Mrs. Geleta Nichols Rogers, age 81, passed away January 13, 2020. She was born December 17, 1938 in Hiawassee, Georgia to the late Mr. Clarence and Kittie (Nicholson) Nichols. Mrs. Geleta was a life long resident of Towns County, more specifically she was born, raised and lived her entire life on Fodder Creek and for that reason she knew everyone in the area. Mrs. Geleta was nine years old when electricity came to Towns County, she watched the county grow into what we all know Towns County for today. During her school aged years she was in the 4-H club and received an award for book keeping in high school. After high school she was a housekeeper for Young Harris Motel and then later for the Hiawassee Fairgrounds. Geleta was a quilter and made many baby quilts over the years. She also was well known for making fruitcakes for the holidays. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she throughly enjoyed decorating for the season. She was also a hard worker, extremely strong and very independent lady who liked to stay busy. In her own words she “loved her grandbabies”. She was married to the late Mr. William Dale Rogers for 45 years. They loved taking trips to Pigeon Forge for their anniversary and any other time they could get away. Geleta leaves behind one son and daughter-in-law Doug and Karen Rogers of Hiawassee, daughter and son-in-law Devra and Randy Wood of Gainesville, grandchildren Cassandra Banister(Will), Candice Wood, Katlyn Huff(Nick), Trampas Shook, Levi Shook, Justin Shook, Vivien Shook and Katie Smyth; twelve great-grandchildren;Brother- in- law Jay Edwards and may extended family and friends.

Visitation: Thursday, January 16, 2020 at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home 11:00am-2:00pm

Funeral Service: Thursday, January 16, 2020 in the chapel of Banister-Cooper Funeral Home at 2:00pm with the Rev. Gary Ashe officiating.

Interment: Enotah Baptist Cemetery

Pallbearers: Lyn Mauldin, Bear Osborn, Bert Rogers, Gary Holcomb, William Edwards and Forrest Derochie

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces a Celebration of Life Service for CWO4 Ronald Wayne Caudill, USN(Ret.)

Chief Warrant Officer Ronald W. Caudill, U.S. Navy (retired), wrote the below in September of 2019 for a Navy publication that asked veterans to share their experience and advice to benefit young sailors. We think his own words best sum up his life and his legacy:

“I learned through my 26 years of military service to value my family. I enlisted in the Navy in 1964 and served on 11 ships. In the first three years of my Navy service, I was single and wasn’t really sure about making it a career. After my third year was over, I returned from Vietnam and met my soul mate, Sue, on my 24th birthday (February 8, 1967). Sue made all the difference in my life and encouraged me to make the Navy my profession. She gave up a very promising career in Atlanta to start our married life in the Navy town of San Diego, California. Throughout my time in the Navy, Sue inspired and encouraged me in my work and helped me attain the ranks of Chief Petty Officer and Chief Warrant Officer. More importantly, she gave me two wonderful boys who we raised together to become men of character. Our oldest son, Shannon, served 25 years in the Air Force with two tours in Iraq, retired as a Colonel, and is now working on his doctoral degree. Our youngest son, Matt, is a licensed social worker and therapist who does amazing work helping veterans overcome their mental health challenges at the Veteran’s Administration hospital in Atlanta. Our boys and their wonderful wives (Corinna and Carissa) have given us four grandchildren whom we adore. Military service helps clarify what is important in life: your family and the love they give you. My advice to shipmates serving today is to write or e-mail your loved ones often, call when you can and be very involved with your family when ashore. To my former shipmates, thank you for your friendship, service and camaraderie. Fair winds and following seas to all.”

As a family, we are filled with pride, joy and love as we thank our Lord for the blessing of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and Vietnam veteran. Thank you for being with us to celebrate the life of this loving and kind man. We wish Ronnie fair winds and following seas as this old sailor joins his loved ones and our Savior in the great beyond.

