Mary Magdalene Ledford, age 73, of Hayesville, went to her Heavenly Home Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Mrs. Ledford was born September 2, 1946, in the Shooting Creek section of Clay County, NC, to the late Burley Maney and the late Alcie Watkins Maney. She was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church and enjoyed shopping, decorating her home, and watching soap operas. She loved talking to her sisters each day, being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but the most precious thing was spending time with her daughter. Mrs. Ledford loved all her nieces and nephews, and all of her extended family at the Clay County Care Center. Magdalene was preceded in death by her father, Burley Maney, mother, Alcie Watkins Maney, husband, John A. Ledford, brothers, O.J. Maney, Lawrence “Junior” Maney, and James Robert Maney.

Survivors include her daughter, Melissa (Mike) Card, step-daughter, Mary Ann Fields, sisters, Pauline Ledford, and Luejean Ledford, grandson, Kaylor (Garilynn) Card, granddaughter, Ashlyn (Chris) Langer, step-granddaughter, Kiesha Fields, great-grandchildren, Jayden, Kayden, Brantley, Kolton, Sadie, Lacie, and Jemma.

Services Thursday, December 19, 2019, 6 PM at Bethabara Baptist Church with Rev. Eugene Freeman officiating. Music will be by Marilyn Freeman, Randolph Jones, Scott Cody, Marty, Sherry and Mariah Ledford.

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

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Junior Franklin Brown, age 80, of Blairsville, who passed away on Saturday, December 7th, 2019.

Mr. Brown was born in Blairsville, and lived there for most of his life. He was a son of the late Harmon Brown and the late Gladys Nelson Brown. Junior served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Cold War. A member of Choestoe Baptist Church, Junior loved the Lord and loved his family. He was a hard-working man, and believed in working to support your family. He was a kind, good man, who thrived being outdoors-fishing, hunting, and enjoying what God has provided us with in His beautiful world. He will be remembered as a giver, not a taker – working with his own hands using the gifts that God gave him – a man of fairness, loyalty, and commitment.

Junior will be missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind his loving family members: wife of 55 1/2 years, Jerri Coker Brown; son and daughter-in-law, Franklin Junior and Tina Brown, son Alan R. Brown; Teresa Colwell; brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Lucille Brown; brother and sister-in-law, Carroll and Martha Brown; and sister, Willene Brown Wade; five grandchildren: Ethan Brown and wife Brooke, Eli Brown, Emma Brown, Roger J. Brown, Nate G. Brown and wife Barbie Ann; and one great granddaughter, Raelynn Brown. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 9th, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, December 10th, at 1:00 p.m., to be held at Choestoe Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Zollinger officiating. The body will lie instate at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. before the service. The family is requesting the following persons serve as pallbearers: Ethan Brown, Eli Brown, Emma Brown, Roger J. Brown, Nate G. Brown, and Wade Rogers. Burial will be in Choestoe Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers are being accepted; however, if you wish, you may decide to make donations in memory of Junior to His Lambs Our Lambs, or Women’s Enrichment Center.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Junior Brown, of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and sign the guest registry online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Arlene Pack, age 88, of McCaysville, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019, in Blue Ridge. Mrs. Pack was born April 16, 1931, in Mc Caysville, GA, to the late Mark Taylor and the late Iowa Taylor. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. Mrs. Pack was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Pack, son, Steven Pack, brothers, Hoyt Taylor, Paul Taylor, Edwin Tayor, Ralph Taylor, and sister, Maudene Taylor. Arlene was a lifelong resident of the area and enjoyed sewing, gardening, hunting, fishing, and ball games.

Survivors include her sons, Terry (Kathy) Pack, Stanley (Sue) Pack, Todd (Lisa) Pack, and Stacy (Kim) Pack, sister, Lorene Queen, 12 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services: Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Mitchell Taylor and Rev. Harold Willis officiating. Music provided by Ryan & Holly Norton. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers: Brian Jones, Steve Hedden, Terry Hedden, Kevin Thomas, B.J. Taylor, and Bruce Pack.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville Monday, December 9, 2019, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

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

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Sandra Louise McSpadden, age 81 who passed away on December 11, 2019 at Heritage Hospice in Marietta, Georgia.

