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Lois Jeanette Colbert

By
Now Habersham
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Lois Jeanette Colbert, age 87, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Demorest, with her family by her side.

Jeanette was born June 21, 1936, in Alto to the late Fred & Margie Nell Turner Colbert. She retired as a lab technician from Lanier Park Hospital as well as Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville. She was of the Baptist faith and was preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Emerson Colbert & sister, Betty Ann Colbert.

Left to cherish precious memories, sisters Mary C. Barbee, Brenda Colbert & Linda Robertson; a number of nieces, nephews & other relatives also survive.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023, at the funeral home. Graveside services honoring Jeanette will be held at 2:30 p.m. Friday, December 29, 2023, at the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church Cemetery, 1636 Mud Creek Road, Alto, GA 30510.

You may share online condolences or sign the guestbook at www.wardsfh.com.

Ward’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gainesville, is honored to serve the family of Lois Jeanette Colbert.

A newly approved medication can ease postpartum depression in as little as 3 days

By
Ellen Eldridge
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For the first time, doctors in Georgia can prescribe an oral treatment that works faster than anything previously available for postpartum depression. Earlier this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved zuranolone, and it’s now commercially available.

As many as 4 out of 5 women experience so-called “baby blues” in the weeks following birth. But postpartum depression (PPD), experienced by roughly 1 in 7 women, is a psychiatric issue that often goes unrecognized.

Perinatal mental disorders are the most common complication of childbearing. They’re associated with maternal and fetal/infant morbidity and mortality, according to a 2020 study published in World Psychiatry.

Symptoms of PPD can be debilitating and are characterized by negative changes in mood and impaired function. While all women can be affected by PPD, symptoms are more common among minority patient populations compared to white patients.

Black and brown women, women who live in rural areas, and those on Medicaid may be more likely to receive inadequate postpartum care compared to individuals in urban areas or with private health insurance.

Dr. Toby Goldsmith, an assistant professor at the Emory University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, said the new medication, zuranolone, works differently than traditional antidepressants like Prozac.

While women diagnosed with depression are more likely to experience PPD, Goldsmith said, PPD is its own illness: a reaction to the many changes that occur during the course of pregnancy.

“One of the neurosteroids decreases in the body significantly as soon as the woman gives birth,” Goldsmith said. “And what zuranolone is doing is essentially replacing this neurosteroid.”

As the director of PEACE for Moms and the Women’s Mental Health Program, Goldsmith said recognizing PPD and seeking treatment is most important.

Women whose depression started during the pregnancy, typically during the third trimester of the pregnancy or since, may benefit from receiving zuranolone, she said. Goldsmith recently wrote her first prescription and is eager to see the results.

There are a pair of concerns, though. One of the big considerations is that the medication is sedating for a lot of people.

“And so that may require that the mother have assistance, especially in the evening,” Goldsmith said. “Because she may have more difficulty waking up, and you may not want her carrying a baby in the middle of the night.”

The other issue is that it’s not cheap.

Chief Business Officer at Sage Therapeutics Chris Benecchi said the biopharmaceutical company is committed to expanding access to Zurzuvae, the brand name for zuranolone.

“Innovations are only impactful if people can access them, and we will continue supporting the goal of broad and equitable access,” he said. “Our support programs aim, where possible, to help women with PPD who are prescribed Zurzuvae to have little to no copay and to provide product at no cost for eligible patients with no insurance, as we believe that lack of insurance or financial means should not be a barrier to treatment access.”

The once-daily oral medicine therapy lasts 14 days, with results expected quickly.

“Patients start seeing a difference within as little as three days,” Goldsmith said about zuranolone. “It’s frequent when our patients are on SSRIs, they often have to wait a matter of weeks, maybe even months, before they get a significant benefit.”

But Goldsmith stressed that zuranolone is just one of numerous options and what is important is getting help.

This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with GPB News

Ferrari

By
Justin Hall
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“Ferrari” is another biopic that is pretty much by the numbers. That’s not entirely a bad thing, but I wish it had more under its hood. Director Michael Mann proves he’s still competent at the technical elements, and he puts together a well-rounded cast, but the movie only marginally succeeds.

