James Oliver Allen, age 70 of Mineral Bluff, passed away Saturday, August 31, 2019, in Blue Ridge. Mr. Allen was born December 24, 1948, in Blairsville, GA to the late John Allen and the late Irene Payne Allen. A member of the Baptist faith, Mr. Allen attended Hot House Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his brother, Randall Allen. Mr. Allen was loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include: wife, Anita Ray Allen; son, James Grady (Kristin) Allen; daughter, Chrissy (Darwin) Booth; brother, Richard (Suzie) Allen; sisters, Minnie (David) Chapman, Wanda (Bob) Grant, and Donna Panter; and grandchildren, Izabella Booth and Nicholas Booth.

Graveside services: Monday, September 2, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Blairsville, GA. with the Rev Danny Queen officiating. Mr. Allen will lie in state at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church Monday, September 2, 2019, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Pallbearers: Charles Ray, Michael Turner, Mark Johnson, Grady Ray, and Alex Herdt. Honorary pallbearers: David Chapman, Bob Grant, Roy Truelove, and Steve Mize.

Family and friends are encouraged to meet at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge Monday, September 2, 2019, at 12:00 pm to follow in procession to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers and food, Henry-Cochran Funeral Home will be accepting donations on behalf of the Allen family to offset the cost of final 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 the death of Mrs. Kathy Ann Stewart, age 66, of Blairsville Georgia who went home to be with our Lord and Savior on August 26, 2019 following an extended illness.

She was born to Lawrence and Wanda Goodwin on October 13, 1952 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kathy loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, and being with friends. She had a great sense of humor and a kind heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Steve Stewart; and daughter, Connie. She is survived by her two sons, Denny Chosewood and Steven Stewart of Franklin, GA; with grandchildren and great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Gale Sims and Cindy Galloway; several nephews; 1 niece; and numerous friends.

No Services are planned at this time.

A special Thank You to Union County Nursing Home staff for taking such great care of Kathy. Also, to Cochran Funeral Home for all of their kindness and generosity. She will be greatly missed!

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Mrs. Kathy Ann Stewart, age 66, of Blairsville Georgia who went home to be with our Lord and Savior on August 26, 2019 following an extended illness.

She was born to Lawrence and Wanda Goodwin on October 13, 1952 in Atlanta, Georgia. Kathy loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, and being with friends. She had a great sense of humor and a kind heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Steve Stewart; and daughter, Connie. She is survived by her two sons, Denny Chosewood and Steven Stewart of Franklin, GA; with grandchildren and great grandchildren; 2 sisters, Gale Sims and Cindy Galloway; several nephews; 1 niece; and numerous friends.

No Services are planned at this time.

A special Thank You to Union County Nursing Home staff for taking such great care of Kathy. Also, to Cochran Funeral Home for all of their kindness and generosity. She will be greatly missed!

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Mr. Randy Barnes, Sr., age 59, of Hiawassee, GA passed away August 14, 2019. Randy was born February 14, 1960 to Lula Bell (Arrowood) Barnes and the late Van Barnes. Randy is what most would call a “Salt of the Earth Man”. You rarely saw him without his cowboy boots, hat, cellphone and his sunglasses.  He loved his family including his dog Ella; he and his wife, Lorene were happily married for 39 years, raised two children who then blessed them with grandchildren. He loved being a grandfather, was fun, and lived to entertain his grandchildren and all children really. Randy was a hardworking man who was devoted to his work and loved his coworkers at Southwire like family. He was a social butterfly, never met a stranger and made friends everywhere. In fact most mornings he would meet a few coworkers at Main Street Grill for a biscuit and if he was not going to be there he would call and let them know they didn’t need to make his biscuit that day. When he was not enjoying his normal biscuit you could find him at the hospital cafeteria complimenting the cooks on their cooking, especially their biscuits and gravy. He loved to ride his motorcycle, hunt, fish and watch sports whether it was the Atlanta Braves, Georgia Bulldogs or his grandkids playing. Randy was a happy man as long as his family was happy. He and Lorene enjoyed just sitting on their porch listening to country or gospel music until Lorene told him to put on his earphones.  Randy is preceded in death by his father Van Barnes and his brother Jeff Barnes. He is survived in death by his wife Lorene Barnes; mother Lula Bell Barnes; daughter and son-in-law Nikisha and Bradley Clampitt of Hayesville, NC; son Randy Barnes; brother and sister-in-law Tim and Delores Barnes of Hiawassee; brother Danny Barnes of Hiawassee; sister and brother-in-law Lecia and Robin Bryan of Hayesville, NC, Kathie and Dave Griffin of Alpharetta, GA and Sandra and the late Lester Craig of Hiawassee; grandchildren Natalie Barnes, Briley Clampitt, Brody Clampitt, and Lily Clampitt; and a number of nieces and nephews. Also surviving are many friends that will dearly miss him.

