The Earth slowed to allow angel Sara Margaret Nowlin Brown to reunite with husband James T. Brown, son Jay and her sister Pat Fuller in Heaven.

She was born Oct. 28, 1926, to Dr. and Mrs Owen Nowlin in Hollywood, California. She grew up in Farmer City, Illinois, and lived in various places eventually calling Clayton as home. Sara departed June 28, 2016, in Paducah, Kentucky. She was “one tough ol’ broad.”

Sara was a devout Christian of the Methodist faith and was a sister of Kappa Delta.

Survivors include four sons, Bob and wife Debbie, Randy and wife Tammy, Don and wife Sharon and Kenneth; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and her cat Dusty.

Private family visitation was held Thursday, June 30, 2016, at the Filbeck-Cann & King Funeral Home. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Acacia Cemetery in Chicago, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Nowlin Scholarship Fund c/o Farmer City United Methodist Church, 101 South Williams, Farmer City, Illinois, 61842.

Condolences may be sent on-line at www.filbeckcannking.com.

Pamela Elizabeth Crowder, 91, passed away at 6:07 Friday morning, June 17, 2016, in the company of the attentive caregivers at The Haven hospice at Bellevue Hospital, New York City, New York. She died of natural causes after six years of living in New York with her son, David Charles Teschendorf, 63, of Oakland, California, and daughter-in-law Dell Ann Teschendorf née McCarty, 44, of Marshall Texas. and in the wake of her husband of 47 years, Paul Stuart Crowder of Brooklyn, New York's passing in 2010 at age 83.

Pamela was also predeceased by her first husband and the father of her two children, Melvin Carl Teschendorf of Green Isle, Minnesota, in 1996, at age 77, and her eldest son, John Melvin Teschendorf, of San Francisco, California, in 2001, at age 54.

Pamela was born on Nov. 20, 1924, in the village of Bebington, in the County of Cheshire in England, the only child of Herbert Emerson and Kathleen Mary Walker. She moved to the U.S. at the conclusion of World War II and lived in many places during her almost 70 years as an American, including California, New York, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Connecticut, Alabama and finally, retiring to live in Clayton at 218 Prime Hill Drive for more than 15 years before moving to Houston, Texas, to be with husband, Paul, and his children as his health deteriorated in the last four years of his life.

She is survived by all three of her stepchildren and their mates, daughter Jane Louise and son-in-law Dick, daughter Kathryn Jo and her mate, Susan, all of Houston, and son Matthew Perry and daughter-in-law Kathy of Isles of Capri, Florida, as well as son, David Charles and daughter-in-law, Dell Ann of New York City.

A graveside service will be held at the interment of her ashes, next to those of her beloved husband, Paul’s, at the family plot in Roane Cemetery on S. Main Street in Clayton. The service will take place sometime in late 2017 or early 2018  and a notice will be placed in The Clayton Tribune announcing the service time and date in the weeks prior to her memorial service.

Pamela’s life was not without difficulties and strife, from a childhood spent in the midst of a country on the front lines of the Second World War to the emotional problems and premature passing of her beloved son, John, but, she also experienced much joy and love and laughter with her family and friends that helped her through so many rough times. In return, she loved and supported that family and those friends and also offered her time and energy to many charitable causes supported by the churches and communities she lived in during a long, full life.

She will be missed by many who knew her.

Rest in Peace, Mom.

The Clayton Tribune, July 7, 2016

Edwin Lee Davies, 96, of Mountain City Road, Clayton, died Friday, June 24, 2016, in Mountain View Health Care, Clayton.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, on Aug. 14, 1919, he was the son of the late John Lester Davies and Lenora Beatrice Thompson Davies. He was the widower of Jean Mary Potts Davies.

He had spent the greater part of his life in Dayton. He was a retired pump operator (after 39 years) with Dayton Power and Light Co. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witness.

Mr. Davies is survived by one son, Glenn Lee Davies of Clayton, and one daughter, Lyn Carol Davies Orona of New Mexico. Five grandchildren also survive.

The body has been cremated and no services are planned at this time.

The family is at home on Mountain City Road, Clayton.

An online guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, July 7, 2016

Margaret Evelyn Stancil Harmon, 83, of Camp Creek Road, Lakemont, died Tuesday night, June 21, 2016, at her home.