The movie takes place in 1957, and Adam Driver stars as Enzo Ferrari, the Italian founder of Ferrari S.p.A. The man has had to deal with a series of setbacks, both personally and professionally. His son, Dino, passed away a year prior.

Penelope Cruz costars as his wife Laura, and after Dino’s death, their marriage begins to crumble, especially after the revelation that he had another son with his mistress Lina (Shailene Woodley). Cruz is totally effective as his wife. She’s a firecracker who takes nothing from Enzo.

His company is facing bankruptcy, and despite all the obstacles put in front of him, Enzo decides to enter his racing team into the Mille Miglia, which is a motor race in Italy, and he needs some top drivers. Patrick Dempsey plays Piero Taruffi, a Formula One champion.

Director Mann knows how to showcase his technical prowess. The racing scenes are skillfully done. They include one crucial scene that’s stunning both in its intensity and impact, which I won’t dare give away. It may be the most visceral scene in any Mann film since his brilliant L.A. shootout sequence in “Heat.”

“Ferrari” has some intriguing ingredients at its core, and yet I thought the movie wasn’t daring enough. Yes, we do get a fair amount of scenes between Ferrari’s personal demons and chasing professional glory, but the scenes are not executed in a way that becomes memorable. The film seems content with entrenching itself in routine, common scenes.

The film examines its subject on a superficial level. I wanted it to go further and try more revelatory scenes. That would’ve been a good idea to shake up its formula.

“Ferrari” is well-acted and well-directed, and it’s consistently well-made, but not quite enough to leave me satisfied.

Grade: B-

(Rated R for some violent content/graphic images, sexual content and language.)

William Jesse “Willie” Wells, Sr.

By
Now Habersham
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William Jesse “Willie” Wells, Sr., age 65 of Mount Airy, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 23, 2023.

Born in Toccoa, Georgia on October 05, 1958, he was a son of the late Jesse & Ruby Parker Wells. Willie worked for many years at Habersham Mills, Ingles, and at Quality Foods. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by his brothers, Robert Wells & Wayne Wells.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Judy Chitwood Wells; son & fiancé, David Thompson & Tangie Dean all of Mount Airy, GA; son, William Jesse Wells, Jr. of Mount Airy, GA; & special friend, Kayla Finley; daughter & son-in-law, Candy & Michael White of Eastanollee, GA; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Randy & Cindy Chitwood of Demorest, GA; sister-in-law, Buffy Chitwood Holcomb of Alto, GA; grandchildren, Cameron & Bri White, Dylan White, & Emily White; great-grandchild, Ivey White; other relatives & friends.

Private family services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that all donations be made in memory of Willie Wells, c/o Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville, to help with funeral expenses.

An online guest registry is available for the Wells family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com.

Arrangements are in the care & professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia. (706) 754-6256

Convicted felon busted with nearly 7,000 deadly doses of fentanyl, police say

By
Staff Report
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Drugs, a weapon, and other items drug agents say they seized from a suspected drug trafficker's vehicle in Athens on Dec. 20, 2023. (ACCPD photo)

A convicted felon from Northeast Georgia was arrested at a convenience store with nearly 7,000 potentially fatal doses of fentanyl, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD) says.

Dwan Hewlett, 40, was arrested at the store located at 645 Danielsville Road on the afternoon of December 20. Members of the Northeast Georgia Regional Drug Task Force and the ACCPD Gang Unit took part in the joint operation.

Police arrested Hewlett after a short foot chase. During their investigation, agents searched Hewlett’s vehicle. They seized fentanyl, meth, cocaine, packaging materials, and a digital scale, a press release says.

Dwan Hewlett (ACCPD photo)

The release says Hewlett possessed approximately 139 grams of fentanyl, which is almost 5 ounces. Hewlett was also found to be in possession of a firearm with a serial number that was altered.

Police charged Hewlett with trafficking fentanyl, meth, and cocaine, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and obstruction, among other charges.

Authorities encourage anyone with information about drug activity in the Athens area to contact ACCPD’s drug tip line at 706-613-3297.

