Janet D. Proctor, a resident of Kingwood, Texas, died peacefully on November 22, 2017 from complications of renal failure with her daughter, Gina, and her son, Fred, by her side.
 Janet was born on January 30, 1939, at home in Springfield, Illinois.  Her father, John Stuart Proctor, died when Janet was 11 years old, leaving her mother, Grace McGrew Proctor, a single mother of four young children.

Grace, Janet’s mother, was the caretaker for the parsonage of the Farmingdale Presbyterian Church in Illinois in which the family lived without indoor plumbing.  Janet attended a one-room elementary and middle school and graduated with Highest Honors from Pleasant Plains High School.  She was awarded a full, four-year scholarship to Illinois State University but declined the scholarship in order to enter the workforce and support her mother and siblings.  Later in life, she attended Truett McConnell University in Georgia.

Janet was a talented soprano, opera vocalist, ballet, jazz dancer and dance teacher. She appeared in numerous productions around Springfield.  Her ambition and talent surfaced during the digital age as she readily grasped early computers during their advent with robust.  She thoroughly enjoyed patiently tinkering with any new mechanical gizmo as her husband, Pete, the mechanical engineer observed…flummoxed. She loved delving into a new Apple or iPhone.  These traits were evident as she held many Executive Secretarial positions but refused numerous advancements due to family commitments.

Jan was an excellent “baker” and seamstress.  Her early creations from suits to dresses were bespoke and rivaled Saville Row.

Jan was also a huge proponent of higher education and although patrician, she was at heart, very liberal.  She preached to her children during their formative years about the atrocities of slavery, the Jewish Holocaust, and the inequality of Gay Rights in the 1960’s. She assured that they were well-read on these subjects in order to go out into the world with very open minds.  She always said that “the only ‘dirty’ book is a book that has been thrown in the mud”.  

Janet’s support of her husband, Peter, should be the ultimate standard bearer for wives and mothers.

Janet met Peter on a “blind date” and shortly thereafter, they were married at St. Mary’s Church in St. Petersburg, Florida after Janet converted to Catholicism. Janet, a beautiful WASP, married a one-hundred percent Italian, whose parents “came off the boat from Italy”. Janet embraced her new Italian identity, culture, and language and she integrated into the Italian way of life immediately.

Inherently erudite, Janet assisted Peter as he became the first in his family to garner a college degree. Jan facilitated Peter’s smooth transition through Indiana Technical Institute both financially and academically in order for him to achieve a Bachelor’s in Science in Mechanical Engineering in less than four years.

Janet followed Peter’s career with Schlumberger as a reluctant yet stalwart warrior.  Always stating that each move with the company would be a “new adventure”.  Indeed, a move to Rabun County, Georgia proved to be quite the experience.  With the assistance of their beloved friends, Mary George and Ed Poss, Janet and Peter moved over 40 families from Springfield, Illinois to Clayton, Georgia. There, they began a new life and opened the most advanced Schlumberger manufacturing plant of its time. In this pristine hamlet, Janet found her favorite place in the world…a tiny treasure at the foot of a Holy Cross overlooking the mountains and rivers of Rabun County, Georgia.

Janet loved animals. She owned and rode horseback since childhood.  From birth to death, Janet always had a dog in her life. Janet was humbled and honored to make the acquaintance of: Olympian Jesse Owens, Playwright Tennessee Williams, and Frank Rickman.

Janet’s grandchildren held the most special place in her heart.  She was unwavering in their care. “Anytime, anyplace”. Words can never describe her love and devotion for her grandchildren. She utterly adored them!  She attended every event, production, play, graduation, etc. Janet’s grandchildren were her life.

Janet is survived by her exquisitely loving husband of 58 years, Peter, her daughter, Gina, and her son, Fred, her precious grandchildren, Tony Michael, Christopher Travis, and Allison Palmer. In addition, she is survived by Fred’s wife, Peggy Eandi and children, Jessica and Hannah.

Edwin Carroll Poss of Clayton, GA and formerly Athens passed away on December 23, 2017 following a brief illness. He was a businessman with a fifty-year career in Rabun County alone and had recently celebrated his 90th birthday. He was known for his positive can-do attitude, which he enabled in those who knew him.

He was born to Summie Jewel and Irene Parker Poss in Athens, GA on September 1, 1927. After graduating from Athens High School, Class of 1945, he attended the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, where he played football before joining the United States Navy. Following his military service, he returned to Athens where he later started his own company in insurance and real estate. During the 1950’s and 60’s, he also served multiple terms as State Representative in the Georgia General Assembly, representing Madison and Banks Counties.

After his service in the Georgia Legislature, he and Mary George decided to move permanently to Rabun County and their beloved home on Lake Rabun. This was the summer of 1969 when he felt it was the right time to bring his real estate business to Clayton.