Born in Lakemont on March 30, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Joe and Josephine Smith Stancil. She was the widow of Lewis Harmon Sr.

Evelyn was a homemaker and a member of the Camp Creek Baptist Church. She was twice married, first to the late Harold Shedd and then to Lewis Harmon Sr.

She was preceded in death by her husbands and by a son, Glenn Shedd, six brothers and two sisters. She was the last member of her immediate family.

She is survived by four sons, Walter Shedd and Ed Shedd, both of Demorest, Bradley Shedd (Sheila) of Lakemont, Lewis Harmon (Diane) of Lakemont, and one daughter, Bonnie Shedd Smith (Ed) of Turnersville. Six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services were at 4 p.m. Friday, June 24, 2016, at the Camp Creek Baptist Church, with the Revs. Mickey Woods, Tim Miller and Tommy Childers officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery. The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was Friday, June 24, 2016, from 1-3 p.m.

The family was at home on Camp Creek Road in Lakemont.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made, in her memory, to Camp Creek Baptist Church, 4363 Camp Creek Road, Lakemont, Georgia, 30552.

An online guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, July 7, 2016

Wayne Martin Justice, 71, of the Warwoman Community, Clayton, died Friday, June 24, 2016, in the VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

Born in the Betty’s Creek Community, Rabun Gap, he was the son of the late Oakley and Daisy Martin Justice.

He had lived most of his life in the Betty’s Creek Community. He loved Betty’s Creek. He was retired as a director of mobile home service manager. He was a U.S. Army veteran of Vietnam, where he received the Purple Heart with a bronze star and several other medals.

Wayne was a member of the Betty’s Creek Baptist Chruch and was a member of the True Believers Gospel Group. He loved the Lord and sang His praises for more than 30 years. He loved his family and was extremely proud of his children. Not only did he love his family, he loved his country and served it well.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, by a brother, Larry Justice, and by a sister, Carol Foster.

He is survived by his wife, Kate Bleckley Justice of the home, one son, Jason Wayne Justice (Jessica Branch Justice) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, one daughter, Jill Justice Hunter (Toby) of Rabun Gap, two brothers, Farrell Justice of Franklin, North Carolina, and Ronnie Justice of Tomball, Texas, two sisters, Allene Mitchell of Mountain City and Ginger Bleckley of Clayton, five grandchildren, Payton Mackenzie Hunter, Garrett Austin Hunter, Abbigail Daisy Hunter, Emma Rose Irene Hunter and Jackson Wayne Justice, and one great-grandchild, Alayna Daves.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Monday, June 27, 2016, at Betty’s Creek Baptist Church, with the Revs. Jason Smith and Larry Cannon officiating. The Rev. Ronia Hunter conducted graveside services. Burial was in the church cemetery with military honors. The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was Sunday evening, June 26, 2016, from 6-8 p.m.

The body was placed in the church on Monday, June 27, 2016, to lie in state from 1-2 p.m.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations, in his memory, be made to The Mission Rathburn House, 121 Sherwood Road, Asheville, North Carolina, 28803.

An online guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

The Clayton Tribune, July 7, 2016

Joseph B. Parker Jr., 79, of Clayton, passed away peacefully June 26, 2016, at his residence. He was born Dec. 25, 1936, the son of the late J.B. and Bertie Parker.

He is survived by two daughters and son-in laws, Elaine and Toddy Ramey of Clayton, and Leanne and Dan Pearce of Rabun Gap, one son and daughter-in-law, James Bryan and Renee of Otto, North Carolina, one brother and sister-in-law, Tommy and Nancy Parker of Clayton, one sister, Treasure Benson of Alpharetta, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Also several nieces and nephews survive.

Joseph was a lifelong resident of Clayton, and he served his country in the U.S. Navy. He was of the Baptist faith, and was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Funeral services for Joseph B. Parker Jr. will be held 3 p.m. July 10, 2016, at the Beck Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Mike Wilson officiating. The family will receive friends the day of the service from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Rabun Memory Park with Masonic Rights.

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, July 7, 2016

Thomas Edward Mitchell, 86, of Clayton, died Wednesday, July 6, 2016, in Mountain Lakes Medical Center. He was the widower of Lucille Carper Mitchell.

