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Carroll County  GA  Obits  Oct 2002

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Floozie479185599@aol.com Jean Harton

http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/carroll.htm Table of Contents page: 
http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm Georgia Table of Contents:


Times-Georgia, Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ga. October
1, 2002

Ray CLAY, 62, of Old Stone Rd., Villa Rica, died
September 29, 2002. Born May 3, 1940, in Cleburne
County, Ala., s/o the late G. B. Clay and the Late
Mrs. David White Clay. He was a retired machinist
and a member of Fullerville Baptist Church. In
addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by
a sister, Maybele Lindsey, and a brothers, C. B.
Clay, Leon Clay and Douglas Clay. Survivors: his
wife Marlaine Miller Clay of Villa Rica; daughter
and son-in-law, Karen and Anthony Winters of
Douglasville; sisters, Hazel Newman of Marietta,
Shirley Bowman of Austell, Adele Swanson of Hiram
and Reba Gray of Villa Rica, brother Cecil Clay of
Douglasville; two grandchildren and 25 nieces and
nephews. Services: October 2, 2 p.m., Fuller Baptist
Church, Rev. Steve Swafford, Rev. Horace Wilson and
Rev. Ralph Tarpley officiating. Burial: Meadowbrook
Memory Gardens on Hickory Level Rd. Villa Rica.
Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Villa Rica

Mary Jon Riggs PAYTON, 76, of Almon Road,
Carrollton, died Sunday, September 29, 2002 at her
residence. Born October 26, 1924, in Carroll County,
d/o the late Robert C. Riggs and Odessa Wynn Riggs.
She was a retired supervisor at Bremen-Bowdon
Investment and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church
and an Eastern Star. Her husband, Wilber Wayne
Payton Sr., preceded her in death. Survivors: her
sons and daughters-in-law, Sandy and Sandy Payton of
Douglasville, Jim and Melissa Payton of Alpharetta;
grandchildren, Ashley and Jason Justice, Matt and
Mandy Payton; sisters and brother-in-law Nell
Griffin of Metairie, La., Jackie and Dale Heid of
Los Vagas, Nev.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred
and Ruth Riggs of Villa Rica, Robert and Latrell
Riggs of Douglasville and several nieces and
nephews. Services: October 2, 2 p.m., Almon Funeral
Home chapel, Dr. J. Howard Cobble and Dr. Jimmy
Gentry officiating. Interment: Glenlock Baptist
Church cemetery. Pallbearers: Matthew Payton, Jason
Justice, Phillip Dockery, Benji Dockery, Scott
Riggts and Anthony Wilkins. Almon Funeral Home,
Carrollton

Melba Inez Sparks LEGGETT, 90, 0f 908 North
Lassetter Circle, Villa Rica, died September 27,
2002. A native of Cullman, Ala., born December 6,
1911, d/o the late Rufus Barton Sparks and Vivian
Crews Sparks. She graduated from the University of
Georgia with a degree in home economics,, was a
member of the Kappa Phi Sorority at the University
of Georgia, taught at Sand Hill, Mt. Zion and for 17
years at College Street School. She was a member of
the First United Methodist Church where she taught
first grade. She worked in Civil Service as a state
home economist agent, a past President  of the Ga.
Home Economics Assoc., a member of the Ga. Teachers
Assoc. , and worked with 4-H clubs. Survivors;
daughter, Vivian Leggtett of Villa Rica, and several
nieces, nephews and cousins. Graveside services:
Monday, September 30, at Carrollton City Cemetery,
Dr. Ferrell Drummond officiated. Pallbearers: Randy
Almon, Greg Shackleford, Chip Kiser, Jeff Nalley,
Scott Sanders and Tim Kilgore. Hororary escort was
the retired teachers at College Street School,
Charlotte Hester and Charlotte Hiensley.

Steve RUSSELL, 49, of 9638 Coastal Point, Villa
rica, died Monday, September 30, 2002. Funeral:
Incomplete and will be announced by J. Collins
Funeral Home of Villa Rica. 

K. Scott WHITMIRE,  43, of Carrollton, died
Saturday, 21, 2002. Born May 10, 1959, in
Gainesville, GA., A 1977 graduate of Johnson High
School in Gainesville and attended Gainseville
College. He was the president of Whitmire Properties
and the owner of  Wendy's franchise. He was a member
of Tabernacle Baptist Church. He was preceded in
death by his paternal grandfather, Ralph Whitmire,
and maternal grandparents, Clifford "Fuzzy" Waters
and Kathleen Waters. Survivors: his daughters,
Cortney, Nickki and Jessica Whitmire, all of
Carrollton; his parents, Doug and Patricia Whitmire
of Gainseville; brother, David Whitmire of Ville
Rica, and grandmother, Floyce Whitemire of
Gainesville. Services: Tuesday, September 24,
Tabernacle Baptist Church in Carrollton, Rev Larry
Insko and Mike Craven officiating. Pallbearers: Jeff
Cagle Bobby Tramtham, Jonas Hunnicutt, Kevin
Griffin, Andy Emfinger, Mitch White, Opie Thompson
and Nick Burson. Services: also Wednesday, September
25, at Memorial Park Funeral Home in Gainesville,
Rev. Clack Stubbs and Mr. Whitmire's oldest daughter
Cortney, officiated. Pallbearers were Mike Wilson
Mat Wilson Tim Whitmire, Chip Whitmire, Dustin
Whitmire and Jerry Tompson. Burial: Memorial Park
Cemetery in Gainesville. Martin and Hightower
Heritage Chapel, Carrollton

Earnest Abner CALDWELL, 91 of 927 Watts Rd., died
September 30, 2002. Services: Wednesday. October 2,
2 p.m. from Corinth Baptist Church. A complete
obituary will follow. Rainwater-West Funeral Home,
Bowdon. 