During the nearly fifty years that followed he had a vision and a tremendous impact on thegrowth and development of Rabun County. Among his accomplishments was his participation in bringing Schlumberger, previously Sangamo Corporation, to Rabun County in 1978, which was a large employer for the area; there were other small businesses to follow. Savannah Place Shops was the first small shopping center in downtown Clayton and Stornoway Condominiums were the first of it’s kind in Rabun County; Ginger Creek Condominiums followed. He developed many residential home communities, among them Spruce Creek, Northridge, and Highland Gap in North Carolina.

His original company formed in 1968 was Edwin C. Poss, Inc and over the years under that umbrella, he owned Century 21 Poss Realty, Coldwell Banker Mountain Lakes and presently ReMax of Rabun. He also was called to serve as an Expert Opinion Witness when needed in real estate trials.

His work ethic, positive attitude and lifelong dedication to the success of his extended work family was his trademark. His work was his hobby, and true to form continued to work in his office five or six days a week until two weeks ago.

He was a long time Bank Director and Board Member of Regions Bank, Clayton and its parent company Bancorp in Gainesville, GA; and founding Director of Mountain Heritage Bank, Clayton.

He was active in many community organizations including the early Tourism and Development for promoting Rabun County, the American Legion, which he was a 55-year member, The Clayton Chapter of Rotary International, where he was awarded The Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence

Award for exemplary Vocational Service and The Presidential Citation Award for his local leadership and commitment to “service above self”. He was also a recipient of The Clayton Tribune Rabun Legacy Award, recognizing distinguished residents who have honored the county. In 2013, he received the Realtor Emeritus status in recognition of forty cumulative years of membership in the National Association of Realtors. He was an avid supporter of local charities. A man of strong faith who always knew where his strength came from.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Martha Poss Brake, a brother Summie Jewel Poss, Jr and a son John Greg Poss. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary George Barber Poss; two children, Jamie Poss Darrah and husband Tim of Clayton and Scott Poss and wife Pat McKay Poss of Tiger; five grandchildren, Ashley Martin and wife Rabun, Clayton, Ryan Martin and wife Shelley, Augusta, GA, Jordan Poss and wife Sarah of Greenville, SC, Meredith Poss Thompson and husband Yance, Clayton and Nicolaus Poss and wife Carrie, Clayton and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He enjoyed traveling, playing golf with grandsons and friends, painting and cooking also known as “Main Street Kitchen”.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that Ed—a survivor of childhood polio—be honored with memorial donations to the Rotary International’s “End Polio Campaign”, either online at endpolio.org/donate or via mail to The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693.

Ed leaves behind an example of hard work diligence, endurance, and devotion to family and community that spans nine decades. Some of his favorite quotes are: “Over Prepare Then Go With The Flow”, “However Good or Bad a Situation Is, It Will Change”, “Believe in Miracles”, “The Best Is Yet to Come”, and “What Truly Matters In The End, Is That You Loved”.

It can be said of him, as it says in the parable in Matthew 25: “After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoned with them. And so, he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, ‘Lord, thou delivered unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.’ His lord said unto him, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.’”

There will be a joyous Celebration of Life announced in the coming weeks.

Judith Ann Miller Crompton, age 80, of Clayton, Georgia, passed away December 26, 2017. Judith was the daughter of the late John Norman Miller and Elizabeth Ann Armstrong Miller born in Merchantville, NJ on April 1, 1937. She was the wife of Charles Crompton for fifty-five years and made her home in Clayton for the past several years. She was a loving wife, sister, grandmother, aunt and friend to many.

Her survivors include her husband, Charles Crompton; her son, Jeffery Thomas Crompton and his wife Tina; her daughter, Elizabeth Ann Crompton; her brother, John Norman Miller II and his wife Dottie; her grandchildren, Tyler Sutton, Hunter Taggart Sutton, Michael Crompton and Alixandra Crompton.

Judith was a devoted Christian and member of the St. James Episcopal Church in Clayton.

The family received friends on Friday Dec. 29, 2017 from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. at the St. James Episcopal Church with a memorial service following at 3 p.m.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was 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.

Geneva Lydia Rice Sutton, 85, of Tiger passed away with family by her side Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017. She was born Oct. 6, 1932 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Millard Rice and Eva Gertrude Sexton Rice. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Juanita Broyles and Anetta Massey, brother Millard Rice Jr., husband of 26 years, Russell Ray Sutton, and infant son, Joel Grant. She worked with her husband in a family business, Sutton Oil Equipment Co., and later at Sayet Assoc. Pathologists Lab in Miami, Florida, where they raised 6 children. She enjoyed using her hands and created beautiful gifts of clay and cloth. Her children delighted in her wit, her faith and her love. 