This article was written using assistive AI technology

Georgia lawmakers asked to help clear court case backlog

By
Stanley Dunlap
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Despite 1 million people calling Fulton County home, the formula used by the state to pay judges and prosecutors is the same for judicial circuits that are much smaller. ()Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder

(GA Recorder) — Georgia legislators are eyeing changing an outdated law that hinders local prosecutors and pouring additional resources into a judicial system that attorneys and judges say needs increased investment to clear a backlog of court cases across the state.

Georgia prosecutors and judges are urging lawmakers to provide more competitive pay in the judicial system in order to better retain experienced attorneys and judges who can move cases along.

At a meeting held on Dec. 14, the majority of members of the state Senate public safety subcommittee said they would examine ways to change a state law that dates back at least to the early 1980s and limits some districts from deploying prosecutors to wade through the caseload.

The decades-old state formula limits the state to paying for one assistant district attorney for every judge budgeted within a judicial circuit, said Peter Skandalakis, executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia.

As Georgia grew rapidly and resources began to divide between rural and urban communities, that formula has slowed the resolution of cases.

As a result of a spate of violent crimes and overcrowding in jails, a Senate subcommittee was assigned to investigate the safety of inmates and how fast they are released.

Georgia’s 159 counties and 50 judicial districts have varying ways of running their jails and courts, which affects how long it takes a person to post bail after being arrested and how long it will take before a case is settled through trial, plea agreement, or the dropping of charges. It can take a considerable amount of resources to prosecute more serious violent felonies, Skandalakis said,

“I cannot think of an instance where you had a major case of child molestation, aggravated sodomy rape, homicide, where you are not constantly working that case, almost all the way up to the time they go to trial,” he said.

“Everyone talks about the pandemic backlog, but I pointed out that there was a backlog before the pandemic,” Skandalakis said.

Coweta County Judicial Circuit District Attorney Herb Cranford Jr. said that there has been a 20% turnover for Georgia’s assistant district attorneys over the last two years and that there is currently a 10% vacancy rate for state prosecutors across the state. Cranford said one of the problems in filling the jobs is a lack of competitive pay for assistants.

Despite 1 million people calling Fulton County home, the formula used by the state to pay judges and prosecutors is the same for judicial circuits that are much smaller, said Roswell Republican Sen. John Albers.

“That is a glaring example that nobody can dispute that math,” Albers said at the committee hearing earlier this month. “That’s certainly something as we’re going through this process that we need to look deeper and to figure out how we bring things to be more consistent.”

Not every district attorney’s office receives county funding, particularly in the most rural areas, Cranford said.

The state currently pays an average salary of $58,000 for new assistant district attorneys, and the district attorneys’ association is asking for that to be increased to $71,000. The prosecutor organization is also seeking to hike the pay for prosecutors who’ve spent a decade or longer on the job.

In the rural South Georgia Pataula and Cordele judicial circuits, which receive no local funding, the prosecutors’ shortage is exacerbated by seven vacancies out of 13 assistant district attorney positions.

Even with some county funding, Cranford has had to replace 19 of 23 assistant district attorneys in the last three years.

“The purpose is having career prosecutors. people who know how to prosecute a child molestation case, a murder case, somebody that, God forbid, something like that happens to somebody in your family; you would feel comfortable with this assistant DA handling your case,” Cranford said at another December legislative budget hearing.

“I can’t function as a DA if I don’t have good people, and it’s hard to recruit and retain people now,” he said.

Georgia’s low national ranking for the average payments given to public defenders and state prosecutors can often lead to fresh law school graduates seeking some trial experience before moving onto a higher paying job as a private defense lawyer or moving on to a better paying metropolitan area.

“If I can tell somebody out of law school, if you stick with me for 10 years, you’re going to be making over $100,000. I think that’s something that would be attractive and compelling to them,” Cranford said.

State Sen. Randy Robertson argued that some of the ills of an aging criminal justice system can be alleviated by amending the state’s formula based on the number of judges within a district.

“We have public defenders who might have 50 clients sitting in jail, who are trying to give each client their due process while protecting all of their rights,” said the Cataula Republican. “And these are men and women who I think looking at the pay, or being, they could easily go out and set up a private practice and make better money.”

