Clayton County Obits

Clayton County Obits
December 2003

News Daily Clayton Co., GA

Monday, December 1, 2003

Justin D. Holmes WITTMANN, age 23, of Steele Drive, Hampton, passed away Friday from injuries he received in an automobile accident. Justin was born in Tucker, Ga. on May 16, 1980. Survivors include his wife Patricia Stowell; son, Justin Credible Holmes; parents, Ginger and Ronny Wittman; brothers, Thomas and Ben; sister, Nikka; grandparents, Ted and Esther Alger of Hampton; Judy and Lee Hembree of Atlanta; Thomas M. and Jean Holmes of Longbeach, Calif.; great-grandparents, Virginia Brand of Forest Park; aunt, Ellen Aiken; cousins, Christie and Travis; uncle, Wayne Aiken, great-aunt, Janet Alger; great-cousin, James Dean Kelly; biological father and his wife, David and Linda Holmes of California. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. Reverend Gene Luke will officiate. Interment will follow in the Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Friends visited the family on Saturday and Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Those desiring may make contributions to the family for his son, Justin Credible Holmes c/o Patricia Stowell, 663 Mud Bridge Road, Griffin, Ga. 30223. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 West McIntosh Road, Griffin, is in charge of the arrangements. (770) 227-2300.

Paul JACKSON Jr., age 68, of Jonesboro, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Ellen Jackson; sons, David Wayne Jackson of Rex, Kenneth Jackson of Jonesboro; daughters and sons-in-law, Cathy and James Roberts of Rex, Karen and Curtis Lyles of Stockbridge; brother, Arthur Jackson of Warner Robins; sister, Gwendolyn Lunceford of Ellenwood; grandchildren, Laura Roberts, Lewis Roberts, Rhonda Lyles, Justin Jackson and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003 at Tara Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ron Little and the Rev. Sidney Odom officiating. The remains will be placed in the state one hour prior to the service at the church. The family will receive friends on Monday, December 1, 2003 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home Inc. Jonesboro/Stockbridge (770) 210-2700.

Tuesday, December 2, 2003

Mr. Justin D. Holmes WITTMANN, age 23, of Steele Drive, Hampton passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2003, from injuries he received in an automobile accident. Justin was born in Tucker, Ga. May 16, 1980. Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1 in the chapel of the Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, with the Rev. Gene Luke officiating. Interment followed in the Sherwood Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his fiancée, Patricia Stowell; son, Justin Credible Holmes; parents, Ginger and Ronny Wittmann; brothers, Thomas and Ben; sister, Nikka; grandparents, Ted and Esther Alger of Hampton, Judy and Lee Hembree of Atlanta, and Thomas M. and Jean Holmes of Longbeach, Calif.; great-grandparent, Virginia Brand of Forest Park; aunt, Ellen Aiken; cousins, Christie and Travis; uncle, Wayne Aiken; great-aunt, Janet Alger; great-cousin, James Dean Kelley; biological father and his wife, David and Linda Holmes of California. Those desiring may make contributions to the family for his son, Justin Credible Holmes c/o First National Bank, 996 Bear Creek Blvd., Hampton, GA 30228, (770) 897-0110, in memory of Justin. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, Griffin is in charge of arrangements. (770) 227-2300.

Thursday, December 4, 2003

Mrs. Margaret Lorine BOZE, age 78, of Forest Park, passed away Monday, Dec. 1, 2003. She was born Nov. 26, 1925, in Piedmont, Ala. to the late Thomas and Maggie Stephens. She was a retired seamstress and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Boze. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 4 from Clark Funeral Home in Hiram, Ga., with the Rev. Howard Crowe officiating. The interment will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens in Forest Park. Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Karen Boze of Dallas, Ga. and Anthony Boze of Forest Park; daughter and son-in-law, Juanita and Mike Powers of Deltona, Fla.; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Clark Funeral Home, Hiram, Ga. is in charge of arrangements. (770) 445-7133.

Florice "Mildred" COURTOY of McDonough passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003. Mrs. Courtoy was a member of Forest Park Methodist Church. Services will take place in the chapel at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5, with the Rev. Ed Judy officiating. Survivors include her daughter, Linda Bridges and her spouse Richard of McDonough; son, Larry Courtoy and his spouse Charlotte of Morrow; brother, Steve Covington of Gothan, Ala.; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today. Parkway Garden Chapel, Forest Park is in charge of arrangements. (404) 366-3522.

