Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Loyal Gene Sprayberry, age 74, of Blairsville, who passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at his home.

Gene was a native of Anniston, Alabama, a son of the late Loyal C. Sprayberry and the late Joyce Jennings Sprayberry. Gene was well-known and well-liked in our community, and was a banker with United Community Bank for many years. Gene was a member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church. He had been preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine Louise Sprayberry; two brothers: William Sprayberry and Alan Wade Sprayberry.

Gene was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind the following family members: son and daughter-in-law, Wade Louis and Angel Sprayberry of Blairsville; and son and daughter-in-law, Kelly Gene and Tracy Sprayberry, of Marietta, Georgia; five grandchildren: Nathan Sprayberry, Mallory Sprayberry, Selina Waterhouse, Kassy Guffey, and Michael Victoria; two great grandchildren: Emma Guffey and Ellie Guffey; many cousins and other relatives also survive.

Visitation hours will be held at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville as follows: Friday, November 1st, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.; and then from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Gene hated wearing a tie….so he had requested that no one have to wear ties to his visitation or funeral!

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, to be held at Harmony Grove Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. The body will lie instate at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family has requested the following gentlemen serve as pallbearers: Scott Nanney, Eric Collins, Michael Victoria, Jody Rich, Nathan Sprayberry, and Justin Guffey; the following gentlemen are requested to serve as honorary pallbearers: Brandon Grimsley, Larry Lunsford, Jerry Rich, Jimmy Tallent, Zack Carney, and Ben Waterhouse.

If you wish to do so, memorial donations may be directed to Harmony Grove Baptist Church, 1008 Town Creek School Road, Blairsville, Georgia 30512.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Gene Sprayberry. Please share your condolences and fond memories with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Cheryl Lee Helton, age 48, of Gainesville, GA, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2019, at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, GA. She was born in Ducktown, TN, on Tuesday, October 26, 1971, to the late Steven & Sandra Wilcox Helton. Cheryl enjoyed her work as a Patient Care Tech for Northeast Georgia Medical Center. She not only offered assistance for her patients, but she also provided a kind, friendly, and caring personality. Cheryl will be remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her children; Alexius Helton, Austin Helton and, Heyli Colbert, grandchildren; Jorrden Crowder, Jayse Crowder, and Annleigh Crowder. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2019, at 3:00 pm from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home in Murphy, NC. Rev. Allen Harris will be officiating.
Cochran Funeral Home Of Murphy is honored to be serving the family.

Mrs. Betty Harper Swearington, age 83, of Blue Ridge passed away Wednesday evening, October 30, 2019, at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper. She was born January 2, 1936, in Fannin County, Georgia, to the late Cliff and Maude Collins Harper. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ike Swearington, and siblings, Juanita, and James.
Betty retired from Lincoln Financial, and she had been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge. She liked deep-sea fishing, spending time on the Coast of North Carolina, listening to Billy Graham, and Southern Gospel Music. She loved dogs, and they held a special place in her heart.
Survivors include her niece, Shirley Foster of California, special friends, Tracy Radebaugh, Karon (Jerry) Monnett, and Larissa (Jack) Jones.
Funeral services Saturday, November 1, 2019, 11:00 AM from the Henry Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bob Richardson and Pastor W.L. Collins officiating. Music by Brian Huffman. Interment will follow in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Henry Cochran Funeral Home on Friday evening, November 1, 2019, from 6 PM till 8 PM.
In place of flowers donations, may be made in Betty’s name to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Sally Ruth Johnson Boulineau, age 79, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. Sally was born in Baxley, Georgia on July 31, 1940 to the late Hiram Francis and Lillie (Deen) Johnson. She was a member of Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking and fishing. She served 31 years in education as a high school english teacher and principal, retiring from Garrett Elementary in Augusta, Georgia. Sally was preceded in death by her parents, H.F. and Lillie Johnson, and her brother, H.F. Johnson Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of almost 60 years, William Franklin Boulineau; daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Randy Oakley; son and daughter-in-law, Frank Jr. and Leigh Boulineau; sister, Carolyn Eunice; grandchildren, Zach Boulineau, Jordan Oakley, Logan Oakley, and Nathan Oakley; great grandchildren, Kynleigh Boulineau and R.J. Oakley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in Sally’s memory to Young Harris College Fine Arts Department or Young Harris College Women’s Softball Team. Banister Funeral Home is honored to handle the arrangements for Mrs. Boulineau.