Arthur Austin MANN, 125 Story Lane, died  Wednesday,
September 25. 2002 at Phoebe Putney Memorial
Hospital. Born in Tallassee, Ala., he had lived in
Lee Co., since 1984. He was a member of the Leesburg
United Methodist Church and the Cannon Sunday School
Class. He retired after 36 years of service as a
high school band director, a member of the Georgia
Music Educators Assoc., and PGGE. He graduated for
Auburn University with a B.S. in Music and later
received his Masters in Music at West Georgia
College. He was a member of the marching and concert
bands, Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, and an
accompanist for mixed chorus. He was a member of the
family band the Mann Trio. Survivors: his wife
Billie Nan Hurst Mann of Lessburg; sons, William
(Bill) Mann and his wife, Beth of Albuquerque, N.M.
and Edward Mann of Carrollton; daughters, Diane Mann
(Mitchell) Hurston  of Bremen, Nancy Mann (Bob)
Upton of Gainesville; brother, Dale Mann of
Manchester; grandchildren, John and Melody Hurston,
Will and Jordan Mann, Lyndsey and Anna Upton.
Services: Friday, September 27, 1 p.m., Leesburg
united methodist Church, Rev. Rev. Ashley Randall
officiating. Interment: 3 p.m. CST. Louisville
Cemetery in Louisville, Al., 

James Gary YEARTA, 52, of 57 Washington St., Bowdon,
died Sunday, September 29, 2002 at his residence.
Born may 3, 1950 in Fulton Co., s/o the late Floyd
and Ruthie Mae Hagan Yearta. He was an electrician
for the Southwire Co., and a member of Kansas Lodge
683 F&AM. Survivors: his wife Connie Pierce Yearta
of Bowdon; sons, Churck Yearta of Ranburne, Ala.,
and Tracy Yearta of Reidsville; four grandchildren,
Cole Yearta of Ranburne, Daniel Yearta of Reidsville
and Dylan Costley and Summer Yearta, both of
Ranburne; brother rick Chandler of Hammond, Ind.,
and sister Dianne Bonner of Carrollton. Besides his
parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, J.
T. Yearta and a brother, Tommy Chandler. Services:
Tuesday, October 1, 2 p.m., Rainwater-West Funeral
Home Chaple, Bowdon. , Rev. Ralph Cook and Rev.
Jerome Mitchell officiating. Interment: Concord
Baptist Church cemetery in Cleburne Co., Al.,
Pallbearers: Jimmy Barr, Sammy Parnell, Steve Capes,
Dale Lowery, Charles Robinson, and Ricky McGraw.
Rainwater-West Funeral Home, Bowdon. 

Times-Georgia, Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ga. October
2, 2002

Earnest Abner CALDWELL, 91, of 927 Watts Road,
Bowdon, died September 30, 2002. Born September 16,
1911, in Carroll County, s/o the late David M. and
Alice Lanier Caldwell. He was a retired presser with
the Bremen-Bowdon Investment Co. and a member of
Corinth Baptist church. Besides his parents, he was
preceded in death by his wife, Dossie I. Allen
Caldwell, who passed away on  April 7, 1993.
Survivors: his sons and daughters-in-law, Buren and
Virginia Caldwell of Bowdon, James and Marjorie
Caldwell of McDonough and Merlin and Carolyn
Caldwell of Snellville, and brother, David Caldwell
of Bowdon. Services: Wednesday, October 2, 2 p.m.,
Corinth Baptist Church, Rev. Gary Stewart, Rev.
Darnell Teal, and Rev. Winford Spruill officiating.
Burial: Church cemetery. Pallbearers: Jimmy
Caldwell, Terry Caldwell, Jeffery Caldwell, Marty
Caldwell, Wayne Caldwell, and Mathew Caldwell.
Rainwater-West Funeral Home, Bowdon. 


Robert Lee FRANKLIN died September 27, 2002. Born
July 1, 1935, in Barnesville, Lamar Co., GA, s/o of
the late Leroy Franklin and the late Mattie
Franklin. He was a member Crawford Chapel United
Methodist Church and AN HONORABLY DISCHARDED FROM
THE U.S. ARMY in the early 1950's. Besides his
parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters,
Mrs. Deloris Overby and Mrs. Lillie Mae Smith, both
of Camden, N.J. Survivors: his sisters and brothers-
in-law, Mrs. Minnie Frances Freeman of Bremen, Mrs.
Velma (Willie Jay ) Crowder of Carrollton and Mrs.
Melba (Bob)  Dixon of Atlanta; a number ao nieces
and nephews. Services: Wednesday, October 2, 2 p.m.,
Carl Helton Memorial Chapel, Rev. Enoch Luck
officiating . Burial: Zion Hill Extended Cemetery,
Bremen. Helton Brothers Funeral Home Bremen. 

Larry "Wayne" MORRIS of  Center Point Rd., Bremen,
died September 28, 2002. Born February 25, 1949, in
Tucon, Az., s/o of Theodore Wallace Morris and Sara
Jo Holcomb Morris. He was a member of Lakewood
Church of Christ. Survivors: his mother Sara Jo
Roemmick of Bremen; sisters, Sandra Black of
Munford, Ala., Beverly Jean Huggins of Carrollton,
Sara Louis Hartwell of Forest Park, Patsy Diane Gray
of Woodland, Ala.,  and  brother Robert  Morris of
Brement. Services: Wednesday, October 2, 2 p.m.,
Hightower Funeral Home, Bremen., Rev. Bill Benton
officiating. Pallbearers: Bobby Dutton Jr., Samuel
Dutton, William Huggins, Lee Robertson, Tommy Black,
Michael Lancaster and David Martin. Burial:
Crestlawn Cemetery, Atlanta. Hightower Funeral Home,
Bremen.

