Families in Cornelia, Georgia, are invited to the Baby & Me Community Event at the Goodwill Career Center on Tuesday, March 18, 2025. This special event is designed to bring together parents, caregivers, and their little ones for an afternoon of connection, support, and fun activities.
The event offers a welcoming environment where parents can engage with other families, learn about helpful resources, and explore a variety of educational opportunities. Whether you are a new parent or have a growing family, this event will have something for everyone, from informative sessions to interactive activities for babies and toddlers.
What to expect
Parenting Support: Experts in early childhood development will be on hand to provide guidance and answer questions. Whether you’re looking for tips on baby care, development milestones, or advice on balancing work and family life, this is a great opportunity to connect with professionals in the field.
Resource Sharing: The event will feature information booths from local organizations and businesses that specialize in services for young families. This includes childcare options, health and wellness resources, parenting classes, and more.
Community Bonding: One of the key goals of this event is to strengthen the sense of community. Parents and caregivers can meet others in similar life stages, share their experiences, and build lasting connections that provide support in the journey of raising children.
Free Goodies and Giveaways: Attendees will be treated to a variety of free goodies, such as baby supplies, coupons, and other helpful items that can make parenting just a little bit easier. Each agency will have wonderful items to make your life easier.
Details:
Date: March 18, 2025
Time: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Goodwill Career Center,
308 Habersham Hills Circle, Cornelia, GA
This event is open to all families in the area and is free of charge.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or experienced in raising children, the Baby & Me Community Event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy quality time with your little ones while learning, sharing, and connecting with others in the Cornelia community.
Don’t miss out on this informative event—mark your calendar for March 18, 2025, and join in the fun at the Goodwill Career Center!
A Mt. Airy man was arrested on drug and attempted-burglary charges after allegedly trying to break into vehicles at Green Mountain Village apartment complex in Cornelia.
According to the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on March 12 when a resident reported a suspicious person near the complex, prompting a call to local authorities.
According to reports, a vehicle had been seen pulling up in front of the complainant’s apartment. A male subject, later identified as Dylan Scott True, 17, was allegedly seen walking around the area and attempting to open several car doors.
Green Mountain Village apartment complex in Cornelia (Google Maps)
Deputies arrived on scene and confronted True, who allegedly admitted to trying to open car doors before he was placed under arrest for criminal attempt.
During the arrest, True then allegedly admitted to entering at least one of the vehicles with the intention of stealing valuable items.
As officers inventoried True’s vehicle, they allegedly discovered two pill bottles in the car – both bearing the name of a different individual. The pills inside, allegedly identified as Losartan and Amlodipine, are classified as dangerous substances, according to police
True was subsequently charged with entering auto and illegal possession of dangerous drugs.
True was transported to the Habersham County Detention Center, where he was booked without incident.
A Cornelia man is facing multiple charges after allegedly leading police on a chase through the city in early March.
According to the Cornelia Police Department, Israel Vega Garrido, 24, was arrested on March 2 after leading police on a high-speed pursuit through several streets in Cornelia.
Police say the incident began around 11:30 p.m. when officers were patrolling the Red Fox Hollow Drive area in search of a vehicle related to a shots-fired call.
While on patrol, an officer observed a white Chevrolet Silverado in the parking lot of the Cornelia United Methodist Church on Wyly Street.
The officer turned around and followed the vehicle, which authorities say matched the description of the BOLO vehicle.
The Silverado then made a series of erratic driving maneuvers, according to police, and failed to stop at several stop signs, prompting the officer to activate emergency lights in an attempt to stop the vehicle.
The officer pursued the Silverado and reached speeds of 80 mph on Wyly Street as the driver allegedly continued to disregard traffic laws, crossing over double yellow lines and swerving between lanes.
The pursuit continued on Chase Road and Fox Hollow Road before eventually heading back toward the Garrido’s residence on Red Fox Hollow Drive.
At the residence, police say Garrido attempted to exit the vehicle but was quickly detained after following the officer’s commands to lay on the ground.
Garrido, who authorities say appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, was placed in handcuffs.
