William "Bill" Brown of Bethesda, Maryland, died March 18, 2017, at Sibley Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Bill was born in Dillard in 1929 to William R. Brown Sr. and Elizabeth Carnes Brown. He graduated from the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta and a Master of Arts degree in economics at the American University in Washington, D.C.

After serving as a cryptographer with the 7th Army in Stuttgart, Germany, Bill began a 32-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington. He was part of the Fred Ruffing team that established the first agency-wide data processing center. In 1987, he was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal.

He was a master gardener, volunteer tax preparer for seniors and a director on his community condo board. In retirement, he continued to pursue his avocations of gardening, cooking, tennis and traveling with his wife and close friends, especially to Vail, Colorado, and Rehoboth, Delaware. He was noted for his wit, generosity, good humor and political insights.

He is survived by Susan Clark Brown, his loving wife of 48 years; his sister, Kathleen Efird of Harrisburg, North Carolina, her family and the family of his brother, David A. Brown (deceased) of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Oct. 28, 2017, at 2 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Rabun Gap.

The Clayton Tribune, Oct. 19, 2017

Kimberly Speed McCullough, 47, of Eastanollee, died Monday, Oct. 9, 2017, in Stephens County Hospital, Toccoa.

Born July 27, 1970, she was daughter of Calvin L. Speed of Clarkesville and the late Brenda Tyler Speed.

She was a homemaker and attended the Baptist church.

Kimberly was preceded in death her mother, Brenda Tyler Speed, and a daughter, Christina Rose.

She is survived by parents Calvin and Bonnie Speed of Clarkesville, a son, Matthew McCullough of Clarkesville, two daughters, Lindsey L. Speed of Eastanollee, and Linda M. Robinson of Toccoa, and three grandchildren, Nathie Speed, Raelynn Edmonds and Victoria Edmonds. Several nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Raymond Page officiating. Burial was in the Church Cemetery.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends Thursday evening, Oct. 12, 2017, from 6-8 p.m.. The family was at their respective residences.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Oct. 19, 2017

It is with great sadness that the family of Kelly Marie Cook Ramey announces her sudden passing.

Kelly was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on June 25, 1974, and passed away on Oct. 10, 2017. Her father is Steven Cook of St. Petersburg, Florida, and her mother is Janet Smith of Tiger.

Kelly attended Rabun County High School and was a graduate of the class of 1992. She also graduated from North Georgia Technical College with a degree in Cosmetology.

Kelly had a loving and generous heart and was filled with great compassion for others. She loved using her chosen profession of cosmetology to creatively fashion hairstyles for her friends and clients, and anyone who knew her knew she loved the Florida Gators. But what gave her the most pride and joy in life were her children, Dylan and Emily.

Kelly was deeply loved by many and will be lovingly remembered by her son and daughter, Dylan and Emily Ramey, both of Rabun Gap, her mother and stepfather, Janet and Al Smith of Tiger, her father and stepmother, Steven and Bonnie Cook of St. Petersburg, Florida, her grandparents, Michael and Bernadine Clifford of Clayton, two stepsisters, Alicia (Dave) Laken of Fenton, Missouri and Courtney (Taylor) Richards of Greensboro, North Carolina, one stepbrother, Brad (Natasha) Nixon of Barnesville, Ohio, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ken and Wilma Cook, a cousin, Amanda Clifford and a stepsister, Christina Nixon-Sciandra.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, at Liberty Baptist Church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Scott Cates officiating.

Beck Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599.

The Clayton Tribune, Oct. 19, 2017

Elizabeth Helen Spencer, 73, of Lakemont, passed away Monday, Oct. 9, 2017.

Born in Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Melvel Louis Spencer and Bertha Murphy Spencer.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, John Michael Yeend, and one brother, Ty Spencer.

Elizabeth enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family. She was a member of Center for Spiritual Awareness Church in Lakemont.

She is survived by one daughter, Shannon Yeend Shepherd of Williston, North Dakota; four brothers and sisters, Diane Garcia of Jacksonville, Florida, Beverly Spencer of Stewart, Florida, Michael Spencer of Temecula, California, and Keith Spencer of West Palm Beach, Florida; four grandchildren, Chris Shepherd, Sebastian Yeend, Kalissa Shepherd Pistoruis and Spencer Yeend; seven great-grandchildren, Piper Shepherd, Marlie Shepherd, Stella Beth Pistoruis, Laura Pistoruis, Thomas Pistoruis, Lucas Yeend and Logan Yeend, and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15, at CSA Church in Lakemont. There will be a gathering at the home, following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a local women’s crisis center.