Mark Joseph PENDLEY, 34, of Forest Park, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, at Southern Regional Medical Center. He was a member of Hampton Heights Fellowship Church. Mr. Pendley was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Henry Pendley. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 5 at Tara Garden Chapel with interment to follow in Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his mother, Linda Pendley; grandmother, Doris Lee Gossett; sister, Stephanie Ann Pendley; brother, Ralph Matthew Pendley; nieces, Christian Pauline Pendley, Jessica Paige Pendley and Kimberly Renee Pendley; nephew, Jeffery Allen Taylor; numerous aunts and uncles. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 and again from 6 until 8 p.m. today. Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 471-7171.

December 5, 2003

Mrs. Velma Cleo PARKS, age 88, of Jonesboro, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. today, Friday, Dec. 5 in the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, with Dr. Tim Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Avis Miller of Jonesboro; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 210-2700.

John W. RAINS, age 73, of Jonesboro, died Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, after a short battle with cancer. Mr. Rains was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus and Henrietta Rains; sister, Carolyn Rains Bolton, and three brothers, Benjamin Rains, Thomas Rains and George Rains. He was retired from AT&T and the State of Georgia. Funeral services will take place graveside at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Sherwood Memorial Park in Jonesboro, with the Rev. Gary Lewis officiating. Survivors include his loving wife of 43 years, Jean Rains; daughter, Phyllis Lynn Rains of Hampton; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Sheryl Rains of Ellenwood; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mildred Rains and Bernard Hoekstra of Grand Rapids, Mich. and Susan Rains and Maj. Durwood Burlson of Grosebeck, Texas; brother and sister-in-law, Marcus and Jo Ann Rains of Ormand Beach, Fla.; sister-in-law, Doris Rains Bell of Athens; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers are acceptable or donations may be made to Portsbridge Hospice, 115 Huntington Park Drive, Fayetteville, GA 30214. (770) 716-5545. Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 471-7171.

Mr. William E. SWANNER of Jonesboro died Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, at Southern Regional Medical Center. He was retired from Ford Motor Company. A Memorial Service will take place in the Chapel at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6. Survivors include his sons, Mark Swanner of Jonesboro, Keith Swanner of Stockbridge and Lamar Swanner of Jonesboro; sisters, Byrolyn Barnes, Anne Marie Williams of Panama City, Fla., Jean Reithman of Amelia Island, Fla. and Evelyn Cain of Perryton, Texas; three grandchildren. Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 471-7171.

December 6, 2003

Tommy Howard SHERIFF, age 54, of Jonesboro, passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2003. Funeral services will take place at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home. Survivors include his wife, Deborah Richard; children, Rhonda Renee Sheriff of Atlanta, Michael Richard of McDonough and Dustin Richard of Jonesboro; father, Paul W. Sheriff of College Park; sister, Dorothy Corbitt of Jonesboro; brothers, Paul Sheriff Jr. of California, Frank Sheriff of Ellijay, Ernest Sheriff of Villa Rica and Jackie Sheriff of Savannah; grandchild, Kaley (Friday) Marie Richard of McDonough. The family will receive friends today from 6 to 8 p.m. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 210-2700.

Mrs. Shirley Faye BOWERS, age 66, of Hanover Drive, Griffin passed away Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003, at the Spalding Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Bowers was born in Spalding County March 28, 1937, to the late James A. Gregory and the late Ida Jane Cooper Gregory. Her brother, Dwayne Gregory, preceded her in death. She was a homemaker, a member of the Second Baptist Church, and a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. today, Saturday, Dec. 6 at the First Assembly of God, with the Rev. Kenneth Heath, the Rev. Mark Coffey and the Rev. Brandon Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Survivors include her husband, Waymon A. Bowers; daughters, Rhonda Huff of Griffin and Lisa Bowers of Griffin; son and daughter-in-law, the Rev. Craig and Belinda Bowers of Locust Grove; grandchildren, Melissa Danielle and Brian Ogletree, Stephen Bowers, Bryan Bowers, Jennifer Bowers and Winston Crook; brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Marie Gregory of Griffin; sisters and brother-in-law, Barbara Manning of Calhoun Falls, S.C. and Mary and James Bannister of Griffin; several nieces and nephews. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, Griffin is in charge of arrangements. (770) 227-2300.