She loved Jesus and was always ready to share the gospel with those around her. She read God’s Word daily until her eyesight failed, and then she listened to His Word on tape. She was always helping others and, until she couldn’t drive anymore, even delivered Meals on Wheels. She carried a legacy of faith in raising her family; a loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and their spouses. She thanked God for each of them and prayed for them daily by name; children, Debbie (Charlie) Bowman of Tiger,, Russ (Christine) Sutton of Alpharetta, Joy Hope of Norcross, Paul (Leanne) Sutton of Davie, Florida, Jack Sutton of Dania Beach, Florida and Jill (Gil) Jinorio of Hickory, North Carolina; grandchildren, Cheryl (John) Dillard, Richard Bowman, Angie (Corey) Glover, Adam (Misty) Sutton, Eric (Allison) Sutton, Rusty Sutton, Jon (Jenn) Hope, Jennifer (Jeff) Lockerman, Geoffrey & Michael Sutton, Kimberly (Dave) Swanson and Jason (Shelly) Jinorio; great-grandchildren, Maya & Connor Dillard, Britton & Hayden Glover, Sophia “Gracie” & Eli Sutton, , Carley & Collin Sutton, Alexis Hope, Marley & Sammy Swanson, and Trey Weldon. 

She is also survived by her sister, Marie McFarland and her brother and sister-in-law, Charles Matthew & Jean Rice, and many nieces and nephews in Florida, Georgia and Ohio.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017 at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton, with the Rev. Jeremy Noffsinger officiating.

Glenda Jean King Gillespie, age 75 of Moultrie, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2017 at her residence. She was born on Oct. 3, 1942 in Quitman, she was the daughter of the late Elzie Ray King and Melba Jean Collins King. She was a homemaker and was of the Methodist Faith.
She is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband, George Donald Gillespie; her sons, Kevin Roberts and wife Lynne of Tallahassee, Florida, Kerry Roberts of Tallahassee, Florida, Rance Gillespie and wife Claudette of Hartwell, and Kyle Roberts of Tallahassee, Florida; daughter, Lindy Thomas and husband B.J. of Greenville, South Carolina.; sister, Peggy King Collins and husband Ronnie of Tallahassee, Florida; grandchildren, Victoria Roberts, Trish Belanger, David Tadlock, Kennedy Gillespie, Trenton Gilmore, Brenton Thomas and Jack Thomas; great grandchildren, Oliver Ramos-Roberts, Emma Belanger and Jake Belanger. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations to be made to Heritage Church, 844 Georgia Hwy 33 South, Moultrie, Georgia 31788, in remembrance of Glenda Gillespie Arrangements have been entrusted to Baker Funeral Home.

Janet D. Eandi, a resident of Kingwood, Texas, died peacefully on November 22, 2017 from complications of renal failure with her daughter, Gina, and her son, Fred, by her side.
 Janet was born on January 30, 1939, at home in Springfield, Illinois.  Her father, John Stuart Proctor, died when Janet was 11 years old, leaving her mother, Grace McGrew Proctor, a single mother of four young children.

Grace, Janet’s mother, was the caretaker for the parsonage of the Farmingdale Presbyterian Church in Illinois in which the family lived without indoor plumbing.  Janet attended a one-room elementary and middle school and graduated with Highest Honors from Pleasant Plains High School.  She was awarded a full, four-year scholarship to Illinois State University but declined the scholarship in order to enter the workforce and support her mother and siblings.  Later in life, she attended Truett McConnell University in Georgia.

Janet was a talented soprano, opera vocalist, ballet, jazz dancer and dance teacher. She appeared in numerous productions around Springfield.  Her ambition and talent surfaced during the digital age as she readily grasped early computers during their advent with robust.  She thoroughly enjoyed patiently tinkering with any new mechanical gizmo as her husband, Pete, the mechanical engineer observed…flummoxed. She loved delving into a new Apple or iPhone.  These traits were evident as she held many Executive Secretarial positions but refused numerous advancements due to family commitments.

Jan was an excellent “baker” and seamstress.  Her early creations from suits to dresses were bespoke and rivaled Saville Row.

Jan was also a huge proponent of higher education and although patrician, she was at heart, very liberal.  She preached to her children during their formative years about the atrocities of slavery, the Jewish Holocaust, and the inequality of Gay Rights in the 1960’s. She assured that they were well-read on these subjects in order to go out into the world with very open minds.  She always said that “the only ‘dirty’ book is a book that has been thrown in the mud”.  

Janet’s support of her husband, Peter, should be the ultimate standard bearer for wives and mothers.

Janet met Peter on a “blind date” and shortly thereafter, they were married at St. Mary’s Church in St. Petersburg, Florida after Janet converted to Catholicism. Janet, a beautiful WASP, married a one-hundred percent Italian, whose parents “came off the boat from Italy”. Janet embraced her new Italian identity, culture, and language and she integrated into the Italian way of life immediately.