Deborah Elaine Ayers Dockery, age 59, of Ellijay, GA, passed away Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Gainesville, GA. Mrs. Dockery was born February 7, 1960, in Stephens County, GA. She was Administrator, Director of Women’s Ministry, and a member of World Harvest Church North. Deborah loved serving God, her church family, caring for people, singing, organizing events to better the world, writing, editing, proofreading, and decorating. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sue Ayers and Leon Powers, step-father Frank Ayers, and her sister, Robin Sellers.

Survivors include her husband, Asa Dockery; sons, Stephen Dockery and wife Dana Dockery, Michael Dockery, and Benjamin Dockery and wife Sarah Dockery.

Funeral Services: Saturday, November 23, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home with Robin Bertram officiating. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park Cemetery with Tracey Mitchell. Music by Connie Davis. Pallbearers: Wayne Dillworth, Dennis Gorges, Jonathan Long, Matthew Colbert, Chris Brewer, and Rob Thibodeaux.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Friday, November 22, 2019, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 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.

Alice Dell Brooks, age 86 of Copperhill, TN passed away on October 11, 2019, in Blue Ridge, GA. Mrs. Brooks was born May 14, 1933, in Blue Ridge, GA to the late Marion Dillard and the late Lassie Ellis Dillard. A member of Fairview Baptist Church, she was preceded in death by her first husband Rev. Buddy Ray; brothers, Sonny Craig, Reid Dillard, Walter Dillard, and Arnold Dillard; great-grandchildren, Davanee Dickey and Jentzen James Dickey; and sister, Orthel Cochran. Mrs. Brooks enjoyed being a caretaker and loved to cook. She will be greatly missed by her family.

Survivors include: husband, Keith Brooks; daughters, Wilda (Jimmy) Burger, Wanda (Willie) Burk, and Winona Walker; step-sons, Kent Brooks, and Scott (Paula) Brooks; sister, Jean Newman; ten grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

Funeral services: Sunday, October 13, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Bethel Church with the Rev. Doug Payne, Rev. Scott Graves, and Rev. Scott Baugh officiating. Music provided by: Rick Curtis, Benny Picklesimer, T.C. Picklesimer, Jeremy Payne, Mary Kate Dickey, and the Bethel Church Choir. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery in Copperhill, TN. Pallbearers: T.J. Dickey, Josh Dickey, Jonah Dickey, Austin Dickey, Caleb Locke, and Tyler Bonds. Honorary pallbearers: Grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysivlle, GA Saturday, October 12, 2019, 5:00 pm – 9:00 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.

