Jane Marie Konopa Brown, 78, of Rabun Gap, passed away May 28, 2017. 

Jane was born in Vesper, Wisconsin, the daughter of the late Abdon and Marian Zellner Konopa.

Jane was a genuine, kind and selfless person who was always willing to give of her time and talents to those whom she could help. Jane was a faithful member of St. Helena Catholic Church where she was very active. She enjoyed gardening, quilting and embroidery. She had a special place in her heart for her poodles, but loved all animals.

In addition to her parents, her brother, Vernon Konopa, also preceded her in death.

Jane is survived by her loving husband, Kenneth Brown; her sister, Pat Due (Loren) of Caledonia, Illinois; her niece, Loriann Valenta (John) of Machesney Park, Illinois; and her nephew Steven Due (Barbara) of Durham, North Carolina.

A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, at St. Helena Catholic Church, with Father Pedro Poloche officiating.

The family asks in lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal shelter or a charity of your choice in Memory of Jane Brown.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 1, 2017

Thomas Keith “Tommy” Talley, 62, of Otto, North Carolina, died Wednesday, May 17, 2017, at his home.

Born in Rabun County on Aug. 27, 1954, he was the son of the late Rev. Leonard Talley and Dorothy Darnell Talley. He was the husband of Barbara Jean Rogers Talley.

Tommy was a supervisor with Caterpillar Co. and was a member of the Prentiss Church of God in Franklin, North Carolina.

He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Leonard Talley and Dorothy Darnell Talley, and by brothers, Butch and Marvin Talley, and by sisters, Sandra Watson and Cookie Talley.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Rogers Talley of the home, one son, Tatum Talley (Nicole) of Otto, North Carolina, one daughter, Amber Ramey (Jimmy) of Otto, one brother, Noel Talley (Sandy) of Franklin, and by one sister, Barbara Carnes of Tiger. Five grandchildren, Kelsey, Dylan, Tatum Jr., Jasper and Weston also survive.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2017, at the Prentiss Church of God, with the Revs. Kevin Chapman and Don Moffitt officiating. Burial followed in the Wright Cemetery.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home and was taken to the Prentiss Church of God, where visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2017. The family was at the home in Otto.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 1, 2017

Sharon Deloris Sexton Shope, 71, of Mountain City, passed away May 25, 2017, at Chatuge Regional Hospital. 

She was born May 9, 1946, the daughter of the late Earl and Paralee Eller Sexton.

In addition to her parents, two brothers Carlos Sexton and Norman Sexton also preceded Sharon in death.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry Shope of Mountain City, two sons, Dale Shope and Scott Shope, both of Hiawassee, one brother, Robert Sexton Lakemont, two sisters, Betty Dickens of Madison Heights, Michigan, and Burma Coleman of Rabun Gap, and one granddaughter, Jessica Shope of Port Huron.

Sharon was a member of Newman’s Chapel Baptist Church. She worked for the USPS, and Regions Bank. She was hardworking homemaker and loving mother, wife and grandmother.     

The family received friends on Saturday, May 27, 2017, from noon-2 p.m. with funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. at Newman’s Chapel Baptist Church, with the Rev. Larry Cannon, the Rev. Teresa Talley and the Rev. Ricky Rogers officiating. Interment followed in the Newman’s Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to the Sid Weber Memorial Fund P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 1, 2017

Homer Lee Billingsley, 78, of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina, died Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at his home.

Born in Macon County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late James (Jim) Newton Billingsley and Lillie Hazel Brown Billingsley. He was a farmer in the Macon County community.

Homer was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Lillie Brown Billingsley, by brothers, Juan Billingsley, Jimmy Billingsley, Joe Ed Billingsley, and Bobby Billingsley and by a sister, Alice Holt.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruth Holt Billingsley, one son, Keith Billingsley (Gina) of Scaly Mountain, three daughters, Sherry Holt (Keith) of Highlands, North Carolina, Carolyn Raby, of Scaly Mountain, Lynn Vinson (Scott) of Scaly Mountain, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, at the Flats of Middle Creek Baptist Church in Scaly Mountain, with the Rev. Jamie Christian officiating. The Rev. Marty Kilby conducted the graveside service. Burial was in the Church Cemetery.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 

The Clayton Tribune, June 8, 2017

Karen A. Brown, 50, of Bradford Road, Clayton, died Friday, June 2, 2017, at her home.

