Mrs. Martina “Tina” Faye Adams, age 86, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away July 22, 2018 at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home. Tina was born to the late Glen and Juanita Ross on August 9, 1932 in McHenry, Kentucky. Before moving to Hiawassee, Tina lived in northwest Indiana and Baker, Louisiana. She worked as a bookkeeper and in the tax preparation industry. In her free time she was an avid reader and enjoyed playing cards, tending to her flowers and collecting knick knacks. Mrs. Adams is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas M. Adams; daughter, Peggy Ann Adams; brothers, Dewart Glenn Ross and Bruce Ross and sister, Barbara Kregel. She is survived by son, John Adams of Hiawassee, Georgia; siblings, Patricia Keilmann of Texas, Betty Sue Moore of Illinois, Gail Spain of Arizona, Robert Ross of Indiana and Karen Noble of Indiana; grandchildren, Kevin, Anna and Timothy Adams all of Florida along with five great grand children. A small private memorial service will be held at a later date and she will be buried alongside her husband and daughter in Louisiana. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to organizations searching for cures to dementia and Alzheimers Diseases. Banister Funeral Home, Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Lawrence Cross, age 63 of Young Harris, Georgia passed away Wednesday, May 9, 2018. Mr. Cross was the son of the late C.L. and Catherine (Long) Cross. He was born October 19, 1954 in Cleveland, Tennessee but grew up in Crystal River, Florida. In his early adulthood he moved to the Atlanta area for many years before making Young Harris his home for the last four years. Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing and golf. He was a hard worker and never met a stranger but his true love was for his family. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life. He was a devoted father and grandfather who visited his children often and spent quality time with them.

Charles is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Tina Hinkle. He is survived by  sons and daughter-in-laws, Andy and Michele of Henry County Georgia, and Alex and Cassie Cross of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Courtney Cross, Hunter Cross, Hailey Cross, Harper Cross and Kylie Meredith; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Pete Rackauskas of Young Harris, Georgia; sister Anna Hawkins of Hiawassee, Georgia; and brother and sister-in-law, James and Cathy Cross of Tinley Park, Illinois. A host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends also survive. Charles was loved by a large family and will be truly missed.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Banister Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held in the Chapel of Banister Funeral Home, May 20, 2018 at 2:00 PM

June Beatty Gifford, age 95, passed away of natural causes in her home surrounded by her family. June was born in Pennsylvania, she graduated nursing school and joined the Navy as a Navy nurse during World War II. June moved to Florida where she met her now deceased husband Richard L. Gifford. They had four children and lived in the Hiawassee area for the last 50 plus years. June was a member of McConnell Memorial Baptist church and was a contributor to the Blairsville Seventh Day Adventist Church. June worked at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home until age 70. Survivors are Linda Davis, Tommy Gifford, Kathy McKinstry and James Gifford; grandchildren, Emily Holmes, Lee Davis and Sheri Guli; great grandchildren, Malachi and Azure Guli and Rhyan Hooper. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Memorial Service: Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home

