George Robert Lederer

AUGUST 12, 1925 ~ JANUARY 13, 2019

George (Bud) Robert Lederer, age 93, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, January 13, 2019 at the Ronnie Greene Heart Center in the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.  Bud was born August 12, 1925 to the late Mr. George Bauer Lederer and Muriel Adele (Rutan) Lederer in Glen Rock, New Jersey.  Bud was a member of Mountain Presbyterian Church in Blairsville, Georgia, as well as Military Officers association of America (MOAA)  He was a World War II veteran having served  for 3 1/2 yrs in the U. S. Navy as a Lieutenant aboard the USS Crescent City.  He was a mathematician and chemist with a degree in mechanical engineering, which in turn made him an accomplished businessman.  He was a loving husband and father, the glue that held his family together.  He is survived by his wife June Lederer; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Richard Gettemy; step-daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Bob Johnson; and step-son and daughter-in-law, Joseph and Tina Devecchis. Also surviving are a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous friends.  He was well loved by all. A memorial service will be held in the church at a future date to be announced.  In lieu of flowers, kindly send any donations to The Mountain Presbyterian Church food pantry. Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Sue Parker Johnson

JANUARY 20, 1944 ~ JANUARY 13, 2019 (AGE 74)

Sue Parker Johnson, age 74 of Hayesville, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, January 13, 2019, at Chatuge Regional Hospital. Sue was born to the late Marvin and Pansy Love Parker on January 20, 1944, in Moultrie,Georgia. Raised in Moultrie, she was a proud alumna of Moultrie High School’s Class of 1962 and remained an avid Packer Football fan her entire life. She was a member of First Methodist Church in Hayesville and loved singing in the choir on Sundays. Sue was a expert gardener- and very proud of her “Master Gardener” certification; she loved nature, especially the mountains and lakes of North Georgia and Western North Carolina. She was a wonderful friend and even better mother. As her friends and family would attest, she was always ready with a big smile and a helping hand; she loved life and she was a constant light in her loved ones’ lives. Sue often said her favorite job was being a Nana to her two beloved grandsons and they loved her dearly in return. Sue is survived by the love of her life and husband of 54 years Michael Johnson; her only daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Britt Swilley of Athens, Georgia; her sister Frances Parker Suber of Moultrie, Georgia; her brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Judy Parker of Dunnellon, Florida; grandson, John Andrew Swilley of Athens, Georgia; grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Thomas Hayes and Mary Elizabeth Swilley of Painesville, Ohio/Athens, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Phil and Virginia Parker; sister-in-law, Janie Parker; and her much loved 16 year old Cockapoo “Miss Peaches.”  Memorial Services will be held in Hayesville, on Saturday January 19th at 11am at Hayesville First United Methodist and in Moultrie on Friday, January 25th at 2pm at the First Baptist Church.  Receptions will follow both services.  Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Melba Kathryn (Etheridge) Stewart

SEPTEMBER 10, 1929 ~ DECEMBER 2, 2018 (AGE 89)

Mrs. Melba Kathryn Stewart, age 89, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018. Mrs. Stewart was born to Mr. William Harper and Melba (Thompson) Etheridge on September 10, 1929 in Rose Hill, Georgia. Mrs. Stewart was a member of United Methodist Church in Hiawassee, Georgia and an Eastern Star. She loved to garden and to cook. Melba leaves behind sons and daughters-in-law, Kevin and Janie Wallace, Ronald and Lynne Stewart, Edward and Kathleen Stewart and son Christopher Stewart; grandchildren, Emily Wallace, Jessica Stewart Jennifer Stewart and Kristin and Matt Macunas; great grandson, Paxton Macunas. She is proceeded in death by her husband Harry Eugene Stewart and daughter, Brenda Grandfield and Brenda Stewart. No services are planned at this time. Banister Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Benton (Chuck) Miller

APRIL 25, 1931 ~ JANUARY 18, 2019

Charles “Chuck” Benton Miller, age 87, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away Friday, January 18, 2019 at his home after an extended illness. Charles was born on April 25, 1931 to the late Carson and Ella (Bass) Miller in Edgecombe County, North Carolina. He was a member of North Mt Zion Church of God and served in the U.S. Navy for thirty years. Charles lived for everything military: ships, planes, if it related to our armed forces he was interested in it. Charles lived life to the fullest. He was always on the go; he loved to travel in his RV and visit new places. He wanted to stay busy and out of the house. He loved gardening, yard work and going to church. He was an upbeat person with a wonderful personality. Charles is survived by daughter and long term partner Terry Miller and Ted Williams of California; son Dale Miller of California; step son and daughter-in-law Mr. and Mrs. David Lee; brothers and sisters-in-law L Gene and Edna Miller of Kinston,  North Carolina, Larry and Renee Miller of Hiawassee, Roger and Sandra Miller of Williamston, North Carolina, Jerry and Victoria Miller of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; grandchildren Rachel and Christian  and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, family and caretakers. Charles is proceeded in death by brother Jimmy Miller; and two sisters Eleanore Hill and Betty Arrington.