A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a silver and black firearm on the floorboard. Garrido was charged with multiple offenses, including DUI, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving and felony fleeing.
He was transported to the Cornelia Police Department and then the Habersham County Jail, where he was booked without incident.
Mr Biscuits famous biscuits are a favorite for customers in Clarkesville. (Carly McCurry/Thecutenorthgeorgianmagazine.com)
In the heart of Clarkesville, Georgia, Mr. Biscuit arrives each day, ready to serve Northeast Georgia’s breakfast and BOBA crowd. The first smile to greet you? His own—beaming from a sign at the front desk, offering a warm welcome and a promise of top-notch service in a cozy, cheerful café, located at 596 W Louise Drive, Suite D, Clarkesville, Georgia.
Desiree Childs and her son Tyler own Mr. Biscuit’s Café, which stands as a testament to the power of purpose, faith, and relentless determination to make it work—one hard decision, bold pivot, and fresh batch of biscuits at a time.
Mr. Biscuit’s began as Alabaster’s, a Christian specialty drink store founded by Dana Pardue. Dana’s vision was to create a warm, faith-filled environment where customers could find more than just good coffee—comfort and connection. The strain proved too heavy when Dana expanded from her original Cornelia location into Clarkesville. Faced with tough decisions, Dana ultimately chose to sell the business to her friend and longtime supporter, Desiree Childs, and her son, Tyler.
The mother-son duo initially planned to keep the business as Alabaster’s. But one afternoon, while chatting with fellow businessman Richard Avirett—who had recently transformed Rich & Savvy Cigar and Bourbon Lounge into the upscale cocktail café 1442, complete with charcuterie, fine finger foods, and live music—Desiree began to reconsider. Inspired by Richard’s reinvention, she discussed new possibilities for her own venture.
As the two business owners discussed the importance of bold decisions, a passerby—someone who had never visited the café before, wasn’t a local, and had stumbled upon it—made an offhand remark that struck a chord: “Whatever is holding you back—don’t let it. Won’t He do it?”
Inspired by both her faith and this stranger’s words, Desiree decided to completely rebrand the business, embracing change with newfound courage. “Won’t He do it?” became the motto for their leap of faith.
Desiree, with her sharp eye for efficiency, became a master of streamlining. With the precision of a scalpel and the force of a meat cleaver, she trimmed excess costs, restructured the business model, and refocused the menu on items that truly resonated with the community.
Gone were products that didn’t sell consistently; instead, Desiree zeroed in on what worked and embraced flexibility, understanding that success doesn’t come from stubbornly clinging to a failing Plan A—it comes from making Plan A work by cutting out distractions and waste.
The brilliantly strategic addition of BOBA—an underutilized yet beloved favorite among young people—along with signature lattes and modern merchandising, including custom-loaded tea packets for at-home enjoyment, has expanded their offerings while keeping their core focus intact.
After thoughtfully restructuring the team to improve efficiency, Desiree found her Infinity Stone in Larissa—an essential piece that completes the glove and balances the entire operation.
Just as the perfect Infinity Stone empowers its wielder with unparalleled strength, Larissa’s dedication, efficiency, and reliability elevate Mr. Biscuits to its full potential. With her in place, Desiree and Tyler can confidently cover the other shifts, knowing they have a powerhouse holding everything together.
In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of small business, finding that one indispensable employee—someone who fits seamlessly into the vision and executes with precision—is as rare and valuable as assembling the ultimate gauntlet for success. Hence, Child’s stated commitment to holding onto Larissa with both hands.
Faith and fortitude in the face of risk
Pivoting isn’t easy. Desiree and Tyler took a significant financial risk, cashing out their 401k’s to fund the purchase of the cafe. They left behind job security—Desiree had previously worked at the sheriff’s office—and committed fully to their new vision, diving in feet first.
Yet, their faith remains steadfast. Desiree trusts that God has called her to this path, and that conviction drives her decisions. Playing Christian music in the cafe and fostering a hospitable, uplifting environment is a conscious choice to keep the cafe grounded in the values and mission established with the original Alabasters.