Macon Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Oct. 19, 2017

Edward Allen Allgary Sr., 75, of Lakemont, passed away Oct. 24, 2017, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton. Brother Hollander from Jacksonville, Florida, of The Jehovah Witnesses will be officiating. Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral at Taylor Chapel, Clayton.

Edward was born in Clayton on Nov. 14, 1941, to the late William Arthur Allgary and Frazia Katherine Wall Allgary. He is a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses. Ed graduated in1960 from Andrew Jackson High School in Jacksonville, Florida. Edward was married to Patricia Ann Emerson on Nov. 16, 1962; they were married 55 years.

Edward worked as a printing machinist for Hartley Press of Jacksonville and Gap Printing of Clayton for 50-plus years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. After retiring, Ed took up painting as a hobby. Ed’s family was his priority; he was a dedicated father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also a father figure for many nieces and nephews, always there to offer a helping hand or advice from his heart. Ed kept a smile on his face and made everyone feel loved and special.

Edward is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Allgary; daughter, Rhonda Williamson, and husband, Donny; daughter Cindy Patterson, and husband, Don; daughter, Lisa Nix, and husband, Travis; daughter, April Phillips, and husband, Rance; son, Edward Allgary Jr. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Lauren Williamson, Hunter Williamson, Aaron Patterson, Ashley Patterson, Beverly Nix, Katie Nix Keener, Lleyton Phillips, Gabby Allgary and one great-grandchild, Paisley Keener.

Edward is survived by five brothers, William (Billy) Allgary, Macon; David Allgary, Waycross; Lester Allgary, Jacksonville; Dwight and Sammy Allgary both of Rabun Gap. Five sisters, Ruth (Allgary) Murphy, Yulee, Florida; Wanda Smith, Jacksonville; Hilda Rowe, Seymour, Tennessee; Betty Francis, Seymour;  Barbara Hopper, Rabun Gap, and several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and friends.

Edward is preceded in death by three siblings; brothers, Larry Allgary and Harry Allgary, and sister Wilhelmina Allgary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Paws for Life, Tiger.

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

Lawrence Dennis Ballou of Tallulah Falls, Atlanta and Macon, died Oct. 20, 2017, in Macon. 

In his own words: “I had the good fortune to have been married to two stellar, stalwart, and caring women: Jennie Frost, June 1954 until her death in April 2004, and Kathleen Peeples, from September 2004. 

“I was blessed with five children from my first marriage, and their spouses: Elizabeth Marie Ballou Gibbs and husband Jeff, Robert Cooper Ballou and wife Roberta, Richard Hamilton Ballou and wife Saideh, David Hughes Ballou, and Kathryn Ann Ballou Breedlove and husband Jeff; nine grandchildren from my marriage to Jennie: Sarah Hamilton and Rachel Frost Gibbs Baginski and husband Drew; Elizabeth Claire, Wren Marie and Annalise Rose Ballou; Jullianne Hughes, Adrienne Mohadess and Matthew Richard Ballou; and Lawrence Foster Breedlove; two stepchildren from my second marriage: Kathleen DeWitt Sattler McDonough and husband Robert and Mary Taylor Sattler; and two stepgrandchildren: Mary Kathleen Stockwell and husband Peter and Jeffrey Alan Bell and wife Lauren. My brother, Robert Earl Ballow, and his wife Jean, survive me. 

“I want them all to know that they were deeply loved.        

“All of the other events in my life pale in comparison to those related to my family. But if, by chance, someone should enquire of my life, say that I was a 1954 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, serving my country for 20 years as a naval officer; that I was an engineer, lawyer, and teacher in the service of mankind; that I tried to do my duty as God had given me the means to do that duty.”

Gifts in memory may be made to the Lawrence Dennis Ballou Scholarship Fund at Georgia Tech for students in the School of Mechanical Engineering. Checks should be made to the Georgia Tech Foundation Inc., 760 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30308 or to a charity of one’s choice.

William “Bill” Brown of Bethesda, Maryland, died March 18, 2017, at Sibley Hospital, Washington, D.C.

Bill was born in Dillard in 1929 to William R. Brown Sr. and Elizabeth Carnes Brown. He graduated from the Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in Rabun Gap. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta and a Master of Arts degree in economics at the American University in Washington, D.C.

