About The Banks County news. (Homer, Banks County, Ga.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 2, 2012)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2013 MAINSTREET NEWSPAPERS PAGE 7A-B Obituaries ‘G.W.’Allen Brian Chalmers BETHLEHEM - George W. “ G . W . ” Allen, 69, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2012. He was a member of Hebron Baptist Church in Dacula and enjoyed hunt ing. He was a former Chief of Police in Loganville and Flowery Branch and was also a former vol unteer fireman for Flowery Branch, and had worked for Hall County on the dive team. He was currently employed with Southeast Culvert. Mr. Allen was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Robert West and Lee West. Survivors include his wife, Marlene Allen, Bethlehem; chil dren, Joe and Barbara Allen, Dacula, Marie and Sammy Graham, Auburn, Chad and Shannon Allen, Braselton, and Christy Chumbler, Bethlehem; brothers, Johnny Allen, Sparta, and Tony Allen, Statham; sister-in-law, Cathy Allen, Auburn; brother-in-law, Earnest and Lara Hayes Jr., Buford; grandchildren, Joel Allen, Joseph and Stephanie West, Joey Allen, Cloe Allen, Davey Chumbler and Tyler Graham; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne West, Makayla West, Coy West and Jamie West. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 3, at 3 p.m., at Antioch Baptist Church, Buford, with the Rev. Ollie V. Hayes officiating. Burial will be in the church cem etery. Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Lawrenceville, is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the online guest regis try at www.stewartfh.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (19126) Randy Baxter ATHENS - Randy Baxter, 64, died Saturday, December 29, 2012, at Athens Regional Medical Center. He was born in Commerce, the son of Helen Freada Anglin Baxter of Maysville and the late Joe T. Baxter. He was a mem ber of the Commerce First United Methodist Church and a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was employed as a salesman with Burton and Burton. Mr. Baxter was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Seagraves Baxter; and a sister, Myra Baxter. Survivors in addition to his mother include a son, Blake Baxter, Athens; and brother, Steve Baxter, Maysville. Funeral services were held Tuesday, January 1, at the Commerce First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Billy Pittman officiating. Interment was in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (622) Bradford Benson Jr. JEFFERSON - Bennie Bradford Benson Jr., 73, passed away on Sunday, December 30, 2012, at his home sur rounded by his family. Brad suffered from Parkinson’s for the past 10 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, B.B. Benson Sr. and Annie Mae Love Benson. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Barbara Barnett Benson; one daughter, Kelli Benson Sosebee and husband, Ted; four wonderful grandchildren, Kaleb Sosebee, Ashton Sosebee, Kendall Sosebee and Rylee Sosebee, Jefferson; four siblings, J.B. (Jim) Benson and Guy Dean, Marty B. Cooper and Danny, Jefferson, and Merita Beatty, Newnan; seven nieces and nephews; and 13 great-nieces and nephews. Brad was honored to have two namesakes. Brad was a Transportation Engineer II and was employed by the Georgia Department of Transportation before retiring after 34 years as a crew chief of three location survey parties out of Gainesville. He then worked in Barrow County as head of the Engineering Department for 12 plus years. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1961-1964 aboard the USS Canberra. His active duty time included deployments dur ing the Cuban Missle Crisis. Brad had multiple deployments to ports of call around the world during his time in service. His ending rank was Postal Clerk Third Class aboard the USS Canberra. Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 2, in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Revs. Mark Mobley, Wayne Norris and Doug Hilliard officiating. Burial was in the Evans Memory Gardens with Alex Bryan, Tim Love, Frank Eberhart, Harrison McDonald, Peanut Evans and Jim Love honored as pallbearers. Fellow retired D.O.T. employees were honorary pallbear ers. Memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018, or the charity of your choice. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (875-45.20) FAX to: 706-387-5431 LULA - Brian Keith Chalmers, 45, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at his residence. Born in Monroe County, Mich., on March 23, 1967, he was son of Christopher and Kathleen Chalmers of Brownstown, Mich. Mr. Chalmers served his coun try proudly in the United States Marine Corps for over seven years. He was decorated hav ing received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Mast, Letter of Appreciation and an Expert Rifle Badge. Survivors include his loving wife, Porsha Ann Chalmers, Lula; son, Matthew Keith Chalmers, Lincoln Park, Mich.; sister, Christine Burget (Calvin), Pinellas Park, Fla.; mother- in-law and father-in-law, Earl, Sr. and Louise Nix, Gillsville; sisters-in-law, Jane Smith (Mike), Alto, and Elaine Williams (Jeff), Cornelia; brother-in- law, Earl, Jr. and Lisa Nix, Gillsville; and 13 nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 29, at the cha pel of McGahee-Griffm & Stewart with Chaplin Keith Ferguson and the Rev. James Duncan officiating. Full military honors were provided by the United States Marine Corps, Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, Habersham County American Legion Post #84, and the Rabun County DAV Chapter #15. An online guest register is avail able and may be viewed at www. mcgaheegriffmandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (19090) Mallice Chatham NICHOLSON - Mallice Elizabeth Young Chatham, 88, passed away on Sunday, December 23, 2012. She was bom in Turner County, the daughter of the late Roy B. Young Sr. and Lennis Rice Young. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist denomination. Mrs. Chatham was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Harrison Chatham; and broth ers, Roy B. Young Jr. and Charlie Young. Survivors include a daughter, Martha Faye Conner, Nicholson; sons, Billy (Elaine) Chatham, Buford, Robert L. Chatham, Grayson, and Walter Ray (LaVerne) Chatham, Monroe; six grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; seven great-great- grandchildren. Graveside services were held Wednesday, December 26, in the Peachtree Memorial Park in Duluth. Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneral- homeinc.com Evans Funeral Home Inc., Jefferson, was in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (875) Edwin Coffey HOSCHTON - Edwin Kenneth Coffey, 57, passed away Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. He was born August 13, 1955, in Buford, the son of Lillian Coffey of Hoschton and the late James W. Coffey. He was a member of the Chattahoochee Baptist Church. Mr. Coffey was preceded in death by brothers, Gerald Coffey and Raymond Coffey. Survivors in addition to his moth er include his wife, Laurie Coffey, Hoschton; sons, Casey Coffey and Tom Black, both of Flowery Branch; daughters, Shawna Szabo, Flowery Branch, and Jasmine Burton, Statham; brothers, David Coffey, Flowery Branch, Clarence Coffey, Hoschton, Keith Coffey, Buford, Phillip Coffey, Flowery Branch, and Roy Coffey, Flowery Branch; sisters, Evelyn Reed, Braselton, Sandra Vickers, Flowery Branch, and Sabrina Palmer, Clarkesville; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 29, from the cha pel of Memorial Park South Funeral Home with interment following at Memorial Park South Cemetery. The Rev. Cory Sexton officiated. Memorial Park South Funeral Home, Flowery Branch, was in charge of arrangements. Send on-line condolences to www.memorialpark- funeralhomes.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (19078) Carolyn Denton MAYSVILLE - Carolyn P. (Mrs. Carol) Denton, 56, died Thursday, December 27, 2012, at Athens Regional Medical Center. She was born in New Jersey, the daughter of Irene Cowart Pace of Commerce and the late Horace Pace. Mrs. Denton was a retired school teacher and a member of Community Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Tommy Dorsey Denton, Maysville; daughters, Kelly Denton Reynolds, Homer, and Heather Denton Moss, Demorest; brothers, David and John Pace, both of Commerce; sisters, Cathy Bruce, Lula, and Barbara King, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; grandchildren, Kacey Reynolds, Makayla Moss, and Matthew Moss, Jr. Funeral service were held Sunday, December 30, from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. David Harbin officiat ing. Interment followed at Jackson Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Little-Ward Funeral Home, PO. Box 58. Commerce, GA. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (622) Richard Felt HOSCHTON - Richard Lee Felt, 51, passed away Saturday, December 15, 2012, in Ozona, Texas. He was born in Riverside, Calif., the son of the late William Edward and Shirley Lou Felt. He was preced ed in death by his youngest brother, Jeff Felt. Rick was a self-employed con tractor. He attended DeKalb Junior College in 1980 on a baseball scholar ship, then was drafted professionally by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1980 in the 1st Round to play baseball. He played six years in the Dodgers and Twins organizations. Rick had a great love of the game of baseball and fast-pitch softball. He was an avid supporter of his family and children in their sports aspirations. He had a great passion in seeing his children succeed on the field of play. He was a member of the Cannon United Methodist Church of Snellville. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Felt, Hoschton; son, Mason Felt, Hoschton; daughter, Morgan Felt, Hoschton; youngest son, Preston Felt, Hoschton; brothers, Bill Felt, Dacula, Jim Felt, Ellen wood, and John and Sharry Felt, Sacramento, Calif; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 5, at Hebron Baptist Church at 2 p.m. There will be a reception for family and friends in the fellowship hall at Hebron at 12 p.m. Address to Hebron is 202 Hebron Church Rd., Dacula, GA 30019. Pastor Tim Cash, and the Revs. Heath Kennedy and Gino Zalunardo will be officiating. Interment will be at Eternal Hills Cemetery. Condolences may be viewed or sent to www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Home, LLC, “A Family Company” Snellville Chapel, 770-979-3200, has been entrusted with the funeral arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (19806-41.75) Tammy Fowler DORAVILLE - Tammy Marie Lower Fowler, 41, passed away Friday, December 22, 2012. She was born in C u m m i n g , the daugh ter of Dalton Lower of Palm Harbor, Fla. and Alma Schell of Jefferson. Mrs. Fowler was a home maker. Survivors in addition to her parents include her husband, Steve Fowler, Doraville; sons, Scott Miles, Auburn, N.Y., and Trever Reiff, Jefferson; a sister, Michelle Vanderbeek, Jefferson; and a number of other relatives. Funeral services were held Wednesday December 26, at Evans Chapel. Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. Online Condolences at www. evansfuneralhomeinc Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (875) ‘Millee’ Gastley Mildred “Millee” S. Gastley died peacefully of advanced dementia on Saturday, December 29, 2012, at Wellington Place in Kennesaw. She was 86 years young. Millee was bom in Danielsville on November 15, 1926, the daughter of the late Buford and Audrey Brown Smith. She attended Madison County High School and graduated in 1945. Millee was preceded in death by her late husband John Milton Gastley, Homer. Survivors include a son, John Lee Gastley (Mary), Charleston, S.C.; daughter, Kay Gastley Milam (Joey), Kennesaw; three grandchildren, Mary Margaret Gastley, Jonathan Andrew “Andy” Milam, and Audrey Leigh Milam; brother, Buford Leeon Smith (Marlyn), Elberton; and two neph ews, Clipper Smith and Ty Smith. She was a long-time member of the Avondale Patillo United Methodist Church in Avondale, where she was in the Joy Class. She loved going to nursing homes and singing with “Kay’s Crew.” She also volunteered at Our House, a daycare center for homeless children, in Decatur. Services will be held on Saturday, January 5, at 11 a.m. in the chapel at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home in Kennesaw. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. prior to the service. A reception will be held at Wildwood Baptist Church in Ac worth immedi ately following the service. Interment will be at Nails Creek Baptist Church in Banks County at 3:30 p.m. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Andrew “Andy” Milam, Clipper Smith, Clipper Smith II, Don David, Bmce Williamson and Mike Barlow. Honorary pallbearer will be Ty Smith The family would like to thank the staff of Wellington Place and Agape Hospice Care for their loving care of our beloved mother. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your favorite charity in Millee’s memory. Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, Kennesaw, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. Jimmy Gatheright Jimmy Gatheright was called home at 9 p.m. Thursday, December 27, 2012. Jimmy was born on April 3, 1945, the son of the late Vernon and Polly Ann Young Gatheright Watkins. He joined Flat Creek Baptist Church at an early age. He lived in Hartford, Conn, for 40 years and moved back to Commerce in April of 2007. Survivors include his wife of five years, Elaine R. Gatheright, Commerce. In addition to his wife, he leaves to mourn his passing three sons, Eric Gatheright, Commerce, Lemont Lowery, Springfield, Mass., and Jimmy Gatheright Jr., Hartford, Conn.; daughter, Aretha Hill (Silvester), Commerce; three step children, Keelan Rucker, Commerce, Tiffany Kidd (David), Jefferson, and Roderick Rucker (Theresa), Gainesville; five grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; three sisters, Paulette Smith, Gainesville, Essinlene Watkins and Kathlene Gillespie, both of Athens; three good friends whom he talked with everyday, Nelson, Leroy, and David Rucker; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services were held Sunday, December 30, from Flat Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Bobby Bailey and Rev. Kidd officiating with the interment following in the church cemetery. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (622) Mary Grimes GAINESVILLE - Mary Louise Grimes, 73, died Saturday, December 22, 2012. A native of Pendergrass, she was the daughter of the late C.P and Thelma Gee Cooper. She was pre ceded in death by her brother, Johnny Cooper. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Marie and Tim Armour; three sisters; three brothers; two grandchildren; and five great-grand children. Memorial services were held Wednesday, December 26, at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Hospice, PO. Box 6588, Athens, GA 30604. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. www. lordandstephens. com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (081) Jacqueline T. Hathcock WINTERVILLE - Jacqueline T. Hathcock, 73, died Friday, December 28, 2012. Born in Athens, she was the daugh ter of the late Arthur L. and Ethel Hill Thornton. She was preceded in death by brothers, Dewitt Edward Thornton, Arthur Elmer Thornton and William Buddy Thornton; and her previous husband, Paul Arnold Bennett. Mrs. Hathcock was retired from Publix as Public Events Coordinator. She was preceded in death ten months to the day by the love of her life, Don Hathcock. Survivors include a son, Samuel Freeman; an angel whom she had come to love as a daughter, Bridgett Thornton; and stepchildren, Terry, Chris, Kelly, and Marcus Hathcock; brother, Joe Clifton Thornton; and several grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held Friday, January 4, at 4 p.m. at Lord and Stephens Chapel, EAST The family will receive friends prior the service beginning at 2 p.m. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, is in charge of arrange ments. www.lordandstephens.com Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (081) Nora Hayes COMMERCE - Nora P. Hayes, 78, passed away on Sunday December 23, 2012 at Landmark Hospital fol lowing an extended illness. She was born on August 31, 1934 in Gainesville, the daughter of the late Claud J. and Mamie Lee Stewart Martin. She was a member of Gainesville Seventh Day Adventist Church and was a homemaker. Mrs. Hayes is preceded in death by her husband, James J. Hayes; sisters, Geraldine Sailers, Juanita Anderson, Myrtie Lee Garner, and Lacleta Robinson; and a brother, Alton Martin. Survivors include a brother and sister-in-law, Carlton and Juanita Martin, Duluth; brother, Seaborn Martin, Calhoun; brother and sister- in-law, Harold and Angela Martin, Sugar Valley; sisters and brothers- in-law, Lanelle and Curtis Romines, Millicent and Mac McCabe, Nicholson, and Martha and Cecil Garrison, Lula; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held Thursday December 27, in the chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home with Pastors Wendell Stover and Tabor Nudd and Danny Freeland officiat ing. Memorial Park Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrange ments. Send online condolences to www. memorialparkfuneralhomes.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (19078) Jason Helton WINDER - Robert Jason Helton, 39, died Friday, December 28, 2012. He was born in Athens, the son of Randall and Debbie Lawson Helton. Mr. Helton was preceded in death by a brother, Jeremy Helton. Survivors in addition to his parents include sons, Austin Helton Sorrells, Winder, and Samuel Helton and Jeremiah Helton, both of Statham. A memorial service was held Sunday, December 30, from the cha pel of Carter Funeral Home with the Rev. Donnie Pennington officiating. Memorials in Jason’s honor may be made to Eagle Ranch, P. O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502. Carter Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. www.carterfhwinder.