The overwhelming support for Alabaster’s Café is undeniable. With over 7.2 thousand Facebook followers and nearly 1.5 thousand Instagram followers, Desiree didn’t just purchase a coffee shop—she embraced a beloved local brand with a deeply loyal customer base.
This outpouring of support speaks not only to the exceptional quality of their food and drinks but also to the trust Dana and Desiree have fostered through authenticity and hard work.
Even after Dana passed the torch, the community’s devotion remained steadfast, a testament to the lasting impact both women have made on those who visit the café and follow their journey.
Staying flexible and focused
Desiree understands that success isn’t just about innovation—it’s about discipline and clarity. She continuously evaluates what works and what doesn’t, refining her business model as needed while maintaining consistency in the essentials, such as proper stock management and reliable operating hours.
This is meaningful as the failure rate for new specialty drink-themed restaurants is notably high. According to a 2019 survey, approximately 17% of independent cafes close within their first year, and around 62% fail within the first five years of operation.
By tracking the ebb and flow of customer habits—like the after-school rush for boba or the morning demand for breakfast—Desiree keeps Mr. Biscuits both adaptable and efficient. She avoids relying too heavily on one trend while also maintaining a focused, curated menu, striking the perfect balance between variety and specialization.
This ability to read the community zeitgeist could become even more important with the arrival of Myth and Legends, a well-funded powerhouse led by Doug Cole, set to take over the space formerly known as Cowboy Bob’s—along with the growing presence of corporate chains offering similar products with lower quality but faster pickup times.
Mr. Biscuits is not fast food. Here, patience pays off. Every 30 to 60 minutes, a fresh batch of buttery biscuits emerges from the oven, ensuring each bite is as warm and flaky as it should be. The bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit—a menu staple—is at its best straight from the oven, when the biscuit practically melts into the filling. And if a batch is finishing up? Well, patience is a virtue, and a 10 to 15-minute wait is a small price to pay for a biscuit that’s just kissed by the oven.
“People need to experience that fresh-out-of-the-oven moment,” says Desiree. “We make small batches more often.”
However, it’s not just the biscuits that have customers raving. The New York kettle-boiled bagels bring a taste of Manhattan to Clarkesville, while the sugar-free yet flavor-packed loaded teas have developed a near-cult following. One standout, Pineapple Sunrise, delivers a bright, tropical fusion of pineapple, orange, peach, and coconut. And for those who love a little extra texture, boba can be added to anything on the menu.
Among the café’s bestsellers, strawberry popping boba bursts with fruity sweetness, while the tapioca pearls, cooked fresh in-house every morning, set a rare standard for quality in the boba world.
Coffee lovers will find plenty to enjoy with the Riso latte, a rich and unexpected blend of raspberry, white mocha, and French vanilla. And for a savory option, the chicken salad offers a light yet satisfying counterbalance to all the indulgence.
Since opening in July, Desiree’s vision has steadily gained momentum. Sales surged in October, and while January is typically a slow month for coffee shops, Mr. Biscuits not only held steady but thrived. Then came February—a notoriously difficult time for the industry—yet the café once again defied expectations, attracting even more customers.
Boba and Loaded Tea at Mr. Biscuit’s Cafe. (Mr. Biscuits Café/Facebook)
Conclusion
The transformation of Alabaster’s into Mr. Biscuit’s Café over the past year proves that success isn’t just about good ideas—it demands courage, faith, and the resolve to make tough choices. By trusting God, eliminating waste, and focusing on what truly works, Desiree has strengthened her business and cemented its place as a beloved cornerstone of the Clarkesville community. And in time, we may just find the answer to the question: Won’t He do it?
Carly McCurry is the publisher of The Cute North Georgian magazine. Her work appears on NowHabersham.com in partnership with Now Network News.
According to the Athens-Clarke County Government, thousands of new residents are expected to move to the area in the next two decades. With housing scarcity already an issue, the mayor and commission considered changing local code to facilitate using RVs as a housing solution during a meeting on March 11.