December 8, 2003

Doris Mae STEPHENS, 59, of Jonesboro, died Dec. 4, 2003. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at 3 p.m. at Wages Lawrenceville Chapel with Jerry Berkhead Sr. officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 10 a.m. until the service begins at the funeral home. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service Inc. Lawrenceville Chapel, (770) 963-2411, is handling arrangements.

December 10, 2003

Alice Lorene Westbrook CABLE, 70, of Jonesboro, a lifelong native of Atlanta, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2003. Mrs. Cable was a tax consultant for more than 40 years with Townsend Tax & Accounting, where she managed two offices. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at Tara Garden Chapel with Pastor Doug Burrell officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park. Survivors include her husband, John A. Cable; daughter, Alicia Rae Westbrook-McGee and son-in-law, Edward J. McGee of Fayetteville; son, Bobby Ray Westbrook Jr. of Jonesboro; sister, Shirley M. Henderson of Columbus, Ga.; grandchildren, Alice Mikayla and Katie Savannah McGee; nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at the funeral home. Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 471-7171.

David M. THRASHER of Forest Park died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003. Mr. Thrasher was a member of the East Point Moose Lodge, Peace Officers Association, and WAS A VETERAN OF THE U.S. NAVY. Services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 at Forest Park Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Russell Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his wife, Gaye Thrasher; daughters, Patty Storey of Wahiawa, Hawaii, Barbara Bradford of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Pamela Thomann of Ellenwood; son, David Thrasher of San Diego, Calif.; sisters, Eleanor Hale of Fort Worth, Texas and Edna Mealor of Toccoa, Ga.; brother, Bill Thrasher of Dunwoody; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be today from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Parkway Garden Chapel, Forest Park is in charge of arrangements. (404) 366-3522.

December 11, 2003

Elzie Thomas BOWEN of Riverdale died Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at his residence. He was a retired meat cutter.
Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at Tara Garden Chapel with the Rev. Alan Parker officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery. Survivors include his daughters, Carolyn Palmer of Riverdale, Louise Poss of Fort Myers, Fla. and Diane and Larry Milam of McDonough; son, Carl Bowen of Riverdale; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; nine great great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Portsbridge Hospice, 1335 Lake Ridge Parkway, Riverdale, GA 30296.
Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 471-7171.

Ms. Mary Leila JOHNSON, age 81, of Hampton passed away Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003. Ms. Johnson was retired from Dundy Mills after 37 years of service. She worked as an inspector for the textile division. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Lovejoy. Ms. Johnson lived in Jonesboro and Hampton most of her life.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 11 in the Chapel of the Pope Dickson and Son Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Nunnelly officiating. Interment will follow in the Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Jonesboro. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Pope Dickson and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (770) 478-7211.

Friday, December 12, 2003

Mr. Cary C. BARKSDALE of Jonesboro died Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at Portsbridge Hospice. His parents, Locke and Sibyl Barksdale, preceded him in death. A memorial service will take place in the chapel at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 with Dr. Robert L. Whitmire and the Rev. Mary Kollarik officiating. Survivors include his wife, Martha Barksdale; sisters, Cheryl Garrett of Stockbridge and Karen and Chuck McFall of Deland, Fla.; brothers, Michael and Nancy Barksdale of Peachtree City and Drex and Pam Barksdale of Marietta; mother-in-law, Johnnie Wise of Griffin; nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request contributions are made to the Clayton County Humane Society and SPCA, 7810-B Mount Zion Blvd., Jonesboro, GA 30236. (770) 471-9436. Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 471-7171.

William E. (Bill) FORD of Forest Park passed away Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the chapel with the Rev. Doug Ledford officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his children, David and Dianne McIlwaine of Forest Park, Todd McIlwaine of Rex, and Shane Ford of Rex; grandchildren, Kristina, David Jr., Samantha, Shelby, Amy and Erika; great-grandchildren, Timmy, Kaylee and Devon; sisters, Patsy Kilby and Darlene and Carl Wofford; brother, James O. and Joyce Ford Jr.; sisters-in-law, Barbara Bell and Patricia Dennard; brother-in-law, Donald Hayes. The family will receive friends from 2 till 4 and 6 till 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pope Dickson & Son, Morrow Chapel is in charge of arrangements. (770) 961-2700.