She was born in Clayton to Betty Jo Brown of Clayton and the late Jimmy L. Brown. She was an employee in child caring and was a Baptist.

Karen was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy L. Brown and a brother, Lawton Brown.

She is survived by her husband, Randy Barnett of the home, and her mother, Betty Jo Brown of Clayton. Also surviving are two sisters, Marie Gillespie (Dr. Larry) of Clayton and Beatrice Anderson (Murray) of Canton, two nieces, Heather Gillespie and Ansley Anderson and a nephew, Carl Brown.

Funeral services were held on Monday, June 5, 2017, at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Harvey Conner officiating. Burial was held in the Scaly Mountain Methodist Cemetery. The body was at the Chapel and visitation was held on Monday, June 5, 2017, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The family was at home.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, June 8, 2017

Linda Howington Craft, 91, of Clayton, went to her heavenly home on May 31, 2017. 

Linda was born in Monroe. She is the daughter of the late John Wesley and Zetta Mae Howington. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lanier Blake Craft, and three siblings, Margaret Littlefield, James “Buddy” Howington, and Mary Lee Dollar. 

Linda is survived by her four loving daughters, Susan Smith-Patrick; Nancy (Jack) Waldrep; Jan (John) Pearce; and Luanne (Stuart) Cunningham, 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving is one sister, Annabelle Hendrix from Americus.

She came to Rabun County in 1955 with her husband Lanier and three daughters. Her first job was secretary for attorney Knox Bynum. She then spent the majority of her career as secretary for the A.I.D. Corp. Her last employment was with the U.S. Forest Service. In addition to assisting visitors to Rabun County, she was also active in promoting the Forest Service in the schools.

Linda was a faithful member of the Clayton First United Methodist Church since 1955, where she was very actively involved in all aspects of the church. She held many positions and served on numerous committees. Some positions included Sunday School teacher and superintendent. She was the guiding force behind the development of the Can’t Remember Nothing, which included planning activities for senior adults for many years. She was a charter member of the Pilot Club, a longtime member of the Women’s Club, and Miss Northeast Georgia advisory board. She also served on the Rabun County Development Authority and was secretary for the Habitat for Humanity. 

Even though these activities filled many of her hours, her favorite pastime was spending time with her family. She took great pride in her family attending worship services with her on special occasions and filling up the first five rows of the sanctuary, but her greatest joy was sharing the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren with anyone who was willing to listen. For the last five years, she was a resident of Traces of Tiger, where she led an exercise class every Tuesday and Thursday for the residents. One of her many hobbies included putting puzzles together; and visitors at Traces were expected to ass to at least one piece before leaving.

Family received friends on Friday, June 2, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at Beck’s Funeral Home in Clayton. Funeral services were held Saturday, June 3, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the sanctuary of the Clayton First United Methodist Church. Interment was held in the Roane Cemetery following the memorial service. Officiating pastors were the the Rev. Dr. Hal Brady and the Rev. Jeremy Lawson. The Rev. Jeremy Noffsinger and the Rev. Lee Krivsky also assisted in the service. 

Memorials may be given to The Clayton First United Methodist Church in memory of Linda Craft.

The family was at the residence of daughter, Susan Smith-Patrick.

The Clayton Tribune, June 8, 2017

Rose O’Neal, 97, of Tiger, died Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at Mountain View Health Care in Clayton.

Born Ethel Rose Elliott in Tiger on Feb. 25, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Elisha S. Elliot and Hattie Hollifield Elliott.

Rose was a lifelong homemaker, gardener, seamstress and a loving wife and mother. She was born and lived her entire life in Tiger. She was a member of Tiger Presbyterian Church and the Tiger’s Homemakers Club. She loved living and working on the farm. The frequent visits and long conversation with her many friends and family near and far gave her great pleasure. She was the last member of her immediate family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William T. (Bill) O’Neal, her parents, Elisha Elliott and Hattie Hollifield Elliott, her sisters, Edith Cannon, Mildred Stroud, Ellen Thompson and twin brothers, J.C. ad R.E., and by several half-brothers and half-sisters. 

She is survived by three daughters, Sharon O’Neal Grant of Dalton, Joyce O’Neal Gailey (Phil) of St. Petersburg, Florida, Melba O’Neal Fugitt (Fred) of Marietta. Two grandchildren, Daniel Gailey and Heather Fugitt (husband Greg Filce) and one great grandson, Ethan Fugitt and many nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Funeral services were held on Sunday, June 4, 2017, at 3 p.m. in the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial was held in Rabun Memory Park.