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (19080) Email to: obits@mainstreetnews.com ‘Billie’Hewell LULA - Willie D. “Billie” Hewell, 86, left for her heavenly home on Sunday, December 23, 2012. Born in Hall County on January 20, 1926, she was the daughter of the late John M. and Nonie Abernathy Dove. Mrs. Hewell was preceded in death by her husband Joseph Edward “Boo” Hewell. She was valedictorian of her graduating class and attended Perry Business School. She retired from the Hall County Health Department as personnel director after 35 years of faithful service. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and a lifelong resident of Banks and Hall Counties. She is survived by and will be lov ingly missed by her daughter Melanie McCallister, who cared for her mom for several years; grandchildren, Shannon and Samantha McCallister; and great-granddaughter, Cheyenne, all of Lula; sisters, Thelma Benton and Margie House; sister and brother- in-Law, Johnnie and Roy Gowder; brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Jerolene Dove, all of Lula; eight nieces; three nephews; and numerous other family members Funeral services were held Thursday, December 27, at Liberty Baptist Church in Lula. Interment was in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be made at wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. Robert McClain COMER - Robert Paul McClain, 56, died Monday, December 24, 2012. A native of Nashua, N.H., he was the son of Anne Carter McClain of Watkinsville and the late William Franklin McClain. He was employed with the Clarke County School System and was a member of the Cabin Creek Baptist Church in Commerce. Survivors include his wife, Teresa Youngblood McClain, Commerce; son, Christopher McClain, Athens; daughters, Kristen McClain and Jessica McClain, both of Comer; grandson, Ryan Barnett, Comer; sisters, Patricia Presley, Hokes Bluff, Ala., and Judy Whittaker, Watkinsville; one aunt; two uncles; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral services were held Friday, December 28, in the chapel of Bridges Funeral Home with the Rev. Stanley Hauntsman officiating. Members of the Clarke County School District HVAC crew were asked to serve as honorary pallbear ers. Bridges Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (19076) Harry McDonald Jr. WINDER - Harry McCord McDonald Jr., 55, passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2012. He was the son of Marcelle C. McDonald of Winder and the late Harry McCord McDonald Sr. He was a 1975 graduate of Winder-Barrow High School, a graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta, an avid photog rapher, former owner of Stell Photo, and was employed by the Classic Center of Athens. Survivors in addition to his mother include a daughter, Katie McDonald, Jefferson; brother, Dana McDonald, Jefferson; and sister and brother-in- law, Gail and Jon Greeson, Winder. Memorial services were held Friday, December 21, in Smith Memory Chapel with the Rev. Terry Tippins officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Loran Smith Center for Cancer Support, 1199 Prince Ave., Athens, GA 30606. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. ‘Tony’ McDonald COLBERT - Anthony “Tony” Lee McDonald, 47, passed away Saturday, December 29, 2012. A native of Indianapolis, Ind., he was the son of Norma Dewees Scheibler and the late Howard T. McDonald. Survivors in addition to his mother include children, Tommy Beck, Coty Beck, Tamra Beck, and Vonnie Beck; brother, Tom Scheibler, Colbert; sister, Lisa Stover, Watkinsville; and nephews, Chuck Hinsley and Chandler Browning. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. Leonard Motes WINDER - Leonard R. Motes, 82, passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2012. Born in Jefferson, he was the son of the late John Manual and Cleo Motes. He was a retired truck driver for the Frito-Lay Corporation. Mr. Motes was preceded in death by his wife, Mae Belle Ledford Motes. Survivors include a daughter, Linda Austin, Flowery Branch; sons, Charles Motes, Winder, and David Russell Motes, Kentucky; stepson, David Moats, Jonesboro; and 11 grandchildren. Graveside services were held on Wednesday, January 2, in the Dry Pond United Methodist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed at www.evansfuneralho- meinc.com Evans Funeral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (875) Paul Neese PENDERGRASS - Paul James Neese, Jr., 75, passed away on Saturday, December 22, 2012. A native of Morgantown, W.Va., he was the son of the late Paul James Neese Sr. and Helen Cronin Neese. He was preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Neese. Mr. Neese was a retired custodian with the Jackson County School System and also a vet eran of the United States Navy. Survivors include his wife, Ruth Smith