After serving as a cryptographer with the 7th Army in Stuttgart, Germany, Bill began a 32-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington. He was part of the Fred Ruffing team that established the first agency-wide data processing center. In 1987, he was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal. 

He was a master gardener, volunteer tax preparer for seniors and a director on his community condo board. In retirement, he continued to pursue his avocations of gardening, cooking, tennis and traveling with his wife and close friends, especially to Vail, Colorado, and Rehoboth, Delaware. He was noted for his wit, generosity, good humor and political insights.

He is survived by Susan Clark Brown, his loving wife of 48 years; his sister, Kathleen Efird of Harrisburg, North Carolina, her family and the family of his brother, David A. Brown (deceased) of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Oct. 28, 2017, at 2 p.m., at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery in Rabun Gap. 

Robert Loyd Kirkland passed away Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2017, at the age of 67. 

He was known by his middle name “Loyd”, and was born on June 16, 1950, in Warren, Ohio. Loyd’s profession before his retirement was as a teacher and principal.

Loyd will be forever loved and remembered by his wife and best friend, Lyn, along with his precious daughters, Cherie and Tess. Loyd will also be lovingly remembered by his sister Cheryle, his brothers, Bill and Jim, and their families. 

Loyd was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Kirkland, and Shirley (Kirkland) Riley.

Loyd enjoyed music and played the saxophone and guitar. Another hobby of Loyd’s was woodworking and he made beautiful holding crosses. He was involved in the Christian Prison Ministry, Kairos, where he was worship leader and shared songs of praise to God with the men who were incarcerated. But his biggest passion was fishing, especially for salmon.

Many people love life; however, Loyd was passionate about his life and loved deeply the people in his circle. To those who knew Loyd, this is an understatement. Loyd will definitely be missed by his family and friends.

The Clayton Tribune, Oct. 26, 2017

Lorene Dotson Rogers, 95, of Clayton, passed away Oct. 22, 2017. 

She was born the daughter of the late Charlie Dotson and Kate Smith Dotson on Sept. 21, 1922, and was one of 13 children. Lorene was a member of the Clayton Baptist Church, and was the secretary treasurer of her Sunday school class for 28 years.

In addition to her parents, her husband, Ransom Rogers, and one daughter, Carolyn Turpin, preceded her in death.

Lorene is survived by her son, Jan Rogers, of Watkinsville; one daughter, Glenda Rogers, of Clayton; one brother, Dwayne Dotson; eight grandchildren, Josh Rogers, Kelly Echols, Jacob Rogers, Jesse Rogers, Rance Gillespie, Lindy Thomas, Tracy Pratt and Justin Turpin. Ten great-grandchildren also survive her.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017, from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton.

A funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct., 29 2017, in the Chapel of the Beck Funeral Home, with her grandson, Rance Gillespie, and Mr. Max Gates officiating.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Lorene’s honor to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-1942.

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

Dr. John Arrendale Ezzard, the founder of Tiger Mountain Vineyards and a moving force behind Georgia’s fine wine industry, died peacefully at the Ezzard home in the vineyards. A celebration of his life was held in the vineyards with a gathering for friends and family at Tiger Mountain’s Red Barn afterwards.

He left a lasting legacy in his pioneering quest to grow and make fine wines in the North Georgia Mountains and to share with others a taste of the Tiger earth he knew so well and loved so much. He also left a lifelong dedication to the practice of medicine — first in Colorado, then in North Georgia — to healing the sick in body and soul, no matter their means. He loved history, fishing and classical music and was an avid sports fan.

Ezzard graduated from the University of Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia, where he was selected for the AOA honor society. He served two years as admissions officer at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center, then finished a four year residency in urology at the University of Missouri. He practiced 27 years in Denver, then returned to Rabun County in 1995 to restore the five-generation-old Arrendale-Ezzard family farm where he was born. He continued his practice in Rabun and Stephens counties. He was one of five children and the oldest son of Lt. Col. William Trimble Ezzard and Ruth Arrendale.

For his contributions to medicine and the winemaking business, he was awarded the Rabun Legacy Award in 2013.

