer care for her at home, he visited her regularly, at her facility, where she still resides. Survivors include four children, nine grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren, with # 11 due in January. His extended clan of cousins, nieces and nephews and their families made his life even more complete. His children are Vickie Russell Smith (Mike), Beth lehem, Ga., Tandy Russell Green (Craig), Jacksonville Fla., Nannette Russell Kall- estad (Eric), Winder and Kitty Hawk, N.C., and Richard Bre vard Russell Jr., Winder. His grandchildren are Jus tin Hall (Brigit) Caren Pul liam, Jennifer Curell (Craig), Robert Green (Becca), Emily Wells (Mark), Cedric Jerni- gan III (Amy), Baxter Russell, Mollie Russell, and Emory Russell. Richard attended Darling ton School in Rome, Ga., where he developed friend ships that he upheld with devotion throughout his life. He graduated and went to work for the summer help ing to construct the Alaskan railroad. Upon return, he attended Davidson College, the University of Georgia and graduated from the School of Law at UGA with a Juris Doctor Degree. He practiced law in Winder, Ga., served as Superior Court Judge for the Piedmont Judicial Circuit, and entered into private practice in the 1960s with the Hon. T. Penn McWhorter, which was the beginning of a long and fulfilling personal and pro fessional relationship, with Judge McWhorter. The firm ultimately expanded over the years to include other promi nent attorneys, including his son and namesake, Richard B. Russell Jr. He served in the Georgia Army National Guard as Commander of Winder Infan try Company and was honored to do so, maintaining relation ships with local guardsmen he had the honor to serve with. Richard was graced with his heritage and legacy of being the namesake of the late Senator Richard Brevard Russell Jr. He was the epit ome of a gracious Southern gentleman who behind the scenes, managed many of the needs and requirements of the Senator’s local personal life and later his estate, their very large family, the family home, and Russell Family cemetery. Richard assisted with estab lishing the Russell Family Cemetery Trust which is the catalyst that is used today to honor Sen. Russell’s request that the home, grounds, and cemetery be used for family use and reunions for many years to come. Richard spent a lifetime of Sundays at First Presbyterian Church in Winder, where he and Pat would sit together with other family on the exact same row each visit to wor ship. Richard engaged in com munity service and political endeavors, serving as both Barrow County Attorney and Barrow County School Board Attorney, as well as provid ing legal counsel to corporate presidents and industries, and local farmers and the agricul tural community he so loved. He stood up for his beliefs and causes and staunchly defend ed them, when needed. His stern appearance was some what intimidating and he was a force to be reckoned with to those who were in disagree ment with him. When not practicing law, Richard enjoyed working on his land and managing his herd of cattle. He could change from business suit to coveralls in record time. He enjoyed freshwater fish ing, hunting, and driving his "Jeep” on trails in the woods, often including his children and grandchildren. Richard and Pat also valued their time and friendships in Islamorada, Fla., where they maintained a second home for over 30 years. Richard was happiest during those years, on his boat with his fishing buddies, Dr. John Castronu- ova, Sal Tucci and others, as he mastered their saltwater fishing techniques. Richard was a man of "lists." A legal pad and ink pen were a requirement for his vehicle, office, and bedside table. So much in fact, that we considered writing his obitu ary in bullet points. He would have liked that. Richard’s memorial service will be held at the First Pres byterian Church in Winder, Ga. on Saturday November 5, 2016. Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church, with coffee and dessert. The ser vice begins at 3 p.m. Richard requested cremation with a private burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contri butions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Winder, or to Eagles Ranch Children’s Home in Chestnut Ridge, Ga. Smith Memory Cha pel, Winder, is in charge of arrangements. www.smithmemorychapel. com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. (18360-152.20) Marjorie Stewart AUBURN - Marjorie E. Stewart, 78, passed away Thursday, October 27, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Cecil and Etta Marie Welch. Mrs. Stewart was a member of Bethabra Baptist Church. She retired from J.C. Pool in Winder with over 30 years of service. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, Cornelious Stewart, Auburn; children, Sharon and Ronney Hulsey, Auburn, Gena and Mitch Johnson, Winder, Phyl lis Stewart, Auburn, and Amy and Heather Stewart, Winder; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sunday, October 30, from the Chapel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Terry Hawkins officiating. Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.carterfh- winder.com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. (19080) Ruby (Alice) Taylor Ruby (Alice) Partrich Tay lor, 89, passed away on Fri day, October 22, 2016, at her residence in Jefferson. She was born January 24, 1927, and had been a long time resident of Birmingham, Ala. until 2008, when she moved to Jefferson to be clos er to her children. She was a loving and devoted mother, wife, grandmother and friend. She was a member of Wil son Chapel United Method ist Church, where she was an active member for many years. Alice was preceded in death by her spouse of 45 years, William Terrell Taylor; parents, Houston and Ruby Whitmire Partrich; two sis ters, Doris Robbins and Mary Hagerman; and son-in-law, Jim Cupp. Survivors include her son, William (Sue) Taylor, Jr.; daughter, Jan Cupp; grand children, Samantha (Scott) Coleman and Ben (Christine) Cupp; and several great grandchildren, nephews and nieces, and great-nieces and nephews. Graveside services were held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Friday, October 28. Memorial donations may be made to Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. James Wofford James A. Wofford passed away Friday, October 28, 2016. Born in 1928, he was the son of Mary and James Alec Wofford (both deceased). He was preceded in death by his first wife, Hilda Wofford; and granddaughter. Ginger Kend all Davis. Survivors include his wife, Bert Wofford; daugh ter, Wanda Kendall (Danny), Inman, S.C.; and a son, Jimmy Wofford (Janice), Fountain Inn, S.C.; two grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grand- children. Being ninth in a family of 12 children, he is survived by one brother, Don Wofford (Evelyn), Trion; and one sister, Mary Etta, Rome. Mr. Wofford lived a full life, realizing his dream of manag ing a cotton mill. He worked with several companies before retiring, but he never stopped working for others. Through the Lions Club, Rotary Club and his gardens, he has helped so many. You were very spe cial if you received one of his handmade crosses. Funeral services were held at Ila Baptist Church in Ila on Sunday, October 30. Donations may be made to the Madison County Rotary Club. The family expressed gratitude for his care at the Halcyon Hospice House in Atlanta. Interment was in Seneca, S.C. Lord and Stephens, Dan ielsville, was in charge of arrangements. www. lordandstephens. com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. November 2, 2016. (081) Please recycle this newspaper. OBITUARY NOTICES The charge to publish an obituary is $55 per notice for 250 words or less and the notice will be published in all six newspapers covering Banks, Barrow, Jackson and Madison counties effective Over 250 words will be charged at 15 cents per word. There will be no charge for the online posting to our website. Photographs remain free if the family chooses to submit one. To place an obituary notice, contact Betty Small at 706-621-4629 or obits@mainstreetnews.com. June 1, 2014.