Curtis Vance Crocker

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September 18, 2022

Curtis Vance Crocker, age 90, of Gainesville, Georgia formerly of Habersham County, Georgia went to his heavenly home on Friday, September 16, 2022.

Mr. Crocker was born on October 28, 1931, in Baldwin, Georgia to the late William Tyson, Sr. and Artha Simmons Crocker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mattie Lee Synder (Ernest, Sr.), Laverne Crocker; brothers, Grady Crocker (Virginia); William Tyson Crocker, Jr.; M.J. Crocker (Beatrice); Otis Crocker (Patsy); Robert Crocker. Curtis was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Mr. Crocker was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, where he received his B.B.A. degree in 1957. He was a Veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Gainesville. He had retired from Atlanta Gas Light (Southern Company) as a supervisor of financial and regulatory reporting with over 36 years of service. Curtis enjoyed singing, he was part of his family’s gospel quartets. He was an avid Georgia Football fan!

Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 64 years, Jeanettie Cody Crocker, of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, William Vance and Susan Crocker, of Madison, MS; grandchildren, Austin Vance Crocker and Makenzee, Jessica Susan Johnston and Hunter; Eric Curtis Crocker and Julia; one great-grandchild on the way; sisters-in-law, Edna Crocker, of Demorest; Latrelle Crocker, of Liberty, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Grant Reeves Honor Guard.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, September 21, 2022, at the funeral home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Curtis to Inspire Hospice and Palliative Care, 6650 Sugarloaf Pkwy Suite 800, Duluth, Georgia, 30097, or to a Church of one’s choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 709-778-1700.

Stafford, Rams hold off Falcons for 31-27 victory

By

Joe Reedy, AP Sports Writer

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September 18, 2022

Falcons Rams Football — Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson II, right, can't make the catch in the end zone as Atlanta Falcons cornerback Darren Hall defends during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 18, 2022, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Matthew Stafford threw for 272 yards and three touchdowns, Jalen Ramsey intercepted a potential go-ahead touchdown pass in the end zone and the Los Angeles Rams held off a second-half rally attempt by the Atlanta Falcons for a 31-27 victory Sunday.

Cooper Kupp had two TD catches for the defending Super Bowl champions, who bounced back from a disappointing defeat against the Buffalo Bills in their season opener.

Atlanta — which has started 0-2 for the third straight year — trailed 28-3 early in the third quarter before mounting a comeback.

Troy Anderson blocked a punt that Lorenzo Carter returned 26 yards for a touchdown, and a 2-point conversion pass from Marcus Mariota to Drake London brought the Falcons within 31-25 with 5:06 remaining.

Los Angeles turned it over on their ensuing drive when Darren Hall forced Kupp to fumble and recovered it at the Rams 37. On third-and-13 from the Rams 24, Mariota tried to find Bryan Edwards, but it was picked off by Ramsey.

Los Angeles took a safety when returner Brandon Powell ran out of the end zone on punt formation after a three-and-out. After the free kick, Atlanta had one final chance at the Falcons 40, but Mariota was sacked before he could get a Hail Mary attempt off on the final play.

Stafford completed his first 12 passes en route to going 27 of 36. Kupp had 11 catches for 108 yards and touchdowns on consecutive drives in the second and third quarters.

Kupp caught a 3-yard TD with 18 seconds remaining in the first half to give the Rams a 21-3 lead. The Super Bowl MVP’s first score came three plays after Rams rookie cornerback Cobie Durant picked off a pass bobbled by Cordarrelle Patterson and returned it 51 yards up the right sideline to the Falcons 9.

The Rams then took the second half kickoff and extended their lead by another touchdown when Kupp made an over-the-shoulder catch on a fade pattern on third-and-4 from Atlanta’s 10.

Mariota was 17 of 26 for 196 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

London, the No. 8 overall pick who went to college at Southern California, had eight catches for 86 yards, including his first touchdown during the third quarter.

The Falcons were able to move the ball in the first half but were done in by mistakes. They got the opening kickoff and went 49 yards before Younghoe Koo was wide left on a 44-yard field goal attempt. Los Angeles would convert that into a touchdown when Stafford connected with Allen Robinson for a 1-yard TD.

Atlanta then turned it over on downs on its next possession when Patterson was stopped by Bobby Wagner and Greg Gaines. The Rams made took advantage of the short field and scored eight plays later when Darrell Henderson went 8 yards around right guard to make it 14-0 with 9:34 remaining in the second quarter.