He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: loving wife of 52 years, Sue Rich Caudill; and sons & daughters-in-law, Shannon & Corinna Caudill and Matthew & Carissa Caudill. Also, sharing in his legacy are 4 grandchildren, Thomas Caudill, Nicholis Caudill, William Caudill, and Gavin Zindle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean & Leona Caudill; and 3 brothers, Lowell, Vernis, and Clifford.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Jaunuary 17, 2020 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors presented by the United States Navy and the North Georgia Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project online at woundedwarriorproject.org or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Doyce Bryan Loudermilk of Epworth Georgia passed away on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020, at the age of 85. Doyce was born on February 25th, 1934, to the late George and Cressie Loudermilk at their home in Fannin County. He married Loretta Odom in 1954, and the couple recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Doyce was a faithful member of Copperhill First United Methodist Church and the Sunday School Superintendent for most of the years he spent there at the church. He enjoyed camping, model airplanes, fixing just about anything, watching the Braves play baseball, and, most importantly, spending time with his family. Doyce spent his entire life serving others, loving his family, and taking care of all those around him. “Papaw,” as we all referred to him, made every one of us feel loved and special.
Doyce was preceded in death by his parents George and Cressie Loudermilk; son, Darrell Roger Loudermilk, and his siblings Dennis Loudermilk, Sue Williams, Sibyle Whitlow, C.G. Loudermilk, and Austin Loudermilk.
He is survived by his wife Loretta Loudermilk, son Randy Loudermilk, daughter and son in law Ramona and Kenny Cook, brother Donald Loudermilk, and sister Annette Loudermilk; Grandchildren Alex and Lisa Loudermilk, Daniel and Haley Loudermilk, Gary Loudermilk, Hope Loudermilk, and Chloe and Nolan Walker. Also, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Doyce’s life will be held Saturday, January 18th, 2020, at Copperhill First United Methodist Church. Rev. Tom Reed and Rev. Jennings Neeld will be officiating. The interment will follow at Barnes Chapel. The family is requesting donations to the Pastor’s discretionary fund, but flowers are also welcome. Those serving as honorary pallbearers are the First United Methodist Men of Copperhill.

Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the family.

Mrs. Bea Sherwood, age 93 of Blue Ridge, passed from this earth January 12, 2020. Fondly referred to as Miss Bea, she was originally from Clyattville, GA. She and Reamer Sherwood moved to Chamblee, GA in 1951. She was a graduate of the Clyattville High School. She grew up on her parents farm and her favorite chore was always house cleaning. She loved a clean house and was constantly cleaning out cabinets and closets. Cleaning was not her only interest. She loved to read and learn more about history and politics. While two of her children were in college, she took courses at DeKalb Community College in Atlanta and made an A in each class. It was a brief college experience, but she loved every minute. She was chosen to participate in an experimental project at Emory University assisting Dr. Ellen Fuller in a laboratory project with sheep. She was recognized by Dr. Fuller as an excellent technician.
She was an avid lover of sports. She especially loved the Atlanta Braves, UGA Football and the Duke Basketball team. They were among several families who established the Church of Christ meeting at the Lawson Chapel in Chamblee, GA and then were involved in building the congregation at Chestnut Drive in Doraville, GA. Their family worshipped at the Chestnut Drive Church of Christ where she was a bible school teacher & elders wife. Being the mom of five children, she was a stay at home mom as her main job. Miss Bea was also a member of the local garden club in Chamblee, GA.
Mrs. Sherwood was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Reamer Y. Sherwood, Jr., from Valdosta, GA. She is survived by her children and their families: Bess (Dick) Sumner, Pat (Charles) O’Cain, Claire Sherwood, Yeargin (Kim) Sherwood and Rena Roberts. Grandchildren: Ryan (Carla) Sumner, Scott Sumner, Jonathan (Amanda) Sumner, Patrick O’Cain, Robbie O’Cain, Chris (April) Sherwood, Blake (Kimberly) Sherwood, Wesley Sherwood, Rachel Roberts, Rebecca (Nate) Smith. Great-grandchildren: (Ryan’s children) Lexi & Anna Claire, (Jonathan’s children) Caleb & Emersyn, (Rebecca’s son) Kilian, , (Blake’s sons) Grant & Owen, (Chris’s daughter) Peyton.
She was also predeceased by her parents, Rufus and Bessie Johnson of Valdosta, GA, her brothers Charles R. Johnson of Casper, Wyoming, Julian Johnson of Valdosta. She is survived by three siblings, Mary Nell Wells, Gene (Carolyn) Johnson and J. Winston Johnson along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She and Mr. Sherwood built a weekend cabin in Blue Ridge in 1979 where they visited on weekends. After his passing she moved to Blue Ridge in 1994. She joined several Senior Clubs in Blue Ridge and traveled with them. She worshipped at the Blue Ridge Church of Christ, and was involved in teaching Bible classes, mailing cards to encourage members of the Blue Ridge church as well as to people in the community. She mailed church bulletins to previous members, shut in, military service people and students in college. She loved to cook and was known by her friends and family for her cabbage (always served in a blue bowl) chicken casserole and cornbread at every monthly potluck fellowship dinner at church over the years. Sunday Lunch was at her house every week with a home cooked meal.
She always loved plants and could make anything grow. Her sun porch was a haven for plants and orchids as well. She loved sending fresh cut flowers from the florist to people. Her local florist even sent fresh flowers to her in appreciation for her business.
She was a Christian first: serving the Lord in all she did. She prayed daily naming family members and friends by name. She was a daily Bible reader. You never left her presence without a bible verse quote and a reminder “God is in control.” As a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and friend she will be deeply missed, but her memories will remain in our hearts forever. We are all blessed to know we had her as an influence in our lives as long as we have.
Her greatest desire was to go to Heaven and we are promised if we do his will, we will join him. She was prepared to meet her Lord and join loved ones gone on before.

