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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2009 MAINSTREET NEWSPAPERS PAGE 7A-M Obituaries Greg Argo DANIELSVILLE - Gregory Thomas Argo, 33, died Thursday, December 17, 2009. Born in Clarke County on November 30, 1976, he was the son of Billy and Beverly Bridges Argo of Danielsville. He had worked in the manufacturing industry and was of the Baptist denomination. Mr. Argo was pre ceded in death by grandparents, Fred Bridges and Irene Argo. Survivors in addition to his parents include a brother, Clint Argo, Danielsville; grandparents, Annie Vic Bridges, Danielsville, Ed Argo, Canon; and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services were held Sunday, December 20, from the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Revs. Talmadge Ethridge, George Eovley and Ray Jenkins officiating. Burial was in the Bluestone Baptist Church cemetery. Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. 060) Rosa Fay Bennett NICHOLSON - Rosa Fay Bennett, 76, died Wednesday, December 16, 2009, at Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens. Born in Bullock County, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Alma Buckner Lewis. She was a member of the Center United Methodist Church and was retired from the Jackson County School System. Mrs. Bennett was preceded in death by her husband, William Edwin Bennett. Survivors include a daugh ter, Melody Nichols, Nicholson; sons, the Rev. Charles Bennett, Thomaston, Anthony Bennett, Maysville, and Timothy Bennett, Nicholson; sisters, Edith Williamson, Crawford, Tenn. and Gloria Hess, Stowe, Ohio; brothers, Steve Hess, San Antonio, Texas and Henry Hess, Gainesville; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 19, at the Center United Methodist Church with the Revs. Charles Bennett and Walter Coley officiating. Burial was in the church cem etery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Center United Methodist Church, 426 Old Commerce Rd. Ext., Athens, GA. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (622) Henry Edward Braselton BRASELTON - Henry Edward Braselton, 82, died on Monday, December 21, 2009, at his home in Braselton, Georgia. He is sur vived by his loving wife of 48 years, Janice Lee Martin Braselton, for merly of Gainesville, Georgia; three daughters, Susan Collier Braselton Fant, Washington, DC, Anne Elisabeth Braselton Miller, Suwanee, and Stephanie Rowland Braselton Williams, Braselton; and five beloved grandchildren, Lydia Braselton Miller, Mark Coleman Miller, Jr., Henry Collier Fant, Caroline Braselton Williams and Collier Elisabeth Williams. Mr. Braselton was the grandson of William Harrison Braselton and Susan Frances Braselton who settled in Braselton in 1876. His father, John Oliver Braselton, Sr., started a family business in 1887 at the age of eight. Later joined by his two brothers, the “3BY" built a general country store that supplied people “from the cradle to the grave." Mr. Braselton was born on August 1, 1927, to John Oliver Braselton Sr. of Braselton and Ottis Blanche McDonald of Apple Valley. He had one broth er, John Oliver Braselton, Jr. who pre-deceased him. Mr. Braselton attended Emory University at Oxford, Emory University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration front the University of Georgia. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Gridiron Society. He served his country in the United States Navy and the Georgia Home Guard. Following college, he joined the family business, Braselton Brothers, Inc. and served as a director of Braselton Banking Company. Mr. Braselton served his com munity as Mayor of Braselton for 14 years and as a town council member for more than 40 years. He was honored as one of the first recipients of the Jackson Country Area Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Awards. He served as a member of the Board of Supervisors of the Oconee River Soil and Water Conservation District for more than 42 years. He also served on the Northeast Georgia Regional Development Commission, as a director of the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the American Red Cross, on the Advisory Board of the Northeast Georgia Medical Center and was a charter member and past-president of the West Jackson Lions Club. He was a member, deacon and Sunday school superintendent at Zion Baptist Church in Braselton. Mr. Braselton’s legacy was celebrated at a graveside ser vice at the Braselton Memorial Family Cemetery in Braselton on Wednesday at 2 p.m., and at a memorial service at First Baptist Church, Gainesville, on Sunday, December 27, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers the fam ily would welcome contributions in his memory to Eagle