He is survived by his wife, Martha McElveen Ezzard, three children, Shelly Ezzard Smith, Lisa A. Ezzard and John Arrendale Ezzard Jr., as well as his sisters, Lucy Ezzard Bartlett of Tiger and his foster sister, Jane Chang of Cranbury, New Jersey. The Ezzards have six grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to St. James Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 69, Clayton, Georgia 30525 or the UGA College of Agriculture, Viticulture/ Intern Program, 137 Cedar St., Athens, Georgia 30602

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, Nov. 9, 2017

Lt. Col. (ret.) Joseph Donald “Don” Kelly, passed away peacefully at the age of 82, on Oct. 28, 2017. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law and uncle. His calm demeanor and sweet smile will be greatly missed by family and friends.

Don was born Nov. 28, 1934, in Rabun Gap to Frank Ray Kelly and Elizabeth Mize Kelly. He graduated from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School in 1952 and later served on the board of trustees. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1957, where he was an active member of Lamba Chi Alpha Fraternity. He later returned to Georgia Tech and obtained a master’s degree.

He served 20 years in the U.S. Army around the world including Washington, D.C., Korea, Germany, Vietnam and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During his career, he received numerous accolades including the Legion of Merit, The Bronze Star Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.

After retirement from the Army, Don worked with Parsons, Brinkerhoff, and Tudor engineering consulting firm in Atlanta until his retirement in 2001.

He is survived by, his wife and soulmate of sixty wonderful years, Terressa “Terre” Kelly; daughter, Lisa Kelly Chartrand; sons, Mark Joseph Kelly and Dr. Scott Alan Kelly; grandchildren, Jordan Chartrand Phillips, Taylor Chartrand, Christian Chartrand, Brett Chartrand, Caelyn Kelly, and Elizabeth Kelly; great grandchildren, Ruby and Leela Phillips.

Funeral services were conducted at H.M. Patterson & Son Canton Hill Chapel on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017. A committal service was held at Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, with full military honors.

A special thank you to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care, and Fountainview Center for Alzheimer’s Disease staff for their unwavering compassion and support.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 9, 2017

Helen Moore Nichols, 88, passed away at her home in Tiger on Nov. 6, 2017.

She was the daughter of the late John Jefferson Moore and Betty Savannah Woodall Moore.

Helen was a member of the Baptist faith, and was a member of Caver’s Chapel Baptist Church for many years.

Helen enjoyed being with her family and working on puzzles together. She would frame them and liked to give them away as presents, to family and friends. She loved flowers, and being with her friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard L. Nichols; three brothers; Judson Moore, Frank Moore and John Dover Moore; and two sisters, Gennie Bell Tyler and Savannah Tyler.

A number of nieces and nephews, as well as, great-nieces and great-nephews survive her.

The family received friends on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2017, at Beck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

A funeral service will be held today at 11 a.m. in the Chapel of the Beck Funeral Home, with the Rev. Allen Webb officiating.

Interment will follow in Rabun Memory Park in Tiger.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Helen’s honor to Meals on Wheels — C.O. Rabun County Senior Center, 2832 Old Highway 441 South, Tiger, Georgia 30576.

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, Nov. 9, 2017

Margaret Emma Queen, 68, of Mountain City, passed away peacefully on Nov. 1, 2017, with her husband by her side.

She was born in Union County, South Carolina, on Jan. 25, 1949.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Sara McCutcheon, a brother, Wallace McCutcheon, and a sister, Betsy Ellis.

She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Allen Queen, three children, Lynn Queen Stalcup (Brian), Gary Queen (Nicole), and Jennifer Queen Martin (Phil). A sister, Martha Lou "Mott" Campbell and a brother, Hugh "Mack" McCutcheon. Nine grandchildren, Kaley Boatwright, Alleson and Gracie Queen, Kirstin, Alexis, Mackenzie and Emili Martin, and Brian and Blake Stalcup also survive.

Margaret was better known as "Mamaw" to her immediate family and "Bootle" to her extended family. The two things that meant the most to her was her family and her faith.

Mamaw grew up in Lockhart, South Carolina, but moved to Rabun County when she married her best friend and soul mate, Allen. She spent most of her life in Mountain City, where she and Allen raised their three children. She touched many lives over her lifetime as a teacher at Rabun County Head Start, a Sunday School teacher at Blue Heights Baptist Church, and as a faithful servant of God at Camp Pinnacle.