INJURIES
Falcons: CB A.J. Terrell was evaluated for a head injury in the first half and was cleared to return.

Rams: RG Tremayne Anchrum suffered an ankle injury on the opening series and did not return. … CB Troy Hill (questionable) was also injured in the first half.

UP NEXT
Falcons: Travel to face the Seattle Seahawks next Sunday.

Rams: Travel to take on the Arizona Cardinals next Sunday.

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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

How to watch Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral

By

GPB News

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September 18, 2022

APTOPIX Britain Royals — Members of the public file past the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II, inside Westminster Hall, at the Palace of Westminster, in London Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, where it Lies in State on a Catafalque. Queen Elizabeth II will lie in state in Westminster Hall inside the Palace of Westminster, from Wednesday until a few hours before her funeral on Monday, with huge queues expected to file past her coffin to pay their respects. (Ben Stansall/Pool Photo via AP)

On Monday, leaders from around the world will congregate at Westminster Abbey for the State Funeral of the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Thousands of people have already waited in hours-long lines to pay their respects to the Queen, currently lying in state in Westminster Hall.

Buckingham Palace released details this week of the State Funeral to be held Monday, September 19 at 11:00 BST.

“Elements of the State Funeral Service and the associated ceremonial arrangements will pay tribute to The Queen’s extraordinary reign, and Her Majesty’s remarkable life of service as Head of State, Nation and Commonwealth,” said a statement from Buckingham Palace.

How to watch / listen:

Georgia Public Broadcasting will bring live special coverage of the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday starting at 5:51 AM EST on radio and 3:00 AM EST on television.

Viewing will also be available via GPB.org, PBS.org, the PBS app, and on all major networks.

In Atlanta, mourners will have a chance to gather in person early Monday morning to view the funeral at the site of the Prince of Wales’s World Athletes Monument to the Olympic Games in Midtown Atlanta (near Atlantic Station). The National Monuments Foundation is broadcasting the funeral there because the monument was gifted by a foundation of the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III, in commemoration of the 1996 Olympics.

Many Georgians shared their reactions last week when The Queen’s death was announced.

James Allen “Buster” Ferguson

By

Now Habersham

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September 18, 2022

James Allen “Buster” Ferguson, age 72 of Baldwin, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at his residence following an extended illness.

Born at Arrendale Hospital in Cornelia, Georgia on October 07, 1949, he was a son of the late Thomas Silvia & Martha Melinda Maxwell Ferguson. Buster was in the construction industry for most of his life. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Buster was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandson, Sergeant Ethan Painter, brother, Charles Ferguson; niece, Cathy Mauldin; nephews, Jeff Haynie & Eddie Ferguson; & great-nephew, Tyler Ferguson.

Survivors include his children, Vivian Dorsey of Clarkesville, GA; Missy & Scott Painter of Eastanollee, GA; Rev. Dexter Ferguson & fiancé, Maureen Shelnut of Cleveland, GA; Rhett Ferguson & fiancé, Kylie Turner of Salina, UT; grandchildren, Jessie Painter, Trent Morgan, Trevor Morgan, Hannah Morgan, & Mila Turner; great-grandson, Eli Morgan; sisters & brother-in-law, Angie Haynie of Crawford, GA; Rebecca & Carter Brock; Anthony & Rachel Ferguson all of Baldwin, GA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, & friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2022 at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery in Baldwin with his son, Rev. Dexter Ferguson officiating at the graveside.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

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

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

Roads Less Traveled: Pickens Nose, NC

By

Tyler Penland

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September 18, 2022

Just over the state line outside of Otto, North Carolina, lies a hidden gem among the mountains. Pickens Nose is a 20-minute hike to spectacular rock outcroppings sitting at over 4900ft of elevation. These outcroppings peer out over the Nantahala Wilderness, which in Cherokee means “land of the noon day sun”. The steep walls of the mountains block the sun from reaching the valley floors until noon, thus the Cherokee’s description. The Nantahala region is well known to hikers, kayakers, bikers and joy-riders, but this particular mountain is a bit out of the way thus making it truly a “road less traveled”.

Exactly where the name came from is a mystery, but it was almost certainly named after General Andrew Pickens who served in the Cherokee War of 1760-1761 as a general in South Carolina. His forces killed many Cherokee and burned many villages. Whether or not it was named to honor or denounce him is unknown, but the uncanny resemblance that many of the outcroppings have of a nose remains.

