Marjory “Annette” Christian Park, 77, of Clarkesville, passed away Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at her home with all her family at her side.

Annette was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and with her special cat, Mazye. She loved working outside planting flowers, and enjoyed the beauty they brought to her home. She was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. Annette lived and breathed Georgia Bulldogs athletics and cheering for them in any sport. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, J. L. Christian and Mattie Ivey Christian; her birth parents, Marjory and Howard Collette; one sister, Betty Knight.

Her survivors include her husband, Douglas Park, of Clarksville; one son, Douglas Park Jr., of Colbert; two daughters, Lisa Park, of Lexington, Carol Wheless (Tommy), of Crawford; three brothers, Robert L. Christian, of Knoxville, Tennessee, Jerry Collette, of Marysville, Ohio, Dick Collette, of Sweetwater, Tennessee; one sister, Stella Swanson, of Dayton, Ohio; four grandchildren, Cesar Suarez, Diego Suarez, Taylor Wheless, Bree Park; and four great-grandchildren, Dominick Suarez, Damien Suarez, Skyler Suarez and Hannah Young.

The family received family and friends Sunday, Jan. 29 2017, from 1-3 p.m. at the Beck Funeral Home in Clayton.

A memorial service followed at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017, in the Chapel of the Beck Funeral Home, with the Rev. Steve York officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in memory of Annette Park to the Cerebral Palsy Center, 241 E. Woodland Ave., Knoxville, Tennessee 37917 and/or the Pruitt Cares Foundation, 700 South Enota Drive North East, Gainesville, Georgia 30506.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 2, 2017

Hugh L. Barnes Jr., 81, of Gainesville, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017. 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Melissa Hudgins Barnes, Gainesville; children, Margaret Hunter Barnes, Vero Beach, Florida, James Keller Barnes, Buford, Katherine Hope Barnes, Monroe, New York, Thomas Andrew and Rebecca Stokey Barnes, Gainesville; grandchildren, Robert Alexander Annatone, Melissa Hope Guggisberg, James Thomas Guggisberg, June Avery Hunter Barnes, Megan Thomas Barnes and Mimi Elizabeth Barnes. 

Mr. Barnes was born Aug. 31, 1935, in Louisville, Kentucky. He was a U.S. Army veteran. He graduated from Male High School and attended Centre College in Danville, Kentucky, and graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. He was retired from the IBM company with 30 years of service. 

He was a member of Delta Sigma Pi (Business Fraternity) and Pi Delta Theta (Social Fraternity). He was also a member of the Rotary Club in Jacksonville, Florida. 

A Requiem Mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Gainesville First United Methodist Church in Gainesville, with the Rev. Jerry Bruce Priest in charge, St. Francis Anglican Catholic Church, Gainesville, officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Homestead Hospice, 1561 Lenrue Road, Bogart, Georgia 30622 or to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation in memory of Hugh Lawrence Barnes.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Memorial services for John “J.H.” Crunkleton, 92, of Clayton and formerly of Cornelia, will be held Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at 3 p.m. from the First Baptist Church of Cornelia, with Dr. Eric Spivey officiating. 

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017, from 2-5 p.m.

Mr. Crunkleton passed away Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.

Mr. Crunkleton was born Oct. 15, 1924, in Franklin County to the Rev. J.H. and Lillie Mae Wall Crunkleton. Soon after graduation from Cornelia High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as quartermaster on the LCI 80 in the Pacific until the end of World War II.

Upon his return home, he and his father began Cornelia Broom Co. After his father’s death, Mr. Crunkleton expanded the company until it became the largest broom manufacturer in the southeast and seventh largest in the U.S. 

Mr. Crunkleton was an avid golfer, a jogger who competed in many amateur runs, and taught dozens of kids to ski at Lake Burton. He was a 62 year Master Mason and a member of Toccoa Masonic Lodge No. 309 F&AM. He tirelessly organized reunions for his Navy shipmates for more than 40 years. He is probably best known as a diehard University of Georgia Bulldog fan. Mr. Crunkleton attended close to 700 UGA football games and was already planning to head to Notre Dame for the 2017 season.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Crunkleton was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Millwood Crunkleton, his second wife, Gusti Huber Crunkleton, and stepson Ben Kuipers.

Survivors include daughter Leah Coker of Flowery Branch, daughter and son-in-law Mary Alice and Mark Grant of Woodstock, stepdaughter Betty Jo Youngblood of McDonough, stepsons John Kuipers and Adam Kuipers of Clayton, as well as 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Disabled Veterans of America or enjoy a good meal with friends and family and raise your glass to Crunk!