An interment is being planned at Georgia National Cemetery and will be announced as soon as information becomes available.

*Full obituary pending*

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory.

G. Wayne Croy, age 73 of Blue Ridge, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at home. Mr. Croy was born August 4, 1946, in Moultrie, GA to the late Otis Darnell Croy and the late Sally Carrington Croy.

Survivors include: spouse, Irwin McQueary; sister, Joanne (John) Perkins; nephews, Mark Perkins, David Perkins, and Matt Perkins.

No services are planned at this time.

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

Mary Susie Patterson Green, age 82, of Blue Ridge, GA, went home to be with the Lord early Wednesday morning, November 13, 2019. She was born in Cherry Log, GA, on May 29, 1937, to the late Virgil & Fannie Cornwell Patterson. Mary Sue was a devoted member of Welcome Hill #2 Baptist Church and attended every time she could be there. She enjoyed a simple life, filled with love, family, friendship, and laughter, but more than these, she enjoyed a life filled with Christ. She goes on to be with her parents, as well as, her husband, James “Hoyt” Green; Brothers, Havern Patterson and Avery Patterson; Sisters, Hazel Thomas Cordell, Mazie Payne, Martha Nell Jones, Lassie Allen, Ruth Dotson, Louise Green Allen, and Ruby McClure. She will be remembered by all who knew her but especially missed by a host of nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and many friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 2:00 pm, from the Welcome Hill #2 Baptist Church with Pastor Brent Carter officiating and Tammy Kaylor providing special music. A graveside service will follow in the church cemetery, officiated by Minister Jeff Fair. The family will receive friends, at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Of Blue Ridge, on Friday, November 15, 2019, from 2:00 pm until 9:00 pm.
Henry-Cochran Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Austin Lee Gilleland, age 24, of Blairsville, who passed away on Friday, November 15th, 2019.

Austin was born in Athens, Georgia, a son of Dwayne Gilleland and Amee Fowler Gilleland. He had lived in Blairsville for the past year and a half, and attended First Baptist Church of Blairsville, moving here from Athens, Georgia.

Besides his parents, Austin is survived by his wife, Samantha, of Blairsville; daughter, Emma Grace; brother, Avery Keith Gilleland; and grandparents Ben and NiEata Telenko and Dennis and Linda Fowler. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services are incomplete at this time and will be announced when available.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Franklin Leroy “Red” Galloway, age 81, passed away Monday, October 28, 2019 after a period of declining health. Leroy was born on September 13, 1938 to the late Mr. and Mrs. Wayne and Josephine (Kimsey) Galloway in Towns County, Georgia. He was a member of  McConnell Memorial Baptist Church. Leroy was a builder by trade, mastering his craft handed down from his father and grandfather.  He was meticulous about his work and people knew and respected that. He was consistent in demeanor – “Same ole’ Leroy everytime”. Leroy was an avid coon hunter and trout fisherman. He loved gardening and always grew enough tomatoes to feed the neighborhood.  Leroy was well known around town and a friend to all.  He loved his family, was an amazing father and grandfather, as well as a devoted husband to the late Mrs. Norma Jean.
Leroy is preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Josephine Galloway, wife Norma Jean (Hughes) Galloway, and his brother Meredith “Harvey” Galloway. He leaves behind daughters Penny (Don) Lloyd and Janine Gilfilian; son Chris (Cenlya) Galloway; grandchildren Brittany Lloyd Harrison, Brandon Lloyd, Corbin Gilfilian, Carly Gilfilian, Cara Miner and Casey Galloway; four great-grandchildren; sister Karen Burdine and many loving extended family and friends.
Visitation: Tuesday, October 29, 2019 6:00-8:00P at Banister Funeral Home
Service: Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 1:00PM in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Byers officiating.
Interment to follow in the Old Union Cemetery.
The following gentlemen proudly serving as pallbearers: Don Lloyd, Brandon Lloyd, Casey Galloway, Corbin Gilfilian, Stan Gilfilian and Michael Denton.
In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association by visiting their website https://www.alz.org/nca/donate or mailing to Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter
8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400
McLean, VA 22102
Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. Leroy Galloway.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for Marlon Gerald Gibson, age 40, of Blairsville who passed away on Friday October 18, 2019.