To get there, take Highway 441 towards Otto, NC, and turn left onto Coweeta Lab Road. You will see a brown Forest Service sign next to the road on 441 pointing towards the Coweeta Hydrologic Lab area. The road will fork at the Forestry Service building, where you should bear left and continue onto Ball Creek Road. Follow Ball Creek until the road once again forks, where you should turn right and go uphill. You will reach a small parking area at the top of the road with a sign pointing left marked “Pickens Nose Tr”.

I should stop here and preface this with two things. First, watch for black bears while hiking. The Nantahala Wilderness is a big bear sanctuary and they are fairly common though they rarely bother people. Second, I don’t recommend this trail for small children (i.e. younger than 5 or 6) due to the numerous cliffs and rock faces towards the top. If you do take your children with you, be sure to watch them extremely closely.

From here, park and begin the roughly 20-30 minute hike (less if you are in particularly good shape) to the top of the ridge. The entire hike sits above 4500 feet, and you will reach just over the 4900ft mark by the top (higher than the highest point in Georgia), so be prepared for relatively cooler air. The trail is easygoing and consists almost entirely of one long rhododendron tunnel. This makes for a beautiful hike when the rhodos bloom in June.

As you near the top, you will see several side-trails which lead to beautiful outcroppings with great views, but I’ll cover a couple of them in a moment.

The trail suddenly narrows significantly once you reach the top, and you will turn hard right. At this point, watch your step because the trail ends some 15 feet ahead as a sheer drop off a rock cliff.

You can walk out onto the rock for fantastic views of the Nantahala Wilderness to the south/southeast, and to some extent the SW.

Once you have had your fill of this view you can start back towards the entrance, and take the first side-trail you come to. This will lead to the most popular outcropping which resembles a Lion King-esque pride rock overlook. This looks out over essentially the same areas as before just from a slightly different perspective.

If you are particularly adventurous, you can follow a narrow trail over to the outcrop and enjoy the view of a lifetime.

If you look closely, you can even see what seems to be a face with a “nose” on it to the left.

Once you have had your fill, get back on the main trail and go down to the next side-trail (on the right) which will take you onto my personal favorite view. Once again, be careful as you don’t want to fall down the rock face.

In the distance a particular mountain stands out against the rest: Whitesides. This mountain is a mere 17 miles distant and has a very peculiar “table” shape when viewed from this angle. I’ll be covering it in a later RLT, though.

Once you have had your fill of the views atop Pickens Nose, a quick hike back to the bottom down the same trail will offer no surprises. Be on the lookout for black bears, however, as this is a North Carolina bear sanctuary and there are plenty of them around.

If you are interested, the surrounding area is chock-full of streams and creeks to see. The Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory is located in this area, where a mere 1800 acres provides enough water for a city of 30,000. There are many small “weirs”, which are used to help measure water flow.

While you are in the area, you can make a quick stop in either Franklin or Highlands, NC for a bite to eat or something to drink.

I’ll see you on the road (or trail)…. ~TW

Tallulah Falls School to host eighth annual Twin Rivers Challenge

By

E. Lane Gresham

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September 18, 2022

10232021 TRC 2021-ELG-57 2 — (E. Lane Gresham/Tallulah Falls School)

A premier cycling event returns to Northeast Georgia this fall. Hosted by Tallulah Falls School, the Twin Rivers Challenge is set for Oct. 22.

With the leaves at peak color in late October, this is the perfect time to visit the region known for its scenery and hospitality. TFS extends a warm invitation to cyclists across the Southeast to experience the Twin Rivers Challenge. Three routes offer a challenge for all ability levels.

The event begins and ends on the campus of the school. All riders are treated to a post-ride meal, and a T-shirt is guaranteed with registrations received through Sept. 28.

Because of the steadfast support of presenting sponsor Ron Cantrell Construction, Inc., other generous sponsors, and an ever-increasing number of riders, this key fundraiser has generated more than $400,000, with proceeds benefiting student scholarships. With more than 70% of TFS students receiving some portion of financial aid, it is clear this special event makes a difference.

Early registration of $35/rider is open through Sept. 28 via bike.reg.com. After Sept. 28, registration is $45. For more information, follow the event on Facebook.