December 15, 2003

Oveda TAYLOR, 75, of Blountstown, Fla., died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003, at the Christian Ministries Hospice. Taylor was born in Altha, Fla., on Sept. 9, 1928, to the late James Roy Willis Sr. and Fosteen Spivey Willis, and was the wife of the late Ernest E. Taylor Sr. She was a retired nurse and member of the Fellowship Baptist Church. Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Ed and Diane Taylor of Hampton; grandchildren and their spouses, Shelley and John Sweatte of Fairmont, Kim and Chris Page of Hampton; great-grandchildren, Paul Sweatte, Charley Sweatte, Libby Page, Ethan Page; sisters and brothers-in-law, Juanita and Vernon Powel, Lawanda and Buddy Ross, Shirley and David Howell; brother, James Roy Willis, all of Florida; many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Conner-Westbury Funeral Home. The Rev. Bill Brannon will officiate. Interment will follow in Sherwood Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Friends may visit the family on Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 West McIntosh Road, Griffin, is handling arrangements.

Tuesday, December 16, 2003

Mrs. Grace MAXWELL, 87, of Forest Park, died Monday, Dec. 15, 2003. A native of Elbert County, she was the daughter of the late Tom T. and Bertha Hall Scoggins. She was a member of Conley First Baptist Church. Mrs. Maxwell was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, a brother, Milton T. Scoggins Jr., a sister, Pauline Scoggins, and a great-grandson, Connor James Warren. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 in the chapel of the funeral home, with Dr. Joe Slocomb officiating. Interment will follow in Sherwood M will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 in the chapel ofFuneral services will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 in the chapel of the funeral home.

December 17, 2003

Mr. Julian O. (JO) HALL passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2003. Mr. Hall was a member of the Riverdale Masonic Lodge 709. Known for his strong work ethic and love for his family and friends, he will be greatly missed. Mr. Hall is preceded in death by his son, Tony Glen Hall. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday, Dec. 17 with a funeral service at 7 p.m. in the chapel at Pope Dickson Funeral Home. The Rev. Herb Kitchen will officiate. On Thursday, Dec. 18 Mr. Hall's body will lie in state at Hopewell Baptist Church in Moultrie, Ga. from noon until 2 p.m. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. Survivors include his loving wife of 31 years, Roberta J. Hall of Riverdale; daughters and son-in-law, Theresa Thelschiek, Mechelle and Fern Blanco of Margate, Fla. and Sherri Monroe of Sale City, Ga.; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Sherri Durbin of Riverdale and Timothy and Shenna Hall of Cedar Grove, Mo.; sisters, Verna Shelton of Hampton and Dorothy Rainer of Riverdale; brother, George Wayne Hall of McDonough; 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Pope Dickson and Son, Jonesboro Chapel is in charge of arrangements. (770) 478-7211. Visit the website at popedickson.com.

Clifford Leonard WHITE, age 89, passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2003. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 at Parkway Garden Chapel, with the Rev. Wayne Pike and the Rev. George Pike officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Grandsons will serve as active pallbearers. Survivors include his wife, Georgia Ann White; son, Mitchell Joseph White; sister, Geneva C. Daniel; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great great-granddaughter. The family will receive friends from 2 to 8 p.m. today. Parkway Garden Chapel, Forest Park is in charge of arrangements. (404) 366-3522.

News Daily, Clatyon Co., GA.

December 18, 2003

In loving memory of Neil A. McKINNON, 63, who passed away on Dec. 15, 2003, after a brief illness of cancer. Neil graduated from Southern Technical Institute in 1960, before SERVING FOUR YEARS WITH THE U.S. AIR FORCE IN THE 420th Air REFUELING SQUADRON IN NORFORK, ENGLAND. Returning to the United States in 1964, he joined Delta Air Lines and retired as a Senior Instructor after 29½ years. He then worked 10 years at Worldspan as a Technical Specialist. He is survived by his wife, Pamela; sons, Tony and Joe; brothers, Robert and Donald; sister, Yvonne; daughter-in-law, Jody; grandchildren, Nicholas and Louis; and extended family members, David and Joanna of London, England. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at 310 Blue Pine Drive, Eufaula, AL. A graveside service will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery in Comer, Ala., at 1 p.m. CST. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Make A Wish Foundation of Georgia, 1230 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite E40, Marietta, GA 30068. The Cremation Society of the South is in charge of arrangements. (770) 941-5352.