Funeral services: Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 1:30 pm at the Blue Ridge Church Of Christ. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the Blue Ridge Church Of Christ of Blue Ridge, Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Flower acceptable or donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Georgia Agape Adoption Agency, Atlanta, Georgia or Blue Ridge Church of Christ, Blue Ridge, GA.
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.

Russel I. Hart, 75 of Murphy, North Carolina, formerly Alpena, Michigan, passed away Friday, January 10, 2020, at his residence.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was a strong, disciplined man who took great pride in caring for his family and was always very kind and considerate of others.
Russ retired from LaFarge North America – Alpena Plant in 2016 after 43 years of service as a Quality Control Manager.
In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his dear wife, Birdie Hart, throughout the Southeast and, most especially, the mountains of North Carolina, which he loved so much. He delighted in the exploits of his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments.
Russ was the son of the late Daniel and Marjorie Hart and was also proceeded in death by a sister, Sara Paad, and a brother Patrick Hart.
Surviving are his wife, Birdie Hart of Murphy, North Carolina and daughter, Jennifer Domrase of Ossineke; Russ had three sons, Mark Hart (Angie) Lewiston, Michigan, Jeffrey (Steven Teets) Hart of Imlay City, Michigan and Daniel Madison of Murphy, North Carolina. Additionally, Russ had a brother Fred Hart from Alpena, Michigan, and four grandchildren, Mark Hart, Jr of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jacob Hart of Lewiston, Michigan, Lane Domrase of Ossineke, Michigan, and Breanna Domrase of Ossineke, Michigan. Russ had many friends, both in Alpena and Murphy, where he chose to retire and was loved by all.
A celebration of Russ’s life will be held on March 7, 2020. The place will be announced at a later date. Family and friends are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in memory of Russel Hart to Shriners Hospital for Children by going to https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/ways-to-give1.
You may sign the guest register at www.CochranFuneralHomes.com
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.

Rev. Norman Thomas Stewart, age 95 of Blue Ridge, GA passed away January 6, 2020, at Piedmont Mountain Side Hospital. Mr. Stewart was born September 30, 1924, in Fannin County to the late John Stewart and Myrtle Cochran Stewart. Norman was the fifth child from a large family of fifteen children. He was a member of Concord Baptist Church for most of his life.
Norman worked at The Tennessee Chemical Company in the acid department for thirty-two years and retired in 1984. He was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Delores Stewart, son, Norman Thomas Stewart Jr., mother, Myrtle Cochran Stewart, father, John Stewart, sisters, Eddie Hyde, Edith Stewart, Etyhel Allen and Effie Free, brothers, Arvil Stewart, Winston Stewart, sisters, Eslee Earls and Marie Dykes, brother, Johnny Stewart, sisters, Willa Mae Franklin and Reathel Barton, and brother, Harold Stewart.