Obituary for James L. Davenport

Rev. James W. Jenkins, age 77, of Copperhill, passed away Monday, November 18, 2019, at Fannin Regional Hospital. Mr. Jenkins was born May 3, 1942, in Culberson, NC, to the late Charles Jenkins and the late Gazzie Truett Jenkins. He was a member of Ducktown Masonic Lodge, No. 241 F&AM, and served area churches as pastor for over 30 years including Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Shady Grove Baptist Church. James also worked as a security guard for the Tennessee Chemical Company for 35 years, and enjoyed giving his time and talent at the Polk County Senior Center. Mr. Jenkins was preceded in death by his father, Charles Jenkins, mother, Gazzie Truett Jenkins, first wife, Joy Bruce Jenkins, sisters, Willie Mae Jenkins, Faye Rogers, Jean Clonts, Dorothy Alsobrook, and Geneaive Jenkins, brothers, Thomas Jenkins, Junior Jenkins, and George Jenkins.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Jenkins, sister, Louizene Wilson, brother, Lucky (Pat) Jenkins, son, Dwayne Jenkins, daughter, JoAnn (Alan) Deal, step-daughters, Shauna (Lee) Adams, Pam (Eric) Satterfield, and Becky (Eddie) O’Neal, grandchildren, Jessica Dean, Jason (Leslie) Dean, Joshua (Amber) Dean, Michael (Misty) Deal, Christopher Deal, Scott Deal, Alan Deal, Jr., step-grandchildren, Noah (Alexis) O’Neal, Isaac O’Neal, Michah O’Neal, Jessica Thomason, Jennifer (David) Henry, Wesley Adams, Kyle Adams, and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral services: Thursday, November 21, 2019, at 2:00 pm at Shady Grove BaptistChurch, Murphy, NC. with Rev. Jeremiah Jack and Rev. Josh Ledford officiating. Music provided by: Shady Grove Baptist Church Choir. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jason Dean, Joshua Dean, Michael Deal, Lee Adams, Eddie O’Neal, David Henry.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of, McCaysville, Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm & Thursday, November 21, 2019, at the Shady Grove Baptist Church from
12:00 pm – 2:00 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.

Obituary for James Arthur Smith

Mr. Jim Edward McClure, age 62, of Cleveland, Georgia passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019 at Emory University Hospital after a courageous battle with a long term illness. Jim was born in Hiawassee, Georgia on June 19, 1957 to the late Mr. Earl McClure and Mrs. JoAnn (Underwood) McClure. Jim attended Mt. Pleasant Church of God. He worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation for eighteen years and was a truck driver. Jim enjoyed anything that got him outside; he loved to hunt, fish, was a shade tree mechanic and restored old cars. Jim was very social; he never met a stranger and he would talk to anyone. Jim loved his family; he was a devoted husband, amazing dad, and the best PaPa who lived to spoil his grandchildren! Jim is proceeded in death by his father, Earl McClure; son, Jarriad McClure; sister, Martha McClure Moss. He leaves behind wife, Brenda (Bradshaw) McClure; mother, JoAnn McClure; son, Eric McClure; brothers, Roy McClure, Earl Deal McClure (wife Diana) and Billy Clyde Free (wife Debbie) ; sister, Twana Franks; grandchildren, Shawn McClure, Ashton Adams, Addyson McClure and Aubrey McClure; along with many extended family members and friends.
Visitation: Friday, December 6, 2019 at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home 5:00P-8:00P
Funeral: Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Banister-Cooper Funeral Home at 2:00pm with Rev Mark Duncan officiating.
Interment: Boyd’s Chapel Cemetery

William Thomas ‘Tommy” Quintrell, age 90 of McCaysville, passed away Saturday, November 23, 2019, at Union County Nursing Home in Blairsville. Tommy was born September 29, 1929, in Fry, GA, to the late William Henry Quintrell and the late Willa Nell Fry Quintrell. He was a member of the 1947 graduating class of McCaysville High School, severed as a corporal in the US Army during the Korean Conflict; he had worked as a carpenter in the mining department at City Service Company. Tommy had served as mayor at one time and as a councilman for the City Of McCaysville for 30 years. He was an active member of the First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill, Tommy was preceded in death by brothers, Roy Quintrell, and John Quintrell, sister, Grace Postelle.

Survivors include wife, Marjorie “Pug” Turner Quintrell, daughters, Amy Elizabeth (Bryan) Branson, and Julie (Terry) Arp, grandchildren, Abby Elizabeth (Steve) Lanni, Jennifer Branson, Amanda Branson, and Timothy Edward (Brittany) Branson, sisters, Doris Abernathy, and Sandra Finch.

Funeral services: Tuesday 12:00 Noon at First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill, with Rev. Gary Barber and Rev. Matthew McDaniel officiating. Music by Harry and Katie Gilbert. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jim Quintrell, Jake Williams, Weston Quintrell, Gary George, Will Harbin, and Timonthy Towe. Honorary pallbearers: The Way Sunday School Class, Kenneth Patterson, and Lynn Panter.
The service will stream live online at www.myfirstbaptist.net
The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church on Tuesday from 11:00 AM till 12:00 Noon.
Interment will follow at Crestlawn Cemetery with Military Honors provided by North Georgia Honor Gaurd.