December 19, 2003

Joyce Patricia BISHOP, 66, of Forest Park, died Saturday, Dec. 13, 2003. Graveside services will take place at 2 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 19 at Westview Cemetery in Atlanta. Survivors include her husband, George Franklin Bishop; son, Daren Todd Bishop of Nederland, Texas; daughter, Dara Lane Bishop of Forest Park; aunt, Isabelle Herbig of Decatur, Ga.; several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from noon to 1:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. H.M. Patterson and Son, Spring Hill is in charge of arrangements. (404) 876-1022.

Dr. Pierce Kendal DIXON Jr., 80, a long-time Gainesville physician, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003, at Lanier Park Hospital following an extended illness. Dr. PK was preceded in death by his parents, Pierce K. and Emma Adamson Dixon, his brother and sister-in-law, Warren W. Dixon and Marlene S. Dixon, sister and brother-in-law, Jean D. Cobb and Paul Cobb, and brother-in-law, Fred Carter. A private interment service will take place at Alta Vista Cemetery preceding the memorial service. Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m. today, Friday, Dec. 19 at the First United Methodist Church, where he was a long-time member. The family will receive friends in the Gathering Room of the church immediately following the memorial. The Rev. Dr. Gerald Thurman, the Rev. Dr. Hugh Cauthen and the Rev. Dr. Philip DeMore will officiate. Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Mary Frances Carter Dixon; daughter and son-in-law, Carol D. Whitmire and Dr. Ronald N. Whitmire; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Pierce Kendal Dixon III and Connie W. Dixon; daughter and son-in-law, Susan D. Brooksher and Bill Brooksher; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David Bradley Dixon and Sherri K. Dixon, all of Gainesville; grandchildren, Dr. Amy Whitmire of Nashville, Tenn., Julie Whitmire of Atlanta, Chris and Liesa Dixon, Laura Dixon, Heather Dixon, Billy Brooksher, Mary Frances Brooksher, Emily Brooksher, Matthew Dixon and Rebecca Dixon, all of Gainesville; great-grandchildren, Heather and Anthony Dixon; brother, Wilbur A. Dixon; sister-in-law, Martha S. Dixon; sister-in-law, Mary P. Carter; numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions are made to the First United Methodist Church, 2780 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30506 or to P.K. Dixon Gainesville High School Fund, c/o North Georgia Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1583, Gainesville, GA 30501. Little Davenport Funeral Home, Gainesville is in charge of arrangements. (770) 534-5201.

Judith J. ROBERTS, age 51, of Jonesboro, died December 10, 2003. She was the daughter of the late Evelyn and Owens Jenkins. Surivors include her loving husband, Alun W. Roberts; children Anthony (Nicole) Roberts and Ashley (J.J.) Shockley; grandchildren, David Triston Shockley; sisters, Nora Emerson and Barbara Lynch, both of Virginia; and brothers, Sandros, Carvel and Rodney Jenkins, all of Virginia. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003 at 3 p.m. at Forest Park Assembly of God, with Russ Taylor officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Forest Park Assembly, 1334 Tara Road, Jonesboro, GA 30238. Arrangements by National Cremation Society (770) 923-2940.

Larry G. McLAIN, age 57, of Jonesboro, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2003. He was a member of the Georgia Sheet Metal Contractors' Association, Georgia-SMACNA, for 31 years. Mr. McLain served on the Association's Board of Directors for 27 years and served five terms as President. He served as a member and chairman of the Association's Labor Committee, Business Management and Education Committee, Safety and Training Committee and Industry Fund Committee. He served on the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for 26 years and as chairman for four terms. He served as a management trustee for the Local Union 85 Sheet Metal Workers' Health and Welfare Fund and Vacation Fund for 15 years. Mr. McLain also served as the Association's representative to the South/Southwest Conference of Sheet Metal Contractors' for many years. He served as the Association's representative to the Industry's National Association (SMACNA) as a member of the Council of Chapter Representatives for 25 years. He was a member of the Jonesboro Jaycees and Peach State Corvette Club. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. Mr. McLain was with the BHW Sheet Metal Company for 37 years and current President. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20 in the Worship Center of the First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. He will lie in state one hour prior to service. Dr. Dean Haun will officiate. Interment will follow at Camp Memorial Park. Survivors include his wife, Sandy; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle (David) McLain Morgan of Bethlehem, Ga.; daughter, Megan Leigh McLain of Jonesboro; mother, Mattie Harris of Alabama; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy (Beverly) Harris of Douglasville, Keith (Susan) Harris of Stockbridge, Charles (Kim) Harris of Douglasville; brother, Bobby Harris of Jonesboro; sister and brother-in-law, Annette (Dennis) Jones of Carrollton; grandchildren, Mason McLain Morgan and Connor Griffin Morgan, both of Bethlehem, Ga. The family will receive friends from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, make contributions to the American Diabetes Association, 3 Corporate Square, Suite 120, Atlanta, GA 30329. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 210-2700.