Those wishing may send condolences online by visiting HillsideMemorialChapel.com. Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Henry Edgar Owens, 91, of Satolah, passed away Jan. 30, 2017, at his home. His loved ones surrounded him as he went to be with the Lord.

Edgar was a devout Christian and attended both Macedonia Baptist Church and Clear Creek Baptist, where he was a member. He was called to preach and had been a pastor of Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Clear Creek Baptist Church, Shortoff Baptist Church and Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

As a young man, he was employed with Rabun Mills in Rabun Gap, where he would work for several years. His preaching career began when he left Rabun Mills, but he would also continue to work as a carpenter for many years. Edgar was also a veteran of the Second World War and fought bravely for his country.

His family knew him as a loving father and grandfather, and loved hearing his “coon hunting” stories of his younger days.

Edgar was preceded in death by his parents, James Franklin Owens and Josie Harden Owens; his wife, Geraldine Raleigh Owens; six brothers, Riley Owens, Doyle Owens, Dave Owens, Leroy Owens, Adolph Owens and Eugene Owens; and four sisters, Iva McCall, Eloise Hudson, Effie Green and Oveline Owens.

His survivors include three sons, Stanley Owens (Candace), of Clayton, Ralph Owens, of Clayton and Tommy Owens (Brenda), of Clayton; one daughter, Judy Owens Gates, of Clayton; one brother, Jesse Ray Owens, of Clayton; eight grandchildren, Justin Gates, Caleb Gates, Jordan Gates, Riley Owens, Dennis Owens, Ashley Bryson, Kayla Baty and Alexandria Owens; 10 great-grandchildren. 

The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at the Beck Funeral Home.

A funeral service was held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017, at the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial followed the service in the Macedonia Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made in Edgar’s honor to Macedonia Cemetery Fund c/o Barbara Reed, 810 Timberlane Road, Clayton, Georgia 30525.

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, Feb. 9, 2017

Evans Funeral Home announces the death of Mr. John Wesley Shook, 60, of Commerce, who passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017.

Mr. Shook was born Oct. 16, 1956, in Clayton, to the late James John and Myrtle Nicholson Shook. Mr. Shook was a U.S. Army and a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Vietnam era, and he was a member of Cave Springs Baptist Church.

Mr. Shook is preceded in death by a special nephew, Steven Watts.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Watts (Edward), Martin; brother, Jim Shook (Lawana), Pendergrass; sister, Virginia Green (Sam), Highlands, North Carolina; sister, Ruth An Proctor, Highlands. Twenty nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

Memorial services will be held at 3 p.m. today from the Chapel of Evans Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jackie Watts officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service 2-3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Evans Funeral Home Inc., 1350 Winder Highway, Jefferson, Georgia.

Online condolences at www.evansfuneralhomeinc.com. 

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 9, 2017

Calvin Jefferson Cannon, 68, of Joe Jones Road, Wiley, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, in Mountain Lakes Medical Center.

Born in Rabun County on Sept. 12, 1948, he was the son of the late Frank G. Cannon and Lucy Galloway Cannon. And was a lifelong resident of Rabun County. He was a member of the Chechero Baptist Church.

Calvin was preceded in death by his parents, seven uncles and three aunts. 

He is survived by two brothers, Frank W. (Bill) Cannon (Lorraine) of Keyport, New Jersey, and Gerald David Cannon (Joann) of Toccoa, two sisters, Brenda Cannon Lovell (Norman) of Wiley, and Jane Cannon Galloway of Clayton, also by four aunts and three uncles and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2017, at 1 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mickey Woods and Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial was in the Hale Ridge Cemetery.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. The family was at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Norman Lovell on Joe Jones Road, in Wiley.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Edward B. Singleton, 90, of Clayton, passed away Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017. 

He was born in Hall County on March 6, 1926, to parents Frank Singleton and Elizabeth Dillard Singleton. 

Raised in North Georgia, Ed spent a majority of his childhood in Dillard and attended Rabun Gap School. He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Marines. Following his military service, he attended and played football at the University of Georgia, later transferring to Western Carolina University to continue his collegiate football career as a lineman for the WCU Catamounts. 

Ed received his undergraduate degree from WCU, where he also met his wife of more than 61 years, Sara Moore Singleton. He went on to complete his graduate work at WCU, receiving a master’s degree in Business Education. 

