Vernon Ray Moore, age 69, of Murphy, passed away October 28, 2019, at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital. Mr. Moore was born November 2, 1949, in Murphy, NC, to the late Arvil Lee Moore and Helen Irene Peek Moore. He served as a deacon at the Household of Faith Church and was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in Vietnam. Vernon enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and cutting grass.

Survivors include a step-son, James Stuart, sons, Robert Moore, and Jonathan Moore, sister, Shirley Wilbanks, and brother, James Greene, two grandchildren, Mackenzie Moore, and Windy, three great-grandchildren, Leeya, Elijah, and Isaiah.

Funeral services: Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 1:00 pm at the Household of Faith with Pastor Richard Mashburn and Rev. Preston Mashburn officiating. Interment will follow in the Grape Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Claude Hartness, Troy Roberson, Jerry Curtis, Keith Mashburn, and Steve Guthrie. Honorary pallbearers: Henry Raper, George Mashburn, Glenn Mashburn, and Charlie Moore.

The family will receive friends at the House Hold of Faith Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.

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

Mrs. Beverly Brimer Bolsius, age 86 of Hiawassee, passed away after a struggling hospice in her mountain home Saturday, October 26, 2019.

Beverly was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 10, 1933 to the late Aubrey & Margaret Brimer. The loss of her younger sister at the age of 10 made a big impact on her perspective of life. It was from that moment that she became intentional with her life. Her high school years were full of accomplishment some of which include serving as class officer and majorette of the band. It was also here that she met her future husband, Gene Bolsius. After high school, she attended business school and worked for the State of Georgia Health Department. Later, she reconnected with Gene and they began a solid marriage and life of adventure!

It is said behind every great man is a great woman. She was the epitome of that idiom. Bev had a certain charisma about her. When she entered the room her presence was instantly known- she was the life of the party. Her hilarious sense of humor and style allowed her to quickly form genuine connections with people. Through Gene’s career, they were able to live all over the world from Tokyo to Hong Kong and Buenos Aires. These locations served as jumping off points for the rest of their globe-trotting adventures as they enjoyed a full retirement traveling the world. Bev was extremely organized and patriotic. She even coupled these attributes volunteering to host and entertain troops overseas.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: loving husband of 67 years, Eugene Herbert Bolsius; daughter, Mona Carolyn Clayton; son & daughter-in-law, Mark Stephen & Anne Bolsius; and daughter, Melissa Anne Caldwell. Also, sharing in her legacy are 8 grandchildren, Christie Clayton, Colin Clayton (Gina), Michael Bolsius, Shelly Bolsius, Maggie Bolsius, Nick Caldwell, Jack Caldwell, and Olivia Caldwell. Bev was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Carolyn Brimer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Chaplain Greg Bailey officiating. The family will gather together with friends prior to the service beginning at noon.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Obituary for Robin Renay Burger

Helen Cochran, age 84 of Postell, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Life Care Center of Copper Basin. Mrs. Cochran was born April 26, 1935, in the Wolf Creek Community of Cherokee County to the late Theodore Ledford and the late Carrie Gaddis Ledford. She was a member of Temple Baptist Church, baking was her favorite pass time. She was preceded in death by husband, James Edward Cochran, brothers, Sam Ledford, Wayne Ledford, Gerald Ledford, Bud Ledford, and Ern Ledford, daughter-in-law, Sue Cochran.

Survivors include sons, Bruce (Janet) Cochran, and Steve Cochran, brother, Ray Ledford, granddaughter, Jennifer Burnett, grandsons, Michael Davis, and Joe Smith.

Funeral services: Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at 1:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Sammy Ledford and Rev. Donald Padgett officiating. Music provided by Glenn Hughes, Pauline White and Deanne Ledford. Interment will follow in Jerusalem Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers: Tim Johnson, Billy Galloway, Joe Smith, Michael Davis, Glenn Hughes, and Terry McClure.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home, Monday, September 30, 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.

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.