Joel "Thumper" SIMPSON, 60, of  Alabama Street,
Carrollton, died September 30, 2002. Born July 3,
1942, in Haralson County, s/o Othel Simpson and
Willene West Simpson. He was a member of Albilene
Baptist Church. Survivers: his parents, of Temple;
daughter, Tammy Hollis of Carrollton; sons, Randall
Simpson of Moulton, Ala., and David Simpson of
Carrollton; step-daughers, Shelia Simpson of
Carrollton and Sherry Richie of Carrollton; sisters,
Annette Simpson of Temple; seven grandchildren and
one great-grandchild. Services: Wednesday, October
2, 4 p.m., Hightower Funeral Home, Bremen, Rev.
David Honeycutt and Rev. Jeff Stacey officiating.
Pallbearers: Keith Brown, Tim Dingler, Wesley "W.A."
Dingler, Steve Jiles, Michael Ragsdale, Jeff Helton,
Charles Hart and Chuck Cosper. Burial: Abilene
Chruch cemetery. 

Mary Jon Riggs PAYTON, 76, of Almon Road,
Carrollton, died Sunday, September 29, 2002 at his
residence. Born October 26, 1924, in Carroll County,
d/o the late Robert C. Riggs and Odessa Wynn Riggs.
She was a retired supervisor at Bremen-Bowdon
Investment and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church
and an Eastern Star. Her husband, Wilber Wayne
Payton Sr., preceded her in death. Survivors: her
sons and daughters-in-law, Sandy and Sandy Payton of
Douglasville, Jim and Melissa Payton of Alpharetta;
grandchildren, Ashley and Jason Justice, Matt and
Mandy Payton; sisters and brother-in-law Nell
Griffin of Metairie, La., Jackie and Dale Heid of
Los Vagas, Nev.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred
and Ruth Riggs of Villa Rica, Robert and Latrell
Riggs of Douglasville and several nieces and
nephews. Services: October 2, 2 p.m., Almon Funeral
Home chapel, Dr. J. Howard Cobble and Dr. Jimmy
Gentry officiating. Interment: Glenlock Baptist
Church cemetery. Pallbearers: Matthew Payton, Jason
Justice, Phillip Dockery, Benji Dockery, Scott
Riggts and Anthony Wilkins. Almon Funeral Home,
Carrollton

Steve RUSSELL, 49, of 9638 Coastal Point, Villa
rica, died Monday, September 30, 2002.  Born in
Hartwell, Ga., December 31, 1953, s/o Virginia
Russell Ihle and the late Warna Russell. He was a
graduate of the University of Georgia, of the
Baptist faith and attended Midway Macedonia Baptist
Church. He sepnt most of his life as a public
servant. Before moving to Villa Rica he served as
City Manager in August  in 1996, he was the
Assistant City Manager and later the City Manager of
Hartwell, Ga. He served as City Manager of Villa
Rica during a period of rapid growth and expansion.
Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife,
Brenda Russell; sons, Sterling and Jeremy Russell of
Villa Rica; step-father, Albert Ihle of Sinaca,
South Carolina; britger-in-law and sisters-in-law,
Tom and Donna Fisher of Lilburn, Gail Russell of
McCormick, S.C.; nephews, Blake, Derek and Jason
Fisher, all of Lilburn, Kirk and Julie Russell of
Toccoa. He was preceded in death by his father and
brother Micky Russell. Memorial services: Wednesday,
October 2, 2002, 12 p.m., Midway Macedonia Baptist
Church, Pastor Todd Wright, Rev. Rick Almond, Mr.
Perry Hicks and Mr. Jeff Reese officiating. Villa
Rica City Council, along with all employees of the
city of Villa Rica, will serve as an honorary
escort. Services in Fellowship Hall at Midway
Macedonia Baptist Church. In accordance with the
family's wishes, the body was cremated. J. Collins
Funeral Home, Villa Rica, Ga. 

Benjamin SPRAYBERRY, 64, of Temple died Tuesday,
October 1, 2002.  Services: incomplete and will be
announced by Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Villa Rica.


Laura "Lorene" MARROW, 92, of Oak Grove Church Road,
Carrollton, formerly of Elder Circle, Carrollton.
died Tuesday, October 1, 2002. Services: incomplete
and will be announced by Martin and Hightower
Heritage West Center Street Chapel, Carrollton.

Joe WALLACE, 83, of Atlanta died September 27, 2002.
Survivors: his wife, Mrs. Willie P. Wallace of
Atlanta; daughters, Merical Miller, Audrey Wallace,
Carol Wallace and Phyllis Cochran, all of Atlanta;
sons, Joel Wallace and David Wallace, both of
Atlanta; brother Sidney Wallace of Chattanooga,
Tenn.; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren
and nieces and nephews. Services: Thursday, October
3, 1:30 p.m., Walker Funeral Home Chapel, Rev. James
Williams officiating. Burial: Bailey Memorial
Gardens in Villa Rica.

Eleanor Turner WHITE, 81 of 52 Liberty Church Rd.,
Carrollton, died October 1, 2002. Born April 29,
1921, in Colquitt Co., d/o Ira Aubrey Tuner and Noma
Lee Kansas Huffman turner and was raised in the
Lowell community in Carroll County. She was a
homemaker, retired store owner and operator of
White's Grocery, a member of the Lowell United
Methodist Church. Besides her parents, she was
preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Floyd
(Pete) White, and a grandshon, Jamie Mashburn; a
brother and a sister. Survivors: daughters and son-
in-law, Karen and Wendell Mashburn and Debbie
Johnson, all of Carrollton; sons and daughters-in-
law, Wendell and Louise White of Carrollton and Ray
and Linda White of Fairburn; brother and sister-in-
law, Aubrey Wade and Brenda Turner of Roopville;
nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a
number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Services:
Thursday, October 3, 2 p.m., Lowell United Methodist
Church, Rev. Tim Reeve and Rev. Sharon Coley
officiating. Pallbearers: Richard White, Chris
White, Jodie Mashburn, Ronnie Musick, Mac Lewis,
Mike and Mark Lyle. Interment: Lowell cemetery.
Martin and Hightower Heritage Chapel, Carrollton


