About The Madison County journal. (Hull, Ga.) 1989-current | View Entire Issue (July 2, 2025)
THE MADISON COUNTY (GA) JOURNAL, WEDNESDAY, JULY 2, 2025 - PAGE 9A Obituaries Gloria Martin (Jerry), Winder; sister, Marion Salter, Forest Park; grandchildren, Chad Merk (Hayleigh), Jarrett Martin (Ashley), Gabe Merk and Vivi Merk; five great-grandchildren, Emory Merk, Everett Martin, Briggs Martin, Merritt Martin and Rollins Martin; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral service: Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Little-Ward Funeral Home with the Rev. Ken Barrett officiating. Interment will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Oconee Baptist Church Cemetery. Family to receive friends: Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jack- son County Senior Center, 151 Evans Drive, Jefferson, Ga. 30549 or 706-367-5101. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of arrangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of June 30-JuIy 6 Robert Kim Nelson AUBURN — Robert Kim Nelson, 54, Auburn, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025. Kim loved soccer, lis tening to classic rock mu sic (anything 80’s rock), going fishing, cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs, riding go karts, grilling and watching movies, but most of all he loved his kids and grandchildren. Kim is survived by his parents, Michael Lynn Nelson and Eula Tirey; sons, Robert Kelley Nel son and Kyle Linden Nelson; daughter, Katy Lynn Najera (Eduardo); grand children, Arianna Juarez and Joesiah Juarez; and sister, Tammy Mayo (Jerry). Funeral service: Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Smith Funeral Home. Family to receive friends: Thursday, July 3, 2025, from 12 to 2 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home. Smith Funeral Home, Winder, is in charge of arrange ments. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of June 30-JuIy 6 Roger L. Watson Roger L. Watson, beloved husband, father, grandfa ther and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Royston, surrounded by his loving family. Born on November 2, 1937, in Pocataligo, Rog er lived a life marked by dedication, service and an unwavermg love for his family. He served honorably in the United States Air Force, demonstrating his commit ment to his country. Following his military service, Rog er enjoyed a long career with the United States Postal Service in Athens, where he earned the admiration and respect of colleagues and community members. Roger was a devoted family man, lovingly known as “Daddy” and “Papa.” He is survived by his cherished wife of 66 years, Beverly Shattuck Watson; daughters, Cheryl (Wayne) Minyard, Jean (Clayton) Lowe, Coni (Ricky) Hix and Karla (Todd) Harris; sister, Barbara (Herman) Dove; along with 10 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. He was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Watson and Lessie Bone Watson; and his brothers, James, Wal ter Lee, Ray and W.A. Watson, whom he holds dear in memory. Roger had a zest for life, evidenced by his loyalty as an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and NASCAR racing. In honor of his spirited personality, the family requests that all attendees wear UGA attire or red and black during his service. The Watson family is grateful for the compassionate care provided by Ivy Phillips, Gentiva Hospice and Zoie Boling, who were instrumental in supporting Rog er during his final days. Funeral service: Friday, June 27, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 275 Friendship Church Road, Danielsville, Ga. 30633. Following the service he will be laid to rest at 1:45 p.m. at Danielsville Me morial Gardens. Roger’s grandsons will honor him as pallbearers, carrying forward his legacy of love and commitment to family. Family to receive friends: Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ivie Funeral Home, 1053 South Elm Street, Commerce, Ga. 30529. He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege to know him. The family will receive friends at Clayton and Jean Lowe’s home, 491 Camp Hailman Road, Athens, Ga. 30601. Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce, is in charge of ar rangements. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of June 30-JuIy 6 Avery Michelle Whitfield ELBERTON — Avery Michelle Whitfield, 19, El berton, ran into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Arthur M. Blank Hospital. Born in Athens on April 27, 2006, Avery was the daughter of Christopher Gary Whitfield and Laurie Mi chelle (Rowland) Whitfield. Along with her parents of Elberton, she is survived by her sister, MaKayla Whit field Carey and her husband Brett, Hartwell; nephew, Whit Carey (“Boogie” to Aunt “Abey”); grandparents, Lynn Whitfield and the late Gary Whitfield, Homer, and Leroy and Pam Rowland, Dewy Rose; great-grand mother, Irma Payne, Homer; aunts and uncles, Krys tal and Blake Noggle, Lisa and Chris Moore, Tina and James Willis and Barry Whitfield; cousins, Brice, Ca ¬ dence, Millie, Jessica, Jennifer, Christopher and Casey; and a host of other relatives and friends. Avery also loved her dog, Bindi Gray, who was the best therapy during some of the toughest days. As an infant, Avery con tracted a virus which ul timately resulted in liver failure. She received a liv er transplant at just eight months old, her first mir acle, and spent the rest of her 19 years courageously and bravely fighting. Even on her toughest days, Av ery was more concerned for others than herself, never missing an opportu nity to ask how your day was going or to make you feel appreciated for what you were doing for her care — especially her transplant team and nursing staff. Her vivacious and feisty personality was sure to make you smile even on your worst days. Avery was a selfless individual who loved hard and was always doing for others she cared about even when she did not feel her best. Avery was a 2024 Honor Graduate from Elbert Coun ty High School. While at ECHS, she enjoyed playing on the varsity golf team, cheering for varsity basketball and twirling under the Granite Bowl Friday night lights as a majorette. Her sassy and witty personality will be forev er remembered, and her beautiful smile and dimple will never be forgotten. Avery will lie instate on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at Berry Funeral Home for those wishing to pay their respects and sign the online guest- book. Funeral service: Friday, June 27, at 2 p.m. at First Bap tist Church of Elberton, where she attended Wee School as our Little A, with Pastors Tim Adams, Wesley Allen, and Kevin Vaughn officiating. To celebrate Avery’s love and life, we encourage everyone to wear pink. A private family graveside service will follow at For est Hills Memorial Park. There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home; however, the family welcomes visitors at the home of Brett and MaKayla Carey, 266 LeCroy Lane, Hartwell. Flowers are lovingly accepted. Avery was often comforted with a stuffed animal while in the hospital throughout her life. In lieu of birthday gifts, she would ask her friends to bring stuffed animals to donate to CHOA or Elbert Memorial Hospital. To continue Av ery’s legacy of love, please donate new stuffed animals to your local hospital or donate to your local food bank. She never wanted anyone to be hungry, often packing extra food in her lunch to share or buying food to give to friends. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is re spectfully in charge of arrangements for Miss Avery Michelle Whitfield. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. Published by MainStreet Newspapers, Inc. Week of June 30-JuIy 6 ■ Georgia needs Capitol Beat. Capitol Beat needs you. Capitol Beat can't exist without reader support. Donate today to see your donation doubled! About Capitol Beat News Service Capitol Beat is a nonprofit news service operated by the Georgia Press Educational Foundation that provides coverage of state government to newspapers throughout Georgia. The mission of Capitol Beat is to provide thorough, unbiased coverage of state gov ernment news consumers can trust to the more than 125 daily and weekly newspapers that are members of the Georgia Press Association. Capitol Beat provides gavel-to- gavel coverage of Georgia General Assembly sessions and year-round coverage of the governor's office, statewide elected officials, legislative committee hearings, state agen cies and the Georgia Supreme Court. News Match The Georgia Press Educational Foundation believes having an engaged and informed public is essential to our state's success. So, too is having a gov ernment that's held accountable by their constituents. Our goal is to increase news con sumers' awareness, interest and partici pation in state gov ernment. 1875 - 2025 150 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE MainStreet NEWSPAPERS
