Rosemary Naff Stevens, age 91, formerly of Boones Mill, Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, Roanoke, Atlanta, and Burlington passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at North East Georgia Medical Center. Born in Boones Mill, Virginia on November 5, 1928 she was the daughter of the late Wesley Washington Naff, Sr. and Ethel Jamison Naff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband of seven years, Lawrence C. Miller; her son, Robert Samuel Stevens III (Karen Ann); grandson, Robert Justin Stevens (Elizabeth); and brother, Wesley Washington Naff, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Robert Samuel Stevens, Jr.. She is also survived by her daughter, Deborah Stevens Hamilton (Dale) and her devoted son, David Parke Stevens. Rosemary is survived by her grandson, Damon Andrew Stevens (Karen); and great grandchildren, Magdalena and Jackson Stevens. She is survived by four sisters: Rebecca Naff Green, Betsy Naff Davis (Russ), Virginia Naff Cooper(Gary), and Dr. Gretchen J. Naff plus numerous nieces and nephews. She attended schools in Franklin County, Virginia; Bridgewater College; and numerous advanced technical seminars. She spent the last 25 years of her business career in suburban Atlanta, before retiring to the North Carolina Mountains in 1991. An accomplished homemaker and cook, Rosemary shared her beautiful smile, grace, kindness, and gentle humor with everyone she met. She enjoyed her family, church, flowers, and vegetable gardens. Special thanks to her loving caregivers over the past eight years Leighann Miller, April Fair, Sabrina Huskins, Alisha Hogsed, Jennifer Radford, and Mercy Teems and to the kind ICU and Hospice doctors, nurses, chaplains, and staff at NEGMC. Interment is at the family plot at the Hayesville First United Methodist Cemetery. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 28 at noon at Hayesville First United Methodist Church. Banister-Cooper Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements for Mrs. Stevens.

Laura Ruth Grantham Wilson, age 99, passed away on February 7, 2020. She was born March 14, 1920. She will be laid to rest in Pantertown Cemetery with her late beloved son, Douglas Wilson; and late husband Edd Wilson, from whom she was widowed in 1949. She was the daughter of the late Joe and Bonnie Grantham.

Mrs. Wilson was a loving mother to her daughter, Rebecca Wilson Hale, and husband, Robert; grandchildren, Susan Wilson Ficken and family, Aaron and Margaret; Charley Wilson and family, Kate, Dutch and Lorelei; Patrick German and family, Lanna, Julia, Casey, Reilly, and Alyssa; Laura Dianne German Hibbs and family, Wilson and Grace; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Wilson.

Laura loved and treasured long friendships with TC Dillard, Bee and Linda Hicks; and Vicki Dillard, who faithfully brought her so much joy with calls or letters every day for over 10 years.

Mrs. Wilson was the oldest living member of Williamstown UMC, and the last surviving member of Copperhill High School class of 1938. She enjoyed working over 30 years as a Dental Assistant and especially the many friendships she made through her work.

Graveside services will be officiated by life long friend Pastor Larry Russell, February 9, 2020, 4 p.m. from the Pantertown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made where her heart was to Williamstown United Methodist Church, 37 Williamstown Road, Mineral Bluff, GA 30559.

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

Charles T. Manson, age 89 of Murphy passed away Monday, February 3, 2020, at the Murphy Nursing Home and entered into his heavenly home.

Charles was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 20th, 1930 to the late Charles and Gertrude Manson. He moved to Murphy in 1990. He was a successful Insurance Broker.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter Beverly Johnson and brother-in-law Kenneth Forbes.

Charles is survived by his wife of 70 years, Gloria: children Charles Jr. (Janis). Jeffrey (Janet), Mark (Debora), and Gloria (Daniel) Lutz. He is also survived by 9 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren: Son-In-law Wesley Johnson: sister Marcia Forbes, sister-in-law Margaret Baker and cousin Loretta LaCorte. He is further survived by other cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He enjoyed the outdoors and loved fishing. He also anticipated and loved every meal prepared lovingly by his wife. He was a man of faith and service who never met a stranger.

Graveside service will be held Saturday, February 15th at 11 AM at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 582 Greenlawn Cemetery Road Murphy, NC 28906. A Celebration of Life reception to follow at Julie’s Place, 30 NC Highway 141, Murphy, NC 28906.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd Street, New York, New York 10016.

Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy is honored to serve the family.