Inherently erudite, Janet assisted Peter as he became the first in his family to garner a college degree. Jan facilitated Peter’s smooth transition through Indiana Technical Institute both financially and academically in order for him to achieve a Bachelor’s in Science in Mechanical Engineering in less than four years.

Janet followed Peter’s career with Schlumberger as a reluctant yet stalwart warrior.  Always stating that each move with the company would be a “new adventure”.  Indeed, a move to Rabun County, Georgia proved to be quite the experience.  With the assistance of their beloved friends, Mary George and Ed Poss, Janet and Peter moved over 40 families from Springfield, Illinois to Clayton, Georgia. There, they began a new life and opened the most advanced Schlumberger manufacturing plant of its time. In this pristine hamlet, Janet found her favorite place in the world…a tiny treasure at the foot of a Holy Cross overlooking the mountains and rivers of Rabun County, Georgia.

Janet loved animals. She owned and rode horseback since childhood.  From birth to death, Janet always had a dog in her life. Janet was humbled and honored to make the acquaintance of: Olympian Jesse Owens, Playwright Tennessee Williams, and Frank Rickman.

Janet’s grandchildren held the most special place in her heart.  She was unwavering in their care. “Anytime, anyplace”. Words can never describe her love and devotion for her grandchildren. She utterly adored them!  She attended every event, production, play, graduation, etc. Janet’s grandchildren were her life.
Janet is survived by her exquisitely loving husband of 58 years, Peter, her daughter, Gina, and her son, Fred, her precious grandchildren, Tony Michael, Christopher Travis, and Allison Palmer. In addition, she is survived by Fred’s wife, Peggy Eandi and children, Jessica and Hannah.

Charles Kenneth Beck, age 79, of Clayton, passed away on Wednesday Dec. 27, 2017 at his home. Kenneth was born the son of Fred Samuel Beck and Laura Dockins Beck on June 17, 1938. He was an A-operator for Georgia Power in his professional life before his retirement. He loved spending time outdoors, especially camping and fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a Christian and attended the Timpson Presbyterian Church. 

Preceding him in death in addition to his father and mother are his brothers, Paul Beck, Clyde Beck and Herman Beck; his sisters, Irene Smith and Jenny White. His survivors include his wife, Gail Beck, of Clayton; his two sons, Vick Beck (Lynn), Dale Beck, both of Clayton; his daughter, Tammy Beck Bleckley (Scott), of Clayton; his brother, Curtis Beck; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

The family received friends on Friday Dec. 29, 2017 at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton,  from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. A funeral service was held in the chapel of the Beck Funeral Home on Saturday Dec. 30, 2017 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Jeff Reynolds and Brother Shylan Wood officiating. Interment followed at Rabun Memory Park, in Tiger. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Tallulah-Persimmon Fire Department or Timpson Presbyterian Church in Kenneth’s memory. Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, was 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. Bridgett Beck Watts, age 70, of Maysville died Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017 at her residence. Mrs. Watts was born in Clayton to the late Herman Beck and Louise Martin Moody. She was a member of Hope Crossings Church. Mrs. Watts was a beloved mother and grandmother. She served as a mentor with the Lindsay’s Legacy Mentoring program. She worked many years with Levolor Home Fashions, as a customer service representative. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Watts was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Watts.

Mrs. Watts is survived by her daughters, Michelle McElroy (Tyson) of Danielsville, Misty Watts of Maysville, Dawn Kesler of Panama City Beach, Florida and Dana Walden (Brad) of Commerce; sister, Evelyn Beck of Seneca, South Carolina; brother, Wayne Beck of Clayton; and grandchildren, United States Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyson Blayne McElroy, Makenna McElroy, Brock McElroy, Kyle Kesler, Kole Kesler, Kendal Kesler, Bridgette Walden and Logan Walden.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at Hope Crossings Church in Jefferson with Rev. Chris Stephens officiating. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 2 p.m. until service time. Little-Ward Funeral Home in Commerce is in charge of arrangements.

Geneva Lydia Rice Sutton, 85, of Tiger passed away with family by her side Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017. She was born Oct. 6, 1932 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Millard Rice and Eva Gertrude Sexton Rice. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Juanita Broyles and Anetta Massey, brother Millard Rice Jr., husband of 26 years, Russell Ray Sutton, and infant son, Joel Grant. She worked with her husband in a family business, Sutton Oil Equipment Co., and later at Sayet Assoc. Pathologists Lab in Miami, Florida, where they raised 6 children. She enjoyed using her hands and created beautiful gifts of clay and cloth. Her children delighted in her wit, her faith and her love. She loved Jesus and was always ready to share the gospel with those around her. She read God’s Word daily until her eyesight failed, and then she listened to His Word on tape. She was always helping others and, until she couldn’t drive anymore, even delivered Meals on Wheels. 

