Mrs. Linda Beth Collins, age 81, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019. Linda was born in Storm Lake, Iowa on July 26, 1937 to the late Edwin and Hazel (Hyde) Crowley. Linda was a member of Locust Grove United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for children and adults.  She was a teacher by profession and spent most of her long career teaching third-graders at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia.

In 2012 the home she loved burned down and in 2013 she lost her dear husband, Joe Collins, after an extended illness.  They were married 56 years. She and Joe raised three daughters and helped raise their much-loved grandchildren and great-grands.

With amazing faith and resilience, Linda relocated to Brasstown Manor in Hiawassee, Georgia in June of 2013.  In spite of her own loss and grief, she soon endeared herself to the Brasstown family. She took the job of front desk receptionist on Sundays, where she became acquainted with and loved on many residents and their families. She took joy in reading aloud to a group of eager listeners in the afternoon, just like she did with her third-graders years ago.

Linda was a lifelong learner.  She was an attentive student at a Bible Study held at the Manor every week.  She studied with zeal anything that interested her on any given day. Her favorite pastimes included painting flowers, crocheting afghans, reading mystery novels and watching old movies.

A wonderful writer and a keen observer, she posted on Facebook occasional essays she called “Manor Musings” where she gave expression to the stories of the people who lived at Brasstown and other thoughtful topics.  Her delightful sense of humour usually made an appearance in these popular posts.

Linda leaves behind three daughters, Laura (Wayne) Fowler, Lisa (John) Babb, and Leslie Lively; sister Kay Osen; grandchildren Donovan Babb, Brandi Crosby, Chris Lively, Daniel Fowler, Ashley Woody, Kayla Cochran, and Joseph Fowler; great-grandchildren Alexandria Woody, Alyssa Woody, A’mya Woody, Hadley Lively, Lucy Crosby, Adalynn Lively, Josiah Cochran, Max Babb, and the very newest, Arianna Woody, born July 9; niece Debbie Lintner and nephew Chris Osen.

Memorial services will be held at Banister Funeral Home August 3, 2019 at 2pm with Rob Chassner officiating. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, GA is in charge of the arrangements.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, if you wish, make a donation to any cause related to children and learning, such as the memorial fund set up in her name at Locust Grove United Methodist Church.  Checks should be made out to Locust Grove UMC with “In Memory of Linda Collins” in the memo line. Mail to 211 Peeksville Road, Locust Grove, GA, 30248.

Billy Joe Williams

January 19, 1945 – June 12, 2019

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the death of Mr. Billy Joe Williams, age 74 of Hiawassee who passed away on Wednesday evening, June 12, 2019 at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home.

Mr. Williams was born in 1945 in Fort Payne, Alabama, and was the son of Lucille George and Ward Law Williams.

Loving family members include son and daughter-in-law, Jamison and Melissa Williams; son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Julie Williams; sister, Shannon Rains; and five granddaughters: Casey Vanesa, Destiny, Emily and Skyler Williams.

A simple, private gathering is planned, as per Mr. William’s wishes.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Herman Purvis

September 4, 1934 – June 5, 2019

Herman Purvis, age 84 of Hiawassee, passed away peacefully June 5, 2019 at his home in Enchanted Valley Park following a courageous battle with cancer. Mr Purvis was born September 4, 1934 in Winterhaven, FL. Herman retired from the Federal State Inspection Service. He was a renown “jokester” who entertained his many friends and family with hilarious stories he had committed to memory! Mr. Purvis was an avid square dancer, RV camper, and Goldwing Motorcycle rider. He, his wife Sue, and other group members traveled extensively throughout the United States. He was an active member of the Allegheny Masonic Lodge #114 Blairsville, GA.also the Unicoi Lodge #259 of Hiawassee, GA. He was also a member of the Hasaan Shriners Temple of Albany, GA.

Mr. Purvis was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Harley Leone Purvis; and daughter, Bobbie.

Those left to carry on his legacy are his devoted wife, Sue (Bryan) Purvis; daughters, Vicky Mulford; Dr. Carla Bryan and husband Dan Renaue: and Melody Bryan; grandchildren, Bryanna Vinent (Robbie) Metz; Colden Vinent (Ashley Brooks Marshall); along with great grandson of 7 weeks, Colden Claus Vinent Jr.; sister, Margie Griffin.; Mr. Purvis was loved by many, many people and was lovingly cherished by his family!!!

Visitation will be held on Thursday June 6, 2019 from 6-9 pm at Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee, GA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday June 7, 2019 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Jarrard officiating and Masonic Rites presented by Allegheny Lodge # 114. Also speaking and giving the Eulogy will be daughter, Dr. Carla Bryan. The family wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to the outpouring of love and support during these difficult days. A special note of gratitude to Dr. Church for his kindness and compassion, and to Danny & Karen Golus and Roger Beaver our “adopted family”

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to serve the family of Mr. Herman Purvis!