Pallbearers: Bruce Ledford, Stephen Ledford, Joe Ledford, Randy Parker, Josh Barnes, Jacob Barnes, Sean Bryan, Blake Craig

Visitation: Saturday, August 17, 2019 from 2:00-4:00 pm at Banister Funeral Home

Service: Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 4:00 pm at Banister Funeral Home with Rev Glenville Nichols officiating

Interment will follow in the Laurel Hills Memory Gardens cemetery.

Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to handle arrangements for Mr. Barnes.

Willie Therman (Terry) Singletary, ADRC, US Navy Retired, 97, died peacefully in Blue Ridge, GA on July 19, 2019. A joyful celebration of Terry’s life will be held at First United Methodist Church of Copperhill, TN., at 10:00 a.m. on July 25, 2019. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, from 5-8 at Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. Burial will be at Georgian National Cemetery, Canton, GA.
Terry is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca (Becky), children, Patricia Szymczak, Denise (Kevin) Donohue, Judi (Terry) Wilcox, Steve (Carolyn) Singletary, Paul (Pamela) Singletary, and Rebecca Singletary (Charlie Nelson), 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren (with 1 on the way), 2 great-great-grandchildren and special friends Kim Wood and Vernelle Green.
Terry was born in Grady County, GA to Mabel Trammell and Willie Lee Singletary. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor. He served as a navigator on the Martin PBM “Mariner flying boat” from Maine to Florida on anti-submarine warfare patrol duty. After the war, Terry continued his career with the Navy, as a Chief Petty Officer, and as a civilian, retiring in 1978.
Terry met Becky on a blind date. She was on vacation from nursing school, visiting her sister, and he reluctantly agreed to be set up by one of his shipmates. Later he would say, “When I saw her, the bottom fell out and I told myself, Lord willing that’s the girl I’m going to marry.” Becky told one of her friends that she didn’t have a sunburn from her Florida vacation but had “moon glow” as she had met this special fellow and had been out with him nearly every evening of her visit.
Terry and Becky were married for nearly 70 years. They raised their children in Jacksonville, FL. where they were longtime parishioners at Murray Hill United Methodist Church. They retired to the beautiful North Georgia Mountains near Blue Ridge, where they designed and built a home. Terry was a member of Epworth United Methodist Church and later, First United Methodist of Copperhill. He was also a member of NARFE and the American Legion. Terry grew tremendous vegetable and blueberry gardens, to the delight of neighbors and visiting relatives. With age and health issues, Terry and Becky moved to Blue Ridge Assisted Living. The family thanks the staff for their loving care.
Terry, or “Poppy” as he was called by his many grandchildren, is remembered as a kind, hardworking, patient, loving, funny, faith-filled man. Terry was active in his church and with his beautiful voice, sang in the church choir, making adaptions as his eyesight failed from macular degeneration. He loved a good joke! The most important aspects of his life were his unwavering faith and his love of family and friends. For Terry, family didn’t include only biological relatives; he was the bonus Dad for his family’s friends and spouses, children in the churches he attended, and neighborhood kids. For many years, at Christmastime, Poppy transformed into Santa, grew a snow white beard, and made special appearances at kindergartens, daycare centers and occasionally, a front door on Christmas Eve.
He used to say (when asked) that he was “fat, dumb, and happy” but later changed the “happy” part to “joyful”— because happiness can be bought but joy cannot. After 97 years, Terry’s generous heart could beat no longer. He is now in Glory, sharing jokes with the Almighty, watching the Braves with clear eyes, and growing a Heavenly garden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Compassus Hospice of Ellijay GA, First United Methodist Church of Copperhill, or a charity of your choice. For details of the memorial service and visitation, or to express condolences to the family, please visit the website of Finch-Cochran Funeral Home.