The family received friends on Friday, Nov. 3, at Hunter Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4, at Blue Heights Baptist Church, with the Revs. Fred Young and Rondal Owen officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The Clayton Tribune, Nov. 9, 2017

Sarah Ivester Lovell, 80, passed away Nov. 15, 2017. Born June 20, 1937 to the late Harrison (Bill) and Lizzie Blair Crump.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Efferd Ivester, three sons, Russell Ivester, William Ivester and Dean Lovell, her granddaughter, Shelly Holcomb, two sisters, Victoria Alley and Irene Coalley and her brother R.M. Crump.

Sarah is survived by her two daughters, Susie Taylor (Robert) and Wanda Smith (David), a brother, William Crump, ten grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Sarah worked in the printing industry for most of her life. Sarah loved music, working in her yard and playing horse shoes with her family. She was a member of Tiger Baptist Church. Services were held at Hunter Funeral Home on Friday, Nov. 17, 2017. Sarah was laid to rest at Liberty Baptist Cemetery.

Jud Anderson Jr., age 84, passed away on Nov. 21, 2017.

He was the son of the late Elbert F. Anderson Sr. and Annie Jane Womack Anderson and was born on Oct. 12, 1933. Jud was an outstanding guitar player and loved the music of Chet Atkins. He was known as a “perfectionist” and always did his best, no matter the task. He was a business entrepreneur, creating and running three businesses of his own, including a milk delivery service. Jud loved helping people, and was always there to lend a hand to those in need. He remained a loving husband to his wife, Francis Cabe Anderson, for thirty-nine years, and was a devoted father to his children, and friend to all.

In addition to his parents Jud was preceded in death by, one son, Joe Anderson; three brothers, Jimmie Anderson, Haven (Grady) Anderson, J.B. Anderson; three sisters, Kate Jacobs, Leotta Kirschbaum, and Polly Stelzer.

His survivors include, his wife, Francis Anderson; two sons, Jason Anderson and Michael Anderson, both of California; one sister, Fran Hamil, of Asheville, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Zane Anderson, Emmy Anderson, Kingsley Anderson, Jamie Anderson, all of California.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Beck Funeral Home from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm.

Funeral services will be 2:00 pm. Saturday, November 25, 2017 at Beck Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Moffitt officiating.

Interment will follow in the Union United Methodist Church Cemetery.

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

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Lina Sue Garrett, age 69, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017 at North East Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia following an extended illness. Sue was born in Clayton, Georgia on December 8, 1947 to the late Louie and Fannie Katherine (Queen) Teague. She was of the Baptist faith and was considered to be the matriarch of the family. Sue was a dedicated nurse and caregiver for 48 years. Over the course of her life she was a mentor to many, making sure everyone was taken care of, and always putting others before herself. She was a committed mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Sue will be missed greatly by all those who had the privilege of knowing her. She enjoyed cooking, making sure that no one was left hungry and was there for everyone who called upon her. 

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joel L. Garrett and special friend William Gray. She is survived by her son, Pat Garrett of Young Harris, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Candice Garrett of Young Harris, Georgia; brother and sister-in-law, James and Melinda Jump of Hayesville, North Carolina; grandsons, Kyler and Colton Garrett; two nieces and one nephew. 

Visitation was held on Nov. 28, 2017 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Banister Funeral Home Service was held Nov. 28, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Shannon Burrell officiating. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Betty Sue Thomas Talley, 75, of Mountain City, GA passed away Sunday, November 26, 2017. Born in Macon County, NC, she was the daughter of the late Charles Porter and Ethel Moffitt Thomas. She was married to Dennis Atlee Talley who preceded her in death on September 25, 2007.

Mrs. Talley loved to play bingo and fish. She was a member of Mountain City Church of God.

Survivors include two sons, Marty Talley (JoAnn) of Clayton, GA, Keith Talley (Theresa) of Dillard; a daughter, Marsha Ramey (Troy) of Clayton; eight grandchildren, Jared Talley, Courtney Talley, Skye Talley, Seth Pitts, Nicole Ramey, Ali Ramey, Kelly Braswell and Becky Neff; six great‑grandchildren, Ansley Clark, Trevin Talley, Kason Talley, Jax Stone, Conner Pitts and Katie Pitts; three sisters, Shirley Myers, Katie Roland and Thelma Carpenter and four brothers, Larry Thomas, Lonnie Thomas, Earl Thomas and Ray Thomas.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Dale Talley.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. in the chapel of Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory with Rev. Tim Hayes officiating. The family is receiving friends Thursday evening from 6 to 7 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home.