She carried a legacy of faith in raising her family; a loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and their spouses. She thanked God for each of them and prayed for them daily by name; children, Debbie (Charlie) Bowman of Tiger, Russ (Christine) Sutton of Alpharetta, Joy Hope of Norcross, Paul (Leanne) Sutton of Davie, Florida, Jack Sutton of Dania Beach, Florida and Jill (Gil) Jinorio of Hickory, North Carolina; grandchildren, Cheryl (John) Dillard, Richard Bowman, Angie (Corey) Glover, Adam (Misty) Sutton, Eric (Allison) Sutton, Rusty Sutton, Jon (Jenn) Hope, Jennifer (Jeff) Lockerman,

Geoffrey and Michael Sutton, Kimberly (Dave) Swanson and Jason (Shelly) Jinorio; great-grandchildren, Maya and Connor Dillard, Britton and Hayden Glover, Sophia “Gracie” and Eli Sutton, Carley and Collin Sutton, Alexis Hope, Marley and Sammy Swanson, and Trey Weldon. She is also survived by her sister, Marie McFarland and her brother and sister-in- law, Charles Matthew and Jean Rice, and many nieces and nephews in Florida, Georgia and Ohio.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017 at Beck Funeral Home in Clayton with the Rev. Jeremy Noffsinger officiating.

Jerry Louis Harrison, 74, of Clayton passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2018.

Jerry was born in White Mills, Kentucky, on July 22, 1943, to Blanche Masters and William Henry Harrison. Jerry attended Lynnvale High School and Western Kentucky University where he graduated with a B.A. degree in English. He led a colorful and award winning career as a master home builder, developer and architectural draftsman. He enjoyed designing and building special homes for special people. He studied history with a passion and was known for his gorgeous, custom, historical reproduction homes in Roswell, Georgia. He was gifted at spinning homeowner dreams into golden realities.

Jerry’s numerous passions included boating, fishing, music, reading, woodworking, art, storytelling and traveling. He was an accomplished artist, creating numerous beautiful paintings, woodworking sculptures, upscale furniture and incredible wooden boats. His most treasured joy was gathering with his large family and enjoying Sue’s cooking. Jerry was always the life of the party and lit up every room he entered, reaching out with a warm hand and a huge double-hug tickle. He was an extremely generous and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend and was always eager to help anyone in need.

He completed his life’s journey in his Clayton mountain home, with his beloved wife Suzann, of 49 years, by his side.

Jerry is survived by his wife Suzann, his brother Nolan, his five children, John, Robin, Lynette, William and Jennifer, his eleven grandchildren Melissa, Lindsay, Brooke, Jesse, Riley, Eddie, Cassidy, Benjamin, Carolyn, Harrison and Sarah and his five great grandchildren Kay, Maylin, Landon, Corbin and Anissa.

Jerry was a member of the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church in Alpharetta, Georgia, where a memorial service will be held on Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. A smaller, local service will be held on Jan. 13 at 2 p.m., at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton. Any donations in his memory, in lieu of flowers, should be made to the Alpharetta First United Methodist Church or Paws 4 Life.

“I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 

Live – Laugh – Love

On January 5, 2018, Elaine P. Nelson passed away suddenly in Georgia. She was the wife of Alan Nelson who was the love of her life; Alan died on Dec. 9, 2016.  She was the daughter of the late Raymond and Pauline Dargis and the niece of the late John Bismark.

Elaine leaves her sister Madeleine Dupuis and her husband William of Seekonk, Massachusetts and her nephew Michael Dupuis and her niece Lisa Dupuis. She also leaves many cousins and so many dear friends.

Elaine and Alan loved to travel. They spent many years living in Georgia and Florida. She attended St.Mary’s School and North Attleboro High School all in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Just this past September, Elaine visited New England to visit with her family, which was a special time.

A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Jan. 13, 2018 at the Beck Funeral Home Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paws 4 Life, 261 Boen Creek Rd., Tiger. Beck Funeral Home in Clayton 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.

Robert Kenneth “Robbie” Martin, 29, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018.

Born in Hollywood, Florida, he was the son of Dennis Robert and Debra Cote Martin.  Robbie was a graduate of Rabun County High School and the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia. He was employed at DePalmas Italian Café in Athens.

In addition to his parents survivors include his wife, Mary Elizabeth Martin; daughter, Taylor Grace Martin; sisters, Chelsea Ann Martin and Danielle Marie Watts; brother Dennis Robert Martin, Jr.; maternal grandfather, Robert Emile Cote and a number of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at Seney Stovall Chapel, 201 N. Milledge Ave, Athens, Ga. with Rev. Mark Palmer officiating. The family received friends from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the Seney Stovall Chapel. Burial followed at Tallulah Falls Cemetery at 2 p.m.