A career educator, Ed coached and taught at Stevens County, White County and Rabun County High Schools, as well as a short stint in Montana early in his career. His years as a Rabun County “Wildcat” were especially significant and he proudly wore the unofficial title of “Coach Singleton” long after his official career ended in 1991. Ed enjoyed all sports, coaching high school football, basketball and golf over the span of his 30-plus year career. He was recently honored by the football players of Rabun County classes of 1964-69, who along with the current RCHS coaching staff, presented him with a trophy, signed football and other mementos of his coaching career.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Ed loved spending time outdoors with family and friends, camping, fishing, hunting, playing golf and enjoying God’s creation. He was a familiar face to many Rabun County residents, either from the football field or classroom, from a midstream vantage in one of the county’s many blue-ribbon trout streams, or around a campfire at Moccasin Creek. He and his wife Sara logged many miles in RVs and campers, traveling the country and visiting friends and family in the Western states and Alaska.

Ed was a member of Clayton First United Methodist Church and a member of American Legion Post 220 of Clayton. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bill and Bob Singleton, and sisters Mary (Singleton), Sara (Ivie), Lucy (Kimball) and Ruth (Osborne). 

He is survived by his wife Sara Singleton, son Frank Singleton and wife Phyllis; son John Singleton and wife Claudia; six grandchildren (Jacob, Zachary, Sarah, Mary; Johan and Antonella) and 10 great-grandchildren (Elizabeth, Samantha, Jacob, John; Grace, Vivian, Sophia, Charlotte, Georgiana and Louisa).

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Ruth Wall Thurmond, 94, of Wolffork Road, Rabun Gap, died Thursday night, Feb. 9, 2017, in Mountain View Health Care after a long illness.

Born in Clarkesville on Dec. 1, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Floyd and Stella Beard Wall. She was a homemaker and was a nurse’s aid for 17 years. Ruth was a member of the Wolffork Baptist Church for 75 years ad was the last member of her immediate family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wade Thurmond, by a grandson, John Matthew Thurmond, and by great-grandson, Casey Thurmond, by three sisters and their husbands, Catherine and Clemmer Powell, Ruby and Carl Thurmond, and Stella and Bobby Holbrooks, and by brother Louis Wall. 

She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Emma Sue Thurmond of Rabun Gap, by sisters-in-law, Lois Hill Wall and Dorothy Pullium Thurmond and grandsons, Chris and Eric (Jennifer) Thurmond, six great-grandchildren, Emily and (Scott), Michael, Amy, Noah, Abby and Asher. and two great-great-grandchildren, Aidyn and Eliese.

Funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017, at the Wolffork Baptist Church at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Jimmy Greer officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

The body was at the Hunter Funeral Home, where visitation was Saturday evening, Feb. 11, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The family was at the home of her son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Emma Sue Thurmond on John Beck Dockins Road, Rabun Gap. The body was placed in the church Sunday, Feb 12, 2017, to lie in state. 

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made in her memory to Gideons International, P.O. Box 241, Clayton, Georgia 30525, or to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering ℅ Wolffork Baptist Church, 453 Wolffork Baptist Church Road, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

Leona Bradshaw Tyler, 85, of Pinnacle Drive, Clayton, died Feb. 6, 2017, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was the widow of Hubert L. Tyler.

Born in Towns County on June 28, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Clinton and Carrie Eller Bradshaw. She was a homemaker and was of the Church of God faith, but attended the Boggs Mountain Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death, besides her parents and husband, by three brothers, Creed Bradshaw, Clifford Verlon Bradshaw, and Elbert James Bradshaw.

She is survived by one daughter, Linda L. Tyler of Clayton, by three brothers, Robert Grady Bradshaw of Summerville, Ohio, Jack Elmer Bradshaw of Clayton, and Alvin Clinton Bradshaw of Clayton. Several nephews, nieces, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services were Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Joe McCrackin officiating. Burial followed in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery, Tiger.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends Wednesday evening, Feb. 8, 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 guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 16, 2017

James Howard Hastings, 61, of Lakey Creek Road, Franklin, North Carolina, died Feb. 15, 2017, at his residence. He was the husband of Kathy Chastain Hastings.

Born in Macon County, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Howard Hastings and Katherine Kell Hastings. He was a self-employed house painter and was of the Church of God Faith.

He was preceded in death besides his parents by a sister, Phyllis Johnson. 

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Chastain Hastings of the home, by two brothers, Kenneth Hastings of Clayton, and Mark Hastings of Franklin, North Carolina, and two sisters, Donna Layman of Sevierville, Tennessee, and Sharon Sexton of Lakemont.