The body was held at the Eastside Chapel, where visitation was held on Sunday from 2-3 p.m. The family was at the home. Flowers or memorial donations to a favorite charity can be made in honor.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, June 8, 2017

Mr. David Michael Ramey, 62, of 1737 East Wolf Creek Road, Tiger, passed away Monday, June 5, 2017, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

A son of the late Dock and Annie Ruth Taylor Ramey, he was born May 31, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan, having lived most of his life in Rabun County. He was employed with Sky Valley Resort, having worked in maintenance for a number of years. He was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church and an avid hunter and fisherman. His last several years, he lived at Mountain View Nursing Home in Clayton and loved the staff and residents. 

Survivors include two brothers, Robert (Debbie) Ramey of Pelzer, South Carolina, and Allen (John) Ramey of Snellville; two sisters, Theresa (Robert) Falcone of Travelers Rest, South Carolina, and Patricia (Dexter) James of Walhalla, South Carolina; a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial service will be Sunday, June 11, 2017, at 3 p.m. at Camp Creek Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jim Carver and the Rev. Tim Hunnicutt officiating.

The family will be at their respective homes and will receive friends at the Camp Creek Baptist Church on Sunday from 2 p.m. until the service time. Online condolences can be made at www.acreedavisfh.com.

Acree-Davis Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. David Michael Ramey.

The Clayton Tribune, June 8, 2017

James Earl Speed, 64, of Clayton, passed away June 5, 2017. His family surrounded him as he went to be with the Lord.

James was a devout Christian, and served the Lord as a deacon of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. He taught Sunday school for over 35 years, and shared his love of God through his music and in song. James enjoyed the outdoors, and enjoyed hunting and fishing, as well as farming. 

In his professional life, he worked as a landscaper for 35 years. His family was also very important to him, and his love for his wife, children and grandchildren was apparent in all that he did.

Preceding James in death was, his father, John Pick Speed; one brother, Donny Ray Speed; son-in-law, Marty Ramey.

His survivors include his mother, Mary Grace Cobb Speed; his wife, Ruth Gail Patterson Speed; one son, Richard Pick Speed (Joy), of Easley, South Carolina; one daughter, Martha Ramey, of Clayton; two brothers, Johnny and Michael Speed, both of Clayton; two sisters, Debbie Page and Judy O’Shields, both of Clayton; and three grandchildren, Jolie Ramey, Gavin Ramey and John Pick Speed.

The family will receive friends today at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church from 6–8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017, at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church at 1 p.m., with the Rev. Mickey Woods and the Rev. Raymond Page officiating. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund P.O. Box 485 Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, is in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 8, 2017

John P. Gibson, 75, of Ellijay, formerly of Hawkinsville, died Monday, June 5, 2017.

John was born June 28, 1941, in LaGrange to the late Nathan Gibson and Vera Mincemoyer, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him were sisters Shelia Clement and Orelia Gibson, his stepfather Bill Mincemoyer and brother-in-law H.L. Clement.

He was educated in the Rabun County Schools and attended Georgia State University until his education was interrupted by the draft. John entered the U.S. Army in November 1963 and served most of his time in Germany. When John returned home, he began his 20-year career in sales with the W.D. Alexander Co., which eventually merged with General Electric. While at General Electric, John was Top National Performer from 1980-84.

In January 1985, John and his wife LaVerne moved to Hawkinsville and got into business ownership. They were co-owners of C & W Hardware Co. and then opened their own business — Papa’s Pizza To-Go. While in the pizza business their store won several awards —The Franchise of the Year and the Hawkinsville/Pulaski Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. During the time in Hawkinsville, John was very active in the First Baptist Church and was an ordained deacon, and chaired and served on numerous church committees. He was also very active in the business community, where he served as director of Chamber of Commerce of Hawkinsville, president of Hawkinsville Merchants Association, and member of the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and Windy Inn Men’s Club.

Survivors include: wife of 50 years, LaVerne S. Gibson, nephews Kevin Clement and Linwood (Tracy) Clement and daughters, Kaitlind and Leah niece Lori (Jeremy) Hill and daughters, Ella and Hannah, and godson Joseph Blake Cope.  

A memorial service was held Monday, June 12, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Thom Shores officiating and the Rev. Dr. Gary Abbott eugilist.

The family met with friends before the service from noon-2 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to Heartlite Hospice — Ellijay, 772 Maddox Drive Suite 112, Ellijay, Georgia 30540.