“It would be nice to work on a solution if the state capitol county is handicapped by a dated code and the state government lacks adequate means to strengthen both public defender’s and prosecutor’s offices,” Robertson said.

Peach State FCU and Toys for Tots unite in holiday spirit

By
Staff Report
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Peach State staff members Olivia, Maria and Travell pose with some of the Toys for Tots gifts generously donated by members and staff.

Peach State Federal Credit Union’s annual toy drive in support of the Toys for Tots program was a success, the credit union’s foundation says.

Every year, Peach State uses its branch locations as convenient drop-off sites for the toy drive. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and deliver them as holiday gifts to less fortunate children in the community.

“The annual toy drive unites all of us in the holiday spirit by helping families in need and giving back to our communities,” says Peach State’s Chief Administrative Officer and Foundation President Demitra Houlis.

Toys for Tots is one of the many programs Peach State’s C.A.R.E.S. Foundation supports. Local charities, food banks, and school systems also benefit from the foundation’s efforts.

“The Foundation helps bring the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’ to life, and we’re proud to support the efforts of Toys for Tots,” says Houlis.

In 2021, Peach State introduced the Peach State FCU C.A.R.E.S. Foundation with the goal of helping neighbors through contributions throughout its service area. Because of the C.A.R.E.S. Foundation, meaningful contributions are made within local communities that positively impact the lives of those who live in them.

To learn more about the C.A.R.E.S Foundation, click here.

The meaning behind the New Year’s Day meal

By
Nora Almazan
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Traditional Southern New Year's Day meal consisting of ham, black-eyed peas, collard greens and cornbread.

OK – so maybe you aren’t superstitious, but New Year’s Day brings with it a traditional dinner which can – possibly – bring you a prosperous New Year.

  1. Pork

Have you ever watched a pig rooting? Their little snouts or not-so-little snouts move forward across the ground finding treasures in the dirt to eat. Such is the notion behind eating pork on New Year’s Day. It signifies the ability to move forward – to make progress in the coming year. It takes courage to take a step into something new or venture out into the unknown. Just think of the pig-rooting and pushing forward. Add pork to the menu for “progress” or “possibilities” in the coming new year.

2. Grapes

Grapes bring good luck. My grandmother used to say, “One for every month.” In some countries, people eat 12 grapes at midnight. A key nutrient in grapes is Resveratrol, which is known to offer health benefits. Grapes are also a good source of fiber and potassium, and have a range of vitamins and other minerals.

3. Collard Greens or Turnip Greens

Green, green, green. You can probably guess – MONEY! A big helping of one of these greens will make you wealthy and also healthy. Adding hot sauce will not only bring money but a new career or promotion. These greens are high in nutrients, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and calcium, and low in calories.

4. Circular-type dessert

Maybe a cake or a cookie. Like a lucky coin, the circle signifies completion. Something you’ve wanted to do – write a book, build a house, paint a painting, landscape a garden – the circular dessert will ensure you will do just that this year.

5. Black-eyed peas and cornbread

Cornbread is for gold or purity. Some people look at it literally as gold coins or purity of heart. Cornbread keeps you honest throughout the year. Black-eyed peas are for luck. Grab an extra helping to be on the safe side of Lady Luck.

6. Noodles

You will enjoy a long life – if you can eat the entire noodle without breaking it. There are even noodles made just for the occasion. “Longevity Noodles” are a favorite in the Chinese tradition. Used at birthdays, weddings, and celebrations, longevity noodles are fun. The idea is to eat the entire noodle without breaking it. (Just don’t choke!)

7. Rice

This symbolizes fertility and wealth. A key nutrient in rice is Selenium which is a component of antioxidant enzymes. It is used by the body to help support thyroid health. Fundamentally, thyroid health is beneficial in fertility health and future pregnancy. And when you add wealth, eat enough rice and you can be pregnant and wealthy!

8. Fish

Looking for a spouse? Fish symbolize many fish in the sea. Maybe this will be the year you find your significant other. Enjoy some halibut or tilapia on New Year’s Day. Who knows, it could be just the “bite” that makes your life complete.