Survivors include wife, Mary Pauline Stewart, daughters, Wanda Stewart (Dan) Long, Patricia Stewart (Ernest) Long, and Kathrine Stewart (Randy) Brown, son, Norman Gerald (Sandy) Stewart, sisters, Glee Wright and Thelma Davenport. Also many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services: Thursday, January 9, 2020, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran F.H. with the Rev. Ronnie Aberthany and Rev. Phillip Davenport officiating. Music provided by Caylor Family Singers. Interment will follow in Concord Baptist Church. Pallbearers: Gerald Stewart, Micheal Long, Scott Long, Chris Brown, Charles Parrish Jr., and Jeff Stanley. Honorary pallbearers: Dan Long, Ernest Long, Joe Stanley, Randy Brown, and Farion Barton.

The family will receive friends at Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 5:00 pm – 9:00 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.

Mrs. April Joy Cook, age 43 of Blairsville, passed away January 6, 2020 at her residence. Mrs. Cook was born August 11, 1976. She was a member of the Poplar Springs Baptist Church and worked as a cosmetologist.

Survivors include: husband, Harold Dean Cook, Jr. of Blairsville, father and step-mother, Lindsey (Denise) Watson of Gainesville, children , Abby Mathis & Dalton Mathis both of Blairsville, brother, Gabriel Watson of Blairsville, nieces and nephews, Savana Watson, Reid Watson, and Jerin Watson.

Funeral services: Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 1:00 pm from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Randall Hulsey officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to your choice: Castoff Rescue, P.O. Box 1932 Blairsville, GA 30514; or to Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter, P.O. Box 1252, Blairsville, GA 30514.

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

Charles Raymond Dean, age 82, of Crawley Gap Road, Blairsville, Georgia passed away January 7, 2020, with his family at his side in his home following an extended illness. He was born on October 16, 1937 in Danielsville, GA to that late Charlie and Mary Dean. Mr. Dean is survived by his loving wife of forty-two years Carmell Dean; daughters, Martha O’Kelley and her husband John O’Kelley of Monticello, GA, Judith King and her husband David King of Marietta, GA and Gloria Morris of Panama City, FL, step-son Terry Warren and his wife CaSandra Warren of Blairsville, GA, eight grandchildren (2 grandsons preceded in death) and 11 great-grandchildren.

Raymond was an Air Force veteran, served 25 years as a Master Mason of Young Cane Masonic Lodge , Blairsville, GA and worked at BellSouth for 36 years where he also volunteered with the Bellsouth Pioneers. He then began work as a Communication Consultant in Egypt and Mexico. Upon retirement he and Carmell moved to Blairsville to enjoy the mountains. They also spent twelve years traveling throughout the U.S. in their RV. Mr. Dean enjoyed the outdoors, being around the water and fishing. He attended Coosa Methodist Church in Blairsville.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 10, 2020 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Burch and Pastor Jack Cochran officiating. A Eulogy will be given by CMDCM Richard Dean (USN, Ret.). Interment will follow at New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery in Blairsville. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Drew Schug, Daryl Green, Richard Dean, Bobby Dean, J.E. Corn, and CW2 Austin M. Dean. Eric King will serve as honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers, the family desires that donations be made to either Coosa United Methodist Church or New Harmony Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5 until 8 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory.

Obituary for Wilma Bonner

February 9, 1952 – January 9, 2020

Clyde “Jackie” Meers, age 59 of Canton, GA passed away December 31, 2019. Jackie was born on April 18, 1960 to the late Reba (Sisson) and Clyde Andrew Meers. Jackie loved life, fishing, and his family. He always looked forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas because he got to eat and be with his family. He was a hard worker, he started working at Daniels Bodyshop in 1989 and had a true passion for repairing vehicles. Jackie is truly loved by his family and will be missed.
Jackie was preceded in death by parents and loving sister, Barbara Smith. Jackie is survived in death by his Brother, Terry J. Meers of Blairsville, GA; sister Linda Meers (Donnie Young) of Blairsville, Mary Hicks of Blairsville, and Sonya (John) Walter of Blairsville, GA. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews and a host of family and friends.

Visitation: Sunday, January 5, 2020 from 3:00-9:00 PM at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home.
Service: Monday, January 6, 2020 at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Banister-Cooper Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Truelove officiating.