Funeral services were Monday, Feb. 20, 2017, at 1 p.m., with Layman Lloyd Hunter officiating. Burial followed in the Macedonia Cemetery.

The family received friends Sunday evening, Feb. 19, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. The family was at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Robert Sexton on Kell Lane Lakemont.

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

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 23, 2017

Mrs. Kate Stiles King of Clayton passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 19, 2017.  

Born on Dec. 21, 1917, she was the eldest of seven children born to Tom and Dell Rogers Stiles of Franklin, North Carolina.

After graduating from Franklin High School and attending Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, she married Gerald G. King in October 1939. They made their home in Clayton, where they raised their two daughters, Rose and Linda.  

Kate was a faithful member of Clayton Baptist Church, where she served in the children’s programs, Carter-Miller WMU, and in her Sunday School classes. She founded the Homebound Ministry and in 1986 she authored a history of the WMU at CBC. 

She worked as a dental assistant and for 20 years as the bookkeeper at Clayton Motors.  But, most importantly, she was the consummate wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. 

A true Southern lady, she showed kindness and grace to everyone in her life and in her final years bore her illness with tremendous strength and courage. Never one to “preach,” she taught through fine example. Her life embodied the truth of Proverbs 22:1 — “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.”

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Rose and Jim Donaldson of Marietta, daughter and son-in-law Linda and Roy Cleveland of Gainesville, granddaughter Lorie D. Hornsby of Marietta, granddaughter Julie D. Moore and her husband Dr. Mark Moore of Braselton, great-grandchildren Chandler and Kelsey Moore of Braselton, and Cole and Sam Hornsby of Marietta. Also surviving are sisters Betty Buchanan and her husband, Kenneth of Sharpsburg and Velma Buchanan of Franklin, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Edith Summey, three brothers — Harold Stiles, Edwin Stiles and Vernon Stiles — and beloved husband Gerald, to whom she was married for 58 years.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Pruitt Hospice personnel Beth Jones and Olivia Dixon, caregiver Kerstin Dreher, Dr. George LaFleur, Dr. Andrew Green, Dr. Jack Griffith, loyal friends, and loving family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Benevolence Fund at Clayton Baptist Church at 87 South Church St., Clayton, Georgia 30525 or to the charity of your choice.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. today at Clayton Baptist Church. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 11 a.m. in the church. The Rev. Joey Thompson will conduct the service. Interment will be at Rabun Memory Park.   

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 23, 2017

Ronald Hoyt Woodall, 69, of West Wolf Creek Road, Lakemont, died Feb. 15, 2017, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville.

Born in Rabun County on May 28, 1947, he was the son of the late Charles Hoyt Woodall and Ethel Inez Manley Woodall. 

He was an Air National Guard veteran and a U.S. Army veteran, Vietnam era. He was a member of the Lakemont Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death besides his parents, Hoyt and Inez Woodall, and by a brother, Tommy Woodall.

He is survived by children Ricky and Karen, one brother, Michael Woodall of Lakemont, and five cousins.

Funeral services were Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home, with the Rev. Jewell Gaines officiating. Burial followed in the Camp Creek Cemetery Lakemont with military honors 

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where the family received friends Monday, Feb. 20, 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 guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com.

The Clayton Tribune, Feb. 23, 2017

Robert Franklin “Frank” Buchanan, 69, of Holden Cove Lane, Rabun Gap, died Feb. 22, 2017, in Atlanta.

Born in Rabun County on May 20, 1947, he was the son of the late Claude T. Buchanan and Virginia Darnell Buchanan. He was a U.S. Army veteran and a carpenter and was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death, besides his parents, Claude and Virginia Buchanan, by a brother Walter Buchanan and a sister, Ethel Davis.

He is survived by one step-son, Gary Deetz of Franklin, North Carolina, one step-daughter, Niki Jiles of Mountain City, three brothers, Alvin Buchanan (Ollie) of Clayton, Rick Buchanan (Liz) of Clarkesville, and Neville Buchanan of Clayton, one sister, Mary Brown (Milton) of Rabun Gap, three special nephews, Waylon Buchanan of Clayton, Shane Brown of Rabun Gap, Levi Buchanan of Clayton, and four step-grandchildren.

Graveside services were Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at 11 a.m. at the Flats of Middle Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, with the Rev. Danny Cannon officiating.

The body was at Hunter Funeral Home, where family received friends Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, from 6-8 p.m. The family was at the home of his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Milton Brown on Holden Cove Lane, Rabun Gap.