Ranch, Zion Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, or Randolph College. Little Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (19375-65.15) Dessie Rea Coile COMER - Dessie Rea Chambers Coile, 90, died Monday, December 14, 2009, at the Alzheimer's Care of Commerce. Bom in Franklin County on August 30, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Lou Vinnie Fowler Chambers. She was a seamstress having worked with Comer Manufacturing and was a member of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church. Mrs. Coile was preceded in death by her hus band, Janies Tarl Coile Sr. Survivors include a son, Janies T. Coile Jr., Comer; daughter, Linda Phillips, Comer; brothers, Sidney Chambers, Royston, and James Chambers, Comer; three grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 17, in the chapel of Pruitt Funeral Home with the Rev. Reggie Vaughn officiating. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Baptist Church cemetery. Pruitt Funeral Home, Royston, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. Arthur Eubanks Arthur Lee Eubanks, 70, died away Wednesday, December 16, 2009. Born on December 23, 1938, in Banks County, he was the son of Tommy and Margie Crane Eubanks. He was a retired con struction worker after 13 years with Sunbelt Construction. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and was presently attending the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church. Mr. Eubanks was preceded in death by a sis ter, Grace Eubanks Ervin; and a grandchild, Jessica Eubanks. Survivors include his wife, Martha Ann Bennett Eubanks; a son, Jerry Eubanks, Commerce; grandchildren, Jennifer Culberson, Colbert, and Zachery Eubanks, Commerce; two great grandchildren; brothers, George H. Eubanks, Gainesville, Bobby Eubanks, Johnny W. Eubanks, both of Commerce; sisters, Lillie Mae Eubanks Benton, Commerce, Sharon Eubanks Chamberlain, South Carolina, and Betty Eubanks Barrett, Nicholson. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 19, from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Don McLain officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, Hwy. 51, Homer, GA 30547. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (622) Luisa Dianne Hill COMMERCE - Luisa Dianne C. Hill, 62, died Sunday, December 20, 2009, at her resi dence. Bom in Clarke County, she was the daughter of the late Herbert Griffeth and Nyda Frances Coleman Carithers. She was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Charles E. Hill, Commerce; daughters, Kim Mull, Maysville, and Rebecca Lance, Athens; sons, Paul A. Hill, Commerce, and Clayton S. Hill, Rincon; brother, Ricky Lee Carithers, Evans; sis ter, Kay C. Parsons, Carrollton; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 23, from the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Revs. Dennis Kesler and Howard Rhodes offi- FAX Obits to: 706-387-5431 dating. Burial was at Jackson Memorial Gardens. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (622) Thomas Johnson JEFFERSON - Thomas Fayne Johnson, 46, died Friday, December 18, 2009, in Gwinnett County. Born in South Carolina, he was the son of Thomas L. Johnson (Debra) of Douglasville and Sandra Mize Johnson of Dallas. He was a veteran of the United States Army, a member of Attica Baptist Church, and was self-employed in the construc tion business. Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife, Tracy Swanson Johnson, Jefferson; daughter, Sarah M. Johnson, Jefferson; sons, Michael D. Givens (Angel), Monroe, Rayburn T. Givens, Jefferson; brother, Allen B. Johnson, Lawrenceville; sisters, Catherine H. Ragsdale and Kelley Wilson (Lance), all of Dallas; grandson, Michael B. Givens, Monroe; and Chaze Barnett, Jefferson, living in the home. Funeral services were held Monday, December 21, from the Attica Baptist Church with the Revs. Shane Moore, Kevin Purcell and Mike Soop officiat ing. Burial was in the church cemetery. Honored as pallbear ers were Lance Wilson, Tony Johnson, Greg Robins, Eric Horton, Clay Ragsdale and Steve Beavers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tommy Johnson Memorial Fund, 2275 Lebanon Church Rd., Jefferson, GA 30549. EvansFuneral Home, Jefferson, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (S75) Evia Jane Maney ALTO - Evia Jane Maney, 68, died Thursday, December 17, 2009, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Banks County on March 7, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Rev. Garland White and Frannie White. She was retired from Belk with 33 years in retail sales. She was a member of Mt. Sinai Church, and enjoyed traveling and spend ing time with her grandchildren. Mrs. Maney was preceded in death by brothers, Arthur, Tom, Howard, Gene and Janies White. Survivors include her hus band, Billy M. Maney, Alto; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeff and Gina Maney, Marietta, and Ken and Jana Maney, Alto; a sister, Jeanette Craven, Alto; grand children, Collin, Kyle, Harrison, Kinley and Drew Maney. Funeral services were held Sunday, December 20, from the chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home with the Revs. Greg Baldwin and Paul Flynn officiating. Burial was in Yonah C.H. Church cemetery with the Rev. Nathan Hewitt officiating. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home, Cornelia, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (19090) Linda Lou Myers GREENSBORO, N.C. - Linda Lou Myers, 52, died Monday, December 14, 2009, at Hospice of Greensboro’s Beacon Place. She was the daughter of Robert Myers and his wife, Doris, of Homer and the late Shirley Douglas Myers Coble. She was a member of the Moriah United Methodist Church and also had worked with IHOP Restaurant. Survivors in addition to her father and stepmother include sisters and brother-in-law, Wanda and Eddie Frye, Pleasant Garden, and Lisa Moran, Fayetteville, N.C.; and two nieces, Danielle Jones and husband, A J and Candace Frye. A celebration of life was held Thursday, December 17, at the Moriah United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405, or to the Moriah United Methodist Church, 3611 Liberty Rd., Greensboro, NC 27406-6104. George Brothers Funeral Service, Greensboro, N.C. assisted the family with funeral arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. Winifred Nixon LAGRANGE - Winifred P. Nixon, 97, diedMonday December 7, 2009, at the LaGrange Nursing and Rehabilitation Home. Born August 17, 1912, in Danielsville, she was the daugh ter of the late Clarence E. Adams and Tula Ethyl Smith Adams of Danielsville. Mrs. Nixon was preceded in death by her first husband, Joe Vance Pitts Sr. of Summerville; and her sec ond husband, Otis F. Nixon of LaGrange; sisters, Maude Adams White of Davis and Aurelia Adams Howland of Austell; and a brother, Lovick S. Adams, Alexandria, La. "Miss Winnie” as she was affectionately known, received her Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from LaGrange College in 1933, with a double major in Bible Studies and English. She also received her Master's of Education degree from the University of Georgia in Athens in 1962. Later, she received her 6th year Specialist in Education certificate in 1971, also from the University of Georgia. She retired from Lafayette High School, Lafayette, in 1977, where she had worked as a guidance counselor. Mrs. Nixon was a member of the Georgia Education Association, National Education Association, and the Georgia Association of School Counselors. She always had a passion and conviction for education, particularly helping students achieve their dreams. Mrs. Nixon was active at LaGrange College through out her lifetime and had many accomplishments including the Y.W.C.A., where she served as secretary, vice president, and president between 1929 and 1933; president of her junior class (1931-1932); May Queen (1933); a member of Inter-Sorority Council; and the LaGrange College Student Government Council. She was also a member of the English Club, Latin Club, and the Philomathian Club. The Citizenship Award was presented to her at commencement ceremo nies in May of 1933. She also wrote the Senior Class Prophecy for the 1922 Quadrangle yearbook. She was a member of the Alumni Association and served as a mem ber of the Alumni Council. For many years, Mrs. Nixon served as the class coordinator for the class of 1933. She was a member of the LaGrange College Board of Trustees, serving as an Alumni Trustee for the college and was named a fellow of LaGrange College. Mrs. Nixon was a mem ber of the Quadrangle Society, and was a charter member and past president of the Friends of LaGrange College Library. In 1996, the parlor of Hawkes Residence Hall of LaGrange College, where she resided as a student, was named the Winfred Nixon Parlor in her honor. During the ceremony. Dr. Walter Y. Murphy, president of LaGrange College said, “We are extremely pleased that LaGrange College can continue to honor Winifred, for she is such a grand, gener ous and caring person. We feel it is altogether worthwhile and appropriate to have something lasting in perpetuity to recognize the vastness and depth of her contributions to her alma mater.” Winfred recalled her days as a student - “It was here where I met girls with real values and goals in life and made lifelong friends. It was here where I gained self-confidence and the belief that I could accomplish my goals. It was here I learned I had an obligation to my church, my community and to other people." Through the years, her special interest had been helping deserving