Mrs. Annie Bryson, Age 91 of Young Harris, GA passed away Monday July 22, 2019 at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home. Mrs. Bryson was born on 08 December 1927 in Franklin, NC to the late Aude and Belle (Carver) Dailey. Annie was a LPN Nurse for over 44 years and took pride in her work, she loved to garden and loved to make her children help her garden also. Annie was a member of Old Union Baptist Church. Mrs. Bryson is preceded in death by her husband Leslie Lyle Bryson; Sister Hazel Bryson; Brothers Theodore Dailey, Fred Dailey, Bill Dailey, Millard Dailey, Giles Dailey. She is survived in death by her daughter and son in law Beatrice and Dale Thurman; Sons and daughter in laws Larry and Iris Bryson and Mark and Jennifer Bryson; Grandchildren Leslie Kelley, Dawn Wright, and Ashely Moyer; Great- Grandchildren Conner Kelley, Erin Kelley, Alyssa Moyer, and Arianna Moyer.
Visitation: Thursday July 25, 2019 from 9-11 a.m. with service following at 11 a.m. at Banister Funeral Home with Ricky Rogers officiating. Interment at Old Union Cemetery. Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Annie Bryson.

Mrs. Linda Beth Collins, age 81, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2019. Linda was born in Storm Lake, Iowa on July 26, 1937 to the late Edwin and Hazel (Hyde) Crowley. Linda was a member of Locust Grove United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School for children and adults.  She was a teacher by profession and spent most of her long career teaching third-graders at Woodward Academy in College Park, Georgia.

In 2012 the home she loved burned down and in 2013 she lost her dear husband, Joe Collins, after an extended illness.  They were married 56 years. She and Joe raised three daughters and helped raise their much-loved grandchildren and great-grands.

With amazing faith and resilience, Linda relocated to Brasstown Manor in Hiawassee, Georgia in June of 2013.  In spite of her own loss and grief, she soon endeared herself to the Brasstown family. She took the job of front desk receptionist on Sundays, where she became acquainted with and loved on many residents and their families. She took joy in reading aloud to a group of eager listeners in the afternoon, just like she did with her third-graders years ago.

Linda was a lifelong learner.  She was an attentive student at a Bible Study held at the Manor every week.  She studied with zeal anything that interested her on any given day. Her favorite pastimes included painting flowers, crocheting afghans, reading mystery novels and watching old movies.

A wonderful writer and a keen observer, she posted on Facebook occasional essays she called “Manor Musings” where she gave expression to the stories of the people who lived at Brasstown and other thoughtful topics.  Her delightful sense of humour usually made an appearance in these popular posts.

Linda leaves behind three daughters, Laura (Wayne) Fowler, Lisa (John) Babb, and Leslie Lively; sister Kay Osen; grandchildren Donovan Babb, Brandi Crosby, Chris Lively, Daniel Fowler, Ashley Woody, Kayla Cochran, and Joseph Fowler; great-grandchildren Alexandria Woody, Alyssa Woody, A’mya Woody, Hadley Lively, Lucy Crosby, Adalynn Lively, Josiah Cochran, Max Babb, and the very newest, Arianna Woody, born July 9; niece Debbie Lintner and nephew Chris Osen.

Memorial services will be held at Banister Funeral Home August 3, 2019 at 2pm with Rob Chassner officiating. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, GA is in charge of the arrangements.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, if you wish, make a donation to any cause related to children and learning, such as the memorial fund set up in her name at Locust Grove United Methodist Church.  Checks should be made out to Locust Grove UMC with “In Memory of Linda Collins” in the memo line. Mail to 211 Peeksville Road, Locust Grove, GA, 30248.

Billy Joe Williams

January 19, 1945 – June 12, 2019

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the death of Mr. Billy Joe Williams, age 74 of Hiawassee who passed away on Wednesday evening, June 12, 2019 at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home.

Mr. Williams was born in 1945 in Fort Payne, Alabama, and was the son of Lucille George and Ward Law Williams.

Loving family members include son and daughter-in-law, Jamison and Melissa Williams; son and daughter-in-law, Victor and Julie Williams; sister, Shannon Rains; and five granddaughters: Casey Vanesa, Destiny, Emily and Skyler Williams.

A simple, private gathering is planned, as per Mr. William’s wishes.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Herman Purvis

September 4, 1934 – June 5, 2019

Herman Purvis, age 84 of Hiawassee, passed away peacefully June 5, 2019 at his home in Enchanted Valley Park following a courageous battle with cancer. Mr Purvis was born September 4, 1934 in Winterhaven, FL. Herman retired from the Federal State Inspection Service. He was a renown “jokester” who entertained his many friends and family with hilarious stories he had committed to memory! Mr. Purvis was an avid square dancer, RV camper, and Goldwing Motorcycle rider. He, his wife Sue, and other group members traveled extensively throughout the United States. He was an active member of the Allegheny Masonic Lodge #114 Blairsville, GA.also the Unicoi Lodge #259 of Hiawassee, GA. He was also a member of the Hasaan Shriners Temple of Albany, GA.