Robbie will be remembered as a beautiful soul.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to ARC, P.O. Box 6693, Athens, Ga. 30604.

Lord & Stephens West was in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.

Gayle Brown Jones, age 67 of Dillard, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018. On this day, she was surrounded by family and the Holy Spirit filled the room when she took her last breath. She was born Dec. 7, 1950 in Charleston, S.C. She was the daughter of the late Isabelle Westbury Brown and John M Brown, Sr. MD of Dillard. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, John Marion Brown, Jr. of Scaly Mountain, North Carolina.

She is survived by daughter Cheryl Ashley Trowell MD and son-in-law Shanon Heath Trowell MD, and grandsons Kaleb and Kohen Trowell of Acworth; two nieces, Kelly B. Zangerle and husband John Zangerle and great-nephews Davis, Owen, and Cole Zangerle of Atlanta, and Melanie B. Belfi MD, and husband Brian Belfi and great-nephews Tristan, Gabriel, Jack, and one great-niece Guila Belfi of Greensboro, N.C. and sister-in-law Kay O. Brown, Lexington, North Carolina.

Mom graduated from North Springs High School and The Crawford Long Hospital- Emory University School of Respiratory Therapy in Atlanta. After working a few years, she married, then she moved to Columbus. She then began volunteering in school, church, and civic organizations. She taught children’s Sunday School and precept Bible study. She also enjoyed being room mother, PTA VP, working for the Republican Party and US Census Bureau Organization which was her Gift and used it throughout her life, including starting the Grassroots letter writing campaigns. 

In her lifetime, Mom loved to cook, cross stitch, play canasta, garden, and read. She also loved her Georgia Bulldogs. For years, she water skied, hiked, and enjoyed her many beach vacations, but spending time with her family gave her the most joy. 

Per her wishes, her body will be cremated and a family celebration of life will be held at Scaly Mountain. Mom’s ashes will be buried at the Head of Tennessee Baptist Church cemetery next to her mother and father. In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorial donations be made to the local Sid Weber Cancer Fund.

Ida Lucille McClain, 76, of Greenville, South Carolina passed away Friday, Feb. 16,2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

She was predeceased by father, James Richard McClain, mother, Della Ruth Alexander, brother James Richard McClain Jr., sister, Melinda Chastain, and three daughters, Debra Lynn Corn, Mamie Ruth Corn, Theresa Cathleen Varholy.

Surviving family are daughter Loretta Carpenter of Greenville, son James Dee Corn of Gray Court, son Phillip Quintin Corn of Greenville, as well as ten grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Choice Hills Baptist Church, 5910 Old Buncombe Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29607.

Randy Robbins, 50, of Franklin, went to meet his maker and walk through the pearly gates, on Friday, February 23, 2018.

He is the son of Lawrence and Florence Robbins of the Oak Grove community. Randy was a loving and wonderful husband to his wife Lynn Robbins and father to their three children, Savannah, Jessica and Mason Robbins, all at home in the Burningtown community. Randy has one brother, Eddie Robbins and four sisters, Geraldine Ronan, Judy Brendle, Pat Waldroop (James) and the late Jane Dills. Randy has six nephews and nieces, Josh Ronan, Travis Waldroop, Jake Dills, Avery Brendle, Allie Brendle and the late Christy Waldroop. He has two great nephews, Landon Nickelson and Randal Brendle. Randy loved being outdoors hunting, fishing, farming and sang hunting. He had a quick wit and loved to push your button until he got a response which would make him laugh. Randy loved his family furiously. He always said, “that one day he was gonna share a drink with Jesus.” Daddy we love you and you are already missed.

Graveside Service was held at 3:17 p.m. Tuesday, February 27 at Tellico Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Steve Reeves will officiate.

The family received friends from 6:03-8:13 p.m. Monday, February 26, at Macon Funeral Home.

Pallbearers were Travis Waldroop, Josh Ronan, James Waldroop, Avery Brendle, Benny Hampton and Randy Ammons.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com.

On February 24, 2018, in the early morning, the amazing Jane pedaled off into the sunset on her final journey home. She is survived by us, the extended family, “adopted” family, and friends from near, far, and all around the world whose lives she touched so specially.

Jane’s worldly adventure began when her beloved parents, Ruth McCullough and John Hoyle Schnell, welcomed her on July 20, 1930 in Columbus, Georgia as their only child. She attended schools in Columbus and Atlanta; Columbus, Ohio; Berlin, Germany, and Switzerland.

Following in her Mother’s footsteps, Jane graduated from Randolph Macon Women’s College in Lynchburg, Virginia in 1952, where she established and endowed the OM Scholarship Fund, also known as the The Old Maid Scholarship Fund, honoring the memory of The Old Maid, the first humor magazine published by a women’s college in the United States and her mother, Ruth, who was largely influential in starting the magazine in the 1920’s. Preference for the scholarship is given to women from Eastern Europe.