The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Jack Dennis Kilgore, age 78, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at his home. Jack was born in Grayson, Georgia on November 9, 1939 to the late Soloman Jr. and Claudean (Wood) Kilgore. He was a member of Hiawassee United Methodist Church where he was an usher and also a member of the mens ministry. He was in The National Guard and Army Reserve for over 7 years. He enjoyed boating and working in his yard. He was also an avid golfer. He and his wife Brenda lived in Lawrenceville, Georgia during the early part of their marriage but decided to make Hiawassee their home for the past 10 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Brenda Kilgore; daughter and son-in-law, Kristine and Joe Cunningham of Eatonton, Georgia; son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Cindy Still of Grayson, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law Patty and Richi Boullon of Pendergrass, Georgia; brother and sister-in-law, Grady and Susie Kilgore of Buford, Georgia; sister and brother-in-law, Gloria Jean and Bobby Webb of Lawrenceville, Georgia; grandchildren. Kelsi Cunningham, Kimberly Still, Brandon Still and Nicole Still; a host of friends and family also survive. A celebration of life service will be held at Hiawassee United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Hiawassee United Methodist Church P.O. Box 609 Hiawassee, Georgia 30546 or Heartlite Hospice 772 Maddox Drive. Suite 112 East Ellijay, GA 30540. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Roy Lockaby Jr., age 70, of Young Harris, Georgia passed away at his home on Monday, March 19, 2018 surrounded by family. Known by most as Junior, he was born in Murphy, North Carolina on March 25, 1947 to the late Roy Struben and Jeanette (Dills) Lockaby. He was a truck driver for many years and went on to work road construction. He was of the Baptist faith. Junior had a respect and love for the Lord and the Bible that some may not have realized. It is unquestionable that he was all heart. Junior loved his family, friends and fast cars. Many could tell you that all you had to do was call. Whatever was needed he was there to help. If you needed a ride he would get you there…fast. Junior was loved and will be truly  missed. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kim Lockaby. Mr. Lockaby is survived by his son, Scott Lockaby of Hiawassee, Georgia; daughter and son-in-law, Stacye and Rodney Quinton of Young Harris, Georgia; sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Scott Farner of Hiawassee, Georgia; grandchildren, Skylar Lockaby, Logan, Hunter and Sawyer Quinton, and Makayla Lassiter; girlfriend, Linda Thomas; many good friends also survive. The family is planning a private memorial on Bell Mountain. This was Junior’s wish. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces Funeral Services for Mr. Odis Morgan Shead, age 86 of Hiawassee, who passed away on Monday, March 12, 2018.

Mr. Shead was born January 7, 1932 in Dallas, GA to the late Chester & Dura Florence Shead. Quiet by nature, Odis liked to problem solve. He viewed life as a puzzle and had a curiosity of how things worked. Deep in thought, he would take things apart to understand the mechanics behind it. This passion was a natural fit when he began a career in electrical engineering with Western Electric. Eventually, he worked with Southern Bell which later became AT&T. This ambition to educate himself helped him achieve and accomplish so much within his career in telecommunications. He was quick to listen and slow to speak- known to be gracious and encouraging. He loved his family, and they were his pride and joy.

Odis was a servant leader, Former Chairman of Deacon’s, President of both the Lions Club and Jaycees, and served on the Board for the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. He also served faithfully as a Volunteer Firefighter for many years in Lithia Springs. Odis was always a people person. He believed in pulling a team toward a goal, with a coaching spirit, rather than driving or pushing them. Odis enjoyed fishing and hunting as well.

He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: daughter & son-in-law, Deborah & Lon Wynn; daughter, Melba Miller; grandson, Jason Wynn and his wife Melanie; great grandsons, Ethan Wynn and Brandon Terrant; grandson Brian Wynn and his wife Crystal; great granddaughter, Leah Wynn; and sister Florence Cole.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eunice Franklin Shead.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018 from McConnell Memorial Baptist Church in Hiawassee with Rev. Thomas Cole and Rev. Danny Byers officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1 p.m. until the service begins.

Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at New Georgia Baptist Church Cemetery in Villa Rica, Georgia. The family will meet with friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces memorial services for Albert Ray Booher, age 75, of Warne, North Carolina, who entered his heavenly home and met his Savior face to face on Thursday, July 19th, 2018 in Chatuge Regional Hospital in Hiawassee.