9. Pomegranates

In Greece, pomegranates are tossed on the floor to symbolize the release of a flood of seeds which brings life and abundance. In other cultures, eating pomegranate seeds offers the same – abundance in life.

10. Olives

Eating olives on New Year’s Day promises happiness. Olives contain polyphenols, a natural chemical that reduces oxidative stress in the brain. And who doesn’t want a huge dose of that?

Add these traditional foods to your New Year’s Day celebration dinner and see what could possibly happen in 2024!

Holiday dance recital at Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center

By
Staff Report
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The Ruby C. Fulbright Recreation located at 120 Paul Franklin Road in Clarkesville. (NowHabersham.com)

Habersham County Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center was the stage for a wonderful production on Tuesday, December 19, in the gymnasium. The talented young dancers from Hillary Myers’ year-round dance classes performed their Holiday Dance Recital.

Months of hard work

A culmination of months of dedication and hard work was appreciated by a performance that transported the audience into a vibrant realm of holiday cheer.

Graceful ballet dancers pirouetted across the floor, creating rhythmic echoes with their energetic routines. The tap dancers stepped a merry tune into the hearts of spectators.

“Seeing our students shine on stage, filled with confidence and joy, is truly heartwarming,” said Brooke Whitmire, Habersham County Parks and Recreation’s director. “This recital was a special opportunity for them to showcase their talent and celebrate the spirit of the holidays with their families and the community.”

Holiday Dance Recital

Display of creativity

Whitmire said the Holiday Dance Recital was a beautiful display of creativity, dedication, and the joy that unfolds when dancers take center stage.

“This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and artistic vision of everyone involved,” said Lacy Jackson, Habersham County Parks and Recreation’s Fitness and Programs specialist, who is responsible for coordinating special programs with the Parks and Recreation Department. “Habersham County Parks and Recreation is committed to nurturing and promoting emerging talent in the youth of our community, and Mrs. Myers is helping us reach that goal.”

Holiday Dance Recital

Upcoming registration

January’s dance class registration is open, and space is available. Visit www.habershamrecreation.com to get signed up and to find more information on other programs and upcoming events.

Impeccable timing

By
Nora Almazan
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Sometimes in life, problems, struggles, and trials rear their ugly head. We can find ourselves in circumstances with no easy solution. I opened my eyes this morning to the reminder that such is my life right now. There are mountains too high to climb; valleys too difficult to cross; and pain that just will not go away. If you are facing giants right now, we’re in good company. Many have before us and many will after us. It’s all in the process.

Esther

Esther is a young woman in the Bible whose example has given me great courage on many occasions. Her story is one of intrigue. She is made the Queen of King Xerxes after the king finds displeasure in his wife Vashti. Esther is a Jew, living with her Uncle Mordecai, in a land where the Jewish people are not favored. Under the direction of her Uncle, Esther withholds the information to the King that she is a Jew.

Haman

Haman is a man hungry for power. He has worked his way through the ranks to earn the favor of the king. His hard work and diligence have landed him the position of second in command under King Xerxes. The scary part about Haman is he hates Jews. With the elevation of his rank, he decrees that the Jews are to be put to death – a decree unknown to King Xerxes. Uncle Mordecai gets word to Esther that she must go to the king. Her royal position could save her people. The problem is a queen cannot go before the king without an invitation. To do so is a death sentence.

Esther 4:15, “Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: Go gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Visits the king

On day three, Esther goes to the king, and he happily receives her. She invites the king and Haman to lunch. During lunch, the king asks her, “What do you want? For you can have half my kingdom if requested.”

Esther 5:7: “Esther replied, ‘My petition and my request is this: If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”

A delay?

While this titillating detail leaves us on the edge of our seats, I wonder why. What is the reason behind the delay? Did she get cold feet? Maybe God spoke to her heart, “Wait, Esther!”? Possibly she sensed something none of us could interpret from the reading. The reality is, that in the middle of the climax, amid the tension and anticipation, the racing pulse, and the nearness to the solution, God throws in a DELAY.