Following in her father’s footsteps, Jane went on to work for the CIA for 30 years, a career that took her to exciting locations around the world such as, Singapore, Tibet, and Switzerland. She spent her vacations skiing, sailing, and hiking. For several years, she was an accomplished small boat racer.

At age 55, Jane traded her desk chair at the CIA for the saddle of a touring bicycle. She planned a trip as “one year of freedom from schedules, regulations, or responsibility — one year to do anything I chose. I wanted to see what this country looked like, felt like, smelled like. Freedom was a privilege, a ‘gold watch’ I gave myself, a retirement present from me to me.” 12,000 miles, 31 states, and 13 months later, she had cycled around the USA, literally- and then some. At age 57, she was the oldest and only woman known to have completed a USA perimeter bicycle trip, and she was the oldest person and only woman to complete the 1989 North-South Pedal for Power sponsored by the League of American Wheelman. Jane tells her amazing story of personal triumph, a retirement adventure by a woman on her own, in her first book, “Changing Gears” Bicycling America’s Perimeter. She went on to write and publish four more books about bike rides in Georgia, Europe, and her experiences on a handicapped cycling tour of Siberia and Mongolia, as well as, a memoir of her younger Years.

In 1972, in the little mountain kingdom of Nepal, Jane, a renowned and award winning photographer, found and fell in love with Tibetan rugs during a 12 mile trek through the Himalayans. She soon became an internationally known Tibetan rug expert and dealer, as well as, co-founding and co-authoring the Tibetan Rug Association newsletter. Jane was very influential in realizing her dream of the Tibetan world’s first major exhibition of hand-knotted rugs, “Temple, Household, Horseback: Rugs of the Tibetan Plateau” at the Textile Museum in Washington, DC where four rugs in the exhibit were loaned from her personal collection.

Heading back to Georgia to care for her mother, Jane settled with her in Clayton. There she became an Innkeeper when she purchased, restored, and renovated The Hillcrest Inn built in 1907 as a private family retreat-now known as The Parker Ranch by the new owners. During her time in Clayton, Jane became a master in the art of quilting, raised Highland cows, and fell in love with the north Georgia Mountains. In November, 2015, Jane and her beloved dog, Sox moved to The Hermitage in Richmond, Virginia where she renewed and continued her passion for oil painting. In true Jane style, she brought joy and wonder to all she encountered there.

Jane was very involved with the Central Asian Institute, Randolph College Alumni Association, Rails-to-Trails, the East Coast Greenway, the American Discovery Trail Society, and Meals on Wheels. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to any of the above or to the OM Scholarship Fund at Randolph College, 2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, Virginia, 24503 or contribute to the barn raising at The Parker Ranch, 95 Parker Lane, Clayton, Georgia 30525 or online at www.indiegogo.com/projects/barn-raising-at-the-parker-ranch-community-ed... in Jane’s memory. The Barn, a gathering place for the community, seminars, and celebrations will be dedicated to Jane upon completion.

We will honor Jane with a celebration of her life where she will join her mother at The Parker Ranch in Clayton, Georgia on a date to be determined.

Lloyd Holt, age 80, went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2018 after a long illness.

Lloyd was born In Rabun County on August 23, 1937 and was the son of the late
Earl and Mae Holt.

He is survived by one daughter, Pam Tolley of Sparta, Georgia and two sons, Tim Holt
of Sparks, Georgia, and Johnny Holt of Morganton, Georgia.

He is also survived by one brother, Bobby Holt of Bethlehem, Georgia., four sisters, Louise Ramey of Clayton, Rosa Lee Shook of Clayton, Joanne Justus of Flowery Branch, and Sally Wilson of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, March 3 at the Fellowship Hall at the
Clayton Church of God with Rev. Brett Wilson officiating.

Bernard Terry Thornton (Terry), age 76, of Clayton passed away at home on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018. He was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Zeldon Thornton and Josephine Newton Thornton on Jan. 4, 1942.

He married Mary (Lou) Tallman in Toledo on Oct. 17, 1964, and she survives.

After working in industry for a number of years, Terry received bachelor and master’s degrees in business from the University of Toledo and began his teaching career. At Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, he developed a program in marketing management. In 1975, he and Mary moved to Albany, Georgia, where he began teaching at Darton College (now Albany State University West Campus). In 1988, Terry received his Ed.D. from the University of Georgia, while he continued teaching courses in management, economics and business mathematics. Terry retired from teaching in 2002, and he and Mary moved to Clayton.