Neese, Pendergrass; children, Patricia Pineda, Pendergrass, Joseph Neese, Commerce, George Neese, Jefferson, Deborah Terry, Hoschton, and Jeanette Smith, California; brother, Ed Neese, W. Va.; sister, Naomi Neely, California; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchi91dren; and a number of nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date at his residence. Online condolences may be made at www.bemsteinfuneralhome.com. Bernstein Funeral Home, Athens, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. Foster Lionel (F.L) Potts CUMMING - Foster Lionel Potts, 88, passed away on Christmas Day, December 25, 2012. F.L. retired after 28 years of ser vice from Georgia Power and was the owner of F.L. Potts Appliance Service, a member of the Lions Club, an avid hunter, a member of the Sawnee Hunting Club, the V.F.W. and a United States Army veteran. He served in the Philippines during World War II. He was also a member of Cumming Baptist Church. Mr. Potts is preceded in death by his wife, Robbie Jean Potts. Survivors include his daughter, Phyllis Potts Bailey; grandchildren, Gretchen Bailey Christy, Cumming, Kevin and Caitlin Bailey, Lakeland, Fla., and Bryan and Staci Bailey, Cumming; great-grandchildren, Katelyn Bailey McAlister, Carley Brookins Bailey, Ansley Duncan Bailey, Cay den Mackenzie Bailey, Chase Mack Bailey, Kacen Foster Bailey; sister, Eleanor Potts Jackson; brothers, Jefferson; brothers, Richard Dwight Potts, Ft. Walton Beach, Fla., and Joseph Malcolm Potts, Conley; and numerous nieces, nephews and other loving relatives. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 29, at Cumming Baptist Church with Barry Crocker officiating. Entombment was at Sawnee View Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Cumming Baptist Church Food Pantry, 115 Church St., Cumming, GA 30040. Ingram Funeral Home & Crematory, Cumming, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be made at www.ingramfuneralhome.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. Venice Lee Roberts ATHENS - Venice Lee Embrick Roberts, 68, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2012, at her residence. Born in Commerce, she was the daughter of the late Lee and Annie Mae Fredrick Embrick. Survivors include siblings, Dorothy Ann Austin, Charles Lee Embrick and Harold Lee Embrick, all of Commerce. The family requested a direct buri al. However, memorial services were held Sunday, December 30, from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Watkinsville. Ivie Funeral Home, Athens, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (476) Jerry Sosbee STATHAM - Jerry Allen Sosbee, 68, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012. He was the son of the late Raymond Earl and Etta Mahle Sosbee. He attended Mars Hill Baptist Church. Mr. Sosbee was preceded in death by three brothers, Raymond Earl (Monk) Sosbee, Bobby Sosbee, and Billy (Pap) Sosbee; sister, Linda Gail Phelps. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Jean Burton Sosbee, Statham; son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Robin Sosbee, Statham; daughter and son- in-law, Angie and Matthew Bora, Suwanee; sister, Sarah (Sally) Peters, Hampshire, Ill.; and five grandchil dren, Hunter and Stafford McCurry, Walker Sosbee, Savannah and Shayna Gora. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 27, in the cha pel of Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. Leon Pass and Brother Steve Bingham officiating. Burial was at Barrow Memorial Gardens. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. Betty Strader MONROE - Betty Gail Strader, 60, died Saturday, December 29, 2012. She was the daughter of the late John Thomas Hendon Sr. and Blanche Sweet McLain Hendon. Mrs. Strader was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Bracey. She was of the Baptist denomination. She was a secretary for the Georgia Forestry Commission, serving Morgan and Walton Counties. She also appraised property for the Walton County Board of Commissioners. She was a member of the South West Florida Archeologist Society and volunteered at the Barrow County Museum and Barrow County Historic Preservation Society. Survivors include her husband, Charlie Strader, Bonita Springs, Fla.; brothers, Blake McLain Hendon, Monroe, and John T. Hendon Jr., Blairsville; sisters, Carol Selando, Winder, and Jackie Beck, Buchanan; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contribu tions may be made to the Ronald McDonald Foundation for Children or the Hepatitis C Foundation. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. January 2, 2013. (18360)