During a four-hour work session, the mayor and commission of Athens-Clarke County heard from Bruce Lonnee, Director of the Planning Department. He explored how local zoning code may be changed to facilitate the use of recreational vehicles, or RVs, as a housing source. Lonnee said that currently, people are only allowed to live in RVs in one zoning type.
“We have one zone in green where RV parks can happen, and that’s commercial rural. We have a handful of zones where they’re permitted, but only with special use approval.”
Lonnee also presented several recommendations, including changing code to allow RVs in already-existing and new mobile home parks. He predicted that the public may push back if the Commission decides to consider allowing RVs in other parts of the county—especially in single-family residential districts.
“The RS zones are gonna get defended. We’re gonna have some hard conversations to allow this type of use by right, or even as a special use, frankly.”
The Commission allowed Lonnee’s staff to move forward with drafting amendments to code, which will be presented at future meetings.
The Planning Department will finish its Future Land Use Plan, which guides zoning and development around the county, in 2028.
This article comes to Now Habersham in partnership with WUGA News
The Tallulah Falls track and field team put up an incredible performance on Saturday at the GAC Invitational. Almost everyone had a PR or season-best, and several were in the top-3 of their events. The girls came in 8th as a team (1st in 9th/10th grade scores), and the boys were 9th.
Mary Kate Ball, Gavin Simmons, Ryan Anderson, Olivia Henderson, and Oier Linera Mallea all excelled in the distance runs (800, 1600, 3200). Jace Ibemere (triple jump) had a season-best, and Henderson went to number two on the TFS Legacy List in the 1600. Ade Akisanya (shotput) had a season-best, and all freshman boys set a PR in the 1600.
FULL RESULTS
Top-5 finishes
GIRLS
Olivia Henderson – 1st in 1600, 2nd in 3200
Mary Kate Ball – 2nd in 800, 2nd in 1600
Jace Ibemere – 2nd in triple jump, 3rd in long jump,
Joanna Miller – 2nd in 100, 4th in long jump, 4×100 Relay – 5th
Tallulah Falls’ all-time hits, runs, and stolen base leader Danny Grant has signed his paperwork with South Georgia State College to continue his academic and baseball career.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that my hard work and sacrifices behind closed doors have paid off,” says Grant. “This has been a lifelong dream of mine to play at the next level.”
Grant was the 2024 Region Player of the Year and earned All-State honors by Georgia Dugout Club (also named their 1A DI Player of the Year). The outfielder has 95 career hits, two homeruns, 62 RBI, 83 runs scored, 14 doubles, seven triples, 51 stolen bases, and 42 walks in his illustrious career at TFS.
“It takes a lot of dedication and hard effort to be a next-level athlete,” he adds. “Many things go unnoticed that are necessary to be prepared for the next level, such as watching what you eat or giving up spare time to practice more. Also playing and training year around with minimal breaks.”
South Georgia State College is located in Douglas. The Hawks reside in the Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
“I was impressed by their honesty,” explains Grant on why he chose SGSC. “It seemed like a comfortable setting, and the coaching staff was quite honest with me about their expectations for me, and how their program is run.”
Grant becomes the 15th Tallulah Falls baseball player to be able to compete at the next level. He is the sixth overall Tallulah Falls athlete this 2024-25 school year to officially sign paperwork. Grant will be recognized at the annual Next Level Signing Ceremony on May 21, 2025 with all signees from this academic year.
QTS, the data-center developer that Blackstone bankrolls, complex is expected to consume as much electricity as about a million US households leaving utility Georgia Power rushing to build the infrastructure to meet demand. (Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
(Georgia Recorder) — The Georgia Public Service Commission is scheduled to begin hearing testimony later this month from Georgia Power officials about how the state’s largest utility plans to spend billions of dollars to meet its skyrocketing energy demand, primarily due to the projected growth of large data centers supporting artificial intelligence.
State regulators have set aside multiple days for hearings on Georgia Power’s long-term 2025 Integrated Resource Plan. Company officials estimate that 80% of its projected increased energy demand over the next decade is tied to expected new data center growth in the state.