Terry was involved in a number of professional associations related to business and economics throughout his teaching career. He was a member of the editorial advisory board for The American Business Review. Terry also was very active in community service. He received the “Outstanding Community Service Award” from Darton College five times. He served in the Dougherty County Kiwanis Club, and for 20 years he was a regular monthly guest on the Today in Georgia program on WALB-TV. Terry became a member of the Clayton Rotary Club in 2005, where he served as secretary for the past number of years.

In addition to his wife Mary, Terry is survived by brother, Dale Thornton and his wife, Frazene of Tiffin, Ohio, and sister, Patricia A. Wast and her husband, John Wast of Toledo, Ohio; two nieces, Celia Thornton and Erin Bishop; one nephew, Sean Thornton and five great nieces and nephews.

Visitation were held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Beck Funeral home on Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, and a memorial service was held at St. James Episcopal Church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018.

Burial will take place at the Lake Township Cemetery, Walbridge, Ohio, on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. James Episcopal Church P.O. Box 69 Clayton, GA 30525, the American Heart Association P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or the American Lung Association 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20004.

Gene Guess, age 72, of Lansing, Michigan and formerly Rabun County, passed away on Feb. 19, 2018.

He was born the son of the late George Dallas Guess and the late Eloise Washington Guess on Aug. 21, 1945. Gene was a veteran of the armed forces and served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He was a master craftsman and builder.  He was a loving husband, brother, and father to his family. Gene was an avid reader and enjoyed playing golf.   He had a wonderful sense of humor and could tell “dad jokes” for days.

In addition to his parents, his wife Pamela Guess and one brother, Dallas Guess, preceded him in death.

Gene is survived by his wife, Tracey Guess, of Lansing, Mississippi; a son, Greg Guess and his wife Kim Guess, of Brooks, Georgia; a daughter, Lauren Rolader and her husband Kyle Rolader, of Sky Valley; a brother, Grant Guess and his wife Laurie Guess of Buford; five grandchildren and four nieces and nephews.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gene’s memory to Atlanta VA Healthcare System Attn: Voluntary Service 1670 Clermont Rd. Decatur, Ga. 30033

Mr. Kenneth Ross Cormany, age 90, of Rome, passed away at a local health care facility Monday Feb. 26, 2018. Mr. Cormany was born in Rome, Georgia Dec. 4, 1927. He was the son of the late Ross Cox Cormany and Mary Mitts Cormany. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Alice Cormany.

He graduated from Rome High School, Class of 1944 Valedictorian. He then attended Georgia Tech and graduated with a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering. He served 16 years Active and Reserve in the United States Army, and he was honorably discharged as a Major in the Army reserve. He served in many civic and professional organizations. He was a member of advisory boards at Coosa Valley Tech in Rome and Area Vocational School in Columbus, Ga., a member at large of the Rome Exchange Club and the Coosa Valley Fair Association, the Society of Professional Engineers, NW Georgia Chapter; Life member, the Edison Electric Institute, EEI – Codes and Standards National Committee, IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers), Power Engineering Society, SEE (Southeastern Electric Exchange), CIGRE (International Conference on Large High Voltage Systems), and from May of 1986 to March of 1987 he was Vice President, office of the Chief Executive of Georgia Power who would assist the CEO in all areas of his activities, coordinate Company Guidelines and Practices Committee, and from March of 1987 until recently he was the consultant for the electrical utility industry, and various other committees and organizations throughout his engineering career with Georgia Power. He was also a member of Second Avenue Baptist Church, Rome, the Men’s Sunday School Class, a former member of the Coosa Country Club, Rome, and Dunwoody Country Club in Atlanta, a member of the Prince Club of Rome, the Lake Rabun Association, Lakemont, Georgia, and a former member of the Nine O’Clock Cotillion in Rome. He loved collecting stamps from around the world, computers and above of all, boating and relaxing at Lake Rabun in Rabun County, Georgia.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Rebecca Freeman Cormany, Rome; daughter, Kay Cormany Duffey, Ellijay, Georgia; grandchildren, Cliff Duffey of Alexandria, Virginia, Ken Duffey and his wife Kate of Athens, Spencer Duffey of Portland, Oregon; great grandchildren, Mary Susan Duffey, Kate Duffey and Maisie Duffey.

Services for Mr. Cormany were held Saturday morning March 3, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Second Avenue Baptist Church, Rome, with Rev. Monty Stallins officiating. Those serving as pallbearers were, Cliff Duffey, Ken Duffey, Spencer Duffey and Dwight Cassity. A private interment followed. The American Legion Shanklin-Attaway Post No 5 Honor Guard rendered military rites. The family asked that members of the Exchange Club, the Men’s Sunday School Class of Second Avenue Baptist Church, and the members of The Prince Club serve as honorary pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to, Second Avenue Baptist Church, 823 East Second Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30161 or Heyman Hospice Care, 420 East Second Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30161. Please visit our website at www.daniels-funeralhome.com to share fond memories and post tributes.

Daniel’s Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.