About The Madison County journal. (Hull, Ga.) 1989-current | View Entire Issue (May 28, 2025)
THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, WEDNESDAY, MAY 28, 2025 - PAGE 5B Obituaries Linda Blackburn Hicks WINDER — Linda Blackburn Hicks, 77, Wind er, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. She was born in McK enzie, Tennessee, on August 2, 1947, to the late James R. and Hazel L. Blackburn. Linda en joyed watching NCIS, gardening, and cook ing for her family. She loved all animals and being outside working in her yard with her gar den. She was the “light” of the family. She worked for over 30 years with the State of Georgia in Barrow County assisting special needs individuals with learning how to have a productive life before retiring 12 years ago. She had a wonder ful heart and always went out of her way to help her family and others when needed. In addition to her parents she is predeceased by her grandson, Joseph E. Patterson. Linda is survived by her children, Lisa A. Hicks (Julian Ellis), James “Jimmy” C. Hicks (Beverley) and Erika H. Baker (Phillip Beasley); grandchil dren, Katherine G. Jones (Hannah), Savannah D. Patterson, Lesha J. Hicks, Timothy “TJ” Wilker son, Megan J. Hicks, Amelia F. Baker, Georgia R. Baker, Riley M. Baker, Nathan Beasley, Clarissa Beasley and William Beasley; great-grandchild, Joseph G. Patterson; and brothers, Everette J. Blackburn and Benjamin R. Blackburn. Funeral service: Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Carter Hill Christian Church Fellow ship Hall, 361 Punkin Junction Road, Bethlehem, Ga. 30620. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of ar rangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of May 26-June 1 Tv Herman R. Higgins Sr. DACULA — Herman R. Higgins Sr., 83, Dacu la, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Funeral service: Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. in the Lawrenceville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home. The Rev. Sammy Everett will officiate. Interment will follow at East Shadowlawn Me morial Gardens, Law renceville. Herman joined the Dacula First Baptist Church at a young age, gradu ated from Dacula High School, and was essentially a lifetime resident of Dacula. As a young man, he was in the reserve compo nents of the U.S. Army, liked rabbit hunting and water skiing, and worked with Pelham Manufac turing. He also worked at Scientific Atlanta and several other jobs before retiring from the Gwin nett County Sheriff’s Department after more than 13 years. He loved spending time with family and enjoy ing a great meal. As a devoted husband, dedicated father, loving papa (pop), and solid family member all around, he was a good man who will be missed by many. Mr. Higgins was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Sue Everett Higgins; his parents, Jim and Aubry Higgins; sister, Hazel Higgins Wall; and infant sister, Virgnia Higgins. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ray and Chelsie Higgins; grandson, Tripp Hig gins; granddaughter, Harper Higgins, all of Mad ison, Mississippi; brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Karol Higgins; Alpharetta; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive. Family to receive friends: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5-8 p.m. at Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Lawrenceville. Arrangements made by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, Ga. 30046, 770- 962-3100. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of May 26-June I Elizabeth Alice “Betty” McClure COMMERCE — Elizabeth Alice “Betty” Mc Clure, 79, Commerce, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, May 22, 2025. Ms. McClure was preceded in death by her par ents, Samuel and Virgin ia McClure; her brother Sam “Ed” McClure; and her sister, Ginger Pigg. Survivors include her beloved daughter, Kay Howington and husband Vaughn How ington Jr. Betty is also survived by the joys of her heart, grandchil dren, Adam Howington, Mary Beth Eason and Olivia Butler, along with six great-grandchildren including, Colt and Brooks Butler and Tessa, CeCe, Mac and Jo Eason. In ad dition, she is survived by her sister, Nancy Bond; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen McClure; and many niec es, nephews and cousins. The family includes Bet ty’s life-long friends, Susan Chaisson and Brenda Williams. Betty had a caring and loving heart. She loved all her extended family and kept the family close after her parents died. She was an encourager to her daughter, grandchildren, her sisters and many others. She was a student of the Bible and served as a driver for Meals on Wheels. She was also a faith ful servant in caring for several family members during their illnesses. Funeral service: Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Erastus Christian Church with Pastor Vaughn Howington Jr. officiating. A meal will be served at the church after the service for a time of visitation and fellowship. Betty’s specialty, Red Velvet Cake, will also be served at Betty’s request. Evans Funeral Home, Inc., 1350 Winder High way, Jefferson, Georgia, 706-367-5467. Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of May 26-June I 2 Ronald Dennis Shore Ronald Dennis Shore, born on February 1, 1948, in Commerce, passed away peacefully on Wednes day, May 21, 2025, in Athens. He was a respected figure in his community and a dedicated family man who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Ronald dedicated a significant portion of his life to his career, retiring from Mt. Vernon Mills, where he was known for his hard work and commitment. His strong work ethic and integrity defined both his professional and personal life. He was a member of Blacks Creek Baptist Church and was a fur daddy to his beloved Pepper. In addition to his career, Ronald served his coun try honorably in the U.S. Army. His military ser vice was a source of pride for him and reflected his commitment to duty and family. He leaves behind his loving wife, JoAnne Pace Shore; his daughter, Jill Wilbanks; and his son, Russell (Carmen) Shore. Ronald also cherished the time spent with his siblings, including sisters, Joyce (Kenneth) Tanner and Rita (Ken) Davis; and brother, Waymon (Lucy) Shore. He was a proud grandfather to Jayda Shore, Jake Shore, Matthew Wilbanks, Allison Wilbanks, Laura Ivan and An drea Ivan; and a devoted great-grandfather to Zoey Ivan. Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Amylee Bennett Shore; and his brother, Jerry Shore. Funeral service:Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce. Inter ment will be at Jackson Memorial Gardens. Family to receive friends: Friday, May 23, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Ivie Funeral Home. Ronald Dennis Shore’s legacy of kindness, hard work, and devotion to family will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of May 26-June I FAST. QUALITY. COLOR. PRINTING. Local Professional Printing at an Affordable Price. MAINSTREET PRINTING Since 1875 A Division of MainStreet Newspapers Jefferson • Commerce • Homer • Winder • Braselton • Danielsville Printing facility located at 33 Lee St., Jefferson, Ga. 30549 MainStreetNews.com - Call 706-367-5233