You may sign the guest register and send flowers at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Albert Francis Biladeau

APRIL 29, 1937 ~ JUNE 16, 2019

Mr. Albert Francis Biladeau, age 82 of Young Harris, Georgia passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019. Albert was born April 29, 1937 in Exeter, New Hampshire to the late Albert Francis Sr. and Lena (LaChappel) Biladeau. As a young man, he served his country as a United States Marine. Albert is a member of St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida and while in Towns County he attended St. Frances of Assisi. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. After serving his country he began his career at General Telephones and Electronics Corporation where he worked for thirty years before retiring in 1988. Retirement however did not slow him down; he started his own “Handy Man” business doing home repairs for many years. He was a dedicated, hard worker, who loved his wife and family wholeheartedly. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren; often taking them camping, or teaching a grandchild how to drive a tractor around his yard. His family was important to him and he made many fond memories that will never be forgotten. He had a keen sense of humor and a servants heart. Mr. Biladeau is proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Lena Biladeau and two sisters Marian Biladeau and Janet Stagman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Mrs.Betty (Davis) Biladeau; daughters and son-in-law Pamela Humbert, Patricia and Chuck Caughell; sons and daughters-in-law Albert F III and Carol Biladeau, Allen Shawn and Melissa Biladeau; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and one on the way.

Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Bruce Cecil Garrett

JUNE 7, 1941 ~ JUNE 15, 2019

Mr. Bruce Cecil Garrett, age 78, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center after battling cancer for the 4th time. Bruce was born in Hiawassee, Georgia on June 7, 1941 to the late Rev. Cecil Garrett and Veta Hunter Garrett. Bruce was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Hayesville, North Carolina. He was a fuel technician for private airlines for 30 years. During his career he had the pleasure of meeting many Presidents, famous musicians and actors, including President George H. W. Bush and Elvis Presley just to name a few. His career gave him many stories to share with his family and friends. Bruce loved to fish, watch the Georgia Bulldogs and Hayesville Yellow Jackets, while spending time with family. He also enjoyed bush-hogging, mowing grass and drinking coffee; he really enjoyed his coffee. However, as much as he loved his coffee, he loved his family much more. He was a devoted husband for 55 years, a caring father to his children, and a doting “Poppy” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known to take his granddaughters to dance and basketball practice. He immensely enjoyed attending his granddaughters’ and great grand daughters’ dance recitals. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Rev. Cecil and Veta Garrett and brother Raymond Garrett. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Lou “Sue” Burch Garrett; son, Bryne L. Garrett; daughter and son-in-law Lesia and Frank Johnson; sisters and brother’s-in-law Gail and Ricky West, Diane and Doug Mills; grandchildren Taylor Meier, Jordan and husband Brandon Brooks, Madison Johnson; and great grandchildren Aubrey Meier and Malin Brooks.

Visitation: Monday June 17, 2019 Noon-2:00P at Banister Funeral Home

Service: Monday June 17, 2019 at 2:00P in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Shook and Rev. Crawford Greeson officiating

Music provided by: The Speed Hunter Family.

Pallbearers: Austin Fogle, Brant Benoit, Larry Dobbs, Logan Cowart, Zach White and Brandon Brooks.

Banister Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Bruce Garrett.

Barbara Elizabeth Hatcher Hunter

AUGUST 19, 1929 ~ JUNE 9, 2019

Barbara Elizabeth Hatcher Hunter, age 89, passed away on Sunday, June 9th, 2019 in Pensacola Florida. Barbara was born in Gough (Burke County) Ga on August 19, 1929 to parents Roger Lawson Hatcher, Sr (Sheik as he was known) and Jewel Davis Hatcher. After marrying, she relocated to the Atlanta area and lived there for 28 years. Life changes brought her to Hiawassee. She lived in Hiawassee for over 40 years along with her dear friend and business partner Thelma Moody Noblet, who preceded her in death in January of 2018.

Simple words alone cannot express the joy and happiness that Barbara, also known as Mia-Maw, Aunt Barbara or just Mom meant to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Growing up in Waynesboro, GA. , she attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC while playing Women’s Collegiate Basketball and attained her Associates Degree. Not believing in being idle, she had numerous accomplishments with both work and recreation, President of the PTA, spearheading both girl and boys little league, operating a marina and actively working up until January 2019.

After living independently until early February, Barbara had to move from the mountains to Florida with family for assistance and care. Her two favorite places were the beaches and the mountains.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Roger Lawson Hatcher, Jr of Fayette County, GA; her daughter; Jane Hunter Spain (David) of Newnan, GA and her son Bill Hunter (Stephanie) of Pensacola, FL. She is also survived by two Grandsons’ she cherished; Elliot Hunter (Alicia) and Logan Hunter, both of Pensacola. Barbara is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Barbara was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church of Hiawassee.

Visitation: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 12:00-2:00 at Banister Funeral Home.