Pallbearers: Chuck Young, Glen Young, Nathan Williams, Donnie Young, Brian Smith and Danny Owenby.
Banister-Cooper Funeral Home of Hiawassee is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Mary Black Hays, age 94 of Epworth, GA passed away January 1, 2020. Mrs. Hays was born April 24, 1925 in Ringgold, GA to her late parents, Marion Neal and Mae Templeton Black. Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Epworth. She worked as a homemaker for most of her life and enjoyed working in the yard and tending to her flowers. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Milton Hays and grandson Cary Thomas Jones.

Survivors include: son, Milton (Patti) Hays of McDonough, GA daughter, Celeste (Dennis) Jones of Covington, GA daughter, Karen Hays of Epworth, GA Brother, Frank (Dot) Black of Elizabethtown, KY, sister, Norma (John) Hollis of Richmond, IN, 4 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services: Monday, January 6, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Epworth with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church of Epworth, Monday, January 6, 2020, 1:00 pm until the service hour of 2:00pm.

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.

Edith Payne Quinn, age 90, of Calhoun, GA, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, December 29, 2019, at Hamilton Medical Center Dalton Georgia. Edith was born in Polk County Tennessee on March 15, 1929, the 7th child of the late Benjamin G. Cross and Eva Mae Hughes Cross. Edith was preceded in death by husband Santa Payne and husband George C. Quinn, an infant son, Marvin Payne, brothers, Ed Cross, Hansel Cross, Hoyt Cross, James Cross, Lloyd Cross and Wendell Cross, sisters, Jessie Mae Cross and Inez Cross. She is survived by a brother, Alvin Cross, sisters, Lucille Baggett, Ruth Parker, Louise (Joe) Voyles, Eloise West, daughter Mildred (Barry) Caldwell, grandsons Richard Freeman, Billy Joe Bates, Martin (Theresa) Caldwell and Robert (Sandi) Caldwell, great-grandchildren Nicholas (Christy) Barnett, Jennifer (Nick) Woody, Matthew Freeman, Amber
Caldwell, Sam Bates, Emily Caldwell, Haley Grace Caldwell, Sheena Anderson, Michael Early, Louis Greenwell, Haley Ratliff, Gabby Ratliff, and Mindy Schoell, 15 great-great-grandchildren, Step-Son Randy (Christine) Quinn, Step-Daughters Betty (Wendell) Sanford, Ann (Billy) Mathis, Step-Daughter-in-law, Karol Quinn, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Edith was a member of Mount Liberty Baptist Church McCaysville GA. She loved God, family, and friends. She loved attending Church and took every opportunity to encourage others to join her in worship. She was a devoted wife and homemaker. She enjoyed working in her flower gardens, cooking and watching Braves baseball. She was always busy and loved life. Edith touched many lives and we will miss her
smile. Heaven is sweeter for her presence. The family will receive friends at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home, of McCaysville Georgia, on January 1, 2020, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Mt. Liberty
Baptist Church in McCaysville Georgia on January 2, 2020, at 1:00 pm with Rev. John Newton, Rev. Steve Corbin, and Rev. Gary Hibbert officiating. Mt. Liberty Baptist Church Choir will be providing special music. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers include Benny Cross, Benji Cross, Bill Cross, Hansel Cross Jr., Henry Cross, Randell Cross, honorary pallbearer Charles Cross.
Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of McCaysville is honored to be serving the family.

Mary Carolyn Jones, age 78 of Copperhill, passed away on December 30, 2019, at Hospice Of Chattanooga Care Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mrs. Jones was born on February 9, 1941, in Copperhill, Tn to late Cecil A Collis and Ruby Lorene Brooks. Mary loved her job working at Walmart in Murphy, NC. She adored her nephews Brandon, Jordan, Cody, and Tyler and thought of them as her own. One of the many things she cherished in her lifetime was Spanky. Mrs. Mary Jones was truly an extraordinary woman and was admired by everyone who knew her. Heaven gained a beautiful angel who will be missed each and every day. She was preceded in death by her husband Harold G. Jones, and her sister Judy Collis.

Survivors include her sister, Kathleen Walden, sister, Brenda Brackett, brother, Jim Collis(Karen), sister, Joy C. Collis, and sister Jane Morrow (Dwight).