Mrs. Christine Lois Kyle, age 89, of Athens, TN, formerly of McCaysville, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, February 4, 2020, surrounded by family. She was born in Ducktown, TN to the late George William “Bill” & Ethel Payne Anderson, on Thursday, March 27, 1930. She was married to Alvin James Kyle for 49 years.

She was a dental assistant for Dr. Mullins, DDS for approximately 20 years before her retirement. She enjoyed singing in church choirs including Prime Time singers. Also, a member of the Mobile Baptist Church and The Garden Club. She enjoyed reading, painting, and traveling.

Christine goes on to be with her parents, Bill & Ethel Anderson; husband, Alvin James Kyle; sister-in-law Carol Anderson and many other relatives.

Christine will be remembered by all who knew her but especially missed by her children, George W. “Bill” Kyle (Sheila Pinson Kyle), Betty Sue Withrow (Ronnie Withrow); sister Maxine Rembert (William “Bill” Rembert), brother Ray Anderson grandchildren Joseph Withrow (Lides Withrow), Jonathan Withrow, Jason Withrow (Mary Jo Withrow), Allison Odom (Travis Odom); great-grandchildren Alex Withrow, William Middleton, Landyn Withrow, Lana Withrow, and Leia Withrow. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. She will also be especially missed by her “special friend for many years” William “Buck” Barkley.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 pm from the Mobile Baptist Church in McCaysville, GA, on Thursday, February 13, 2020, with Rev. Gary Parris officiating and Special music will be provided by Ed Vest and Jan Pelfrey. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until the funeral hour at the church. Joseph Withrow, Jonathan Withrow, Jason Withrow, Kent Arp, Jason Arp, and Brandon Arp have been selected to serve as pallbearers.

Flowers are being accepted or donation may be made to the Mobile Baptist Church Cemetery Fund at (Mobile Baptist Church Treasurer 1848 Pack Creek Rd. Blue Ridge, GA 30513) or to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&_ga=2.221406232.1041263773.1581023743-1048777467.1580926177

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

The Cochran Funeral Home announces the death of Ms. Alondra Gonzalez Gonzalez, age 17 of Young Harris who passed away on Sunday evening, February 2, 2020.

Funeral Services will be held for Alondra in Isabella, Puerto Rico on Friday, February 7, 2020. She will be interred in Monte Cristo Memorial Park Cemetery, Isabela, Puerto Rico.

A local Memorial Service is being planned and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairville.

*A more complete obituary will be posted at a later date*

Gene Boyd Penland, age 75, of Hiawassee, GA passed away at home with his family by his side February 3, 2020. Gene was born September 25, 1944 to the late JD and Hazel (Hunter) Penland. Gene was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church, a former Mason, and a member of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association. Gene was a 1961 graduate of Towns County High School and a 1975 graduate from the Georgia Police Academy. He began his law enforcement career at the Towns County Sheriff’s Department where he was promoted to chief deputy. He then moved to Helen Police Department where he served for six years with four of those years as the Chief of Police. Gene finished his law enforcement career in White County as a deputy sheriff for seven years. Gene was a true peace officer, and he was always looking to help and protect others. When Gene left law enforcement, he went to work with Jacky Jones and remained there until retiring in 2009. For the past six years, Gene had a sheep farm that he thoroughly enjoyed taking care of. He never met a stranger, was well respected, and had a way with words. He cared about what he said; he knew the words he spoke carried weight and he spoke them carefully. He was well known to pause to think before speaking,  and his children jokingly said that pause felt much longer if it was on the end of them getting in trouble. Gene was personable, fun, and he lit up a room. Knowing people by their name was important to him, and he never forgot a name or face. He always wanted the best for others and was willing to help and give to people. He was a loving husband to Mrs. Joyce for 38 years, the best dad and papaw to his children and grandchildren, a dependable brother, and a friend to so many. He touched lives he probably does not even know about, and he certainly would never expect the credit. Even as his final days on earth drew closer, he joked, laughed, and was supportive of others. To put it simple and true, Gene was a good man! He is preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Gene Bryant Penland; brother, Dennis “Cotton” Penland; and nephew, Randall “Shorty” Penland. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Joyce (Dicks) Penland; daughters, Tammy (Terry) Pickelsimer, Cheryl (Zack) Cupp, Michelle (Mark) Boggs, Paige (Mike) Marshall; sons, Brent (Beverly) Penland, and Brian (Rebecca) Penland; three brothers, David (Anna Dean) Penland, Dale (Mirle) Penland, and Dwight (Sissie) Penland; grandchildren, Tyler Penland, Jenna Penland, Katie Penland, Jordan Picklesimer, Savannah Picklesimer, Andrew Cashin, Aeriell Cashin, Cody Crumley, Macy Boggs, Grayson Penland, and Graely Penland; and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 4-8 p.m. in the chapel of Banister-Cooper Funeral Home. Services will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at the chapel of Banister-Cooper Funeral Home with Revs. Rudy Tribble and Crawford Greeson officiating. Interment will follow at Philadelphia Baptist Church cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: James Melton, Jacky Jones, Jarrod Penland, Alan Boggs, Jeff Penland, and George Wilson. Honorary Pallbearers will include Grayson Penland, Carols Garrett, Jordan Picklesimer, Tyler Penland, and Cody Crumley.
Banister-Cooper Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Tommie Sue Meals, age 86 of Tyrone, GA passed away February 2, 2020, in Dalton, GA. Mrs. Meals was born November 5, 1933, in Epworth, GA to the late Madison Melvin Fisher and the late Jessie Mae Pittman Fisher. A member of Eagle’s Landing Baptist Church, she was preceded in death by her husband James Edwin Meals, her sisters, Gladys Mae Fisher and Doris Fisher, and her brothers, Ralph Fisher, Luther H. Fisher, and Earl Fisher. Mrs. Meals volunteered with Southwest Christian hospice, was a member of the Piedmont Fayette Auxiliary, a member of the United States Tennis Association, and a member of the Atlanta Tennis and Lawn Association.