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

The Clayton Tribune, March 2, 2017

Joel Lee Dawkins, 78, of Sky Valley, passed away Feb. 25, 2017, at his home. 

Joel was born in Porterdale, the son of the late Bennie Lee Dawkins and the late Frances McCart Dawkins.

After high school, he attended and graduated from The Woodrow Wilson School of Law, with a LLB degree. He served in the U.S. National Guard for many years. He had a long and illustrious career as the purchasing agent with Hercules Inc. in Oxford until his retirement in 1997. 

He and his loving wife of 60 years moved to Sky Valley, where he enjoyed his favorite hobby, golf, and was a founding member of The Sky Valley Country Club. Joel also gave back to the community by serving as past treasurer for the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund and the Sky Valley Property Owners Association. He was also involved in many other charities and organizations. He was a member of High Point Baptist in Covington.

Joel is survived by Helen Loyd Dawkins, his wife of 60 years; a son, Greg Dawkins (Dianne) of Marietta; a daughter, Jenny D. Allen (Roger) of Covington; five grandchildren: Nathan, Noah, and Nicholas Dawkins, Selina Hall (Terry), and Richard Kimbrell; three great-grandchildren: Adam Burch, Kody Rogers, Logan Hall; and sister Mollye Parish (Raymond) of Covington.

The family is planning to have a memorial service in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in memory of Joel be given to the Sid Weber Memorial Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 485, Rabun Gap, Georgia 30568.

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

The Clayton Tribune, March 2, 2017

Madeleine Irene Ferland, 82, of Clayton, died Thursday afternoon, Feb. 23, 2017, at her residence. She was the widow of Hank Dearborn.

Born in Hyde Park, Vermont, she was the daughter of the late Novat Ferland and Jeanne Audet Ferland. She was a retired college teacher. When she moved to Rabun County, she taught special classes in the Rabun County School System and was a member of the Universal Unitarian Fellowship in Franklin, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hank Dearborn.

She is survived by three step-sons, Scott, Steven and Stacey Dearborn, four brothers, Roger, Rene, Gerald and Bernard Ferland, six sisters, Pauline Knot, Alice Wright, Rose Mary Hayden, Denise Ferland, Frances Audet and Irene Larose, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. The family asks that memorial donations be made in her honor to Regency Hospice, P.O. Box 494, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546.  

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

The Clayton Tribune, March 2, 2017

John Edward Mitchell, 78, of Stekoa Falls Road, died Feb. 16, 2017, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville. He was the husband of Frances Holbrook Mitchell. 

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, on March 4, 1933, he was the son, of the late John T. Mitchell and Cona Burrell Mitchell. He was a truck driver for Atlanta Motor Lines and was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He was of the Baptist faith.

He was preceded in death besides his parents, by two sisters, Mary Walp and Lillian Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Holbrook Mitchell, of the home, by three sons, Ricky Mitchell of Dillard, David Cannon of Toccoa, and Eric McCracken of Mountain City, three daughters, April Deal of Lakemont, Mary Brundage of Duluth and Melody Lowdenback of Easley, South Carolina, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with Isaac Deal officiating.

The family received friends Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The family was at their respective residences.

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

The Clayton Tribune, March 2, 2017

Flogene Long Smith, 81, wife of Wallace P. Smith, died Monday, Feb. 27, 2017. 

Born in Clayton, she was the daughter of the late George Duncan and Martha Melinda Godfrey Long. 

Mrs. Long retired from the Greenville County School System and was a member of Five Forks Baptist Church. She loved to sew and loved animals of all kinds. 

Surviving are a daughter, Sharon Satterfield (Barry) of Fountain Inn; four grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Susie Daniel of Cornelia, and brother, James A. Long “Mickey” of Gainesville. 

She was preceded in death by sons, William P. Smith (Wendi) and Cary M. Smith; sister, Sally Forelines; and brother, Bill Long. 

Visitation was held Wednesday, March 1, 2017, from 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. at Thomas Mcafee Funeral Home, Downtown. The funeral service followed at 1:30 p.m. in the Downtown Chapel. Burial will be in Greenville Memorial Gardens. 

 Memorials may be made to Greenville High School, 1 Vardry Street, Greenville, South Carolina 29601 or Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, South Carolina 29680. 

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.thomasmcafee.com.  

The Clayton Tribune, March 2, 2017

Margaret Parker Sloan passed away peacefully in Marietta on Feb. 19, 2017, at the age of 86. 