Born in Clayton on July 8, 1929, he was the son of the late John Rockaway Mitchell and Elvia McCall Mitchell. He was retired from General Motors in Michigan, where he spent half of his life and spent the other half in Clayton. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and was a Baptist.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, J.R. Mitchell and Lloyd Mitchell and by four sisters, Hilda Hopper, Patsy Alley, Blondine Barron and Hazel Kilby.

He is survived by three stepchildren, Larry Seabolt of Michigan, Yvonne Pierce, and Wanda Seabolt, both of Belleville, Michigan. One brother, Doug Mitchell of Clayton, three sisters, Betty Jo Mitchell Gibby of Tiger, Beverly Mitchell Mason and Marilyn Mitchell Ballew, both of Clayton, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services were Saturday, July 9, 2016, at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home at 11 a.m. by the Rev. Ronia Hunter. Russell Ballew was at graveside.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home Chapel, where visitation was from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 8 , 2016. Burial was in the Roane Cemetery, Clayton.

The family was at the home of his sister, Marilyn Ballew.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in his memory to the Roane Cemetery Fund, c/o Roy Lovell, P.O. Box 201, Tiger, Georgia, 30576.

An online register book is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge.

The Clayton Tribune, July 14, 2016

Julia Larkin Roberts Hopkins, 73, of Clayton, passed away at her home on Saturday, July 9, 2016, after an extended illness. 

Born in Fulton County on July 19, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Ernest Walter Roberts and Arah Arlesia Norton. 

She was retired from work in the HVAC and textile industries. 

She is survived by an only child, Richard E. Hopkins Jr., of Clayton; a sister, Peggy Castile of Hiawassee; a special niece, Lysa Gillette of Clayton; a special nephew, Alex Recknor of Clayton, her former husband, Richard E. “Penny” Hopkins Sr., of Chechero; and several other nieces and nephews. 

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sid Weber Memorial Fund.

An online guest register is available atwww.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, July 14, 2016

B.C. Parker, 89, of Clayton, died Wednesday, July 6 , 2016, in Mountain Lakes Medical Center. He was the widower of Dorothy Ellen Baker Parker. 

Born in Clayton on March 7, 1927, he was the son of the late C.A. Parker and Bessie Viola Justus Parker. He was a U.S. Army veteran of WWII and a member of the Persimmon Church of God.

He was retired from General Motors and had lived half of his life in Michigan and half of his life in Clayton.

Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Bruce Parker and Bentley Parker. 

He is survived by a son Brad Parker (Pat) of Waterford, Michigan, two brothers, Britton Parker of Florida and Branson Parker of Gilmer ,Texas. Two sisters, Betty Jean Whitmire of Mt. Airy, and Bertha Fountain of Clayton, two grandchildren, Jeff Parker and Linda McHale and two great-grandchildren, Jessica McHale and Andrew McHale also survive.

Funeral services were Sunday, July 10, 2016, at 2 p.m., at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Glenville Nichols and Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial was in the Persimmon Baptist Cemetery.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home Chapel, where visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, July 9 , 2016. The family was at their respective residences.

An online guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge.

The Clayton Tribune, July 14, 2016

Marjorie Elene Carpenter Robinson of Rabun Gap, affectionately known as Mama, Mother, Margie, Grandma, Mema, Grandma in the Mountains, Great Grandma, Polyanna, Sweet Pea and Granny Grunt, passed away Aug. 1, 2016, at the age of 97 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, peacefully surrounded by her family. 

She was born April 21, 1919, in Rabun County to the late James and Ida Carpenter. She was the ninth child of 10 children. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband Ralph Robinson, six brothers, Thomas Carpenter, Jessie Lee Carpenter, John Carpenter, Fred Carpenter, Carl Carpenter and Lawrence Carpenter, and two sisters, Evelyn Cannon and Esther Dills. 

She lived most of her life in Rabun County. She graduated from Rabun Gap-Nacoochee High School. After high school, she attended Rabun Gap Junior College and Piedmont College, where she received her teaching certificate. After completing college, she taught elementary school at Lakemont and Tiger. 

After marrying her husband, she gave up her teaching career and became a homemaker to raise her two sons, Morris and Gary, and one daughter, Judy. Later in life, she returned to work in the manufacturing industry, from which she retired in 1981. 