Habersham County: Early voting dates, times and location

By

Joy Purcell

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September 18, 2022

FILE PHOTO - Voters will soon return to the polls to decide key statewide, federal, and local races. (Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

The November 8 general election is now less than two months away and election officials are getting ready. With the governor and other statewide offices on the ballot, along with a high-profile U.S. Senate seat, turnout is expected to be high.

October 11 is the deadline to register to vote in the November election. You may register online through the Georgia Secretary of State’s office or at your local county voter registration office.

Register to vote

Any eligible voter who wants to cast an absentee mail-in ballot may do so, but they must request the ballot by October 28. No absentee ballots will be mailed after that date. Absentee ballot applications are available through your local elections office or the Georgia Secretary of State’s election website.

Request an absentee ballot

To avoid potential mail delays, you may wish to use a drop box. Georgia’s new election law requires drop boxes to be available in every county. In Habersham County, the drop box will be located inside the county elections office beginning October 17. It will be available to voters during early, Saturday, and advance voting hours through November 4.

All early in-person voting in Habersham will take place at the Ruby Fulbright Aquatic Center at 120 Paul Franklin Road in Clarkesville. (See voting schedule below.)

SEE ALSO

Habersham County releases sample ballots ahead of Nov. 8 general election

Acuña accounts for all 4 runs as Braves hold off Phillies

By

Joy Purcell

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September 18, 2022

Phillies Braves Baseball — Atlanta Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. hits a two RBI double in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. was excited that the Atlanta Braves appeared to be at full strength as they attempt to win a fifth straight division title.

Not so fast.

Second baseman Ozzie Albies, one of Acuña’s close friends on the team, suffered a broken finger and will miss the rest of the regular season, if not more.

“Obviously it’s great that we got the win — that’s the most important thing — but it’s really sad that Ozzie hurt himself again,” Acuña via a translator. “We need him. Like I said, it’s really sad.”

Acuña homered and drove in four runs off Aaron Nola and flashed some fancy defense in right field, lifting the Braves to a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday night.

The victory was dampened because of a broken right pinky finger sustained by Albies, who was injured sliding head-first safely into second base in the fourth inning. Albies, a two-time All-Star, had just returned from an 81-game absence Friday because of a broken left foot.

“I hate it for him because my heart breaks for him,” manager Brian Snitker said. “After everything he went through to get back here and then have that happen, God it’s horrible for him. He was having so much fun, being the old Oz, playing ball. What he loves to do.”

Acuña went deep for the second straight game, making it 2-0 in the third and tagging Nola for a two-run double in the fourth. He ran forward and stretched out to strand the bases loaded by robbing Bryce Harper of extra bases in the fifth with Atlanta leading 4-0.

“Things going to back to normal,” Acuña said. “I hope to keep feeling good.”

Atlanta improved to 67-28 since June 1, best in the majors over that span. The defending World Series champion Braves remained one game behind the New York Mets in the NL East. They have won seven straight at home.

The Phillies are 59-34 since June 1, the fifth-best winning percentage over that same span, but they lost their third straight after winning five in a row.

Nola (9-12) retired five of the first six batters he faced, the only blemish a one-out double by Travis d’Arnaud in the second, but he walked Albies to begin the third and paid for it when Acuña hit an opposite-field shot 427 feet to right-center. Nola escaped further damage when he got Michael Harris II to fly out to strand the bases loaded.

He ran into more trouble in the fourth. William Contreras and Albies began with singles and advanced on a flyout before Acuña made it 4-0 with a double down the left-field line. Albies stayed in the game to run the bases but left in the top of the fifth when Vaughn Grissom took over at second.

“I had guys on base in the third and fourth inning and Ronald hit a fastball away opposite-field,” Nola said. “He put a good swing on it. Those two innings there, I hurt myself letting the leadoff guy get on. Other than that, I felt pretty good.”

Nola, making his 200th career start, set down his last 11 hitters — striking out the last three. He gave up four runs and seven hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings.

“It was a battle all night long,” Philadelphia interim manager Rob Thomson said. “He kept going. Seven solid innings. He kept us in the game. Fought like hell, and I’m proud of him.”

The Phillies scored to make it 4-1 in the fifth against Atlanta starter Jake Odorizzi when Bryson Stott walked, advanced to third on a single and crossed the plate on Matt Vierling’s sacrifice fly, sliding head-first across the plate to narrowly beat Acuña’s throw. Dylan Lee (4-1) gave up Kyle Schwarber’s single and walked Alec Bohm to load the bases for Harper, but Acuña ended the threat with his nifty catch.