Funeral services will not be announced due to family requests.
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 ]( http://www.cochranfuneralhomes.com/ ).

C.V. “Bill” Cockerham, age 91, of Blairsville, GA, formerly of Oakwood, GA, passed away on Friday, December 27th, 2019. Bill was a retired pastor of First Baptist Church of Oakwood, and was a current member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville. He was preceded in death by two sons, John Stewart Cockerham and Dennis Paul Cockerham.

Bill leaves behind his loving family members: Naomi Stewart Cockerham, his beloved wife of 68 years; son and daughter-in-law, Donald Mark and Phyllis Cockerham; son and daughter-in-law, Stephen Lauran and Lisa Cockerham; and daughter-in-law, Nancy Dyer Cockerham; 6 grandchidlren: Jeffrey Donald Cockerham, Katie Allison Cockerham, Dennis Paul Cockerham, II, Stewart Evan Cockerham, Sara Elizabeth Kaufman (Jeff), and Samuel Lewis Cockerham. Many other friends and relatives also survive.

Funeral service have been scheduled for Monday, December 30th, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., to be held in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Rev. Derrick Hartley and Rev. Joey Pritchett officiating. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Dennis Cockerham, Evan Cockerham, Sam Cockerham, Connor Matheny, Jeff Kaufman, and Wes Hopgood. Burial will be on Monday, December 30th, at 3:30 p.m. in Oakwood Cemetery in Oakwood.

The family will meet with friends on Monday, December 30th, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Bill Cockerham. Please sign the online guest registry and send your condolences at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Patricia Hoover Kay, age 83, of Young Harris, GA, died on December 27, 2019, at Union General Hospital, following an extended illness. Patricia (Patti) was born June 7, 1936, in Radford, VA, the daughter of Guy Hoover and Mary Weeks. She was raised by her paternal grandparents, DeMoss and Robbie Hoover, as well as her father and loving stepmother, Mabel Hoover. She was graduated from Radford High School, where she was class valedictorian. Patti earned the Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory and Henry College and then pursued a Master’s in Christian Education at Drew University School of Theology, where she met her future husband. Later she earned a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from North Georgia College and University. Over the years, she taught pre-K through elementary children in both private and public schools. She was instrumental in setting up and leading the first kindergarten program in Towns County. Many of her teaching years were in Fannin County, first at Mineral Bluff and then at East Fannin Elementary. For 14 years Patti owned and operated The Book Nook in Blairsville, and through that business made many friends in the local area. With her husband John, she devoted four years of volunteer service at the Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center in Union County. At Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church she served as youth counselor and Sunday School teacher, and she was an active member of the Fay Hoag Circle of United Methodist Women. A lifelong educator, Patti belonged to the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International, and she was a devoted member of Towns County Retired Educators. Patti was preceded in death by her brother, Ira “Sonny” Hoover of Radford, VA. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, the Rev. John W. Kay of Young Harris;daughter, Kerri L. Kay of Madison, AL; son, Stephen H. Kay of Arlington, VA; son, Joel W. Kay of Chicago, IL; granddaughters, Emma S. Kay of Ann Arbor, MI, and Susanna W. Dean of Washington, D.C.; brother, Norman Hoover (Jackie) of Gainesville, FL; sisters-in-law, Connie Hoover of Radford, VA, Betty K. Skelton of Royston, GA, Patsy K. Nix of Aiken, SC, Patricia Terrill of Pawleys Island, SC; brothers-in-law, Terry W. Kay (Tommie) of Athens, GA, Gary W. Kay (Susan) of Royston, GA. In addition, she is survived by many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, January 4, at 2:00 p.m. at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, with family visitation to follow in the church fellowship hall. The family would like to thank Encompass Home Health, the staff of Northside Cancer Center in Blairsville, PruittHealth Hospice of Blue Ridge, and the nurses and staff of Union General Hospital for their loving service and support throughout Patti’s illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Population Connection (populationconnection.org), the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation (brpfoundation.org), or to a charity of your choice.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the services for Mr. Jeffrey Melvin Lee Riffle, age 72 of Hiawassee who passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2019.

A Committal Service will be held at 3:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, 2020 at South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida with Military Honors presented by The United States Air Force.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

*Full Obituary to be published soon*