About The Banks County news. (Homer, Banks County, Ga.) 1968-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 1, 2023)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2023 BANKS COUNTY NEWS PAGE 7A Obituaries lights of his life. Jon loved history and genealogy. His life’s calling was plotting family trees and ancestries. He started his career in the U.S. Army, where he served as a captain in the Army Corps of Engineers. He was stationed in Fort Stewart. He later worked at Komatsu and Kobelco. He also worked as a substitute teacher for the Jackson County School System and at Publix supermarket. He spent years volunteering for the Boy Scouts of America. He was a proud graduate of the University of Michigan. Go Blue. Funeral service: Saturday, November 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Sims Road, Winder. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Charlotte Bernetta Butler Gunter ROYSTON — Charlotte Bernetta Butler Gunter, 78, Royston, passed away on Friday, October 27, 2023. Mrs. Gunter was bom in Gainesville, a daughter to the late J.D. and Minnie Millie Smith Butler. Mrs. Gunter was a part owner in Gunter Poultry, was a seam stress at Warren-Feather- bone and was a member of the Pine Crest Baptist Church in Oakwood. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gunter is preceded in death by her brother, Carlis Butler. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Larry Ralph Gunter; daughters, Tammy Bruce and her husband Wayne, Dawsonville, Rhonda Kennedy and her husband Dale, Bethlehem, Vickie Ervin and her husband Stoney, Toccoa, and Andria Cleveland and her husband Len, Bowersville; brothers, Arnold Butler and his wife Becky, Cleveland, Earl Butler, Gainesville, and Kenneth Butler, Lula; sis ters, Doris Byers, Daytona, Florida, Deb Jones and her husband Randall, Flowery Branch, and Judy Senter and her husband Donnie Joe, Flowery Branch; grandchil dren, Gunter (Maleesha) Bruce, Clint (Vera) Miller, Eh (Ashley) Ridgeway, Jackson Ridgeway, Tamara (Jimmy) White, Faith (Julian) Grindle, Zachary (Desiree) Mote, Drake (Felicia) Mote, Taylor (Jason) Whitmire, Ale Velas quez and Tre Velasquez; and 32 great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral service: Monday, October 30, 2023 at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Evans Funeral Home with the Reverend Tommy Cleveland officiating. The burial will follow in the Walnut Fork Baptist Church Cemetery with Zac Mote, Drake Mote, Gunter Bruce, Keith Senter, Eh Ridgeway, Jackson Ridgeway, Jimmy White and Tre Velasquez hon ored as pallbearers. Family to receive friends: Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jef ferson, Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfimeralhomeinc.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Patsy Willene Greeson Hall Patsy Willene Greeson Hall passed away at her High land Hills Village home on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. She was the wife of the late William Joseph Hall of Wind er. Anative of Barrow Coun ty, Patsy was the daughter of the late Gifton and Myr tle Lindsey Greeson. Survivors include her daughter, Kathy (Elton) Bahnsen; granddaughter, Shea Bahnsen; brothers, Lindsey (Dianne), Danny (Denise) and Eddy Gree son. She leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews. Graveside service: Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Barrow Me morial Gardens, Winder. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 280 North Broad Street, Wind er, Georgia 30680. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Barbara Faye Howard Barbara Faye Howard, 75, passed away on Wednesday, October 25,2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Dis ease. She was a lifelong resident of Barrow County and a grad uate of Winder-Barrow High School. She began working at the University of Georgia in 1967 in the Department of Housing and retired after 30 years of service in 1997 after having worked in the College of Business Administration, the Small Business Development Center, the Political Sci ence Department, and the College of Education. During her career at UGA her job titles ranged from secretary to administrative specialist to office manager. After retiring from UGA, she worked at the Ath- ens-Clarke County Police Department as administra tive secretary to the Uni form Division Command ers. She also worked for the assistant chief of police and managed the Georgia Open Records Act function for the chief’s office. She retired from ACC after 10 years of service. She was a member of Professional Secretaries International where she had served on the board in all offices including president, and on all committees. She enjoyed traveling to seminars and conventions in locations including Seattle, Toronto, Phila delphia, Las Vegas, and in many other locations. In 1997, she received her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administrative Technology from Ath ens Technical College. From 2001-2004, she served on the Athens Technical School Advisory Board for Business Administrative Technology. She was truly a pet lover and enjoyed spending time with her many dogs and cats. They all had interesting names including Toby, Chelsy, Jonah Gibbs, Ishtar, Lady, Mickey, and most recent Gabe. She was preceded in death by her parents, Faye and Woodrow Howard; a brother, Danny Howard; and a neph ew, George Thompson IV. She is survived by sisters, Shadie (Chip) Thompson and Sheila Newton; and several nieces and a nephew. The family would like to thank all of her exceptional caregivers at Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice. She will be cremated and visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home in Winder on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Roy Wilburn Kesler COMMERCE — Roy Wilburn Kesler, 75, Commerce, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center. Mr. Kesler was bom in Commerce to the late Beth el and Annie Mae Alexander Kesler. Mr. Kesler retired from Westinghouse and was a member of Center Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Mr. Kesler was also preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Kesler; and sister, Barbara Matthews. Mr. Kesler is survived by his brother, Garnett Kesler (Barbara), Nicholson; sister, Sarah Jackson, Perry; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside service: Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1 p.m. at the Antioch United Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Don Blalock officiating. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Barbara Jean Matthews Barbara Jean Matthews, 90, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 22,2023. Mrs. Matthews was bom in Nicholson to the late Beth el and Annie Mae Alexander Kesler. Mrs. Matthews was a homemaker and a member of Blacks Creek Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Matthews was also pre ceded in death by her brother, Johnny Kesler. Mrs. Matthews is survived by her husband of 68 years, Bobby Matthews, Nicholson; daughters, Donna Tucker (Jay), Ila, and Tracy McNabb (Michael), Colbert; four grandchildren, Annie McHale (Jeff), Jamie Tucker, Jean- nie Baker (Matthew), and Rachel Blair (Shelby); seven great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Willa, Adalynn, Rivers, Will, Jonah, and Tripp; brothers, Garnett Kesler (Barba ra), Nicholson, and Wilburn Kesler, Commerce; and sister, Sarah Jackson, Perry. Funeral service: Wednesday, October 25,2023, at 1 p.m. at Gordon’s Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Don Blalock officiating with the interment following in the church cemetery. Family to receive friends: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Cynthia "Cindy” Carolyn O’Reilly AUBURN — Cynthia “Cindy” Carolyn O’Reilly, 57, Auburn, passed away on Friday, October 20, 2023. Cindy was a loving mother, sister and grandmother. She was an animal lover and had a special bond with her furry companion, Dixie, who preceded her in death. She was the daughter of the late James Ray Nichols and Virginia Riley. In addition, she was preceded in death by her sister, Christina Nichols. Cindy is survived by her children, Jennifer Beard, Au drey Cox, Joseph O’Reilly and Jacob O’Reilly; siblings, Beverly Fransen, Natalie Pinson, James Ray Nichols, Jr., Marlene Nichols, Scott Nichols and Pat Nichols; and grandchildren, Noah Bentley, Taylor Bentley, Corbin Worden, Cambree Worden, Emmett O’Reilly and William O’Reilly. Per the request of the family, a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Due to Cindy’s love for animals, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Northeast Georgia Humane Society at www. humanesocietyofhortheast- georgia.org. Carter Funeral Home, Winder, is entrusted with the arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-No- vember 4 Pastor Raul Rivera III JEFFERSON — Pastor Raul Rivera III, 43, Jefferson, entered rest Friday, October 27, 2023. Pastor Raul was bom in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a son to Raul Rivera Sr. and Arminia Rosado Soto. Pas tor Raul is also preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth Rivera. He was a minister for many years, preaching the word in many states, he is a member of Comunidad de fe Church, he also worked at Jackson County as a code enforcement officer. When he wasn’t working or preaching he loved watching his daughters on the field playing softball and soccer. Pastor Raul is survived by two daughters, Azaeli Nicole Rivera and Ashley Michelle Rivera, both of Jefferson; one sister, Priscilla Rivera, Philadelphia, Penn.; two brothers, Raul Rivera and Illian Rivera, both of Philadelphia, Penn.; and one step-brother, Marty Soto, Colorado. Funeral service: Monday, October 30, 2023, at 1 p.m. from the Jefferson Church with Pastors Harry Joel Torres and Jonathon Iguina officiating with burial to follow in Evans Memory Gardens, Jefferson. Family to receive friends: Sunday, October 29, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at Evans Funeral Home. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jef ferson, Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfimeralhomeinc.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Richard Wayne Tarver Richard Wayne Tarver, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, October 24,2023. He was the devoted hus band of Denise Tarver, whom he loved and adored for nearly 44 years. He was predeceased by his par ents and step-father, Leroy, George and Essie Marie Tarver. Wayne was an avid builder, developer and en trepreneur. In his recent retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to Florida with their motor coach. He was a construction and mechanical mastermind. He loved music, fishing and was a dedicated LSU fan. Above all, he will be remembered for his kind heart, posi tive spirit, and unconditional love for his family. He is the cherished father of Marvin (Heather), Chris (Terri), Rocky (Jennifer) and Ronnie Tarver. He also leaves nine grandchildren; his brother, Charles Tarver; as well as brother and sisters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews. The family would like to give special and heartfelt thanks to Amy Carver, his loving caretaker. Funeral service: Sunday, October 29, 2023, at 3 p.m. in Smith Memory Chapel. Family to receive friends: Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home, 755 Atlanta Hwy. SE, Winder. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Barrow County Habitat for Humanity. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4 Laurell Ward HOMER — Laurell Ward, 83, Homer, passed away Sat urday, October 21,2023. Mrs. Ward was bom October 3, 1940, in Banks County to the late Cranford and Jonnie Lee Emmett Dalton. In ad dition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Jerry Dalton; and sister, Carol Dalton. She worked at and retired from Ethicon and was a mem ber of Line Baptist Church. Mrs. Ward loved watching her grandson play baseball, racing and Richard Petty and gos pel singing. Survivors include husband, Howard Ward, Homer; son and daughter-in-law, Cranley and Joy Ward, Baldwin; grandson, Thomas Ward (Hanna); and great-grandson, Tate Ward. Services will be held at a later date. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland, in in charge of ar rangements. To share a memory or leave a condolence with the family, visit barrettfh.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of October 29-November 4