students achieve their educational dreams at LaGrange College, through her generosity. Mrs. Nixon’s accomplish ments included establishing the Lovick S. Adams scholarship fund at Young Harris College, in memory of her brother. She was a Charter Member and Board Member of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, a member of the Garden Club and Bridge Club. Mrs. Nixon also collect ed poems written by Katherine Glass, her classmate and former librarian at LaGrange College, and she published a book entitled "How Many Lilacs? And Other Poems." Mrs. Nixon was also involved in numerous civic and profes sional organizations over the years including; Kappa Delta Pi (president 1963-64), Delta Kappa Gamma; Phi Kappa Phi; Chattooga County Education Association (past president); Georgia Retired Teachers Association; Chattooga County Retired Teachers Association; Women's Club and Music Club of Summerville; Coosa Country Club in Rome; Chattahoochee Valley Art Association (past president and director); Round Table Book Club; and LaGrange Woman's Club (Chaplain). She also contributed to various chari ties and organizations throughout the years and opened her home to many distinguished members of Congress, as they were visiting in LaGrange. Mrs. Nixon lived in Summerville front 1948-1984, and was a former member of the Summerville Presbyterian Church. At Summerville Presbyterian, she served as an Elder, Trustee, Sunday School teacher. Chairman of Education, Circle Chairman, Assistant Organist, Sunday School Pianist, and Chairman of Mission Work for Women of the Church. She was a member of the commit tee on Church Extension and Evangelism for the Cherokee Presbytery Committee. Since 1984, Mrs. Nixon lived in LaGrange and was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She was a Sunday school teacher, member of the Thursday Luncheon Club, and a member of the Circle of the United Methodist Church. “Miss Winnie” always found the good ness in people and never had negative responses concerning people. She had nothing bad to say about anyone who crossed her path in life. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph Vance Pitts Jr. and Jane D. Pitts, LaGrange; stepdaughters, Marie Nixon Winslow, Winter Springs, Fla., and Janet Nixon Freeman, Fullerton; step-grandchildren, Leslie Suzanne Dunn, Columbus, and James Richard Dunn, LaGrange; sister, Catherine A. Lombardo, Damascus, Md.; brothers, Clarence Ernest Adams Jr., Gainesville, Fla., Janies Stephens Adams, Hartwell. Thomas Marvin Adams, Gibson, and Edmund Ivan Adams, Sparta, N.C. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 17, at the First United Methodist Church of LaGrange with the Rev. Helen Freeman Henry officiat ing. Graveside services were held Monday, December 21, in the First Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Clinton, S.C. Memorial contributions may be made to her beloved LaGrange College (Attention: Office of Development, 601 Broad St., LaGrange, GA 30240) in her memory. Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Rd., LaGrange, GA 30240 was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. Larry Payne COLBERT - Larry Payne, 62, died Wednesday, December 16, 2009. A native of Hall County, he was the son of Eva Bagwell Gable and the late Ralph Payne. He was the owner and operator of Autos Unlimited in Colbert. Survivors in addition to his mother include a son, Jimmy Payne; daughter, Callie Payne; sisters, Jean Madden and Carol Tankersley; brothers, Wayne "Cutter" Tankersley, Bobby Tankersley; and companion, Serena Baugh. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 19, front the chapel of Lord & Stephens Funeral Home with the Revs. Henry Shelton and Bobby Cutter officiating. Burial was in Colbert Cemetery. Pallbearers were Justin, Jose, Thomas, David, Chris and Rudy. A special thanks to Veterans Affairs and Dr. Nayak with Vista Care Hospice. Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (081) Nancy Pridgen COMER - Nancy Irene Cross Pridgen, 62, met Jesus and began her dance on streets of gold Friday, December 18, 2009, following a four-year battle with ovarian can cer. Born January 30, 1947, she was the daughter of Walter and Ruby Cross of Phoenix City, Ala. Nancy and Jimmy moved to this area in 1972 where they began the first of their many business "adventures.” Yes, it’s true behind every good man there’s a GREAT Woman. For 37 years, Nancy’s southern charm, genteel spirit and entrepreneurial tenacity was witnessed by many as she worked side by side with Jimmy. Nancy’s life was characterized by many acts of kindness through the many organizations she served with - the Comer Lions Club, Christian Women’s Club of Athens, church pianist, Sunday School teacher, Children’s Ministry Volunteer, the