Online condolences were available at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com. Bryant‑Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Talley family.

Mr. Jeffrey Trae Crump, 53, of Mountain City, passed away Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 at his home. Born on Sept. 22, 1964 in Hartwell, he was the son of Billy N. Crump and Sue Duck Conner. Mr. Crump was a self-employed residential contractor and attended the Church of God. 

Survivors include his parents: Billy N. Crump of Canon, GA and Sue D. Conner and her husband Steve of Mountain City; one son: Jeffrey M. Crump of Mountain City; one brother: Neal Crump and his wife Nina of Clayton; two sisters: Kim Simond of Mountain City, and Beth Hammond of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and maternal grandmother: Annie Mae Duck of Mountain City. 

Mr. Crump was preceded in death by his companion: Rhonda Maxwell and one brother: “Beck” Crump. 

Graveside services were held Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 at 4 p.m. at the Mt. Olivet Church of God Cemetery with Mr. Slate Bauknight officiating. The body was at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell, where the family received friends from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service. The family was at the home. The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell was in charge of all arrangements. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.

ohnnie Dale Ledford, 56, lost his two-year struggle with cancer on Dec. 22, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was surrounded by his immediate family: his loving Mother, Norma H. Ledford of Clayton; his beloved three sisters: Linda Brown of Poteau, Oklahoma, Mary Lou Faulkenberry of Mountain City, and Lucia Dee Harris of Wister, Oklahoma; his beloved brother, Martin Ledford of Los Angeles, California and his special niece, Danielle Faulkenberry Plott of Chatsworth. He is also survived by many additional nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews. Dale was the son of the late L.D. Ledford of Clayton, and grandson of the late J.G. and Kay Ledford of Rabun Gap, and the late Charlie Hopkins and Lucy York Hooper of Clayton.

After graduating from Rabun County High School in 1978, Dale worked at Sky Valley Ski Resort. Eventually, Dale moved to Athens, Georgia where he spent many years employed by the University of Georgia. In Athens, Dale was also a community organizer who helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for AIDS organizations in Northeast Georgia. Later, he moved to Atlanta where Dale was part of the Publix management team. Most recently, Dale relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to start his own business (Smoothie King) with his partner Harold Suttles.

A public memorial service is planned in 2018 to take place in Athens, Georgia for his friends and family. A private memorial service will be held later in 2018 for the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your local animal rescue shelter or adopt a pet in Dale’s memory.

Marjorie Cobb Levesque, a longtime resident of Georgia, died Sunday Dec. 17, 2017 at the age of 94. She passed away in her daughter’s home surrounded by her family and pets. Born and raised in Smyrna, Georgia, Marj lived a meaningful life full of accomplishments and love for those around her. As a young child, she sang on the Lou and Janet Children’s Radio Show. Graduating high school at age 16, she attended West Georgia College and later received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Georgia State University. She then pursued a career as an elementary school teacher in Cobb County instilling a love of reading to many. On Nov. 24, 1955 she married her husband Donald Levesque with whom she raised three children: Mark, Jeannine, and Christine. She was a lifelong patron of the arts, achieving the status of Master Knitter and pursuing a passion for painting, gardening, playing bridge, and the piano throughout her life. In her later years, Marj lived with her daughter, Christine Smith, son-in-law, Guy Smith, and their three children: Jennifer, Allison, and Brian at the Smith family’s home in Roswell. She maintained her witty sense of humor and enjoyed her time spent with her grandchildren as they grew up. She indulged in life’s simple pleasures beginning each morning with a buttered biscuit, watching the Braves on television with dogs Murphy and Lola by her side, and never going to bed before having a slice of peach pie. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald Levesque, to whom she was married to for 38 years before he passed. 

She is survived by her three children: Christine Smith and family as above, Jeannine who lives in Texas with her children Rachel and Falcon, and Mark and wife Christine who reside in Rabun County with their dogs Yogi, Darbi, Max, and Amelia. 

Marjorie was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend who will be greatly missed. Before she moved to Roswell, Marj was an active member of St. Helena’s Catholic Church and a former member of the Altar Society.  

She was laid to rest beside her husband at the cemetery behind Providence Baptist Church in Clarkesville near their family home on Lake Burton on Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at 1 p.m. There was a simple graveside service officiated by Father Poloche of St. Helena’s Catholic Church and attended by her friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Marj’s name to the Atlanta Humane Society.