She joined Head of Tennessee Baptist Church at the age of 13 in 1932 while attending a revival that was held in the new building. She was a kindhearted, cheerful, family oriented and hardworking lady who always liked to add some humor to everyone’s life that she met. She loved sharing stories about her journey through life with others, working in her garden, telling jokes, sewing, quilting, reading her Bible and spending time with her family.

Marjorie is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Morris Robinson (Darlene) of Rabun Gap, and Gary Robinson (Cookie) of Greensboro, one daughter, Judy Robinson Smith of Tiger, and one brother, Marlar Carpenter (Geneva) of Chatsworth. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Stephanie (Eddie) Watts, Jennifer (David) Baloun, Shannon Robinson, Holly (Robb) Owens and Jon K. Smith, seven great-grandchildren Brittany Ragsdale (Derrick), Ashley Whitmire (Jason), Dustin Henderson, Ethan Baloun, Jacob Baloun, Eli Owens and Lucy Owens, and five great-great-grandchildren, Jordan Ragsdale, Amanda Ragsdale, Aubree Whitmire, Amos Whitmire and Allie Henderson.

The family received friends at Beck Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. today in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Jewel Gaines officiating. Interment will follow in the Rabun Memory Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your choice of Head of Tennessee Baptist Church, Lakemont Baptist Church, Rabun Gap Nacoochee School Alumni Association or Rabun County Senior Center.

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, Aug. 4, 2016

Mildred Louise Alexander Donaldson, 95, of Mountain City, passed away Aug. 14, 2016, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Mildred was born in Habersham County, the daughter of the late Alvin Alexander and Drucilla Warren Alexander.

Mildred was a member of Blue Heights Baptist Church and worked for many years at Burlington Industries. She enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and was a loving mother. She enjoyed seeing the Meals on Wheels volunteers when they would bring her meals. She also enjoyed seeing her home health nurses.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Robert Donaldson, one brother Emanuel Alexander and  one sister Lou Belle Dotson.

She is survived by one daughter Sandra D. Dickerson (David) of Tiger; one son Bobby Donaldson (Becky) of Sylva, North Carolina; one brother John P. Alexander (Judy) of Macon; one sister Susan Taylor of Mountain City; four grandchildren Pam Hamby (Kenneth Turpin), David Dickerson (Samanda), Boyd Donaldson (Kimberly), Kim Donaldson (Marti); eight great-grandchildren Danielle Hamby, Katie Hamby, Westin Dickerson, Haisley Dickerson, Jackson Warshaw , Jill Donaldson, Julie Donaldson, Karley Donaldson; two great-great-grandchildren Kinley Burtch, Hudson Hamby, and a number of nieces and nephews.

The family received friends Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, at Beck Funeral Home from 6-8 p.m.

Funeral service was held Wednesday, Aug.17, 2016, at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Beck Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jimmy Kilby and Lenwood Dotson officiating. The burial followed in Rabun Memory Park 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, Aug. 18, 2016

Aaron Lester Hopper, 69, of Gordon, formerly of Clayton, died Sunday, July 31, 2016, in Middle Georgia Medical Center, Macon. 

Aaron was born Nov. 28, 1946, to the late Keith Leahman Hopper and Alice Arlene Parker Hopper.

Aaron was of the Baptist faith and worked for Burlington Industries.

Aaron was preceded in death by his parents, Keith Leahman Hopper and Alice Arlene Hopper. 

He is survived by two brothers, Edward V. Hopper, Tallulah Falls, and Richard K. Hopper, Clayton, two sisters, Brenda Hopper Lycett and her husband,(the Rev. Dr. Edward), Douglas, and Luann Hopper Cunningham (Larry), of Clayton. One special nephew, Roger Lester Carnes of Kansas City, Kansas, Alice Carnes Wright (Craig), of Clayton, and other nieces and nephews also survive.

The body has been cremated and no services planned at this time. Visitation was Friday, Aug. 5, 2016, from 6-8 p.m. at the Hunter Funeral Home. 

The family is at their respective homes and asks that in lieu of flowers, in his memory, donations be made to the Woodmen of the World Chapter 885, P.O. Box 543, Rabun Gap, Georgia, 30568. 

An online guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com. 

Hunter Funeral Home was in charge.

The Clayton Tribune, Aug. 18, 2016