Gideons, the Emmaus Walk, and the Loran Smith Cancer Center. Closest to her heart was pouring out her life to minister to others. Simply put....She was the most GODLY, incredible, amazing woman you could ever meet. All who knew her loved her deeply. Words fall short to describe the Generational Impact she had as a Godly wife while passing on a Godly heritage to her seven Grandkids, all her nieces, neph ews, and everyone who knew her. She could cook like nobody's business. Her fried chicken was the BEST on the planet. She was a Rockin GRANNIE! She dressed way cooler than most of us. She was like Ruth, Esther, and the Proverbs 31, Noble and Beautiful Woman all rolled into one. If you knew her the last four years of her life, you quickly discovered she’s TOUGHER than ANYONE you’ve ever met; AND, she STAYED married to her only husband for 45 years - a rare feat in today’s crazy culture. To know her was to love her. Most importantly, Nancy would want you to know she loved Jesus more than anything. It is hard to imagine Heaven being any greater place than it has always been but you have to believe that the streets are shining even MORE brilliantly now, and the glow of the hosts of angels is just a bit brighter! Survivors include her hus band of 45 years, Jimmy Eugene Pridgen, Sr., Comer; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jim Carpenter; son and daughter-in- law, Jay and Sonja Pridgen, Hull; brother and sister-in-law, Glenn and Joan Cross, Danielsville; sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Rodney Odom, Richland; seven AMAZING grandchildren - Cassidy, Jayson, Hunter, and Cheyenne Pridgen and MacLean, Micah, and Mackenzie Carpenter; - and 14 nieces and nephews whom she ADORED. A celebration of her life led by Vernon Brady, Jack Stahl, Pastor Lee Singley, and Pastor Jim Carpenter was held Monday December 21 at Compass Church's Athens Campus on Hwy. 29 next to Athens Tech (525 Calhoun Drive, Athens, GA). Memorial donations may be made to Compass Church (www. compasschurch.com) or the Loran Smith Cancer Center. Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (081-73.40) Ronald Seabolt GAINESVILLE - Ronald O. Seabolt, 56, died Thursday, November 19, 2009. A native of Jackson County, he had lived most of his life in Hall County. Born on September 29, 1953, he was the son of the last Foster Odell and Sara Doster Seabolt. He was with the City of Gainesville in the environmental control department and was of the Baptist denomination. Survivors include his wife, Doris Seabolt, Murray ville; daughter and son-in-law, Tina and John Bargar, Murrayville; sister and brother-in-law, Julie and Todd Sears, Buford; grand son, Jacob Bargar, Murrayville; uncle and aunt, Henry and Wanda Doster, Jefferson; aunt, Barbara Biddy, Columbia, S.C. Funeral services were held Saturday, November 21, in the chapel of Little & Davenport Funeral Home with the Revs. Ralph Smith and Phil Gilstrap officiating. Burial was in the Yellow Creek Baptist Church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Lakewood Baptist Church Building Fund, 2235 Thompson Bridge Rd., Gainesville, GA 30501. Little & Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (110) Jerry Smallwood COMMERCE - Jerry Benson Smallwood, 63, died Wednesday, December 16, 2009, at the Athens Regional Medical Center in Athens. Born in Jackson County, he was the son of Thomas B. Smallwood and the late Laura Oneda Sorrow Smallwood. Survivors in addition to his father include his wife, Diane B. Smallwood, Commerce; sons. Tommy Smallwood, Gillsville, Tony Smallwood, Commerce, and Jody Seabolt, Danielsville; sisters, Martha Gail Smallwood, Nancy (Eddie) Bell Summers and Vickie Dru Worley, all of Commerce; and five grandchil dren. Funeral services were held Saturday, December 19, from the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Revs. Jerry Smith and Lev Humphries officiating. Burial was in the Grey Hill Cemetery. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (476) Mary Smith JEFFERSON - Mary F. Smith, 84, died Tuesday, December 22, 2009, in Athens. Born in Jackson County she was the daughter of the late Garnett E. and Callie Wilson Bowles. Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her hus band, W.C. Smith; a grandson, Harley Noah Smith; and grand daughter, Patricia Grace Smith. Survivors include children, Evelyn Chambers, Summie Smith, Terry Smith and Randall Smith, all of Jefferson, Emily Baker, Danielsville, Bobby Smith, Alaska; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Funeral services were held Thursday, December 24 front the chapel of Ivie Funeral Home with the Rev. Dennis Kesler offi ciating. Burial was in the Jackson Memorial Gardens. Ivie Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. December 24, 2009. (476)