Philadelphia trimmed the lead to 4-2 in the seventh when Stott singled off Collin McHugh and scored from first on Vierling’s double. The Phillies made it 4-3 in the eighth against Raisel Iglesias on Bryson Stott’s RBI.

Braves closer Kenley Jansen faced the minimum in the ninth for his 34th save in 41 chances.

Odorizzi retired the first 10 batters he faced with five strikeouts. He gave up two hits and one run in 4 2/3 innings.

The Braves have won 10 of their last 13 games against Philadelphia at home, outscoring the Phillies 71-43. Overall the Braves are 31-17 against Philadelphia at Truist Park, which opened in 2017.

But they’ll have to move forward without Albies.

“He means a lot,” Acuña said. “He’s a leader on this team. We need him. I’m just really sad for what happened.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Phillies: RHP Zack Wheeler will start Wednesday against Toronto as he returns from forearm tendinitis. … 1B Rhys Hoskins took batting practice in the cage and grounders to test his sore right hand. Interim manager Rob Thomson said he would be available to pinch-hit if the swelling went down, but Hoskins wasn’t needed. Thomson anticipates Hoskins will be back in the lineup Sunday. … INF Edmundo Sosa (hamstring) is expected to spend three weeks on the injured list.

LOTS OF FANS

The Braves announced a crowd of 42,542, the 37th sellout of the season.

UP NEXT

Braves RHP Spencer Strider (10-5, 2.72 ERA) will face Phillies LHP Bailey Falter (5-3, 3.80) as the teams conclude a three-game series.

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More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

The Woman King

By

Justin Hall

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September 18, 2022

The Woman King could best be described as a cross between Black Panther and Braveheart that’s superior to those two films.

Powerfully acted by Viola Davis and a terrific supporting cast, the film is also sensationally directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Both Davis and Prince-Bythewood know how to create convincing battle sequences, but this movie has so much more going for it. It’s a film about unity, conviction and the unrelenting spirit of winning freedom. It’s an epic story that gladly knocks us out. And it’s based on a true story.

Davis stars as Nansica, a general in the African kingdom known as Dahomey in the year 1823. She trains a series of women who are called the Agojie to defend their kingdom from opposing forces. Nansica is tough but fair as she trains the women.

John Boyega costars as King Ghezo, the leader of the kingdom who wants to send out his army to bring down a group of European settlers who are involved in slave trading. Hero Fiennes Tiffin is the leader of the settlers and Jordan Bolger is his second-in-command who starts having doubts about his role after meeting the women of the Agojie.

Of course, the movie does have the typical trappings that we would expect in a movie like this such as motivational dialogue among the women to depict them as strong and fierce but the dialogue also gives them a sense of self-worth and the delivery is equally as convincing.

Lines such as “I will be a hunter before I become the prey” or “To be a warrior, you must kill your tears” are delivered with such conviction that in the hands of a lesser director, actors, or script, they would’ve come off as cheesy and laughable. Here, on a dramatic level, they’re proven to be incredibly effective.

Davis is the driving force throughout the movie. She can be intense, powerful, intelligent, resourceful and cunning all at once and I can say the same about the rest of the cast and the movie as a whole. I will personally consider it an upset if she isn’t nominated for Best Actress. She creates a character that will go down as one of the most remarkable portrayals of female empowerment in years.

The battle scenes are fierce and exciting, but it’s not spectacle for the sake of making them spectacles. Rather, the movie goes deep and tries to show how these women will fight to maintain their way of life and the beliefs that they live by.

The look of this movie is also breathtaking. It’s a triumph of creating a vast world that not only looks and feels convincing from the bigger picture, but also in the smaller details. The kingdom in which these women live is designed with such clarity and authenticity.

This is not a one-dimensional action epic. It supplies both the intensity and ferocity that the story needs, but it is also thoughtful and potent.

The Woman King rises as one of the year’s best films.

Grade: A

(Rated PG-13 for sequences of strong violence, some disturbing material, thematic content, brief language and partial nudity.)

Larry Richard Banks

By

Now Habersham

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September 17, 2022

Larry Richard Banks, age 69 of Clarkesville, Georgia took his heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Friday, September 16, 2022.

