Obituary for Riva Shoshana Callum

Obituary for Louise Simonds Brown

Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy announces funeral services for Mrs. Linda Sue Jones, age 67, of Murphy, who passed away on Monday, September 30th, 2019 in Union General Hospital in Blairsville.

Mrs. Jones was born in Cherokee County, North Carolina, and was a daughter of the late Willard Luther Roberson, Sr. and the late Eula Mashburn Roberson. She was a lifelong resident of the area and was a member of River Valley Baptist Church. Mrs. Jones was a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, and aunt. She openly loved others, and would do anything for anybody. She was so happy when she was listening to gospel music on WKRK and worshiping her Savior! Besides her parents, she had been preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Ray Roberson.

Family members left behind to treasure her memory are her loving husband, Harvey Jones; son, David Jones; daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Bruce Jones; a brother, Willard Luther Roberson Jr. and his wife, Barbara; brother Marvin Roberson and his wife Teresa; and sister, Martha Nell Byers; several nieces and nephews and many friends also survive.

Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Wednesday, October 2nd, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, October 3rd, 2019, to be held at 2:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home in Murphy, with Rev. Harold Stiles officiating. Special music will be presented by Calvin Mashburn. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Donnie Roberson, Ronnie Roberson, Travis Roberson, Stacy Roberson, Casey Roberson, and Lee Brown. Selected to serve as honorary escort to the family are Calvin Mashburn and Bruce Jones. Burial will be in Mashburn Family Cemetery on Nottley River Road in Culberson, North Carolina.

Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Linda Sue Jones, of Murphy. Please send your condolences and sign the online guest registry online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Balinda Gale Hymen, age 46, of Blue Ridge, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Piedmont Hospital. Ms. Hymen was born on January 31, 1973, in Pahokee, FL, to Gale Stinnett Hymen. Balinda graduated from Moorehaven High School in Florida. She was active in the FFA program and loved all animals, especially cows. Coming from Moorehaven, Florida, Ms. Hymen made Fannin County her home for the past 31 years. She was a member of Liberty Hill Methodist Church.

Survivors include her father, Carl Eugene Hymen, mother, Gale Hymen, and spare mother, Anne Hymen.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

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.

Richard Harold Kephart, age 78, of Murphy, went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2019 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville after a long battle with cancer. He was the son of Frank Lee Kephart and Josephine Dockery Kephart, who preceded him in death in 2005. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Janice Kephart Payne, Sheila Kephart Phillips, and brother, Merle R. Kephart.

He was a native of Cherokee County and graduated from White Church Elementary School and Murphy High School. He later graduated from Georgia State University, earning a BBA Degree. He married Margie Garrett of Unaka, in 1966 and resided in Decatur, GA, for seven years and then in Covington, Ga, for thirty-three years. Harold became a Christian in 1953, at the age of twelve. He was of the Baptist faith and an active member of several Baptist churches in Georgia and North Carolina. Harold enjoyed serving the Lord and was active as a pianist, deacon, bus driver, and camp counselor at Canaan Baptist Church for twenty-eight years, and Newton Baptist Church for five years, both in Covington, GA. He also served as pianist and deacon in Unaka Baptist Church. He strived to live up to his favorite Bible verses, Romans 12:1-2,
‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’

His business career concentrated on serving banking and credit union communities. He worked at Citizens Bank and Trust from 1959-1961. After serving his military commitment, he worked for the National Bank of Georgia in Atlanta for eleven years as head of information systems. Next, he worked for First Financial Management Corporation of Atlanta/ FiServ for seventeen years providing various computer services to commercial banks. He then worked with FiTECH Systems in Atlanta for five years providing online computer services to credit unions. He then retired from Atlanta and worked five years teaching part-time at Dekalb Technical College as an adjunct professor. Harold was a veteran of the US Air Force serving from1961-1964. He served in Texas, the Philippines, and in England as a Radio Intercept Analyst. He and his wife returned to Cherokee County in 2007, where they happily resided in Murphy, NC. His interests for years have been playing the piano, photography, gardening, and non-fiction history.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margie Garrett Kephart, his son, Thomas R. Kephart and wife, Amy of Oxford, GA, his daughter, Cynthia Fox and husband, Greg of Greenville, SC, five grandchildren who he dearly loved, Garrett and Weston Kephart, Daniel, Anna, and Jonathan Fox, and sisters, Alice McCanless of Oxford, GA, Karen Twiss and Sharon Kephart of Murphy.

Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the Cochran Funeral home in Murphy, NC. the Funeral will follow at 2:00 in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Rondal Brown, Rev. Daniel Hall, and Glenn Crowe officiating. Music will be by his grandchildren. Interment will follow in Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors by local veteran organizations.
In place of flowers, you may send donations to Unaka Baptist Church Building Fund.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy is in charge of arrangements, and you may send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

The Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville announces the death of Mr. Wade Cowart age 95 of Collegedale, TN who passed away Saturday, October 5, 2019. Wade was born December 25, 1925, in Epworth, GA to the late Tatum Cowart and Myrtle Barnes Cowart. Wade was a member of Epworth First Baptist Church. He was also a member of 423 McCay Lodge. Mr. Cowart worked as a stonemason for Atlanta and Copperhill Mining Company and retired in 1986. Wade served in the U.S. Army in World War Two. Mr. Cowart was preceded in death by his wife, Lula Jordan Cowart.

Survivors include Fred Nicholson, Bob Nicholson, Abeliah Bishop, Tommy Harper, Jim Harper, Charles Cowart, Lyn Cowart, Sandra Cushen, Bill Cushen, and Denise Lane.

Graveside services will be held Thursday, October 10, 2019, at 2:00 pm from the Epworth First Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Tom Harper officiating.

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.

Mrs. Juanita Boyd Bennett, age 90, passed away Friday, October 4, 2019, at her home. She was born April 16, 1929, to the late Hubert W. Boyd and Montene Thompson Boyd. Juanita was a member of Morganton Baptist Church and loved her Savior, Jesus Christ. She worked on consolidating church records, teaching classes, and serving on the cemetery committee. Mrs. Bennett graduated from Commercial High School and attended Georgia State University. She worked for Orr Refrigeration for three years and then went on to work for the U.S. District Court, Bankruptcy Division, in Atlanta, for seven years. While her husband was in the Army, Juanita managed the family businesses. Later, she was the Associate Broker and Office Manager at Mountain Town Realty. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Elizabeth Haizlip.

Survivors include her husband, of 71 years, Weymon L. (Sam) Bennett, Sr., son, Weymon L. “Lee” (Debra) Bennett Jr., grandson, Weymon L. (Candice) Bennett, III, granddaughters, Belinda and Cassie Bennett.

Funeral service is scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2019, at 3:00 PM, from the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Eric Kincade officiating. Interment will follow in the Morganton Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Waymon Bennett, III, Robert Craig, Rob Churchill, Chris Churchill, Ronnie Bennett, Robert Peardon, Jessie Rodgers, Danny Kirby, and Eric Whitener.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday evening, October 5, 2019, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, 505 Waterworks Road, Palmetto, GA 30268.

Mrs. Ethel Bramlett Seabolt, age 91 of Blue Ridge, passed away Sunday, September 29, 2019, at Life Care Center of Copper Basin. Mrs. Seabolt was born May 14, 1928, in Margaret, Ga. to the late Bruce Bramlett and the late Velma Hunt Bramlett. She was a member of Salem # 1 Baptist Church and had served as Treasurer there for several years. She enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, and was an avid Atlanta Braves and NASCAR fan. She was preceded in death by husband, Silvey Emmett Seabolt, daughter-in-law, Mary Seabolt, brothers, Eston Bramlett, and Hubert Bramlett, son, Michael Seabolt.

Survivors include: sons, Jerry (Sandie) Seabolt, and Robin Seabolt, daughter, Karen (Richard) Rice, daughter-in-law, Pat Seabolt, sister, Evelyn Bramlett Panter, grandchildren, Adam Seabolt, Jessica Heaton, Matthew Seabolt, Jody Seabolt, Jennifer Pope, Alex Hierlmeier, Thomas Rice, and James Rice, great-grandchildren, Candace Seabolt, Easton Seabolt, Owen Seabolt, Dawson Heaton, Blake Heaton, Ava Rice, Madison Stanley, Jaelyn Pope, Ayla Seabolt,Jessie Dorman, Jacob Seabolt and
Joy Seabolt.

Funeral services: Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 11:00 am at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with the Rev. Don Padget and Rev. Tim Garrett officiating. Music provided by Ruth Bramlett. Interment will follow in Salem #1 Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Adam Seabolt, Matthew Seabolt, Thomas Rice, James Rice, Jody Seabolt, Jonathan Heaton, Chis Pope, Chris Hierlmeier.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Monday, September 30, 2019, 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
The family request that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Salem #1 Baptist Church Cemetery Fund 353 Village Park Dr. Ellijay, Georgia 30540.
Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home,
you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Obituary for Anna Ruth Roper

Steven H. Senart passed away November 3th at home with his wife Teri by his side. He is survived by two children Joy Nicholson (Sean) and Glorya Blair Senart. Three grandchildren Sean Jr., Eva and Isabella Nicholson.  Two step children Bobby and Meridith Stokes.
Steven was a chiropractor at Natural Treatments for Brain and Body with his wife Teri Stokes. His passion was helping people and he also enjoyed growing healthy food. A gathering and celebration of Steven’s life will be held November 15th at 3:00 at 64 Bracketts #4, Blairsville. The family request no flowers. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee is in charge of arrangements.