Bernhardt Funeral was in charge of the arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, June 15, 2017

Bennie Lee Owens Sr., 56, of Clayton, passed away June 10, 2017, at his residence with his loving family by his side. He was born Nov. 15, 1960, the son of Edgar Jayco Owens and the late Martha Munger Owens.

In addition to his father, Bennie is survived by his loving wife, Frankie Dunlap Owens of the home; his three children, Bennie Lee Owens Jr. (Jeanna), Jessica Lynn Owens, Jennifer Renee Owens; four brothers, James Owens, Dennis Owens (Sandra), Gene Owens (Stacey), Johnny Owens (Marcy); three sisters, Sherrie Owens, Mary Owens, and Missy Owens (Brian); five grandchildren, Avery James Ridley, Kayleigh Jordan Hiott, Elijah Hunter Owens, Steven Isaiah Owens, and Noah Lee Owens, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Bennie was a lifelong resident of Rabun County; he was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. He was a musician and loved playing bluegrass music. He also was an avid outdoorsman, master craftsman and was a very avid Atlanta Braves fan.

The family received friends Tuesday, June 13, 2017, from 2-4 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church, with funeral services to follow at 4 p.m., with the Rev. Joel Winchester officiating. A committal service will follow in the church cemetery.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 15, 2017

Shirley Scruggs Allred, 81, of Dillard, died at her home in Dillard on Friday night, June 16, 2017. She was the widow of Charles H. Allred.

She was born Feb. 11, 1936, in Rabun County to William Lafayette Scruggs and Ola Belle Burrell Scruggs, and had lived her whole life in Rabun County. Shirley was a member of the Clayton Baptist Church and a charter member of the Anita Roper Circle of WMU. She was a self-employed owner of the Stateline Package Store.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by stepson, Roy Kenneth Wood and a sister, Nancy Caroline.

She is survived by a son, Randy Clark Speed (Donna) of Clayton, and their children, Charles and Mollie Speed and Samuel Speed, by stepdaughter, Kelli Ramey and friend, Donald Becker of Tiger, and Kelli’s children, Trevor Ramey, Coryn and husband Robert Byers, great-grandchildren, Waylon Byers and Juniper Byers. Brothers, Bill Scruggs of Clayton, (she was preceded in death by Bill’s wife Lexie in May 2017) and Jim Scruggs (Martha) of Clayton, sisters, Dorothy Buice (Benny) of Clayton, Joan Kinzly of Sky Valley, Sara Wood (Bronn) of Tiger also survive.

Shirley loved her family and was known for her generosity and giving heart. All those who knew her will miss her and her quick wit and straightforward advice.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service was held Monday, June 19, 2017, at 6 p.m. at the Clayton Baptist Church, with the Rev. Kyle Watts and Charles Speed officiating. A private burial will be at a later date. Visitation was at the church from 4-6 p.m. The family was at the home in Dillard.

Family extends a special thanks to Bonnie Wadzeck, Sheri Penland, Doris Edwards Olivia Dixon and Joan Kinzly for their kindness and love.

Flowers are acceptable — memorial donations may be made to the church or charity of one’s choice.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. An online obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 22, 2017

Harold Donald Morris of Clayton died June 14, 2017. He was 79 years old.

Harold was born to Robert and Lucille (Hannah) Morris on April 21, 1938, in Sumter, South Carolina.

Harold is survived by his brother, Carl Morris (Betty) and his sister, Shirley Morris Marion (John), along with several beloved nieces and nephews and their children.  

After serving in Georgia State Penitentiary 10 years for a crime he did not commit, Harold was paroled on March 14, 1978, then attended Southeastern Bible College in Birmingham, Alabama, graduating in May 1981, the same month he was given a full pardon from the state of Georgia.

After his pardon, Harold chose to use his freedom to share the importance of making right choices early in life, speaking to millions of youth in the United States and around the world about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and associating with the wrong crowd. He authored four books: “Twice Pardoned,” “The Law of the Harvest,” “Beyond the Barriers” and “Unshackled.” In 1991, Harold was awarded the Vice Presidential Humanitarian Award of Honor in Washington, D.C., for his contribution to the lives of youth and prison inmates.

Harold lived an extraordinary life and leaves behind many friends and acquaintances that loved and admired him, he will be greatly missed.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Harold’s life will be held at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton on July 8 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Jude Hospital.