Family will receive friends on Friday, January 25, 2018, 12:00PM until 2:00PM at Banister Funeral Home

Memorial Service: Friday, January 25, 2018 at 2:00PM with Rev. Raburne Wilson officiating at Banister Funeral Home

Music: Ryan Wilson and Connie Clark

In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Charles’ memory. Banister Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leta Mae Garrett

March 7, 1934 – December 31, 2018

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Funeral Services for Mrs. Leta Mae Garrett, age 84 of Hiawassee who passed away on Monday morning, December 31, 2018 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: husband of 67 years, James T. Garrett; daughters & sons-in-law, Betsy & Dennis Morgan and Sheila & Michael Jones; son & daughter-in-law, Gregory T. & Sandy Garrett; grandchildren, Leta “Shelly” Fuller, Melvin Linn Master, Kristy Bullard, Garrett (Lindsey) Ellison, Leslie (Chuck) Prickett, Adam Garrett, Janet Jones, Michael Jones, Eric Jones, Patrick Jones, Megan Jones, Jessica Sullivan, and Brittany Cooper; great grandchildren, Blake Parker, Savanna Masters, Cole Stevens, Devin Bullard, Tucker Ellison, Hayden Gospodareck, Lexi Lyles, Charlee Prickett, Madison Garrett, Hannah Jones, Garrison Jones, Noah Jones, Will Sullivan, and Wyatt Cooper; great-great grandchildren, Winford Parker and Blakley Parker. Also, sharing in her legacy are 8 siblings and numerous extended family members.

Leta was preceded in death by her son, Gary James Garrett; daughter, Charlotte Ann “Chick” Garrett; her parents; and 3 siblings.

Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee with Rev. Glen Eller and Rev. Brandon Arrowood. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the service begins.

Danny Eugene Wilson

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces funeral services for Mr. Danny Eugene Wilson, age 65, of Young Harris, Georgia, who was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, February 3, 2019.

Mr. Wilson was born in Gainesville, Georgia, a son of the late William Clarence Wilson and Geneva Elaine Roland Wilson. He had been living in Young Harris for the past 30 years, and was a member of Bell Scene Baptist Church. Danny will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, who loved people and was always ready to talk with and to help others. He loved his family unconditionally, and he loved his church and his Savior. Danny enjoyed praising the Lord with his voice, and had been a member of Eagle Mountain Quartet.

Danny will be missed by all who knew him, but most especially by his loving family members: wife, Denise Wilson; son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Christina Wilson; and daughter, Emily Cates; brother and sister-in-law, Johnny and Cheryl Wilson; grandchildren: Sabastian Wilson, Chad Swain, Bobbie Swain, Ben Swain, Mary Wilson, Landon Wilson, and Jesse Wilson. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, February 7, 2019, to be held at 2:00 p.m., at Bell Scene Baptist Church, with Rev. Robbie Moss and Rev. Kevin Moss officiating. The family has requested the following gentlemen serve as pallbearers: Cliff Bradshaw, Chris Bradshaw, Larry Swanson, Scott Hamilton, Calvin Stroud, and Rob Barter. Asked to serve as honorary escort to the family is Roy Hicks and Kevin Parker. Graveside services will be held at Bell Scene Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Jonathan Adams officiating.

Visitation at the funeral home will be held on Wednesday night at the funeral home between the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Flowers are being gratefully accepted; however, if you wish, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to be serving the family of Danny Eugene Wilson, age 65, of Young Harris. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Kenneth Andrew Eller

AUGUST 18, 1977 ~ JANUARY 28, 2019

Kenneth Andrew Eller, age 41, of Blairsville, Georgia passed away Monday, January 28, 2019 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center after a tenacious battle following a sudden heart attack.  Kenneth was born on August 18, 1977 in Hiawassee, Georgia. He was a member of North Mt. Zion Church of God where he played the drums in the Praise and Worship Team. Kenneth loved God and loved to talk about God to anyone who would listen and even some who didn’t want to listen. He was intentional in his work for the Lord; he did not care where he was or who was watching. He used the talents given to him to his fullest ability. He loved his wife, daughters, grandchildren, church, extended family and many friends. Often one of his girls would call scared or upset and he would pray with them over the phone, easing their fears and comforting them. He was quick witted, goofy and had an unmatched sense of humor. He was a big Elvis fan; he would jokingly say, “God, Elvis, then Regina.” He collected Bibles and would randomly pull one off his bookshelf and read from it each day. He was said to have given “the best hugs ever.” He enjoyed panning for gold, playing in The Chris Clinton Band, and was known as “the preacher man” by Regina’s friends when they first started dating. That “preacher man” married Regina December 5, 2015 in front of God and was a supportive, devoted, and loving  husband. Kenneth is preceded in death by his grandson Cooper Wyrick. He is survived by his wife, Regina Eller; daughters and sons-in-law, Felicia and Travis Wyrick, Samantha and Joshua Barnes, Kennetha and Michael Taylor; daughter Bianca Eller; mother and step father Katherine and Donald Grizzle; father and step mother Terry and Susie Eller; grandchildren Brayleigh Wyrick and Carson Taylor; sister Missy Eller; and brother Lawson Eller. Also surviving are three nieces, three nephews, a number of dear friends and coworkers. Kenneth loved big, lived life to the fullest, cherished his relationship with God, and walked by faith daily. He will be missed beyond words.