December 22, 2003

Charles W. (C.W.) NASH, 66, of Jonesboro, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003. He is survived by his wife, Marlene; daughter and son-in-law, Kimbra (Brent) Stenson of McDonough; brother, Michael G. Nash of Ashland, Va.; sister, Ann Nash Haskins of Danville, Va.; grandchild, Harrison Lee Stenson of McDonough; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, in the chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home with the Rev. Ken Davidson officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Fort Hill Cemetery in Lynchburg, Va. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge, (770) 210-2700, is handling arrangements.

December 23, 2003

Mr. Hoyt DORRIS, 70, of Jonesboro, passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at a local hospital. Mr. Dorris was a member of Jonesboro First Baptist Church and the East Point Moose Lodge. He retired from Atlanta Gas Light with more than 30 years of dedicated service. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. today, Tuesday, Dec. 23 in the chapel of Pope Dickson and Son, with the Rev. Scott Johnson officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Jonesboro. Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Mrs. Miralyn Dorris; sons and daughters-in-law, Edward and Tamlia Davis of Forest Park and Jerry and Arlene Dorris of McDonough; grandchildren, Heather and Mark Jackson, Derik Davis, Abby Dorris and Jeremy Dorris; great-grandchildren, Tyler Jackson and Davis Jackson; brothers, Bobby Dorris and Don Dorris. Pope Dickson and Son Funeral Home, Jonesboro Chapel is in charge of arrangements. (770) 478-7211. Please visit our website at popedickson.com

Mr. Charles E. TOUTON, age 79, of Forest Park, passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003. Mr. Touton was retired form Hormel Meatpacker Company after more than 40 years of service. Funeral services will take place at 3:30 p.m. today, Tuesday, Dec. 23 from Ward's Fairview Chapel, with the Rev. Joe Hughes officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his daughter Dixie and Larry Baity of Sharpsburg; son, Robert Touton of Lilburn; sister Louisa Cox of Maryville, Tenn; grandchildren, Lynn Baggett, Terri Mawby and Steve Mawby; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Horis A. Ward's Fairview Chapel, Stockbridge is in charge of arrangements. (770) 474-1231.

Wednesday, December 24, 2003

Hope A. JULIAN, age 41, of Jonesboro, passed away Monday, Jan. 22, 2003. She was a member of Antioch Baptist Church and a Pre K teacher at Kinder Care for several years. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26 in the chapel, with the Rev. Gerald Northcutt officiating. Interment will follow at Luthersville Methodist Church Cemetery. Survivors include her parents, William and Nell Julian of Jonesboro; sister, Penny Ann Vanomer of McDonough; brother, William Julian Jr. of Phoenix, Ark.; uncle, Bobby Thazton of Luthersville, Ga. Pope Dickson and Son Funeral Home, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 478-7211. Please visit our website: popedickson.com.

Dovie Mathis TRAER, of 3687 McIntosh Road, Graceville, Fla., passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in Graceville, Fla. Mrs. Traer was born Oct. 15, 1919, in Houston County, Ala., in the Wicksburg Community to the late William Nathan and Annie Elizabeth Mathis. She was preceded in death by her husband, George, her parents, eight brothers and several nieces and nephews. Surviving Mrs. Traer are her sister, Mrs. Cleoia M. Williams of Bonifay; her half-sisters, Voncile Vinson of Malvern, Ala., Kathleen Deadwyler of Dothan, Hilda Hershey of Wapa Komepa, Ohio, and Shirley Willis of Fayetteville, N.C.; and a stepsister, Johnnie Ray of Midland City, Ala. Mrs. Traer married George P. Traer in 1946 and moved to McDonough, Ga., where she lived the next 57 years. She was an active member of the McDonough Presbyterian Church. She served two terms as Active Deacon, 17 years as hostess, chaired every phase of women's work, and taught a Sunday school class for several years. She was employed by the Henry County Sheriff's Department as a Superior Court bailiff for 36 years. Declining health caused her to move to Graceville to be near to her family. She has made her home with her niece, Sarah W. Lovell, in recent years. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Bethel Baptist Church, 1349 Highway 173, Graceville, with Pastor Kent Lampp officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at the Williams Funeral Home Chapel in Graceville, Fla. Williams Funeral Home of Graceville, Fla., is in charge of arrangements. (850) 263-5116.