The Clayton Tribune, June 22, 2017

James “Jim” Smith, 55, of Clayton, passed away peacefully from cancer Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at the Florida Hospital North Pinellas in Tarpon Springs, Florida. James was born in Atlanta to Walter and Rubye Smith. He lived most of his life in Clearwater, Florida, and Clayton.

James was a hardworking man who enjoyed working with his hands. He worked as a carpenter and handyman for 30-plus years building beautiful homes all over Georgia until he was forced to stop due to an unfortunate traumatic brain injury he sustained in July 2013. James never knew a stranger and was always there to help a friend or family member in need. He truly had a heart of gold.

In his spare time, he enjoyed playing the guitar, singing, hunting, fishing, mechanics, building custom furniture, and spending time with his friends and family.

James is survived by his daughter, Amber Skidmore (Smith) of Dahlonega; two stepdaughters, Kiesha Saunders (Smith) and Susan Henderson of Clayton; two stepsons, Andy Stevenson of Clarkesville, and Peanut Stevenson of Clayton; his sister, Sheila Wright (Smith) of Conyers; his two brothers, Ed Smith of Tarpon Springs, Florida, and Mike Smith of Panama City, Florida, as well as many grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rubye Smith; his loving wife, Mary Dawn Smith (Dotson); and his two brothers, Phil Smith and Chris Smith.

James was taken from this life too soon but his spirit and memory will forever remain in our hearts and in the mountains of North Georgia.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later time. All memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. For all inquiries on the time and place for James' memorial service, please contact Amber Skidmore at 706-973-0678.

The Clayton Tribune, June 22, 2017

Alene B. Hollifield, 96, of Clayton, passed away at her home with her loving family by her side.

She was born Aug. 16, 1920, the daughter of the late Lee Brown Jr. and Dona Chastaine Brown.

Alene loved her family and always wanted to feed them and help them anyway she could. She loved working in her yard and flowers. She was greatly loved by her family and will be missed by them. She also loved fishing.

In addition to her parents, Alene was preceded in death by her husband, Talmadge Hollifield; three daughters, Elane H. Speed, Peggy Darnell, Sandra Matheson; and a son-in law, Hoyt Speed. She was the last of her immediate family living.

She is survived by her daughter, Gail Beck (Kenneth) of Clayton; two son-in-laws, George Darnell and Jim Matheson; 10 grandchildren, Victor Beck (Lynn), Wesley Hopper (Dorothy), Dale Beck, Richard Hopper, Kathy Henry (Doyle), Dawn James (Doug), Shannon Crosby (Keith), Tammy Bleckley (Scott), Patty Cobb (Larry), Tracy McCoy (David); 19 great-grandchildren; 17 great-great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family received friends Sunday, June 25, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral services were held Monday June 26, 2017, at the Beck Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Shylan Wood and the Rev. Alan English officiating. Interment followed in the Timpson Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Timpson Presbyterian Church at 36 Hawthorn Lane Clayton, Georgia 30525, in memory of Alene Hollifield.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 29, 2017

Danny Ray Shetters, 56, passed away on Monday, June 19.       

He was the son of the late Donald Edward Shetters. He was preceded in death by his brother, Steven Randall Shetters, and sister, Rhonda Faye Allott.     

Survivors include his mother, Ellen Faye Morgan Shetters; wife, Linda Osteen Shetters; sons, Ethan Shetters of Clayton and Nathan Orr of Mills River; daughters, Angela Shetters of Clayton, and Rhiannon Queen of Huntersville, North Carolina; sister, Carlissa Tucker of Estil Springs, Tennessee; and grandchildren, Colton, Carter, Jaylynn, Parker and Jaxson; and many nieces and nephews.  

At Danny’s request, no services will be held.   

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory were caring for the family.

The Clayton Tribune, June 29, 2017

Natalie Irma Stratton Howard, 84, of Tiger, passed Monday, June 5, 2017, in her home.

Born in Atlanta in 1933, Natalie married Johnny V. Howard in 1952 in East Point. In 1966, the Howard family with their three small children moved from Atlanta to the beautiful North Georgia mountains.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Johnny V. Howard, and one son, Scott N. Howard.

Natalie is survived by her sister Addalie Funderburke of Hickory, North Carolina; Cindy Howard of Murrieta, California; Bradford Howard of Canton. Brad's wife, Paula Byrd Howard and their three sons, Chad M. Howard (Erika), Chase M. Howard (Jessica) along with great-granddaughter, Haley; and Chance N. Howard also survive.