Georgia Power is projecting electrical load growth will increase by 8,200 megawatts by 2030, representing an increase of 2,200 megawatts compared to its forecast in the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan update. One megawatt can power about 600 homes.
The latest demonstration of the growing interest from prospective data center companies emerged last week with an application filed with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for a massive data center in Troup County.
The Project West proposal is for a 513-acre data center campus comprising six industrial buildings totaling 1.5 million square feet. The centers house computer servers and typically require a large supply of electricity to run.
“Georgia’s economy is continuing to grow, which increases the need for electricity in businesses and factories,” a panel of Georgia Power executives said in March 10 testimony filed with the PSC. “The state’s population is also growing, leading to more electricity use in homes. The rise in large commercial and industrial customers, such as data centers and manufacturing plants, is contributing to the new demand. Also, the adoption of electric vehicles, both for personal and business use, is steadily driving up electricity consumption.”
Georgia Power regularly updates every three years its Integrated Resource Plan, which is the company’s 20-year comprehensive plan for meeting the needs of current and future customers. The hearings on the latest plan will being March 25.
Georgia lawmakers, clean energy, and consumer advocacy groups are concerned about state regulators signing off on Georgia Power’s repeated utility bill increases as the investor-owned utility has passed along to ratepayers new electricity base rates, overrun costs associated with building two new Vogtle nuclear power plant units, coal ash cleanup, and other expenses.
All told, the average Georgia Power household is paying about $43 more per month on utility bills since the start of 2020. Georgia Power is the largest supplier of electricity in the state, with about 2.7 million customers.
A pair of major cases will be settled by the five elected members of the state regulatory commission this year, which will affect Georgia Power ratepayers’ pocketbooks as well as determine the mix of fossil fuels and renewable energy sources the company will use to generate electricity for the next few years.
During PSC proceedings, environmental organizations, consumer protection nonprofits, manufacturers, and other groups offer expert testimony and perform cross examinations of witnesses.
Earlier this month, Georgia legislation intended to protect residential consumers from rising utility costs associated with data centers failed to advance out of the House and Senate chambers ahead of the critical March 6 Crossover Day deadline.
The full Senate did not hold a chamber floor vote on two bills sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, a Rome Republican who says rising utility and property tax bills are the two most common complaints he hears from Georgians.
Hufstetler said Saturday that a data center amendment likely doomed the passage of his Senate Bill 94, which would re-establish a utility consumer advocacy office that provides legal and financial resources for residential consumers and small businesses in electric rate cases and other utility matters.
Hufstetler said he was unable to get a full Senate vote on his consumer utility counsel bill despite having 45 out of 56 senators’ support for his amendment to prevent utility companies from passing data center costs along to residential and small business customers, who have been handed six rate increases since the beginning of 2022.
He said he plans to continue to advocate in future sessions for his bill to re-establish the consumer utility counsel that was abolished in statewide budget cuts mandated by Gov. Sonny Perdue during the 2008 recession.
In the absence of the counsel, consumers depend on the PSC staff to represent ratepayer interests.
Hufstetler criticized Georgia Power for overbuilding in a way that allows the company’s shareholders to maximize profits and called for the commission to hold the company accountable for rising costs.
“I did say I’ll pull the amendment if that’ll get the utility counsel, but then it ran out of time, so it didn’t happen,” Hufstetler said. “I’m certainly disappointed that with the majority of the senators wanting this bill that wasn’t allowed to be on the Senate floor and get passed.
“On the other hand, we had numerous statements from both the PSC and Georgia Power that they would not pass on any of these costs to the residential and small business customers,” Hufstetler said. “At the same time, they didn’t like my bill, which said exactly that, but I think we can certainly hold them accountable for their numerous statements that they would not pass down this cost.”
Representatives with Georgia Power and the Data Center Coalition said they opposed Senate Bill 34because it would give the state Legislature control over a ratemaking process that is typically handled by the elected five-member PSC.
They argued that new rules that apply to data center adopted by the PSC are sufficient to prevent residential and commercial customers from getting stuck with costs incurred to serve data centers.