Mr. Purvis was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Harley Leone Purvis; and daughter, Bobbie.

Those left to carry on his legacy are his devoted wife, Sue (Bryan) Purvis; daughters, Vicky Mulford; Dr. Carla Bryan and husband Dan Renaue: and Melody Bryan; grandchildren, Bryanna Vinent (Robbie) Metz; Colden Vinent (Ashley Brooks Marshall); along with great grandson of 7 weeks, Colden Claus Vinent Jr.; sister, Margie Griffin.; Mr. Purvis was loved by many, many people and was lovingly cherished by his family!!!

Visitation will be held on Thursday June 6, 2019 from 6-9 pm at Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee, GA.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday June 7, 2019 at 11:00 am from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Jarrard officiating and Masonic Rites presented by Allegheny Lodge # 114. Also speaking and giving the Eulogy will be daughter, Dr. Carla Bryan. The family wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to the outpouring of love and support during these difficult days. A special note of gratitude to Dr. Church for his kindness and compassion, and to Danny & Karen Golus and Roger Beaver our “adopted family”

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to serve the family of Mr. Herman Purvis!

You may sign the guest register and send flowers at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Albert Francis Biladeau

APRIL 29, 1937 ~ JUNE 16, 2019

Mr. Albert Francis Biladeau, age 82 of Young Harris, Georgia passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019. Albert was born April 29, 1937 in Exeter, New Hampshire to the late Albert Francis Sr. and Lena (LaChappel) Biladeau. As a young man, he served his country as a United States Marine. Albert is a member of St. Martha’s Catholic Church in Sarasota, Florida and while in Towns County he attended St. Frances of Assisi. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus. After serving his country he began his career at General Telephones and Electronics Corporation where he worked for thirty years before retiring in 1988. Retirement however did not slow him down; he started his own “Handy Man” business doing home repairs for many years. He was a dedicated, hard worker, who loved his wife and family wholeheartedly. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren; often taking them camping, or teaching a grandchild how to drive a tractor around his yard. His family was important to him and he made many fond memories that will never be forgotten. He had a keen sense of humor and a servants heart. Mr. Biladeau is proceeded in death by his parents Albert and Lena Biladeau and two sisters Marian Biladeau and Janet Stagman. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Mrs.Betty (Davis) Biladeau; daughters and son-in-law Pamela Humbert, Patricia and Chuck Caughell; sons and daughters-in-law Albert F III and Carol Biladeau, Allen Shawn and Melissa Biladeau; nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and one on the way.

Banister Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Bruce Cecil Garrett

JUNE 7, 1941 ~ JUNE 15, 2019

Mr. Bruce Cecil Garrett, age 78, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center after battling cancer for the 4th time. Bruce was born in Hiawassee, Georgia on June 7, 1941 to the late Rev. Cecil Garrett and Veta Hunter Garrett. Bruce was a member of Philadelphia Baptist Church in Hayesville, North Carolina. He was a fuel technician for private airlines for 30 years. During his career he had the pleasure of meeting many Presidents, famous musicians and actors, including President George H. W. Bush and Elvis Presley just to name a few. His career gave him many stories to share with his family and friends. Bruce loved to fish, watch the Georgia Bulldogs and Hayesville Yellow Jackets, while spending time with family. He also enjoyed bush-hogging, mowing grass and drinking coffee; he really enjoyed his coffee. However, as much as he loved his coffee, he loved his family much more. He was a devoted husband for 55 years, a caring father to his children, and a doting “Poppy” to his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known to take his granddaughters to dance and basketball practice. He immensely enjoyed attending his granddaughters’ and great grand daughters’ dance recitals. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Rev. Cecil and Veta Garrett and brother Raymond Garrett. He leaves behind his wife, Mary Lou “Sue” Burch Garrett; son, Bryne L. Garrett; daughter and son-in-law Lesia and Frank Johnson; sisters and brother’s-in-law Gail and Ricky West, Diane and Doug Mills; grandchildren Taylor Meier, Jordan and husband Brandon Brooks, Madison Johnson; and great grandchildren Aubrey Meier and Malin Brooks.

Visitation: Monday June 17, 2019 Noon-2:00P at Banister Funeral Home

Service: Monday June 17, 2019 at 2:00P in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Shook and Rev. Crawford Greeson officiating

Music provided by: The Speed Hunter Family.