We invite Natalie’s friends to join us for a celebration of her life at 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton for coffee.

No flowers needed. If you would like to remember Natalie with a donation, please give to your favorite charity on her behalf.

An online obituary and guest register is available at Beck Funeral Home.

The Clayton Tribune, June 29, 2017

Inez “Nez” Mionia Cagle Bearden Carson, 86, of Clayton, passed away peacefully June 24, 2017, at her residence with her family by her side.

She was born May 4, 1931, the daughter of the late Issac Candler Cagle and Montine Gilmer Cagle. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Glenn Sheldon Bearden; her second husband, Winfield S. Carson; two brothers, Charles Cagle, Benny Cagle and one sister, Nellie Derrick.

She is survived by her son, Sheldon “Shelley” Candler Bearden (Lorelei) of Clayton, daughter, Glendis Bearden Hobbs of Hernando, Mississippi, one sister, Lou Kennedy of Acworth, one brother, Gene Cagle of Toccoa, 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and a host of other relatives.

Inez was a member of Clayton Baptist Church, where she attended the Ideal Sunday School Class, was a former member of the Jr. Woman’s Club, was member of Clayton Rotary Club and WMU. She attended Clemson University summer school. She was instrumental in the Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts Club. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Her wishes were to be cremated. The family had an interment service at Pickett Cemetery on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Bill Hobbs officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Inez’s honor to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, June 29, 2017

Mr. Willie Fortson was born in Habersham County on Jan. 8, 1941, to Ernest Fortson and Viola Stephens Fortson in Mt. Airy.

He was united in matrimony to Hattie Owens Fortson, and to this union three children were born. He peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 29, 2017.

He attended and graduated from high school in Habersham County, after which he received further educational training at North Georgia Technical College as a brick mason. He also served on the Clayton City Council for 12 years and served on several boards, such as the hospital board, board of education, recreational board, and was responsible for implementing several grants. He taught Sunday school at the Ivy Hill Baptist Church and was also a member of the Clayton Church of God, where he served the Lord faithfully. Willie also was employed by The Home Depot.

He was preceded in death by one son, Michael Fortson; three brothers, Oscar Fortson, Clifford Fortson and Ernest Fortson; and one sister, Fannie Fortson Dooley.

He leaves, to cherish his memories, two sons, and one daughter-in-law, Mitchell Fortson, of Cornelia, Adrian Fortson, of the home and Kathleen Cunningham Fortson, of Buford; two grandchildren and one granddaughter-in-law, Shawn Cunningham (Nicole), of Atlanta, Michael T. Fortson, of Buford; one sister, Ladell Tutt, of Cornelia; five sisters-in-law: four brothers-in-law, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family received friends at the Clayton Church of God on Sunday, July 2, 2017, from 1-2 p.m.

A funeral service was held at the Clayton Church of God at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 2, 2017, with the Rev. Brian Alexander officiating.

Interment followed the funeral service in the Penland Cemetery.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, July 6, 2017

Catherine Ruth Fountain, 73, of Mountain City, passed away June 29, 2017, with her family surrounding her. She was the widow of Donald Ralph Fountain and the daughter of the late Pink Andy Gibson and Gladys Virginia Smith Gibson.

Ruth was a member of Blue Heights Baptist Church and was a devoted Christian. In her professional life, she was a bus driver for the Rabun County Education System for 29 years. She loved being around the students, and enjoyed getting to know each one. She was a member of the Mountain City Council for 25 years, devoting her time to serve her community. She loved being around her grandchildren and loved taking care of them, watching them in sporting events, and just being with them.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, John Gibson; one sister, JoAnn G. Shope.

Her survivors include her sons, Mike Fountain, Johnny Fountain (Christy) and Stevie Fountain (Jessie); one sister, Linda Holland (Tony); her grandchildren, Lydia Fountain, Logan Fountain, Summer Fountain and Robbie Fountain. The family extends a special thank you to Sandra Jones for her compassion and care of Ruth.

The family received friends Saturday, July 1, 2017, at the Beck Funeral Home from noon-2 p.m.

A funeral service was held following the visitation at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 1, 2017, with the Rev. Teddy King officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ruth’s honor to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568 or the Rabun County Bus Drivers Scholarship Fund, 963 Tiger Connector Tiger, Georgia 30576.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was in charge of the arrangements. An online memorial register book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, July 6, 2017