Times Georgian, Carrollton, GA SUNDAY, October 6,
2002 


SPENCE Mrs. Leila Rivers Spence, age 91, of 246
Lowell Lane, Carrollton, died Saturday, October 5,
2002.  Born in Carroll County, June 10, 1911, d/o
the late Will Rivers and Jewell Fuller Rivers. She
was a homemaker and a member of the Lowell United
Methodist Church. Survivors: daughters, LaDell
(Charles) Griffin of Carrollton, and Jane (Dale)
Willis of Lowell; grandchildren, Andrea (Sam) Mango
of Franklin, Tenn., Ryan Griffin of Atlanta, Shea
(Deron) Crook of Carrollton, and Jay Willis of
Carrollton; two great-grandsons and several nieces
and nephews. Besides her parents she was preceded in
death by her husband, Adel Spincer; sisters, Eleanor
Edwards, Marie Rivers; brothers, Roy Emmett and
Leonard Rivers. Services: Monday, October 7, 2002,
11 a.m., Lowell United Methodist Church, Rev. Sharon
Coley and Rev. Philip Schroeder officiating.
Pallbearers Ryan Griffin, Jay Willis, Deron Crook,
Jourdan Page, Rufus Hearn, Damon Rivers and Gayle
Edwards. Interment: Lowell Community Cemetery. Almon
Funeral Home, Carrollton


BURDETTE Bennetta F. Burdette, 86, of Ormond Beach,
Fla., died Friday, Oct. 4, 2002.  Born in
Hogansville, Ga. She was a nurse and night
supervisor at Fish Memorial Hospital in New Smyrna
Beach, Fla., until her retirement in 1980. She was a
member of the First Baptist Church of New Smyrna and
taught Sunday School Classes. Survivors: son and
daughter-in-law, Gary R. and Karen Burdett of Ponte
Vedra Bch., Fla.; daughters and sons-in-law Janice
B. and Randy Hess of Lake Helen, Fla., and Madra-Ann
Burdette and Jack Bubul of Orlando, Fla.; siste,
rachel Bell of Roopville; three grandchildren and
one great-grandchild. Services: Monday, October 7,
Settle-Wilder New Smyrna Bch. Chapel, Rev. Larry
Johnson officiating. Interment: Daytona Memorial
Park.


HYATT Timothy Johnathan `T.J.` Hyatt, 17, of
Franklin died Thursday, Oct. 3, 2002 from injuries
sustained in and automobile accident. A senior at
Heard County High School, he was born July 22, 1986,
in Troup Co., s/o the late Rhonda Faye Rollins Hyatt
and Timothy Joseph Hyatt. Survivors: his brothers,
Wesley and Jeramiah McCray, both of Arizona;
grandmothers, Annie Lee Hyatt of LaGrange and Mary
Smith of Roopville; great-grandmother, Verdie Lee
Hubbard of LaGrange; aunts and uncles. Servivces:
Sunday, October 5, 4 p.m., Centralhatchee Baptist
Church, Rev Dough Bingham officiating. Burial:
Centralhatchee Baptist Church Cemetery.


GARNER John Robert (Bobby) Garner of Atlantic Ave.,
Waco, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002. Born September 4,
1955, Carroll Co., s/o Erma Plummer Granger and the
late Samuel Luther Garner. He was employed by the
Dollar General and a former employee of the Sewell
manufacturing Co., He was a member of Waco Methodist
Church. Besides his father, he was preceded in death
by a brother, Samuel Luther Granger Jr. Survivors:
mother, Erma Plummer Garner of Waco, and sister
Peggy Garner Dewberry of Bremen. Graveside services:
Sunday, October 6, 2 p.m. Waco Cemetery, Rev. Skip
Mitchell and Rev. Victor Benefield officiating.
Pallbearers: John Cosby, Johnny Cantrell, Marty
Robinson, Joseph Hannah, Randall Bearden and Gary
Hutchenson. Hightower Funeral Home, Bremen.


MOONEY Lloyd Alfred Mooney, 76, of Ithica Gin Road,
Villa Rica, died Saturday, Oct. 5, 2002. Born
September 24, 1925, in Clanton, Ala., s/o the late
David Curry Mooney and the late Mrs. Emma Gladys
Peters Mooney. He was a member of Friendship Praise
and Worship Center and was retired from the St. Joe
Paper Co. where he was a machine operator for 20
years. HE WAS A VERTERAN OF THE U. S. ARMY.
Survivors: his wife, Juanita Peacock Mooney of Villa
Rica; daughters and sons-in-law, Anita Joyce Worden
of Avon Park, Fla., Deborah and Roger Carroll of
Villa Ricka and Kimberly Diane Mooney of Bremen;
sister, Linda Mims of Villa Rica; brothers and
sisters-in-law, Eugene and Cindy Mooney of Bartow,
Fla., Bobby Lee Mooney of Melbourne, Fla., Larry and
Cindy Mooney of Villa Rica, Rev Charles and Nell
Nooney of Carrollton; five grandchildren, one great-
grandchild and a number of nieces and nephews.
Services: Monday, October 7, 2 p.m., Jones-Wynn
Funeral Home, Villa Rica, rev. Charles Mooney, Rev.
Horace Cochran and Rev. Ron Rooks officiating.
Burial: Meadowbrook Memory Gardens, Villa Rica.


SWOFFORD Fred Edward Swofford of Highway 78 West,
Bremen, died Friday, Oct. 4, 2002. Born August 15,
1929, Fayette Co., s/o of the late Isaac Swofford
and Bertha White Swofford. He was a retired farmer.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Jean
Lewallen. Survivors: his wife, Mary Elizabeth Driver
Swofford of Bremen; sons Ike Swofford of Flowery
Branch, Eddie Swofford and Henry Swofford, both of
Douglasville, Winfred Swofford of Bremen, Dennis
House of Waco; sister, Louis Davenport of Buchanan;
11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Services: Sunday, October 6, 2 p.m., Hightower
Funeral Home, Bremen, Rev. Matt Swofford and Rev.
Wayne Landmon officiating. Pallbearers: Travis
Swofford, Josh Swofford, Steve Swofford, Robert
Smith, John Benefiedl, Shannon Lewallen, Craig
Benefield and Cliff Morgan. Burial: Central Baptist
Church cemetery, Douglasville. 