The answer is there, but the timing is not right. God is never late, and I can say with certainty, that He is never early. Like a Southern lady, He knows just the right time to enter and the perfect moment to leave. Imagine the Jewish people, fasting, praying, with no food, no water, their lives hanging in the balance, and Esther has requested another meal with the king? Do you mean we have to wait another day?

Questioning God

Sometimes, we disrespectfully grab the lapel of God and pull Him off His throne. With anger, we shout, “God! Why are you doing this to ME!” As if we have a right, mere specks of dust, flowers fading in the wind, little beings with NO clue as to the battles of spirituality that rage around us for our soul.

Each one of us is desired by God to live in His kingdom for eternity. On the flip side, we are pawns, playing pieces, tokens for Satan to draw into the gates of Hell. We are victory pieces to throw in God’s face by the demon, the archenemy of good. And we question God’s motives, His intent, and His solutions.

Discovery

During the night King Xerxes is stricken with insomnia and requests the royal reader to read the Book of Chronicles – accounts of the kingdom. Probably the ideal material to lull a king into dreamland. In listening to the Chronicles, Xerxes learns of an incident five years ago in which a man named Mordecai helped the king. Xerxes asks what was done for Mordecai and learns that Mordecai was never rewarded.

Another Delay

Mordecai uncovered a plot to have the king assassinated by two men of Xerxes’ court. Don’t you know, Mordecai felt a bit put out that he was never rewarded? If he is like most of us, he has probably felt God did not give him validity for doing what was right; God did not give him recognition.

“I give and give to that church and this is what I get from you, God? I ALWAYS do what’s right and she does what’s WRONG but you recognize her God? I go on mission trips and this is my thank you! What about that time God that I stood up for you and how have you repaid me – are you going to let my enemy win!”

Entitlement we scream as we stomp our feet and beat our fists upon the wall. “Who do you think you are?” We shout to God, the Creator of the Universe, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. What are you doing?

The next day, King Xerxes honors Mordecai in the streets, an honor 5 years overdue. Dinner is served by Queen Esther, and her petition is brought before the king. When he learns that Haman has sentenced his wife and her people to death, and is planning to hang Mordecai, the man who saved his life, Xerxes orders Haman immediately to be executed. God’s perfect timing.

What about you?

I don’t know what larger-than-life issues you are facing right now but listen for the wisdom of God in your circumstances. As you walk, believe He is positioning your foot at just the right angle to lead you in the direction He deems right. Sometimes the solution seems impossible, so out there, we allow abandonment to weigh on our spirits. People discourage us with their ranting and raving, “It will never work! I told you, you should have done this or that. You are doomed!”

God’s timing is impeccable. He hasn’t forgotten you. He isn’t surprised. He isn’t throwing His arms up in the air wondering, “Oh no! What is going to happen!” He’s got this. What He needs us to do, is believe in Him for the right answer.

Carroll Thurston Griffin

By
Now Habersham
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Carroll Thurston Griffin, age 66, of Lula, passed away on Tuesday, December 26, 2023.

Born on August 22, 1957, in Commerce, he was the son of the late Dan Bascomb Griffin and Thelma Mae Hill Griffin. Carroll was known by many for his humor, kindness, and love for long conversation. He spent his life looking for a way to help people. Carroll loved God and faithfully pastored Bibleway Church of God for 34 years; through the years, the Baxter family became his own. He still kept dinner appointments with his previous congregation of Salem PFBH Church, where he pastored for 10 years. His greatest joy was being “Grandpa” and making them each feel special. His family was his life. His favorite hobbies included trying a new restaurant, chasing down a good deal, and adding to his instrument collection.

Carroll had a great influence on his jobs and was affectionally known as “Opy.” He made life-long friends during his employment at Peachtree Windows & Doors, Freudenburg NOK, and ZF Industries. He will be missed haggling at numerous pawn shops, picking music at Larry Daniels, and enjoying crab legs and good meals at local restaurants. There will be a huge void in the lives of all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by numerous special aunts, uncles, and other relatives.