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.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Billy M. Decker, age 75, of Blairsville, who passed away on Tuesday, November 19th, 2019 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia.

Billy was born in Murphy, North Carolina, the son of the late Virgil Lee Decker, Sr. and the late Bertha Lee Stiles Decker. Billy had a strong work ethic his entire life, starting with delivering the Atlanta Journal and the Grit all over town as a young boy on his red and white Louisville Blue Grass bicycle. He even earned a writeup in the Journal as part of the “Decker Delivery Franchise” for the Murphy area. After graduating from the newspaper delivery business, he rode in a Kern’s bread truck delivering bread to many of the same customers as his newspapers. Billy moved to Blairsville in 1969, and joined Union County Bank, now United Community Bank, becoming its 13th employee. A loyal employee of the bank, he played an integral part in its growth over the years working in both Blairsville as well as the Murphy operations. He enjoyed helping people the most, and especially looked forward to Customer Appreciation Day, where he would greet everyone with his warm, welcoming smile, giving out tomato plants and (lots of) hotdogs! Wherever Billy was, there was joking and laughter! He enjoyed golfing with the grandkids and going on camping trips. He loved the beach, and especially the fresh seafood that came with it. A traveler, Billy visited many wonderful places, creating cherished memories with his family. Billy was devoted to God, his family, and his church, First Baptist Church of Blairsville, where he served as a deacon.

Billy would light up a room with his contagious enthusiasm and smile. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but especially by his loving family members: wife of 55 years, Eva; daughter and son-in-law, Davia and John Mark Gordon; son and daughter-in-law, Darren and Julie Decker; and Carol Chastain, who is part of the family; two brothers: Virgil Decker, Jr., and Jerry Decker; grandchildren: Chandler Gordon (Emma), Brock Gordon, Haley Gordon, Andrew Decker, Emma Decker, and John Austin Decker.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., to be held in the Main Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Pastor Fred Lodge and Rev. Roy Bateman officiating. Special music will be presented by Terry Hooper. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Chandler Gordon, Brock Gordon, Andrew Decker, John Austin Decker, Mike Decker, Travis Decker, Steve Drake, Brian Allison, Daryl Allison, and Craig Davenport. The following gentlemen have been requested to serve as honorary escort to the family: Jimmy Tallent, W.C. Nelson, Ricky Davenport, Paul Owenby, Andy Williams, Joe Fair, Ronnie Burch, Glenn Hamby, Burl Conley, Bobby Jackson, Jim Allison, Hoyt Raper, Mike Calloway, Wes Hopgood, David Gowder, and Bill Foster; also asked to serve as honorary escort is the C.R. Collins Joy Sunday School Class. Burial will be in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Saturday, November 23rd, at 11:00 a.m., at the Church Sanctuary, and will last until the funeral begins at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 98016, Washington, DC 20090-8016.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Billy M. Decker, 75, of Blairsville. Please visit our website at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com and leave your condolences and fond memories.

James Edward Groves, age 79, of Hiawassee, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, October 24, 2019 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. He was a resident of Chatuge Regional Nursing Home in Hiawassee. He worked for Firestone in Gastonia, North Carolina for many years until he retired and returned home to Young Harris. James was a kind soul with a good heart. He was proud of his family and enjoyed reminiscing with the other residents about the older days and telling stories to the CNA’s about his life. He was preceded in death by his mother, Pearl (Groves) Ledford and a brother, Jerry Groves. He is survived by a sister, Phyllis Rogers (Sonny); nephews, Randy Groves and C.G. Rogers (Brittany); great nephew, Bryce Rogers; great niece, Sienna Rogers; and special cousins, Pat, Mert, Cotton and Francis. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Old Brasstown Baptist Church in Young Harris.