DEBORAH TURNER Mrs. Deborah J. Turner, 32, of Villa
Rica died Friday, Oct. 4, 2002.  A graduate of
Alexander High School Class of 1988 and a member of
the Sand Hill PTA Survivors: her husband, Scott
Turner of Villa Rica; parents Tom and Trannell
Stanford of Winston; maternal grandmother, Wyolene
Hardin of Newnan; son, Jacob Turner of Villa Rica;
daughter Kylie Turner of Villa Rica; brother and
sister-in-law, Tim and Julia Stanford of
Douglasville; sister and brother-in-law, Cindy and
Tim Landrum of Winston; in-laws, and a niece and
nephew. Memorial Services: Monday, October 7, 11
a.m. Brightstar United Methodist Church,
Douglasville, Rev. Kevin Lobello and Rev. Ken
Hennesy officiating. Whitley-Granger at Rosehaven
Funeral Home, Douglasville. 


Mrs. Emma Lee Marrow COUCH, 61, of Dallas died
Friday, October 4, 2002. Born April 11, 1941,
Paulding Co., d/o the late Andrew Marrow and the
late Mrs. Ola Ray Miller Marrow. Besides her parents
she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sheryl
Ann Couch Smallwood, and grandson, Adam Rogers.
Survivors: her husband Martin Couch of Carrollton,
Daughters, Mary Sylvia Couch of Dallas and Sandra
Kay Rogers of Dallas, sisters, and brothers-in-law
Ann Bryce of Villa Rica, Marie Smith of Carrollton,
Joyce and Roy Hendrix of Winder, and Doris and
Dwight Singleton of Temple; brothers and sister-in-
law, Richard Marrow of Dallas and Rev. Glenn and
Bertha Marrow of Temple; eight grandchildren and
several nieces and nephews. Services: Monday,
October 7, 1 p.m., Harmony Grove Baptist Church,
Paulding Co., Rev. Glenn Marrow and Rev. Bobby
Smallwood officiating. Burial: Union Cemetery,
William Couch, Gene Allen, Keith Hitchcock, Todd
Thompson, Jackie Ethridge and Randy Fields
officiating(?) Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Villa Rica


Mrs. Patricia Lynn GORDON-DAMEROW, 42, of Forest
Park died Friday, October 4, 2002. Born July 16,
1959. She was a homemaker. Her mother Dorothy
Johnson Gordon preceded her in death. Survivors:
daughter, Page Damerow of Jackson; son, Patrick
Damerow of Jackson; father, Charles B. Gordon of
Griffin; sisters, Bobbie Vaughn of Forest Park and
Rachel Cook of Cumming, a number of nieces and
nephews. Graveside services: Monday, October 7, 3
p.m., Meadowbrook Memory Gardens, Villa Rica. Jones-
Wynn Funeral Home, Villa Rica


Gillermo Thomas ESQUIVEL , 55, of Winston died
Friday, October 4, 2002. Arrangements are
incomplete. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home, Villa Rica


Ms. Flora Levern OSBORN, 73, of Powder Springs died
Thursday, October 3, 2002. Ms. Born May 28, 1929,
she was a  native of Birmingham, Ala. Survivors:
sons, Billy Cobb of Powder Springs, Paul Cobb of
Parlin, N.J., Johnny Osborn of Terrant, Ala.;
daughters, Linda liebsack of Lithia Springs, Shirley
Perks of West Blocton, Ala., Tinny Nelson of
Terrant, Ala., and Doris todoroff of Birmingham:
sisters, Patricia Johnson of Blount Co., Ala.;
brother, Jessie Cobb of Blount Co., Ala. 27
grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Services:
Monday, October 7, 2 p.m. Pinson United Methodist
Church in Pinson, Ala., Rev. Ethridge Smith
officiating. Burial: Marvin's Chapel Cemetery.
Collins Funeral Home, Villa Rica. 


Memorial: Velma Caldwell Daniel: October 7, 1923-
September 19, 2002

Thomaston Times, Upson Co., Ga. Tuesday, October 29,
2002 

Funeral services for Mrs. Ella Smith AYDLOTTE, 95,
of South Green Street, will be held Tuesday, Oct.
22, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Silvertown Baptist Church
with the Rev. Sidney Chapman and the Rev. Gary
Ledford officiating. Burial will follow in Southview
Cemetery. Mrs. Aydlotte died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002
at Providence Health Care. Pasley-Fletcher Funeral
Home is in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Aydlotte was
born in Conyers but had lived in Upson County for
many years. She was a restauranteur and a member of
Silvertown Baptist Church. She was preceded in death
by her husband, Jessie Aydlotte. Survivors include
her son, Mr. Roswell K. Aydlotte of Yatesville;
brothers, Mr. Robert Smith of Thomaston and Mr.
Luther Smith of Griffin; and a granddaughter, Miss
Rhonda Aydlotte. Visitation will be held Monday
evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home

Funeral services for Mr. Brandon Shane CLAY, 26, of
Woodland Road, were held Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002 at 2
p.m. at Clark's Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev.
Dean Hemphill and the Rev. Floyd Nelson officiating.
Burial followed in Crystal Hill Cemetery. Mr. Clay
died Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 at Upson Regional Medical
Center. Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of
arrangements. Mr. Clay was a native of Upson County
where he lived his entire life. He worked at the
Cedars and Pines Golf Club in Pike County as a
maintenance worker. Mr. Clay was preceded in death
by his paternal grandparents, Marvin and Mary Clay.
Survivors include his father, Mr. Ricky Clay of
Thomaston; his mother, Mrs. Charlotte Clay of
Thomaston; brothers, Mr. Dustin Clay and Mr. Nathan
Clay, both of Thomaston; maternal grandparents,
Grover and Syvil Bright of Thomaston; and Bobby and
Jean Ruffin of Thomaston.