Survivors include: daughters, Gale Lucas and Susan Meals, grandchild, Madison Lucas, nephew, William Young (Virginia) Querry, nieces, Nancy Stepp, Barbara (Stanley) Simmons, and Elaine (Terry) Bohannon, as well as many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank The Lighthouse, especially Lucretia, Ariana and Marsha for taking such good care of Ms. Susie.

Funeral services: Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at 1:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in the Epworth First Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Terry Bohannon, Jimmy Fisher, William Young Querry, Stanley Simmons and Fairley Stamey.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, Wednesday, February 5, 2020, 12:00 pm – 1:00 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. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Epworth First Baptist Church, the Billy Graham Association, or Southwest Christian Hospice.

Mrs. Joyce Gwendolyn (Nichols) Jones, age 85 of Blairsville, GA went home to be with the Lord on February 2nd, 2020.
Mrs. Jones was born on November 12th, 1934 in Blairsville to her late parents, Ellard and Anna Lou (Gray) Nichols. Joyce was a member of the Faith Baptist Church of Blairsville, was a devout Baptist, and her passion was to spread the Gospel to everyone. She also enjoyed cooking, loved spending time with her family, and was a loving Ma Maw. She is preceded in death by her husband, J. Ervin Jones, sons, Benny Joe Jones and Terry Neal Jones, grandson, Brannon Neal Jones, and siblings, Edward Nichols and Linda Davenport.
She is survived by her children and in-laws; Trudy Smith Jones of Blairsville, Keith (Janet) Jones of Blairsville; brothers, Steve (Leigh Ann) Nichols of Mooresville, NC, Sammy (Glenda) Nichols of Blairsville; grandchildren, Billy Jones, Melinda Groves, Hunter, Hayden, and Emma Haven Smith, Shelley, Kyle, and Jessica Jones; 9 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild on the way, and a special cousin, Patsy Abernathy also survives.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday February 6th, 2020 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Billy Joe Jones officiating. Music and Vocals will be by the Nichols Family and Emily & Johnny Floyd. Interment will follow in the Jones family cemetery with Hunter Smith, Hayden Smith, Kyle Jones, Brycen Jones, Dustin Jones, Tylan Jones, Dawson Groves, and Drake Groves all serving as pallbearers.
The family is receiving friends from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Wednesday February 5th, 2020 at the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville.
Flowers are acceptable or donations can be made to Central Missionary Clearinghouse at P.O. Box 219228 Houston, TX 77218 in memory of Mrs. Jones.
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.