Pallbearers: Austin Fogle, Brant Benoit, Larry Dobbs, Logan Cowart, Zach White and Brandon Brooks.

Banister Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Bruce Garrett.

Barbara Elizabeth Hatcher Hunter

AUGUST 19, 1929 ~ JUNE 9, 2019

Barbara Elizabeth Hatcher Hunter, age 89, passed away on Sunday, June 9th, 2019 in Pensacola Florida. Barbara was born in Gough (Burke County) Ga on August 19, 1929 to parents Roger Lawson Hatcher, Sr (Sheik as he was known) and Jewel Davis Hatcher. After marrying, she relocated to the Atlanta area and lived there for 28 years. Life changes brought her to Hiawassee. She lived in Hiawassee for over 40 years along with her dear friend and business partner Thelma Moody Noblet, who preceded her in death in January of 2018.

Simple words alone cannot express the joy and happiness that Barbara, also known as Mia-Maw, Aunt Barbara or just Mom meant to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. Growing up in Waynesboro, GA. , she attended Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC while playing Women’s Collegiate Basketball and attained her Associates Degree. Not believing in being idle, she had numerous accomplishments with both work and recreation, President of the PTA, spearheading both girl and boys little league, operating a marina and actively working up until January 2019.

After living independently until early February, Barbara had to move from the mountains to Florida with family for assistance and care. Her two favorite places were the beaches and the mountains.

Barbara is survived by her brother, Roger Lawson Hatcher, Jr of Fayette County, GA; her daughter; Jane Hunter Spain (David) of Newnan, GA and her son Bill Hunter (Stephanie) of Pensacola, FL. She is also survived by two Grandsons’ she cherished; Elliot Hunter (Alicia) and Logan Hunter, both of Pensacola. Barbara is also survived by numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews and many close friends.

Barbara was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church of Hiawassee.

Visitation: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 12:00-2:00 at Banister Funeral Home.

Memorial Service: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 2:00PM in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home. with Rev. Bradley Thomas officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Alzheimer’s Society or Autism Society of Pensacola.

Joann Toncos

April 30, 1950 – May 2, 2019

Joann Toncos, age 69 of Hiawassee, Ga. passed away Thursday May 2, 2019 at her home with family by her side. Mrs.Toncos was born April 30, 1950 in Queens, New York to James and Velma (Madden) Meddowcroft. She moved with her family to Hollywood, Florida in 1967. She worked in a trauma center for 14 years and another in West Palm Beach for 16 years where she was a secretary in the Emergency Room. Joann and her husband, Jim moved to the mountains in 2007 where they were enjoying retirement from their mountain top home overlooking Lake Chatuge. Mrs. Toncos was a kidney/pancreas transplant recipient and prospered for 22 years until succumbing to cancer on May 2, 2019. Joann loved life, her family, many friends, and her beloved animals.

Those left to share in her legacy include: husband of 39 years, John James “Jim” Toncos; sister, Barbara Meddowcroft; brother, Michael Meddowcroft; and many nieces and nephews locally and in Florida. She also has an aunt and several cousins in New York.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service planned for June 23, 2019 for family and friends.

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

Betty Pedigo

SEPTEMBER 24, 1931 ~ NOVEMBER 8, 2018 (AGE 87)

Mrs. Betty Lou (Norton) Pedigo, age 87, of Hiawassee, passed away Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home. Betty was born on September 24, 1931 to the late Mr. Jack and Sallie (Davis) Norton in Clay Hole, Kentucky. Mrs. Pedigo was a member of McConnell Memorial Baptist Church and  a member of the Esther Sunday School Class for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, was an avid bowler, and loved the University of Kentucky Wildcats. She was a devoted wife who traveled around the United States with her husband for his work. She was a homemaker, mother, grandmother and friend to many.

She is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Carol Pedigo of Hughes, Arkansas; daughter and son-in-law Sally Lynn and Mike McLeod of South Carolina; sister and brother-in-law Sue and Hamp Barnett of Tennessee; grandchildren Jason Randall Pedigo, Angela McLeod Odom, William Julius Coons Jr, Julianne Elizabeth Coons Sapp; great grandchildren Colton Pedigo, Austin Pedigo, Raelynn Sapp, Elliott Odom, Georgia Pedigo and Rhett Sapp. She is preceded in death by her husband Barney Rice Pedigo, grandson Michael Shane Pedigo, brothers Jack Norton Jr., and Chelsea Norton; and sister Margaret Alice Norton.

Graveside services: Sunday, November 11, 2018 at Osborn Cemetery in Hiawassee, Georgia. Banister Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.