Funeral services for Mrs. Gladys Aline Davis GRAVES,
77, of F Street, were held Saturday, Oct. 19, 2002
at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Coggins Funeral Home with
the Rev. Chris Weldon officiating. Burial followed
in Upson Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Graves died Friday,
Oct. 18, 2002 at Upson Regional Medical Center.
Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrrangements.
Mrs. Graves was a member of the Riverside Baptist
Church in Dearborn, Mich. She was a homemaker.
Survivors include her brothers, Mr. Grady Davis of
Milton Freewater, Ore., and Mr. Hugh D. Davis, Mr.
Ira Davis and Mr. Jackie Davis, all of Thomaston.


Miss Mary Lou HEFFERMAN, 57, of Old Talbotton Road,
died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002 at Riverside Nursing
Center. Burial of cremains will take place in
Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, S.C. at a
later date. Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home is in
charge of arrangements. Miss Hefferman was born in
Woodsocket, R.I. and was a graduate of Furman
University wth a degree in Mathematics. Following
graduation she was employed in the engineering
department of Western Electric as a Phone Systems
Designer. Later Miss Hefferman moved to Atlanta and
was employed by St. Phillips Catholic church as a
computer operator maintaining church records. She
was a member of St. Phillips Catholic Church. Miss
Hefferman had lived in Thomaston for the past 20
years. Survivors include her sisters, Mrs. Judy H.
Pascoe of Thomaston and Miss Rosemary Hefferman of
Greenville, S.C.; and a brother, Mr. John V.
Hefferman of Orlando, Fla. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society,
Georgia Chapter, Suite 630, 12 Perimieter Center
East, Atlanta, Ga


Funeral services for Mr. Christopher "Chris" William
KELLY, 16, of Pitts Road, were held Thursday, Oct.
24, 2002 at 4 p.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church with
the Rev. Chris Weldon and the Rev. Jeff Overton
officiating. Burial followed in Southview Cemetery.
Chris died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002 at the Atlanta
Medical Center as a result of injuries he sustained
in a motor vehicle accident in Griffin. Pasley-
Fletcher Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Chris was a native of Upson County. He was a
nursing/EMT student at Flint River Technical
College. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist
Church. Chris was preceded in death by his
grandfather, Mr. William K. Green, in 1973 and by
his cousin, Heather Rebecca Bright in 1996.
Survivors include his parents, Mr. Kenber M. and
Mrs. Billene Kelly of Thomaston; maternal
grandmother, Mrs. Wanell R. Green of Thomaston;
paternal grandparents, Mr. Eldridge and Mrs. Dorothy
Stafford of Cherokee, N.C. and Mr. W.C. Kelley Sr.
and Mrs. Jean Kelly of Thomaston; a cousin who was
like a sister, Lauren Bright of Thomaston; a special
friend, Jessi Thiel of Thomaston; several aunts and
uncles; and several cousins.


Mr. Jerry D. MULLIS, 62, of Abbeville, died
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2002 at River Willows Nursing
Home. Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements. Mr. Mullis, formerly of Thomaston, was
a native of Dodge County, Ga. He was a graduate of
R.E. Lee with the class of 1959. He was a salesman
int he automobile industry and was a sail boat
enthusiast. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Mullis. A memorial service for
Mr. Mullis will be held at a future date. Survivors
include his daughters, Deanne Deal of Sylvester and
Wendy Wyatt of Las Cruces, N.M.; and two
grandchildren, Kaylia Nicole Wyatt of Las Cruces,
N.M. and Daniel Paul Deal of Sylvester.


Funeral services for Mr. Oscar Wade PHILLIPS, 68, of
Avenue G, were held Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002 at 4 p.m.
in the chapel of Coggins Funeral Home with the Rev.
Steve Maguire and the Rev. Mitchell Luckie
officiating. Burial followed in Crystal Hill
Cemetery. Mr. Phillips died Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 at
Upson Regional Medical Center. Coggins Funeral Home
was in charge of arrangements. Mr. Phillips was born
in Sumter County, Ga. HE SERVED HIS COUNTRY DURING
THE KOREAN CONFLICT IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY. Mr.
Phillips was a retired painter. Survivors include
his wife, Mrs. Barbara Phillips of Thomaston; his
sons, Mr. Greg Phillips, Mr. Jeff Phillips, Mr. Lynn
Phillips and Mr. Rick Phillips, all of Thomaston; a
daughter, Mrs. Debra McDuffie of Thomaston; a
sister, Mrs. Hilda Phillips of Phenix City, Ala.; 10
grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and five great-
grandchildren.


Funeral services for Mr. Kenneth Meredith RITCH, 75,
of Crest Highway, were held Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 at
2 p.m. in the chapel of Coggins Funeral Home with
Father Karl Duggan officiating. Burial followed in
Crystal Hill Cemetery. Mr. Ritch died Monday, Oct.
21, 2002 at the University of Alabama Hospital.
Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Ritch was born in Fulton County, Ga. HE SERVED
HIS COUNTRY IN THE UNITED STATE NAVY DURING WWII.
Mr. Ritch was the owner/operator of Thomaston Health
Spa for over 28 years. He was a member of the
Griffin Moose Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Donna Ritch
of Thomaston; sons, Mr. David P. Ritch of
Barnesville, Mr. Kenneth M. Ritch Jr. of Concord and
Mr. Randall C. Ritch of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter,
Miss Susan Patricia Ritch of Thomaston;
grandchildren, Mr. David Paul Ritch Jr, Miss
Jeannette Ritch, Miss Sarah Ritch, Mr. Kenneth
Nathan Ritch and Miss Claire Ritch; and sisters,
Mrs. Gwendolyn Owen of Woodstock, Mrs. Doris Watson
of Barnesville and Mrs. Patricia Perdue of St.
Simons