Born in Clarkesville, Georgia on July 01, 1953, he was the son of the late Milton Richard & Pearl Smith Banks. Larry was in the first graduating class of Habersham Central High School, Class of 1971. He was a retired machinist with Simmons Beauty-Rest Company where he worked for 35 years. He was a member and Deacon of Fairfield Baptist Church, Demorest, Georgia. Larry loved going to church and spending precious time with his family and friends. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting and tending to his cattle.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Sue Dyer.

Survivors include his loving wife of 48 years, Elaine Davidson Banks of Clarkesville, GA; daughters & sons-in-law, Missy & Duell Ledford of Clarkesville, GA; Crystal & Derrick Bartlett of Senoia, GA; grandchildren, Brooke & Robert Stephens, Grant Ledford, Nolan Bartlett, Cody Bartlett, & Sawyer Bartlett; sisters & brothers-in-law, Linda & Jeff Stephens of Alto, GA; Janelle & Randell Elsberry Rockmart, GA; brother-in-law, Jerry Dyer of Joliet, MT; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, & a host of friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Fairfield Baptist Church with Rev. Ben Tanner & Rev. Keith Allison officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 19, 2022.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Fairfield Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Vermon Banks, 2236 Hwy. 105, Demorest, GA. 30535

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

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

Winnie Elizabeth Thomas

By

Now Habersham

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September 17, 2022

Winnie Lewallen Thomas, age 93 of Lula entered heaven Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022.

Winnie was born September 15, 1929, in Lula to the late William Jasper & Blanche Saxon Lewallen. She formerly worked as a seamstress with Warren Featherbone before retiring and becoming a homemaker. She was a very active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lula where she was in charge of the cemetery as well as the flower fund. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Roy William Thomas; brothers, Garland Lewallen & Jimmy Lewallen; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Merlin & Louella Thomas, Wiley & Ruby Thomas, Fay Thomas, Carolyn Lewallen, Ruth Echols, Cline & Susan Thomas, Jewell Thomas, Bill Sharpton & Betty Jo Davis.

Left to cherish precious memories, sons & daughters-in-law; Wayne & Patricia Thomas, Randy & Linda Thomas & Kevin & Debbie Thomas; grandchildren, Tiffany (Neal) Jones, Carter (Melissa) Thomas, Brandon Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Benjamin (Kaitlin) Thomas, Rev. Matt (Amber) Thomas, Macy Thomas & Elizabeth (Chris) Childers; great-grandchildren, Alex, Rory (Valeria), Cayla, Carlie, Dallas, Austin, Taylor, Brennan, Abigail, Ian, Alexandria (Andrew) & Robert; brothers & sisters-in-law, Marvin & Joyce Lewallen, Bobby Lewallen, David & Shelby Lewallen & Danny & Peggy Lewallen; sisters-in-law, Reba Nell Lewallen, Virginia Lewallen, Elease Thomas Sharpton, Betty Thomas, Nellie Thomas; a number of nieces, nephews, & other relatives also survive.

Funeral services honoring Winnie will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at the Bethlehem Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Nix & grandson, Rev. Matt Thomas officiating. She will be laid to rest by her husband in the church cemetery that she took such pride in caring for. Special music will be by granddaughter, Macy Thomas & the Saxon Family. Those honored as pallbearers will be grandsons & great-grandsons. Winnie will lie in state from 1:30 p.m. until service time Tuesday at the church.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and again from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or donations may be made to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home.

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

Ward’s Funeral Home of Gainesville is honored to serve the family of Winnie Elizabeth Thomas.

William Robert “Rob” Stewart

By

Now Habersham

-

September 17, 2022

William Robert “Rob” Stewart, age 65 of Gainesville entered rest Saturday, September 17, 2022, at his residence with his family by his side.

Rob was born in Augusta, Georgia to the late William Gordon & Nancilu Flynn Stewart. He owned & operated Rob Stewart Painting and was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church in Lumpkin County. Rob was preceded in death by his brother, James Stewart.

Left to cherish memories, Daughter, Taylor (Justin) Stewart; sister, Elizabeth (Luis) Ogrodnik; mother of his daughter, Verna Stewart; several nieces, nephews & cousins also survive.

Services will be held at a later date.

Please share online condolences & you may sign the guestbook at www.wardsfh.com. Ward’s Funeral Home of Gainesville is honored to serve the family of William Robert “Rob” Stewart.