She is survived by her children, George, Jeff and Virginia; grandchildren, Rebecca, Parker, Jessica, Julia, Joe and Tom; and great-grandchildren, Jack, Anneleigh, Olivia and Kate. 

She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph; granddaughter, Emily; and her husband of 65 years, Joseph. 

Born in 1931 to George and Virginia Parker, she lived in Gainesville until she moved with her family to Toccoa in her junior year of high school. After high school, she attended Brenau University, where she received an Associate Degree in Biology.

As a young wife and mother married to an FBI agent, she moved around a lot. But when Joseph’s career led him to General Motors and eventually back to Georgia, she and their growing family came home for good. She was an active member of St. James Church in Clayton, where she took great pleasure in her work as a member of the flower guild.

She is remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, beloved sister and favorite aunt; a hostess of joyful Thanksgiving dinners; a provider of comfort in times of sorrow; a woman of faith and a true Southern lady. 

Services will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, March 4, at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to itsthejourney.org, which funds breast cancer programs and research in Georgia. 

The Clayton Tribune, March 2, 2017

Neal Fountain went home to be with the Lord on March 4, 2017, at his home in Tiger, with his wife at his side.

He was born Aug. 9, 1949, in Clayton, to the late Cora Belle Stancil and Julius Fountain, the fourth son of five children. 

At the age of 6, he and his twin brothers were sent to Tamassee DNR School in South Carolina, because his mother and stepfather, the late Jess Bradley, could not afford to care for them. He returned home at the age of 8, and went to work at the York House when not in school. As he grew older, he worked many jobs to take care of himself and help his family, working at the stave mill, as well as many odd jobs. He had his own firewood business by age 16. 

In 1968, he went to Detroit to work in a Chrysler plant, and delivered carpet for a local company. He returned home again after a few years, and worked in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area before moving to Macon County, North Carolina. Neal worked in construction, building homes for several years, and working for a vinyl siding company before starting his own vinyl siding business. 

Neal also had a heart for coal mining families in West Virginia, and made several mission trips to help those in need. 

In addition to his parents and stepfather, he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Jim, Ronnie and Donnie Fountain; his sister, Elaine Bradley Jones, and his brother in life and in Christ, Russell Hunnicutt. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Neal is survived by his wife, Janis Tippett Fountain; stepson Lucas Hastings (Nicole Taylor); sons Tommy Shane (Shelley) Fountain and Rodney Steve (Amanda) Fountain; granddaughters Keela (Brian) Hensley; Ashley Fountain; Kenzie Fountain (Brandon Farmer);Kayleigh Fountain; Aaliyah Lafon; grandson Michael Fountain; three great-granddaughters, one great-grandson, and one on the way; “adopted” daughter, Gina Townsend; best friend and brother, Frank Rice; several nieces and nephews; many friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. He attended Battle Branch Baptist Church.

At his request, there will be no funeral service. An online memorial is posted at CSOG.com.

The Clayton Tribune, March 9, 2017

Barbara Jean Rogers Ritchie, 76, of Clayton, passed away on Friday, March 3, 2017, at her home. Her family surrounded her as she went to be with the Lord.

Barbara was born on Dec. 6, 1940. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Rogers and Nellie Melissa Rogers. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Rondol Rogers and Carmel Rogers, and by a special nephew Lance Dickerson.

Barbara is survived by her husband, Frank Ritchie of Clayton. She is also survived by her son, Dennis (Karen) Ritchie of Sugar Hill, and her daughter, Gayla (Horace) Gibson of Mountain City. She is survived by four grandchildren: Sterling Gibson, Tyler Gibson, Reagan Ritchie and Aksel Ritchie. She is survived by two brothers, Doyle (Gloria) Rogers and Harold Rogers, and one sister, Roslyn (Dale) Dickerson. She also is survived by numbers nephews, nieces and cousins. 

She was 1960 graduate of Rabun County High School. She also was a graduate of North Georgia Technical College. She was trained in business and cosmetology.

She and Frank provided a foster home in Rabun County for over 23 years.

She attended Battle Branch Baptist Church.

The family was at the home of her daughter, Gayla Gibson in Mountain City.

The family received friends at the Beck Funeral Home on Saturday, March 4, 2017, from 6-8 p.m.

A funeral service was in the chapel at Beck Funeral Home on Sunday, March 5, 2017, at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Madison McCrackin officiating.

A graveside committal service followed at the Rabun Memory Park, officiated by the Rev. Michael Rodgers.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Battle Branch Baptist Church in honor of Barbara Jean Ritchie. 

The Clayton Tribune, March 9, 2017