Friday, 26, 2003

Corbin CAIN, age 26, of Locust Grove passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2003. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27 at the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home with Pastor David Steele officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens. Survivors include his parents, Jerry and Sue Cain of Locust Grove; brother and sister-in-law, Shannon and Angela Cain of McDonough; nephews, Zachary and Joshua Cain of McDonough; grandfather, Charles Johnson Sr. of Macon. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. today. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 210-2700.

Jere Kay WEBER, 58, of Jonesboro, died Dec. 24, 2003. Surviving are daughters Sheryl Evans of Commerce, Shannon Owen of Jackson; mother Catherine Clark; brother Hugh Causey; sister Lorraine Griffin; three grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at 3 p.m. in the chapel with Dr. Lester Cooper officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Pope Dickson & Son Jonesboro Chapel, (770) 478-7211, is handling arrangements.

Gordon McRAE, 83, of Riverdale, died Dec. 23, 2003. McRae was a member of Riverdale First United Methodist Church. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Army where he served in World War II. Survivors include his wife Juanita Moran McRae of Riverdale; two daughters and their spouses Carolyn and Winston White of Dallas, Ga., and Catherine and James Cook of Senoia, Ga.; son and spouse Carey and Jonna McRae of Riverdale; sister Louise McRae of Manchester, Ga.; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Saturday, Dec. 27, at 11 a.m. at Tara Garden Chapel with the Rev. Noel Swanson, the Rev. George Lanier and the Rev. Tom Daugherty officiating. Interment will be at 3 p.m. at Meriwether Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Riverdale First UMC, (770) 997-1684, or Portsbridge Hospice, (770) 994-6569. Thomas L. Scroggs Tara Garden Chapel Jonesboro, (770) 471-7171, is handling arrangements.

Saturday, December 27, 2003

Mr. Gregory Scott CLACK, age 43, of Hampton died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003. Greg graduated from North Clayton High School at the age of 16 and worked for his father for the next 27 years. He helped manage Riverdale Wrecker Service, Midway Plaza, Mini Warehouses, and T Bird Hangers. He was an avid fisherman and also enjoyed racing his motorcycle at Daytona and Talladega. He loved painting antique airplanes and cars he and his father restored. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sara Nell Clack. Funeral services will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28 at Tara Garden Chapel with Pastor Tyson Roasch officiating. Interment will follow at Haynes Creek Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Debbie Clack; son, Jason Clack; daughters, Brittany Clack and Courtney Clack; brother, James Dean Clack; father and stepmother, James F. and Jeanette Clack; grandchildren, T.J. Lewis and Ashlynn Bunn. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 471-7171.

Mrs. Virgie Alice COFFEL, age 69, of Jonesboro passed away Friday, Dec. 26, 2003. Funeral services will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28 at Harvest Baptist Church with the Rev. Tracey Smith and the Rev. Ben Smith officiating. Remains will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Jess (J.W.) Coffel; sons, Ricky William Coffel of Lithonia, Jess "Michael" Coffel of Atlanta and Brian Keith Coffel of North Carolina; daughter, Robin Annette Mackie of Lithonia; daughter and son-in-law, Mala Renee (Duane) Sutton of Juliette; brother, Felt Ables of Chattanooga, Tenn.; sister, Arbutus Arnold of West Palm Beach, Fla. The family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 210-2700.