Obituary for Nathanel Wallace

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Ronnie Paul Kelley, age 73, of Blairsville, Georgia who passed away Monday, September 30th, 2019 in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.

Mr. Kelley was born in Blairsville, a son of the late Paul Kelley and Blanche Margaret Walsh Kelley. He was of the Baptist faith. He Served as a Fire Technician with the U.S. Forestry Service for over 34 years. Quiet by nature, to say that He loved fishing would be an understatement! He fished for all types- all the time. Ronnie felt in his element with a line in the water luring in that next massive striper.

His family meant the world to him, especially the grandchildren. He was faithful to attend their sporting events, share his hobbies with them, and teach them life lessons about the value of hard work. Ronnie enjoyed solving problems and there wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. A bit stubborn, he wouldn’t stop until he found the answer he was looking for. Ronnie was certainly proud, independent, and dedicated. He liked watching the Braves and Falcons play.

Family left to treasure his memory include: his devoted wife of 54 years, Judy Owenby Kelley; son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Peggy Kelley; daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Jeff McCarter; sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Terry Queen; brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Barbara Kelley. Also, sharing in his legacy are five grandchildren: Brady McCarter, Bryce McCarter, Kait McCarter, Whitney Warren (Michael), Matthew Kelley; and 2 great grandchildren, Bristol Warren and Cooper Warren.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 3rd, 2019, at 10:00 a.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Helton and Rev. Jerry Young officiating. Interment will be in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

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

Cecil C. Sanders “JR” age 88 of Hiawassee, Georgia, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on September 22, 2019, following an extended illness.

JR is survived by his loving and faithful wife of 63 years, Estelle, three children and spouses; Marty (Jane), Mitchell (Debra), Melanie Messer (Jim); five grandchildren, Katie Sanders Cannon (Steven), Cecil Sanders (Anne), Jonathan Messer (Brittany), Adam Sanders (Stephanie), and Ethan Sanders;  five great-grandchildren, Cruz, Colt, Lilly, Charlie and Scarlet; two sisters, Pam Ayers and Sherline Rogers (Joe), sister-in-laws Golda and Connie, brother-in-law Vaughn and many nephews and nieces.

JR is predeceased by his parents Cecil and Ada (Stroud) Sanders; brothers Sherlock, Fraser, Elliot, Dale, Jerry and sisters Laverse Sanders and Norene Sanders (Barrett) .

Family will receive friends Tuesday, September 24, 2019, at Macedonia Baptist Church from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM and Wednesday from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday September 25, 2019, at Macedonia Baptist Church at 2:00 PM. Internment will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery with military honors.

Special music will be provided by Josie Bradley, Rodney Underwood, Bobby Taylor and Billy Nicholson with Rev. Wade Lott, Rev. Glen Eller and Rev. Anthony Dye officiating. Special guest speakers are Bud Berrong, Bill Hyatt, John Gallogly and Scott Drummond.

The following family members will serve as pallbearers: Marty Sanders, Mitchell Sanders, Cecil Sanders, Jonathan Messer, Adam Sanders and Ethan Sanders. Honorary pallbearers: Jim Messer, Jonathan Coppins, John Gallogly, Joe Rogers, Tim Nicholson, Barry Sanders and Keith Shook.

Flowers are accepted, or if you wish, the family requests that donations be made to Macedonia Cemetery Fund. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee is in charge of the arrangements. Thank you to the Homestead Hospice staff and VA services.

JR was born February 6, 1931, to Margaret (Ada) Stroud and Cecil Charlie Sanders in Hiawassee, Georgia. He along with his nine siblings were raised at the family farm on Bugscuffle Road.

At 17, JR joined the United States Marine Corps and served for four years, two of which were spent in the Korean War, including the assault and seizure at Inchion, Seoul, Wonsan, and Hungnam, as well as the “Frozen Chosen” Chosin Reservoir Campaign.

After the Korean War JR also served as lead cook with the Merchant Marines on the Great Lakes. He went on to become a truck driver, retiring from the Teamsters Union in the early 80’s.

He was a man of integrity, loyal and faithful to his Lord and family. He witnessed God’s love to many while handing out tracks and giving his testimony to any who would listen. Romans 1:16 and John 3:16 were two of his favorites verses.