Joan McDaniel Ledford, age 77, of Oneonta, passed away on January 26, 2020 in Blairsville, Georgia. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tom Ledford; parents, William and Maude McDaniel; brother, Don McDaniel. Joan was a member of the Prayer-Shawl Ministry at Lester Memorial United Methodist Church; past president of the Oneonta Garden Club; graduate of Auburn University and president of ZTA. She is survived by her son Jeff Ledford; son and daughter-in-law Scott and Angel Ledford; grandchildren, Marshall Ledford, Curtis Ledford and Austin Edrington; sister, Linda Harrelson. Memorial services will be held on Sunday, February 2, 2020 at 2:00 PM at Lemley Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until service time on Sunday at the funeral home. In Lieu of Flowers, the family wished donations to either the Oneonta Hope House – Jim King at (205) 363-0892 or the O.F.F.E.R. “Oneonta Foundation of Future Educational Research” – Sherry Reeves at 205-545-5913. Lemley Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ledford Family.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Funeral Services for Mrs. Pauline Ledford, age 86 of Hayesville, NC who passed away on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.

Pauline Ledford was born in Clay County, NC on September 13, 1933 to the late Burley & Alcie (Watkins) Maney. She raised 7 children and made her home a special gathering place for extended family and friends. A strong woman of faith, Pauline’s prayers and persistence helped bring her husband to faith in the Lord. He later became ordained and had a fruitful ministry for Christ. She loved gospel music, which could be heard from the outside as she tended her home, and singing hymns in the church choir. She was resourceful and could make a dollar stretch far by doing things herself – She put up food from her garden; created quilts, dolls, and sewed her children’s clothing from patterns she had bought. Pauline was thoughtful of others and would sacrificially do without to fill their needs. She and her husband enjoyed camping and traveling together through the years, especially trips to the beach with good friends, Bill and Lois Dyer.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: daughter & son-in-law, Lynn & Fred Hogsed; son & daughter-in-law, Bruce & Pat Ledford; daughter, Lorene Barnes; son & daughter-in-law, Joseph & Deanna Ledford; daughter & son-in-law, Teresa & Michael Anderson; son & daughter-in-law, Stephen & Terri Ledford; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Hooper and sister, Lougene Ledford. Also, sharing in her legacy are 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Mrs. Ledford was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William Lloyd Ledford; son, Dwight Ledford; grandson, Brandon Ray Anderson; son-in-law, Randy Barnes; her parents; and 3 siblings, O.J. Maney, Mageline Ledford,and Junior Maney.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2020. Interment will follow at Laurel Hills Memory Gardens. The following gentlemen have been selected to serve as pallbearers: Nick Ledford, Josh Hogsed, Jesse Ledford, Bobby Garrett, Marty Ledford, Ed Berrong, and Ronnie Dean Maney.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee

Mrs. Ida Alene Morrow, age 92, of Murphy, passed away Monday, January 27, 2020, at Life Care of Copper Basin. Mrs. Morrow was born January 13, 1928, in Cherokee Co., NC to the late Pryor Hamby and the late Maggie Deaver Hamby. She was a member of the Fields of the Woods Church of God, and was a dedicated prayer warrior and spent much of her time witnessing and talking about Jesus. Mrs. Morrow was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence David Morrow, and five siblings.

Survivors include her daughter, Helen Duggan, son, Robert (Sharon) Morrow, son, Edward (Denise) Morrow, son, Richard (Doris) Morrow, daughter, Cathy (Rodney) Campbell, sister, Jewell Murphy, brother, Thurman Hamby, and brother, Dee Hamby. Twelve grandchildren, Rob and Jennifer Morrow, Holly Morrow, Rodney Morrow, Yvonne and Mark Loudermilk, Tim and Jill Morrow, Dan and Anglia Morrow, Chris and Laura Duggan, Tiffani Duggan, Marshall Duggan, Keith and Carol Campbell, Jennifer and Tyler Boring, and Misty and Brad Muse, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, February 1, 2020, from the Church of God on highway 294 at 1:00 PM with Rev. Rodney Morrow, Rev. Tim Morrow, and Rev. Earl Hughes. officiating. Music provided by family members. Interment will follow in River Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers: Keith Campbell, Chris Duggan, Marshall Duggan, Rob Morrow, Austin Campbell, and Tyler Duggan. Honorary Pallbearers: Dan Morrow, Ray Hamby, Randall Hamby, Mike Hamby, Duke Hamby, Joe Hamby, Don Hamby, Andy Hamby, and Arnold Beaver.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy Friday evening, January 31, 2020, from 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM.

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.