Wednesday, October 30, 2002 

Mr. Charles BENTLEY, 60, of Yatesville, died
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002 at Upson Regional Medical
Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a
later date by Trice Funeral Home. Mr. Bentley was a
lifelong resident of Upson County. He was a former
employee of Thomaston Mills. Survivors include his
mother, Mrs. Clara Battle Bentley of Yatesville; his
wife, Mrs. Maggie Pennyman Bentley of Yatesville;
daughters, Mrs. Angela Bentley Davis of Barnesville
and Ms. Lykeskia Bentley and Ms. Nedra Banks, both
of Thomaston; a son, Mr. Larry Banks of Thomaston;
four grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sisters
and brothers-in-law, Ms. Velma Pennyman of
Yatesville, Mrs. Alberta (Walter) Webb of Musella;
Nettie Ruth Johnson of Hollywood, Fla., Mr. Olin
(Janice) Pennyman of Orlando, Fla., Mr. Lewis
Pennyman of Miami, Fla, and Mr. Robert (Jimmie Lee)
Pennyman, Mr. Wesley (Annie Grace) Pennyman and Mr.
Clara Pennyman, all of Thomaston; and two aunts,
Mrs. Maude Bentley Bivins and Mrs. Mary Bivins
Bentley, both of Detroit, Mich.


Funeral services for Mr. Brandon Shane CLAY, 26, of
Woodland Road, were held Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002 at 2
p.m. at Clark's Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev.
Dean Hemphill and the Rev. Floyd Nelson officiating.
Burial followed in Crystal Hill Cemetery. Mr. Clay
died Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 at Upson Regional Medical
Center. Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of
arrangements. Mr. Clay was a native of Upson County
where he lived his entire life. He worked at the
Cedars and Pines Golf Club in Pike County as a
maintenance worker. Mr. Clay was preceded in death
by his paternal grandparents, Marvin and Mary Clay.
Survivors include his father, Mr. Ricky Clay of
Thomaston; his mother, Mrs. Charlotte Clay of
Thomaston; brothers, Mr. Dustin Clay and Mr. Nathan
Clay, both of Thomaston; maternal grandparents,
Grover and Syvil Bright of Thomaston; and Bobby and
Jean Ruffin of Thomaston.


Funeral services for Mrs. Iola Ferguson FULLER, 91,
of Barnesville, will be held Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2002
at the Spring Hill Baptist Church in Milner with the
pastor, E.J. O'Neal officiating. Mrs. Fuller died
Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 at the Monroe County Hosptial
in Forsyth. Bentley & Sons Funeral Home is in charge
of arrangements. Survivors include her sister, Mrs.
Joyce Barker of Atlanta; a granddaughter, Ms. Eloise
Fuller of Connecticut; nieces and nephews, Mr. Grady
(Shirley) Crawford, Ms. Helen Banks, Mrs. T Ethel
(Frank) Lacey and Mr. John Ferguson, all of
Barnesville; and a host of other relatives.


Miss Mary Lou HEFFERNAN, 57, of Old Talbotton Road,
died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2002 at Riverside Nursing
Center. Burial of cremains will take place in
Woodlawn Memorial Park in Greenville, S.C. at a
later date. Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home was in
charge of arrangements. Miss Heffernan was born in
Woodsocket, R.I. and was a graduate of Furman
University wth a degree in Mathematics. Following
graduation she was employed in the engineering
department of Western Electric as a Phone Systems
Designer. Later Miss Heffernan moved to Atlanta and
was employed by St. Phillips Catholic church as a
computer operator maintaining church records. She
was a member of St. Phillips Catholic Church. Miss
Heffernan had lived in Thomaston for the past 20
years. Survivors include her sisters, Mrs. Judy H.
Pascoe of Thomaston and Miss Rosemary Heffernan of
Greenville, S.C.; and a brother, Mr. John V.
Heffernan of Orlando, Fla. Memorial contributions
may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society,
Georgia Chapter, Suite 630, 12 Perimieter Center
East, Atlanta, GA.



Funeral services for Mr. Christopher "Chris" William
KELLY, 16, of Pitts Road, were held Thursday, Oct.
24, 2002 at 4 p.m. at Fellowship Baptist Church with
the Rev. Chris Weldon and the Rev. Jeff Overton
officiating. Burial followed in Southview Cemetery.
Chris died Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2002 at the Atlanta
Medical Center as a result of injuries he sustained
in a motor vehicle accident in Griffin. Pasley-
Fletcher Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Chris was a native of Upson County. He was a
nursing/EMT student at Flint River Technical
College. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist
Church. Chris was preceded in death by his
grandfather, Mr. William K. Green, in 1973 and by
his cousin, Heather Rebecca Bright in 1996.
Survivors include his parents, Mr. Kenber M. and
Mrs. Billene Kelly of Thomaston; maternal
grandmother, Mrs. Wanell R. Green of Thomaston;
paternal grandparents, Mr. Eldridge and Mrs. Dorothy
Stafford of Cherokee, N.C. and Mr. W.C. Kelley Sr.
and Mrs. Jean Kelly of Thomaston; a cousin who was
like a sister, Lauren Bright of Thomaston; a special
friend, Jessi Thiel of Thomaston; several aunts and
uncles; and several cousins.


Mr. Jerry D. MULLIS, 62, of Abbeville, died
Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2002 at River Willows Nursing
Home. Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home is in charge of
arrangements. Mr. Mullis, formerly of Thomaston, was
a native of Dodge County, Ga. He was a graduate of
R.E. Lee with the class of 1959. He was a salesman
int he automobile industry and was a sail boat
enthusiast. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. Homer Mullis. A memorial service for
Mr. Mullis will be held at a future date. Survivors
include his daughters, Deanne Deal of Sylvester and
Wendy Wyatt of Las Cruces, N.M.; and two
grandchildren, Kaylia Nicole Wyatt of Las Cruces,
N.M. and Daniel Paul Deal of Sylvester.