Family will receive friends Saturday, February 2, 2019 at North Mt Zion Church of God starting at 11:00AM until 2:00PM.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, February 2, 2019 at North Mt Zion Church of God at 2:00PM with Bishop Raburne Wilson officiating.
In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to North Mt Zion Church of God in Kenneth’s name.
Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Velma Ree (Wheeler) Hutchins

SEPTEMBER 19, 1935 ~ JANUARY 15, 2019

Mrs. Velma Ree (Wheeler) Hutchins, age 83, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Tuesday, January 15, 2019 after a period of declining health. Mrs. Velma was born to the late John and Anna Laura (Samples) Wheeler in Kite, Georgia on September 19, 1935. Velma went to Enota Baptist Church and was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed square dancing so much that she even sewed her own outfits. She loved to travel all over the United States and Canada and she especially enjoyed cruises. Velma also had a deep love for music; Elvis, Dolly Parton and Dwight Yoakam being some of her top favorites. She was a tough lady with a giving heart. She would put you in your place and make you feel loved at the same time. She is preceded in death by her parents; daughters, Angelette Kaye Patton, Lawanda Denby and Rhonda Gay Foskey. She is survived by daughters and sons-in-laws, Jenny and Gary Garner of Athens, Georgia, Sherry and Dale Slater of Bloomingdale, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Johnny and Sharon Foskey of Cleveland, Tennessee; daughter, Laura Carroll of Hiawassee, Georgia; sisters, Annie Lee Hall of McDonough, Georgia; Louise Morgan of Statesboro, Georgia; 15 grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home on Saturday, January 19, 2019 from 10:00AM until 11:00AM. A memorial service will follow at 11:00AM in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Sharon Foskey officiating. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.

Sally Lou (Clabaugh) Varao

JULY 17, 1949 ~ JANUARY 26, 2019

Mrs. Sally Lou (Clabaugh) Varao, age 69 of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Saturday, January 26, 2019 at her home after a courageous battle with an extended illness.
Mrs. Sally was born on July 17, 1949 in California to the late Jack and Shirley (Smith) Clabaugh. She was a member of North Mt. Zion Church of God, a “Pink Lady” at Chatuge Regional Hospital, the captain of Towns County Red Cross, on the board for Towns County Food Pantry, and lead a team at House of Manna. Sally took care of people. If your home burned down, she was there arranging shelter for you. If your family needed food, she was there handing out boxes of food. She was a godly woman who loved to pray for others, give to others, and be a true servant of God. Sally was one of three girls and was raised in the Bay Area of California where she graduated from Arroyo High School. She later met a young man, married him, and started her family in South Carolina. After thirteen years she moved back to California to be closer to family who could help her raise her children. She was the best single mom ever; she would go from one ball game to another across town to support her childrens’ interests and was their biggest fan. Being “supermom” actually led her to the love of her life, Joe, on a field trip for their 6th graders. She and Joe dated for a while and then married April 21, 1990 after receiving blessings from their children. She and Joe enjoyed traveling by RV and have been on more than 75 cruises all around the world. When she retired from Pacific Bell she talked Joe into moving to Hiawassee and building a beautiful home on the river large enough to have space for their children and ever growing grandchildren. They have remained in Hiawassee for over 20 years. What Joe may not have known about that move was that Sally had no intentions of retiring; she came to Hiawassee and became involved in loving on and taking care of the families in her new community. She had a remarkable impact on every person with whom she came in contact. Sally had a contagious laugh, a huge heart, and always made you feel like you were special and important. Mrs. Sally will certainly be missed as she was loved by everyone. Sally is proceeded in death by her parents Jack and Shirley Clabaugh, son Joseph Varao III, one sister Linda Clabaugh. She is survived by her husband Joseph “Joe” Varao; children and their spouses, Jack and Melanie Hughes, Laurie and Anthony Belmares, Larry and Nicee Varao, Lisa and Andre Pride, Jimmy Varao, Lisa Stevens; sister Peggy Clabaugh; brother and sister-in-law Russ and Shirlee Peterson; grandchildren Aiden, Avery, Austin, Aubrey, Desten, MiKayla, Rodney, Falisha, Jacqueline, Lauren, Todd and Mason; great grandchildren Arieonna, Alayah, Quay, Amora, Stephanie, Santiago, Derron, Brody and Jaxon. A number of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends also survive. Sally was a person you could never forget and, while she will be so very missed, she is okay with that because she said, “I’m not scared for I know where I’m going.” In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to House of Manna P.O. Box 62 Hiawassee, GA 30546.

Family will receive friends Friday, February 1, 2019 at Banister Funeral Home from 11:00AM until 1:00PM
Memorial Service will be Friday, February 1, 2019 at Banister Funeral Home at 1:00PM with Bishop Raburne Wilson officiating.
Music provided by Ryan Wilson.
Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.