JR loved his family with all of his heart and his friends as well. His love for the outdoors and God’s beautiful creation was insatiable. He enjoyed traveling to Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska and Canada, as well as hiking the Appalachian Mountains, taking fishing trips with his brothers and friends, and camping with his grandsons. He was perfectly content being camp cook, serving up delicacies only his grandsons could appreciate.

In his later years he enjoyed sitting on his back porch surveying the view of the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountains and reminiscing about the trails he walked and the people who homesteaded the area.

MEMORIES BY JR’s GRANDCHILDREN
“One week long camping trip to Sandy Bottoms, the mornings eggs and sausage weren’t completely eaten, so it was saved and combined with that evenings chili. We were unable to finish off the chili, so it was then combined with next days lunch consisting of fried potatoes, fried squash and hot dogs. Over the week the pot grew with every unfinished meal including fish, cabbage and more. We ended up with a concoction of left-overs that was so bad that we noticed Granddeddy wasn’t eating it, but guess who had to!? The lesson was learned: eat everything on your plate and don’t waste food.” -Ethan

“Before meals Granddeddy always prayed the same prayer. It wasn’t repetitious, but with conviction and purely from the heart. It would start with ‘Lord Jesus and end with ‘and help those who are needy around the world, especially little children who are hungry…’ When I was in my teen years I finally understood how the things Granddeddy saw in post-WWII Italy, as well as in the Korean War had weighed heavy on his heart without subsiding. He had a heart for those in need.” -Cecil

Without a second thought he jumped into his RV, along with Nanie, to make it to my wedding in Alaska with three weeks notice. Being his only granddaughter, we shared many special memories over the years. I’ve always admired the love and pride he had in God, his country and his family. Never once did we depart without him taking my hand and saying that he loved me, I’m beautiful and that he was so proud of me.   -Katie

“Sitting with Grandad on the porch or “the south side” as he would call it, looking at the mountains. For hours we’d admire God’s creation and talk. He explained that life is just like the mountains, it too has peaks and valleys. He’d always say if you trust in the Lord, love your family and be a man of integrity (his favorite word) you’ll never find yourself in a valley for long. Those words of wisdom are what I try to live by each and everyday.” -Jonathan

Two memories of granddad stand out in my mind. Once he said, “I never met a person I couldn’t have a friendly conversation with.” Another memory is from a time when sitting with him and he asked me, “What is the most important word in the dictionary?” I responded with, “Love, liberty … ?” among others. Grandad agreed those were important words, but in his opinion the most important word was integrity. Integrity and friendliness describe the way he lived. Grandad loved to share his knowledge as well as impart wisdom. I’ll always appreciate those times. -Adam

Patricia Woody, age 67, of Suches, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019, at her home in Suches. Mrs.Woody was born January 5, 1952, in Dahlonega, GA, to the late Ray Jay Rider and the late Thelma Satterfield Rider.

Survivors include her husband, James Randall Woody, daughters, Kim (Nathan) Garrett, Miranda Woody, and brother, Ray Rider, Jr.

Funeral services: Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Garrett officiating. Interment will follow in the Sugar Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers: Robert Woody, Howard Woody, Clyde Woody, Jason Booker, Michael Harper, and Daniel Murphy.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any donations are welcomed to help with funeral expenses.

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.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for Mr. Phillip Cramer Reifschneider, age 89 of Blairsville who passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019.

A Celebration of Mr. Reifschneider’s Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 823 Forge Mill Rd, Morganton, GA 30560. Full Military Honors will be presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

*Full obituary will be posted soon*

Mrs. Ruby Nell Forrester, age 84, of Blairsville Ga, passed away Wednesday, October 9, 2019at Stonehenge Assisted Living Center in Blairsville. Mrs.Forrester was born November 14, 1934, in McCaysville Ga to the late Clyde Tanner and the late Lou Ema Shirley Tanner. She was a member of Kingtown Baptist Church. She loved working outside and also inside her home. She enjoyed going to thrift stores and yard sales. Another hobby Mrs. Forrester loved was baking cakes. Ruby was preceded in death by sisters, Evelyn Sisson, Judy Carver, and Joanna Brown, brother Buddy Tanner, and her husband, Jeff Forrester.

Survivors include her daughters Wanda (Van) Carver and Nancey (Donney) Allen, sister, Ruth Thomas, one grandchild Erica, and three great-grandchildren Ambenley, Caleb, and Abby.

Funeral services: Will be Thursday, October 10, 2019, at 2:00 pm in the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Chris Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in Kingtown Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Stacey Towl, Keith Carver, Max Sission, Kevin Towl, Donny Forrester, Dual Gibbs, Jeff Gibbs, an Roger Thomas.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home at 12:00 pm.- 2:00 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.