Al was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania. At 21, he went to California to seek his fortune and attended airplane mechanics school. He worked on airplanes for the next seven years. After a move to Florida he owned and operated a boat marina and tested boats and Mercury engines. He returned to Pennsylvania to work as the principal of a Christian School while he went to Clarksville Theological Seminary. He graduated with a Doctorate in Christian Psychology. Over the years he served as an Assistant Pastor, School Principal, Teacher, Counselor and adjunct Professor at Saint Petersburg Theological Seminary where he taught Psychology and Eschatology. He also worked as a Director of Clinical Services in several drug and alcohol outpatient rehabilitation programs in the Tampa Bay Florida area for 20 years. As a young man he was an avid dirt bike racer, went scuba diving from Hawaii to the Caribbean. He even panned for gold in the Merced River in California. He loved to sing and play the guitar and when he moved to Clay County in North Carolina, he enjoyed fishing and rock hounding with his grandson. Al was a Clay County Master Gardener and always turned his fresh picked produce into gourmet meals. He was a member and an integral part of New Life Church in Hayesville, North Carolina, where he helped to organize and direct the Sunday School program. He loved to teach and preach, and Bible Prophecy was his passion! Al was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a wise counselor and teacher. He was loved by all who knew him, and will be long remembered as a faithful friend and mentor.

He leaves behind his loving family members that will treasure his memory: his wife, Pam, whom he met on the island of Kaui, Hawaii – they were married for almost 47 years, and raised two daughters: Shawna Mock and her husband, Chris, of Jasper, Georgia; and Leah West, of Grand Junction, Colorado; grandchildren: Rayna Mock, Tyler West, Tommy West, and Elissa West.

Memorial services have been scheduled for Sunday, July 22nd, 2018, to be held at 2:00 p.m., in New Life Church in Hayesville, with Pastor Greg Carroll officiating. The family will meet with friends at the church for one hour before the services begin.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to New Life Church Mission in Honduras.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee is honored to be serving the Booher family. Please sign the online guest registry on our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces funeral services for Sally Louetta Moss, age 87 years, of Hiawassee, Georgia, who passed away on Sunday, June 10th, 2018 in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia.

Ms. Moss was born in Clay County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late James and the late Anna Moss. She was a lifelong resident of Hiawassee, and was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church. In later years, she attended Macedonia Baptist Church in Hiawassee. Ms. Moss loved Jesus more than anything else in her life, and it was such a blessing to her to be able to go to church and sing. She also enjoyed going to the Senior Citizens Center, and Bingo, crossword puzzles, word search puzzles, coloring and bowling. Gardening and flowers were things that always brought her joy. Everyone who knew her knew that she was the happiest when she was talking and being with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Besides her parents, Ms. Moss had been preceded in death by a son, Kenneth Silvers. Ms. Moss is survived by her children: son, Larry J. Silvers, of Hayesville, North Carolina; daughter, Linda Jean Setser, of Jasper, Georgia; daughter, Debra Kathrine Davis, of Blue Ridge, Georgia; son, Travis Lee Silvers, of Hiawassee, Georgia; daughter, Nancy Lou Silvers Ledford, of Hiawassee, GA, son, Mark Silvers of Hiawassee, GA, and son, Terry Silvers, of Hiawassee, GA; Twenty four grandchildren and many great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, June 14th, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee with Rev. Danny Moss officiating. The following gentlemen are asked to serve as pallbearers: Kenny Silvers, Brandon Silvers, Chris Davis, Mitchell Davis, A.J. Silvers, and Dustin Ledford. Asked to serve as honorary escort to the family is Taylor Norton and C.J. Silvers. Burial will be in Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery in North Carolina. Visitation will be held at the funeral home in Hiawassee on Wednesday evening, June 13th, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee. Please share your condolences and sign the guest registry online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the death of Mrs. Bernice B. Kendall, age 56, of Hiawassee, who passed away on Wednesday, May 30th, 2018.

Mrs. Kendall was a longtime resident of Hiawassee and a member of Macedonia Baptist Church. Bernice was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She had worked as a beautician for 15 years before declining health forced her to close her shop.