“Waldo” (Marlon) loved his children and had a heart for animals. He spent a lot of his time with both. Known to be a hard worker and loyal man, Waldo was a friend to all he crossed paths with. He enjoyed the solitude of music- listening loud and often! Waldo connected song lyrics to the phases of his life. He would interpret each and every word with the emotions that he felt.

He loved California and spoke for many years of making a life out there “one day”. He finally made that happen.

Marlon leaves behind two children, Anastyne Faith and Corbin Macrae; his mother, Cordie Ann Gibson; sister, Alicia Gibson Ralston; and brother, Randy Allen. Many extended family members and friends also survive. Marlon was preceded in death by his father, J.L. Gibson; and grandparents, Elmer & Gladys Pickelsimer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. The family will gather with friends from 10 a.m. until the service begins.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Cochran Funeral Home, P.O. Box 338, Blairsville, GA 30514 to help defray funeral expenses.

Mr. Bob Palmer, age 91 of Jasper, passed away Tuesday October 15, 2019 at his residence.

Mr. Palmer is survived by his Son & Daughter-in-Law: Scott & Heidi Palmer of Dallas, Step-Son & Daughter-in-Law: Doug & Robyn Platt of Jasper; Daughters: Maureen McDowell of Douglasville and Barbara Barber of Marietta; ten Grandchildren; several Great-Grandchildren and several Great-Great-Grandchildren.

Visitation is Wednesday October 16, from 4:30 PM until 8:00 PM and Thursday October 17, from 8:00 AM until the funeral hour.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday October 17, 2019 at the Chapel of Cagle Funeral Home, with Pastor Martin Barlow officiating.

Interment will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens following the funeral service.

Cagle Funeral Home is honored to serve the Palmer family.

Lila Lee Lankford Taylor, age 99, of McCaysville, passed away Thursday, November 14, 2019, at Life Care Center of Copper Basin. Mrs. Taylor was born April 26, 1920, in McMinn County, TN, to the late Jess D. Lankford and the late Mary Ann Setzer Lankford. She was a member of Copperhill First United Methodist Church and was a Cosmetologist for over 55 years. While still in high school, Lila would go to a local beauty shop to work in the evenings. She opened Lila’s Beauty Shop in 1960. She was also an avid Georgia Bulldog fan. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Taylor, and a great-grandson, Taylor Thuma.

Survivors include: daughter, Lynne (Phil) Hurst, son, Steve (Karen) Taylor, grandchildren, Terri Burger, Dana Thuma, Jeffrey Taylor, Jill Lambert, great-grandchildren, Joel Burger, Jordan Burger, Nolan Thuma, Cash Lambert, Aniston Lambert, Grayson Taylor, Evie Taylor, great-great-grandchildren, LilaKate Burger, Baby Max Burger, special caregiver Anita Greene, nieces and nephew also survive.

Funeral services: Sunday, November 17, 2019, 3:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Tom Reed and Pastor Larry Russell officiating. Music provided by Jeri Sue Massengale and William Wright. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jeffrey Taylor, Joel Burger, Jordan Burger, Joshua Lambert, Nolan Thuma, Marty Burger, and Tim Thuma.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home, Sunday, November 17, 2019, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
Flowers are accepted, but donations may be made to your favorite pet rescue.

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA, you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.