Mr. Roy Nathaniel OGLETREE JR., 61, of Atlanta, died
Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002 at the Fayetteville
Community Hospital in Fayetteville. Funeral
arrangements will be announced at a later date by
Bentley & Sons Funeral Home. Survivors include his
daughter, Ms. Lynn Kemp Ogletree of Macon; one
granddaughter; sisters and brothers, Mrs. Annie
(Charlie) Sutton, Mrs. Bertha Oneal and Mr. Willie
(Portia) Ogletree, all of Barnesville; Mrs. Mattie
(Alfred) Hutcherson of East Point; and Mr. Etoy
(Deborah) Ogletree of Conyers; and a host of nieces,
nephews and other relatives who loved him.


Mrs. Violet Mae Williams OGLETREE, 51, of Atlanta,
died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002 in Atlanta. Funeral
arrangements will be announced at a later date by
Bentley & Sons Funeral Home. Mrs. Williams is the
daughter of the late Mr. Troy and Mattie Kate
Williams. Survivors include her husband, Mr.
Nathaniel Ogletree of Atlanta; four children, Mrs.
Catherine Hamilton of Atlanta, Mr. Madison Williams
of Griffin, Mr. Deangelo Ogletree of Atlanta and
Mrs. Valerie (Richard) Seabrooks of Ellenwood;
sisters and brothers, Mrs. Dianne Williams of
Thomaston, Mr. Willie (Helen) Williams of North
Carolina and Mr. Ozzie (Carolyn) Williams of
Riverdale; five grandchildren; and a host of other
relatives and friends who mourn her death Mary Ann
Proctor Mrs. Mary Ann Proctor, 59, of Tallahassee,
Fla., died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002 at the
Tallahassee Community Hospital. Funeral arrangements
will be announced at a later date by Trice Funeral
Home. Mrs. Proctor was born in Meriwether County and
lived her adult life in Upson County. She was a
housekeeper. Survivors include her daughters, Mrs.
Carolyn Maines of Tallahassee, Fla. and Ms. Peggy
Proctor of Scranton, Penn.; sons, Mr. Charlie Powell
of Thomaston, Mr. Robert Proctor and Mr. James T.
Proctor, both of Tallahassee, Fla.; a brother, Mr.
J.C. Slaton of Thomaston; sisters, Mrs. Ruby
Pennyman of Thomaston and Ms. Louise Slaton of
Tallahassee, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; seven great-
grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins and other relatives and friends


Mr. Roy RAINES, 93, of South Green Street, died
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2002 at Upson Regional Medical
Center. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a
later date by Pasley-Fletcher Funeral Home.
Survivors include his son, Mr. Rosser Raines of
Highlands, N.C.; his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Barbara
Raines of Highlands, N.C.; and two grandsons, Mark
Raines of Waynesboro and David Raines of Atlanta


Funeral services for Mr. Kenneth Meredith RITCH, 75,
of Crest Highway, were held Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 at
2 p.m. in the chapel of Coggins Funeral Home with
Father Karl Duggan officiating. Burial followed in
Crystal Hill Cemetery. Mr. Ritch died Monday, Oct.
21, 2002 at the University of Alabama Hospital.
Coggins Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Ritch was born in Fulton County, Ga. HE SERVED
HIS COUNTRY IN THE UNITED STATE NAVY DURING WWII.
Mr. Ritch was the owner/operator of Thomaston Health
Spa for over 28 years. He was a member of the
Griffin Moose Lodge and the Veterans of Foreign
Wars. Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Donna Ritch
of Thomaston; sons, Mr. David P. Ritch of
Barnesville, Mr. Kenneth M. Ritch Jr. of Concord and
Mr. Randall C. Ritch of Orlando, Fla.; a daughter,
Miss Susan Patricia Ritch of Thomaston;
grandchildren, Mr. David Paul Ritch Jr, Miss
Jeannette Ritch, Miss Sarah Ritch, Mr. Kenneth
Nathan Ritch and Miss Claire Ritch; and sisters,
Mrs. Gwendolyn Owen of Woodstock, Mrs. Doris Watson
of Barnesville and Mrs. Patricia Perdue of St.
Simons.


Memorial services for Mr. Jimmy Lee STEPHENS, 46, of
Griffin, will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002 at 7
p.m. at the Warren Haisten Memorial Chapel in
Griffin. Mr. Stephens died, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2002
at his residence. Haisten McCullough Funeral Home of
Griffin is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Stephens
was born June 1, 1956 in Galveston, Texas. He was
the son of the late James L. Stephens and the late
Essie Leigh Pope Stevens. He was an auto mechanic.
MR. STEPHENS PROUDLY SERVED HIS COUNTRY IN THE U.S.
MARINES. He was a Mason and a past master of Griffin
Lodge 413. He was a member of the Griffin Shrine
Club. Mr. Stephens was an avid outdoorsman and
sportsman. Survivors include his wife: Peggy Smith-
Stephens; his god-son, Justin Parker; sisters and
brother-in-law, Liz and Jimmy and Cheryl; his
mother, Mrs. Norma Gilbert; half brother and
sisters, Jim, Linda and Sandra; and many, many
friends. Visitation will be held Thursday evening
from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of
flowers, those who wish may make contributions to
Hasten McCullough Funeral Home, P.O. Box 55,
Griffin, GA 30224 for funeral expenses.


Funeral services for Mrs. Catherine Mildred WILLIS,
77, of North Green Street, were held Sunday, Oct.
26, 2002 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day
Saints with the president Norman Brazel presiding.
Burial followed in Westwood Gardens Cemetery in
Griffin. Mrs. Willis died Friday, Oct. 25, 2002 at
Providence Nursing Home. Coggins Funeral Home was in
charge of arrangements. Survivors include her son,
Mr. Charles James of Thomaston; a sister, Mrs.
Jeanette Cornwall of Chicago, Ill.; and a grandson,
Mr. Dale James.