She is survived by her husband, Dennis Kendall, son, Carey Edward Kendall and daughter, Shena Darnay Kendall, all of Hiawassee; a sister, Brenda Bradley of Hayesville, and two brothers, Scotty Bradley of Hiawassee and Jeff Bradley of Hayesville; and one grandson, Bradley Kendall. Many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for Sunday, June 3, 2018 3:00 pm from the chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee with Rev. Glen Eller officiating. Music will be provided by Mrs. Sheila Eller. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

The following gentlemen have been requested to serve as pallbearers: Jeff Bradley, Nathan Bradley, Dalton Bradley, Dustin Bradley, Adam Plott and Gary Kendall

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements. You may visit our website atwww.cochranfuneralhomes.com to leave condolences to the family.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the death of Mr. John Paul Barrett, age 67, of Hiawassee, GA, who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

Mr. Barrett was born on Monday, July 24, 1950, in Rome, GA, to Benson & Fay Douglas Barrett. John is a former member of the North-South Skirmish Association 3rd GA Regiment, as well as, having been a member of the first band to have the name of a city, The Athens Rogues. John, also known by the band as “JB” was a trumpet player and was quite accomplished as could be heard in their 1968 release “She Could Love Me”. Having gone on to be with his father, Benson Barrett and oldest son, Nathan Barret. John will be remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: Sons, Rhett and Elijah Barrett; Mother, Fay Douglas Barrett; Siblings, Marsha Jakl, Beryl Erdal, and Doug Barrett. Also sharing in his legacy are his grandchildren, Allison Barrett and Julia Barrett.

There are no services scheduled at this time.

Cochran Funeral Home is honored to be serving in charge of the arrangements.

Norman Tommy Shook went to heaven on April 27, 2018 at age 84. He was born in Hiawassee, Ga. December 13, 1934 to Thomas Henry and Stella Eller Shook. He was the youngest  of 8 children raised on Upper Hightower. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Linda Nell Thompson Shook.(died Nov 30,2017) They had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 2017. He will be buried in Macedonia Cemetery in Hiawassee beside his loving wife. Norman had moved back to Hiawassee and lived at Brasstown Manor his last 5 months from Duluth where he lived on beautiful Cardinal Lake for 45 years.  He spent his career working for Tull Equipment-Supply Company. Linda spent a career as a travel agent and they visited every state in the US as well as taking 17 cruises and traveling all over the world. Their favorite trip was to the Holy Lands. Norman was a member of the Church of God and LOVED God with all his heart, strength, mind and soul.

Norman was a devoted son, brother, uncle and husband. He dearly loved his family and friends and they dearly loved him back. Norman never spoke an unkind word and always lifted people up and encouraged them. His deepest desire was to Share the Love of Christ with others. He has passed out thousands of book and tracks telling people how to have a personal relationship with Christ.

He is in heaven surrounded by all of his beloved family and friends! We will miss you dear sweet Norman until we meet for eternity.

Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Stella Shook; sisters, Montine Harper and Mozelle Moore and brothers Willard Shook, Floyd Shook and Christopher Shook.

Surviving sisters are Kathleen Potts of Hiawassee and Jewel Jones of Stone Mountain.

The family will receive friends on May 1, 2018 from 11:00 to 12:00 PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home.

Services will be held on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at 12:00 PM with Rev. Glen Eller officiating.

Interment will follow at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

Our most sincere gratitude to Brasstown Manor and Regency Hospice Care for their above and beyond love, care and compassion for Norman.

Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.

June Beatty Gifford, age 95, passed away of natural causes in her home surrounded by her family. June was born in Pennsylvania, she graduated nursing school and joined the Navy as a Navy nurse during World War II. June moved to Florida where she met her now deceased husband Richard L. Gifford. They had four children and lived in the Hiawassee area for the last 50 plus years. June was a member of McConnell Memorial Baptist church and was a contributor to the Blairsville Seventh Day Adventist Church. June worked at Chatuge Regional Nursing Home until age 70. Survivors are Linda Davis, Tommy Gifford, Kathy McKinstry and James Gifford; twin sister, Jean Summerfield; grandchildren, Emily Holmes, Lee Davis and Sheri Guli; great grandchildren, Malachi and Azure Guli and Rhyan Hooper. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

Memorial Service: Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home

The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee, Georgia is in charge of arrangements.