Clarke Co. GA - Obits from the Athens Daily News/Banner-Herald 26 Jan 2001 Thanks for permission from the Athens Daily News /Banner-Herald http://www.onlineathens.com/ ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Cora Lee Smith Carlton Cora Lee Smith, 93, of 1151 Sandy Cross Road died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001. A native of Oglethorpe County, Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Obe and Bessie C. Appling. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Rita Mae Bruens. She was a member of New Bethlehem Baptist Church, Carlton, where she served on the Mother's Board. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at New Bethlehem Baptist Church with the Rev. S.A. Bishop officiating. The body will be placed in the church at noon. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include two sisters, Dell Appling, Carlton, and Raymell Appling, Atlanta; a brother, Calvin Appling, Carlton; two grandchildren, raised in the home, Eisenhower Raines, Savannah, and Early Frank Davenport, Carlton; eight great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. The family is at the residence. Jones Lexington Funeral Chapel, Lexington, has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 J. Roy Cooper Norfolk, Va. John Roy Cooper, 84, of Virginia Beach Estates died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001. A native of Athens, Mr. Cooper was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and was retired as a sales manager from Norfolk Paint. He was a member of Norfolk First Christian Church and was Wesleymen Class Pianist Emeritus at Epworth United Methodist Church for 35 years. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Norfolk First Christian Church with Dr. Lane Hurley officiating. Survivors include his wife, Minnie A. ''Kat'' Cooper; a daughter, Patricia Martin, Oregon; three granddaughters. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Norfolk First Christian Church, 1600 Colonial Ave., Norfolk, VA. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Norfolk Chapel, has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Leroy 'Gig Eye' Walker Jr. Leesburg Leroy L. ''Gig Eye'' Walker Jr., 71, of 1041 Lovers Lane Road died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001. A native of Fulton County, Mr. Walker was retired as a school teacher and coach from the Dougherty County Board of Education. He was a graduate of Clarke County Elementary and High School and received his B.S. degree from Albany State University. He attended Georgia Southwestern University, Americus, and Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha, Masonic Lodge and Shiloh Baptist Church, where he was a former trustee and member of Echols Choir. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church, Albany, with the Rev. H.C. Boyd officiating. Burial will be in Orse Cemetery, Leesburg. Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Johnson-Walker; two daughters, Ruby Walker, Cleveland, and Felecia Shavers, Leesburg; three sons, Woodie H. Moses, Lithonia, Vernus Huff, Athens, and Michael Walker, Leesburg; two sisters, Mary Ann Horton, Athens, and Patricia Hayman, Albany; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Meadows Funeral Home, Albany, has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Wylie Rayton Hartwell Wylie Rayton, 56, of 89 Tefel Drive died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2001. A native of Hart County, Mr. Rayton was a son of the late Cullen and Annie Clara DuBose Rayton and was the widower of Linda Diane Heard Rayton. He was a member of Rucker Grove Baptist Church, Elbert County. Services were at 3 p.m. Thursday at Rucker Grove Baptist Church. The Rev. George Tate officiated. Burial was in the church cemetery. Survivors include 13 daughters, Valerie Rayton, Patti Oglesby, Melissa Craft, Crystal Rayton and Renta Rayton, all of Hartwell, Tracie Rayton, Toccoa, Michelle Smith, Anderson, S.C, Denise Anderson and Tampa Glaze, both of Elberton, Beverly Rayton, Royston, Ann Bowman and Vicky Bowman, both of Lavonia, and Melissa Wells, Athens; four sons, Mitchell Marshall and Steve Rayton, both of Hartwell, Stacie Rayton, Toccoa, and Tracy Rayton, Gainesville; three sisters, Edna Hawkins and Dollie Maxwell, both of Hartwell, and Dean Heard, Elberton; five brothers, Fred Rayton, Ralph Rayton, Willie Rayton and Thomas Rayton, all of Hartwell, and Cullen Rayton, Elberton; and 26 grandchildren. The family is at the residence. Mack's Funeral Home had charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Lena Brown Toccoa Lena Belle Verner Brown, 90, of Falls Road died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001. A lifelong resident of Stephens County, Mrs. Brown was a daughter of the late Jack and Jane Miller Verner and was the widow of William Taft Brown. She was a member of Sunshine United Methodist Church and of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a member of Emma-Vickery Sunday School Class at Toccoa First United Methodist Church. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Acree-Davis Funeral Home with the Rev. Ryan Seawright officiating. Burial will be in Stephens Memorial Gardens. Survivors include a daughter, Ann Henry, Toccoa; a sister, Nora McCallum, Toccoa; three grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jeff White, Scott Henry, John White, Brian Collins, Greg Holbrook and Gary Verner. Memorials may be made to Sunshine United Methodist Church, 1575 Sunshine Church Road, Toccoa, GA 30577. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Lyman Carlton Frix Jefferson Lyman Carlton Frix, 81, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001. A native of Oconee County, Mr. Frix was a son of the late W.H. and Alphie Wilbanks Frix. He was retired as a brick mason and was a member of Antioch Christian Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II who served on the USS Washington for the entire war. Services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday in Doster Cemetery, Jefferson, with the Rev. Gary Stewart officiating. Survivors include his wife, Martha Frix; two daughters, Peggy Cole, Milford, Ind., and Charlotte Gurley, Jefferson; a son, Carl Frix, Jefferson; a grandchild; a great-grandchild; and a nephew. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today at Jackson Funeral Home. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Cullen Bailey Hartwell Cullen J. Bailey, 93, of 94 Cade St. died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001. A native of Hart County, Mr. Bailey was a son of the late John R. and Ella McLane Bailey and was the widower of Ruth Griffin Bailey. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Faye Adams, and by a son, Thomas Bailey. He was a retired farmer and was a member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Strickland Funeral Home with the Rev. Joe Black officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Baptist Church cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Ville Lawrence Bailey; two sons, Kenneth F. Bailey and Ray C. Bailey, both of Hartwell; 10 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Mount Olivet Baptist Church, 2973 Mount Olivet Road, Hartwell, GA 30643. The family is at their respective residences and will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Mary Louise Adams Athens Mary Louise Adams, 90, of 220 Evans St. died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001. A native of Clarke County, Miss Adams was a daughter of the late Will Henry Adams and Janie Head Adams. She was a member of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church with the Rev. Abraham Mosley officiating. Survivors include a niece, Susie Adams, Athens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Athens, Ga. Hurley Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Grace Emmaline Beggs Winder Grace Emmaline Beggs, 79, formerly of Canada, died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001. A native of England, Mrs. Beggs was a daughter of the late William Charlesworth and Rhonda Beaumont Lord and was the widow of Robert Donald Beggs. She was preceded in death by a son, Robert Donald Beggs Jr. She was a member of Winder First Baptist Church. Services will be at 10 a.m. today at Smith Funeral Home with the Rev. John Talley officiating. Burial will be in Decatur City Cemetery with John Cotton officiating. Survivors include a daughter, Gayle Wheeler, Winder; two sisters, June Cox, Lawrenceville, and Mary Mobley, Snellville; two grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Winder First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 340, Winder, GA 30680. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Bertha Thrasher Estes Hartwell Bertha Thrasher Estes, 85, of Fairview Avenue died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001. A native of Hart County, Mrs. Estes was a daughter of the late Tom and Lake Nixon Thrasher and was the widow of Venston Wesley ''Red'' Estes. She was retired as a lunchroom worker from Hart County Junior High School and was a member of Reed Creek Baptist Church. Services will be at 3:30 p.m. today at Strickland Funeral Home with the Rev. Ted Kelley officiating. Survivors include nieces and nephews. The family is at their respective residences and will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. today at the funeral home. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Tommie Lee Mixon Miami Tommie Lee Mixon, 41, of 18901 Northwest 23rd Ave. died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2001. A native of Miami, Mr. Mixon was a son of Johnnie Mae Witherspoon and was a stepson of Robert Witherspoon, both of Miami. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Mack's Funeral Home, Hartwell, with the Revs. Elbert Starks, R.C. Oglesby, Evangelist Gail Blackwell and Minister Curtis Hill Jr. officiating. Survivors, in addition to his mother and stepfather, include a sister, Joanne Mixon, Hartwell; a stepsister, Sharon Hobby, Miami; and a stepbrother, Lawrence Williams, Miami. The family is at the residence of Virginia and Chester Carter, 176 David St., Hartwell. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Edd Pilgrim Kelley Lavonia Edd Pilgrim Kelley, 82, of 510 Brookwood Drive, formerly of Martin, died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2001. A native of Oconee County, S.C., Mr. Kelley was a son of the late Sloan D. and Nalma Stewart Kelley. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and the Willing Workers Sunday School Class. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II who served in the South Pacific. He was retired from Defender Chemical Co., Columbia, S.C., as a maintenance supervisor. Services will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Martin, with the Revs. Doug Ferguson, Bill Stacey and Richard Bielski officiating. Survivors include his wife, Wilma Inez Murray Kelley; a son, Roy E. Kelley, Lavonia; three brothers, O'Neil Kelley and Frank Kelley, both of Canon, and George Kelley, Milan, Tenn.; and a grandson. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today at Hamby Funeral Home, Lavonia. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Joan Haygood Watkinsville Joan Haygood, 63, of 2101 Simonton Bridge Road died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001. A native of Oglethorpe County, Mrs. Haygood was a daughter of Lillie Mae Reynolds, Athens, and the late H.D. Reynolds. She was a member of Briarwood Baptist Church. Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Briarwood Baptist Church with the Revs. Dan Fuller and Cecil Holcombe officiating. Burial will be in Oconee Memorial Park. Survivors, in addition to her mother, include her husband, Emerson Haygood; a daughter, Cindy Roberts, Watkinsville; a son, Randy Haygood, Augusta; a brother, Billy Reynolds, Athens; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Eddy Thaxton, Bruce Thaxton, Tommy Malcom, Brian Edenfield, Mark Freeman and Kenny Searcy. Honorary pallbearers will be the Messengers Sunday School Class of Briarwood Baptist Church, Don and Dee Blanton, and Moccasin Creek Camping friends. The family is at the residence of Larry and Cindy Roberts, 1031 Windsor Drive, Watkinsville. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, West, has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Denise Beverly Brock Homer Denise Beverly Brock, 34, of 969 Georgia Highway 51 N. died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001. A native of Commerce, Mrs. Brock was a daughter of Brenda R. Roberts, Homer, and the late David L. Clark. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Charity Baptist Church with the Rev. Vaughn Howington officiating. Burial will be in Grove Level Baptist Church cemetery. Survivors, in addition to her mother, include her husband, Joe Brock; two sons, Joey Brock and Timothy Brock, both of Homer; a sister, Donna Jean Carlyle, Danielsville; a brother, Matthew Wayne Clark, Danielsville; and her grandmother, Ruby D. Clark, Danielsville. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today at Ivie Funeral Home, Commerce. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Lewis Barksdale Athens Lewis Barksdale of 395 Martin Circle died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001. A native of Wilkes County, Mr. Barksdale was a son of the late Ed and Sally Mae Barksdale and was the widower of Adeline ''Duck'' Beasley Barksdale. He was a member of Hillard Station Baptist Church, Wilkes County. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Clifford Grove Baptist Church, Wilkes County, with the Rev. David Sims officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include four stepsons, Grady F. Beasley and John W. Beasley, both of Baltimore, Henry L. Beasley-Evans, Elberton, and Sammy Beasley, Athens; a sister, Mary Ann Samuels, Washington; a brother, Bobby Barksdale, New Jersey; 15 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Winfrey's Mutual Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Howard Marvin Byrd Lexington Howard Marvin Byrd, 66, of 190 Paradise Hogan Road died Monday, Jan. 22, 2001. A native of Dawsonville, Mr. Byrd was a son of the late Charlie and Daisy Bruce Byrd. He was retired from Gulf Life Insurance Co. and was of the Baptist faith. Services were at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, Oglethorpe Chapel. The Revs. Clifton Barrett and Larry Holmes officiated. Burial was in Bethany Baptist Church cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Lee Byrd; a daughter, Gloria Arnold, Lexington; two sons, Anthony Byrd and Michael Byrd, both of Dawsonville; a sister, Mildred McAdams, Duluth; two brothers, Henry Byrd and Robert Byrd, both of Dawsonville; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:21 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Cheryl Jones Clapsaddle Pendergrass Cheryl Jones Clapsaddle, 46, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2001. Mrs. Clapsaddle was a daughter of the late J.W. and Pauline Williams Jones. She was employed by Walmart, Commerce. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Smith Funeral Home, Winder. Survivors include her husband, Craig Clapsaddle; a daughter, Jessica Wells, Pendergrass; a son, Russell Woodruff, Hoschton; two sisters, Gloria Ladanyi, Oakwood, and Wanda Mahfuz, Chamblee; three brothers, Paul R. Jones, Buford, Jerry Jones, Lithia Springs, and Tim Jones, Douglasville; and three grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:12 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Ann Burgess Athens Ann Johnson Burgess, 83, died January 24, 2001. A native and lifelong resident of Clarke County, she was a daughter of the late John and Eula Baker Johnson and the widow of Jack Burgess. Mrs. Burgess was retired as Clarke County Clerk of Magistrate Court and was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. A private memorial service will be held. Interment will be in Oconee Hill Cemetery. Survivors include a daughter, Rebekah B. Wade of Chapel Hill, NC; Granddaughter and grandson in law, Livia W. and Nick Straddon and great granddaughter, Anna Straddon of Athens. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Thornwell Home & School for Children, P.O. Box 60, Clinton, SC, 29325-0060. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, East is in charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Joe Henry Cochran Athens Joe Henry Cochran age 79 of 289 Evans St. Athens died Monday, January 22, 2001. He was a native of Oglethorpe County, son of the late Neal Cochran and Sarah Callaway Cochran. He was retired from the City of New York, and was a veteran of the United States Army. Graveside services will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday at the East Lawn Cemetery. Rev. Clarence Burgess will officiate. Survivors include; cousins, Sarah McGuire, Statham, Ruby Finch, William Barrow, Annie Mae Colclough, Arfellow Colclough all of Athens, many other cousins and friends; special friends, Elaine Allen and James Billups, Athens. Viewing will be Friday 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM at Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home. Jackson-McWhorter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News/Banner-Herald , Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:12 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Magnolia Lester Union Point Magnolia Lewallen Lester, 92, of 402 Rhodes St. died Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2001. A native of Hall County, Mrs. Lester was a daughter of the late John Lewallen and Elizabeth Greer Lewallen and was the widow of Van Lester. She was a knitter for Chipman-Union Manufacturing Co. for 28 years and was a member of Bairds Baptist Church. Services will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Bairds Baptist Church with John McMillian officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Survivors include two sisters, Montine Newman, Rome, and Deller Ree Rank, California; nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be George Wray, Chuck Finch, Shane Moore, Wayne Mize, Ruben Worthen and Richard Whitehead. Honorary pallbearers will be Harold Wilson, R.N. Schockley and Charlie Burkhalter. Callaway Funeral Home has charge of arrangements. Athens Daily News, Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc. OBITUARIES Story last updated at 8:12 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, 2001 Clarence (June) Sorrells Jr. Hull Clarence (June) Sorrells Jr., 53, of 1165 McCannon Morris Rd. died January 24, 2001 at Athens Regional Medical Ctr. A native of Madison County, Mr. Sorrells was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Sorrells Sr. He was a forklift operator for Kendall Co. Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Good Hope Baptist Church, Hull, with the Revs. C.M. Hawkins, Ronnie Gantt and Stanley Johnson officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 12:00 noon. Burial will be in Sims Family Cemetery. Survivors include his wife, Mary Jo Sorrells of the home; two daughters, Kessa M. Hitchcock (Tony), Hull, and Lisa R. Sorrells, Athens; two sons, Clarence Sorrells III, Hull, and Tony L. Sorrells, Athens; his mother, Myrtha L. Sorrells, Hull; two sisters, Lavern Anderson and Ruby Sims (Jerry), both of Hull; six brothers, Clinton Sorrells (Nyotha), George A. Sorrells, Marion E. Sorrells (Georgia Ann), Larry Sorrells (Dorothy), Hershel Sorrells (Pam), all of Hull, and James Lester, Athens; five grandchildren, Latoya K. Sorrells, T. Bianca and T. Brianna Hitchcock, both of Hull, Terin K. Shields and Desmond A. Sorrells, both of Athens; his mother-in-law, Mary Smith, Athens; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Moena Haley (Alvin), Lula Mae Huff, James Henry Smith, Willie Rogers Smith and Bobby Lewis Smith. Six aunts and three uncles. Special friends of the family, Elizabeth Bush and Lisa R. Howard; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Flower-bearers will be nieces and friends. The family is at the residence. Mack & Payne is serving the Sorrells family. Athens Daily News/Banner-Herald , Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 Šopyright 2001 Athens Newspapers Inc.