Monday, December 29, 2003

Lisa Gail CHITWOOD, age 38, passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003. She is survived by her husband, Marty Hawk of Griffin; mother, Helen Chitwood of Riverdale; son, Joseph Ray Hawk of Griffin; two sisters, Linda (Jimmy) Hanson of Fayetteville, Vicki (Glen) Pittman of Morrow; two brothers, Ben (Lanelle) Chitwood of Lilburn and Daniel (Linda) Chitwood of Flowery Branch; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003 at Parkway Garden Chapel with Dr. Curtis Turner officiating. Interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends Monday 5-8 p.m. at Thomas L. Scroggs Parkway Garden Chapel, (404) 366-3522.

Wilton Floyd WILSON, age 70, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003. He is survived by wife, Catherine Wilson of Lake City; daughter, Deborah Wilson Shelton of Jonesboro; four sons, Billy Wayne Wilson of Forest Park, Danny Lyman Wilson of Milledgeville, James Floyd Wilson of Columbus and Thomas Keith Wilson of Jonesboro, two sisters, Idell Cason of Stockbridge and Jean Rowe of Florida; three brothers, Dan Wilson of McDonough, Alton Wilson of Florida and Billy Jack Wilson of Fairburn; five grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Wilson was a retired member of the Teamsters Union Local 728. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003 at Parkway Garden Chapel with Bro. Randy Kea officiating. Interment will be at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends Monday 5-8 p.m. at Thomas L. Scroggs Parkway Garden Chapel, (404) 366-3522.

Grover "Buddy" PARKER, age 61, of Jonesboro passed away Dec. 27, 2003. Survivors include his wife Lydell Parker of Jonesboro; three sons, Steve (Donna) Parker of Jonesboro, Frank (Shirley) Parker of Jonesboro and Bill Parker of Stockbridge; two sisters, Jeanette Mosley of Jonesboro and Linda Pickens of Conyers. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. at Tara Garden Chapel with Rev. Tracey Smith officiating. The interment will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Monday 5-8 p.m. at Thomas L. Scroggs Tara Garden Chapel, Jonesboro (770) 471-7171.

Tech. Sgt. Charles BURNS, USAF (Ret.) passed away Dec. 27, 2003. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m Tuesday, Dec. 30 at the Pope Dickson & Son Morrow Chapel. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park with full military honors. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 6-8 p.m. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine Burns; children, Cassy Shumway, Alan Burns, Cindy Day and Kevin Burns; sister, Veronica Murphy; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Pope Dickson & Son Morrow Chapel (770) 961-2700.

Mrs. Lillian GREEN, age 69, of Riverdale passed away Sunday Dec. 28, 2003 in a local hospital. Green was the daughter of the late Lilburn Fallen and Maggie David Falin. She was preceded in death by her daughter Treasa Davidson. Survivors are: her husband, Harold Green of Riverdale, daughters, Milissa Fann of Jonesboro, Michelle Hankworth of Jonesboro, Katrina Carter of Ackworth, son, Jeff Fann of Jonesboro, two grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A private funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday with Rev. David Maddox officiating.
Pope Dickson & Son Funeral Home is in charge of arragements, (770) 478-7211.

Jean Brown AYERS of Forest Park passed away Dec. 27, 2003. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Reynolds officiating. She will lie in state 1 p.m. Interment will follow in the churchyard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. She was a lifelong member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Mrs. Ayers is survived by her husband of 54 years: Robert A. Ayers; children, Deborah Stephens; Thomas Ayers; Jennifer Boutwell; sisters, Beth Wheeler, Marguerite Starr; brothers, Walter Ray Brown, Robert (Bob) Brown; five grandchildren. Pope Dickson & Son Morrow Chapel, (770) 961-2700.

Wednesday, December 31, 2003

Kay ARIEL, age 66, of Jonesboro, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003. She was preceded in death by her son, Harry P. Ariel. Memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 1 at Faith United Methodist Church in Riverdale, with the Rev. William A. Maxey officiating. Interment will be at a later date. Survivors include her husband, Douglas D. Ariel of Westfield, Mass.; children, Alan D. Ariel of Douglasville, Ga., David A. Ariel of Jonesboro, Donald K. Ariel of Daytona Beach, Fla., Mary D. Ariel of Charleston, S.C., Amy D. Ariel of Atlanta, and Joyce Murar of Cleveland, Ohio; numerous grandchildren; cousin, Donald LeVan of Fort Myers, Fla. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements. (770) 210-2700.

Submitted by Jean Harton

This page was last updated Monday, October 10, 2005

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