Survivors include his loving wife, whom he married exactly 42 years ago from his date of passing, Kimberly Franklin Griffin; daughters and sons-in-law, Ashley Brown (Eric) and Megan Corn (Jonathan); son and daughter-in-law, Cary Griffin (Ashley); grandchildren: Blake, Daisy, and Caleb Brown, Elijah and Abigail Corn, and Tatum and Micah Griffin; those he loved as his own: Brantley, Laura, Luke, and Amelia Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 30, 2023, at Antioch Holiness Church, with Rev. Larry Dyer and Rev. Bobby Griffin officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Judy Clay and Rev. Curt Phillips officiating.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home.

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home Of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) Is In Charge Of Arrangements.

Jeremy Medina

By
Now Habersham
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Jeremy Medina passed away on Dec. 11, 2023. He was born May 30th, 2006, in Providence, Rhode Island, to David & Jasmira Medina. Jeremy was the second child and leaves behind an older brother David Medina Jr. and younger sister Briana Medina.

Jeremy moved to Gainesville, Ga., with his family at the age of 2, and in those early years, Jeremy’s passions were clear to see; baseball and helping others. Baseball was more than just a sport to Jeremy; it was a way of life. It showed from the moment he was able to stand up in a baby-walker until the very last day he was able to stand on his own two feet. As a tiny boy of around two years of age, Jeremy played his first role on a baseball team as a “bat boy” and “assistant” to the coaching staff on his brother’s baseball team at Gainesville City Park; this meant he belonged in the team’s dugout. That’s the place Jeremy loved to be in the most. Going to local and professional baseball games was one of the most favorite pastimes of his whole family. Over the years, the Medina family’s weekends were filled with watching their boys, David, and Jeremy, play with their own school and travel ball teams. Perhaps one of Jeremy’s fondest memories was being able to watch the Pawtucket Red Sox and the Boston Red Sox play ball at their stadium. After moving to Georgia, the family became devoted fans of the Gwinnett and Atlanta Braves, attending games as often as possible.

While Jeremy’s deep love for baseball was a fact, he was also blessed with a bright mind and a hard work ethic when it came to his academics. Jeremy was an exceptional scholar who excelled in honors classes throughout all of his academic life. God’s blessing of intelligence allowed him to embrace and study the Word of God and he was able to easily memorize and recite 12 different Psalms.

Jeremy, a loving mama’s boy and a best friend to his father, was respectful and loving towards his parents. Growing up, Jeremy’s biggest goal was to be as good as, or better than, his big brother in absolutely everything his brother did. A loving spirit of competition and mutual respect defined their bond. Jeremy adored his little sister, Briana. He always watched over her and served as her steadfast protector. Jeremy’s love for family was undeniable.

With the heart of a servant, Jeremy took every opportunity to help others and lead in his church, his school, and on his teams. Jeremy’s countless respectable qualities made him an exemplary child. He was disciplined, obedient, and organized. Jeremy took pride in those virtues and was an exemplary young man to his family, his church, and his community. Jeremy was a role model to all. He was an active member of Ruakh Community Church and was baptized in waters this year. Jeremy leaves to cherish his memory
his loving parents David and Yasmira Medina, older brother David Medina Jr., younger sister Briana Medina, grandmothers Iselsa Medina and Afra Sosa; aunts Keila Rodriguez, and Ludin DeAza; uncles Wilson Medina, Joel Medina, Daniel Medina, Josue Medina, Eudy Medina and Efrahim Medina, and a host of cousins and other family members.

By the grace of God, Jeremy Medina’s life impact was felt by every single individual who had the blessing to know him. The lives of countless family members, teammates, coaches, teachers, community members, and friends have been forever changed by knowing this young man. Jeremy’s legacy and impact will be timeless. So, #4, we will always love you. But God’s love for you, Jeremy, will always be greater.

A service of remembrance will be held on Dec. 29, 2023, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Gainesville High School Gymnasium at 830 Century Place, Gainesville, Georgia, 30501.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2023, at First Baptist Church, 751 Green Street NW, in Gainesville. A viewing will be held prior to the service, from 12 until 2 p.m.

Wimberly Funeral Home of Gainesville, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories of Jeremy may be shared with the family at wimberlyfuneralhome.com.

When the time is right, I, THE LORD, will make it happen.
Isaiah 60:22

 

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