Memorial Service: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home. with Rev. Bradley Thomas officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Alzheimer’s Society or Autism Society of Pensacola.

Joann Toncos

April 30, 1950 – May 2, 2019

Joann Toncos, age 69 of Hiawassee, Ga. passed away Thursday May 2, 2019 at her home with family by her side. Mrs.Toncos was born April 30, 1950 in Queens, New York to James and Velma (Madden) Meddowcroft. She moved with her family to Hollywood, Florida in 1967. She worked in a trauma center for 14 years and another in West Palm Beach for 16 years where she was a secretary in the Emergency Room. Joann and her husband, Jim moved to the mountains in 2007 where they were enjoying retirement from their mountain top home overlooking Lake Chatuge. Mrs. Toncos was a kidney/pancreas transplant recipient and prospered for 22 years until succumbing to cancer on May 2, 2019. Joann loved life, her family, many friends, and her beloved animals.

Those left to share in her legacy include: husband of 39 years, John James “Jim” Toncos; sister, Barbara Meddowcroft; brother, Michael Meddowcroft; and many nieces and nephews locally and in Florida. She also has an aunt and several cousins in New York.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service planned for June 23, 2019 for family and friends.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Betty Pedigo

SEPTEMBER 24, 1931 ~ NOVEMBER 8, 2018 (AGE 87)

Mrs. Betty Lou (Norton) Pedigo, age 87, of Hiawassee, passed away Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home. Betty was born on September 24, 1931 to the late Mr. Jack and Sallie (Davis) Norton in Clay Hole, Kentucky. Mrs. Pedigo was a member of McConnell Memorial Baptist Church and  a member of the Esther Sunday School Class for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, was an avid bowler, and loved the University of Kentucky Wildcats. She was a devoted wife who traveled around the United States with her husband for his work. She was a homemaker, mother, grandmother and friend to many.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Carol Pedigo of Hughes, Arkansas; daughter and son-in-law Sally Lynn and Mike McLeod of South Carolina; sister and brother-in-law Sue and Hamp Barnett of Tennessee; grandchildren Jason Randall Pedigo, Angela McLeod Odom, William Julius Coons Jr, Julianne Elizabeth Coons Sapp; great grandchildren Colton Pedigo, Austin Pedigo, Raelynn Sapp, Elliott Odom, Georgia Pedigo and Rhett Sapp. She is preceded in death by her husband Barney Rice Pedigo, grandson Michael Shane Pedigo, brothers Jack Norton Jr., and Chelsea Norton; and sister Margaret Alice Norton.

Graveside services: Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Osborn Cemetery in Hiawassee, Georgia. Banister Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Shirley Sellers

November 4, 1954 – November 12, 2018

Nancy Shirley Sellers at the age of 64, won her battle with cancer as she went to be with her Heavenly Father on the morning of November 12, 2018. She was a lifelong resident of Hayesville, NC. Shirley was the daughter of the late Kenneth and Louise Hoffman Ledford. She was preceded in death by sister, Fleta Norton, and brother, David Ledford.
She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Stephen “Doc” Sellers of Hayesville, NC; Daughter, Heidi Aaron (Richie) of Braselton, Ga; Son, Dylan Sellers of Charleston, SC; two beautiful granddaughters Kemerson and Emmalyn Aaron. Sisters: Peggy Sedberry (Danny) of Mt. Gilead, NC; Patsy Gribble (Mike) of Hayesville, NC; Pam Martin (Ken) of Hayesville, NC. Brother-in-law, Charlie Norton of Loganville, Ga and sister-in-law, Sharon Ledford and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
She was a beloved Mother, Granna, wife, sister, aunt, and friend. She was a selfless lady who loved her husband, children, and granddaughters, Kemerson and Emmalyn, with all her heart. Shirley’s talents were displayed by her singing, floral arrangements and cooking which she enjoyed. Everyone else enjoyed her cooking too, especially her dressing.
Shirley was a faithful member of Mission Hill Baptist Church of Hayesville, NC for over 30 years. She dedicated her life to the children at the church as the teacher but also an example of a true Christian. Every year she directed the Christmas and Easter programs and unselfishly gave many hours of her time. Shirley’s love and her faith for the Lord was evident in every part of her life even up until the end when she peacefully passed and saw the wonderful things that she had taught all the children about at church.
Shirley was one of a kind and will truly be missed, but she left behind a legacy of love and true unwavering faith.

Funeral service will be held on Friday November 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee with Rev. Mark Stewart officiating and Mike Gribble to give the eulogy. Pallbearers will be Chuck Norton, Dan Norton, Scott Ledford, Jason Gribble, Michael Anderson, Justin McClure. Honorary pallbearers will be Zac Anderson and Caz Anderson.

The family will receive friends and acquaintances from 12:00 pm until the service hour at the Funeral Home.

Interment will be in Oak Forest Cemetery 990 Oak Forest Road Hayesville N.C. 28904

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to handle the arrangements for the Sellers family.