The new rules include a provision allowing Georgia Power to require data center companies to put up front-end collateral for energy costs over the lifetime of the contract. If the company abandons the project prior to the contract expiring, then Georgia Power would keep the remaining money owed.
Another utility-related bill that failed to advance by the Legislature’s Crossover Day deadline was Woodstock Republican Rep. Jordan Ridley’s House Bill 446, which would have granted discovery rights to all parties at PSC hearings, giving stakeholders new authority to request information during electric rate cases and other utility proceedings.
Allison Kvien, Vote Solar’s Southeast regulatory director, criticized Georgia lawmakers who failed to increase transparency at a time when many people are struggling to pay higher energy bills.
“HB 446 would have allowed all stakeholders to better advocate for policies that encourage economic development and access to affordable, clean energy in commission proceedings,” Kvien said. “Georgia Power shouldn’t be the only one with a seat at the table – Georgia households and businesses deserve to give informed input into decisions about their energy future.”
Georgia gas prices saw a slight decrease this week, with drivers now paying an average of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. This marks a 1-cent drop from last week’s price, a 11-cent decrease compared to a month ago, and a 46-cent drop from the same time last year.
Currently, according to AAA, it costs Georgia drivers approximately $43.35 to fill a 15-gallon tank, which is nearly $7.00 less than it did a year ago.
“Dipping crude oil rates, a mismatch of supply and demand, and concerns about the economy’s direction could significantly influence fuel prices in the months ahead,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA- The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “AAA encourages drivers to use the money-saving gas tips listed below.”
National Gas Price Trends
On a national level, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has decreased by 1 cent to $3.07 as of Monday, despite increased demand. This drop comes as travelers prepare for the busy spring break season, with many states seeing gas prices dip below $3.00 per gallon.
The latest data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows an increase in gasoline demand, rising from 8.87 million barrels per day to 9.18 million. However, the total domestic gasoline supply has decreased from 246.8 million barrels to 241.1 million barrels, slightly below seasonal averages. Gasoline production also dropped to an average of 9.6 million barrels per day.
Oil Market Update
In the oil market, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices saw an increase last Wednesday, rising by $1.43 to settle at $67.68 per barrel. The EIA reports that U.S. crude oil inventories have decreased by 1.4 million barrels, with current levels at 435.2 million barrels, approximately 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.
The Stephens County School System has named the winners of its 2025 Miss SCHS Pageant.
The 2025 Miss SCHS Pageant brought together 42 contestants this past Saturday, March 15, with all competing for a range of prestigious titles. School system officials say the event was a celebration of the talent, grace and spirit of Stephens County High School, showcasing the young women who represent the community.
Ella Batson was crowned Miss SCHS, standing out in a competition that also recognized outstanding achievements across various categories.
Other winners included Arwen Bratten, who earned the title of Miss Young Entrepreneur, and Jacey Burtt, who claimed the Runner-up to Miss Young Entrepreneur and Best Formal Wear honors.
The pageant also highlighted several special recognitions:
Hannah Conn was named Miss Indian Spirit,
Josie Jarrett took home the Best Interview award,
Eve Andrews was awarded Best Casual Wear,
Gabbi Warren won Most Photogenic,
Ella Batson was recognized as Miss Congeniality.
The crowd favorites included:
Avery Colbert, named Crowd’s Choice for 9th-10th grades, and
Eve Andrews, named Crowd’s Choice for 11th-12th grades.
Additionally, the event crowned class-level winners, with:
Layla Worley earning Miss Freshman and Taylor Beatty as Runner-up to Miss Freshman,
Jacey Burtt securing Miss Sophomore and Sadie Westmoreland as Runner-up to Miss Sophomore,
Josie Jarrett named Miss Junior and Alli Kay Ivey as Runner-up to Miss Junior,
Andi Williams crowned Miss Senior, and Eve Andrews recognized as Runner-up to Miss Senior.
The pageant was directed by SCHS employees Stacey Hemphill, Sarah Brock, and Haley Thompson, who ensured the success of the event with their dedication and support.
William “Charlie” Moore passed away on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on October 8, 1933, in Turnerville, Charlie lived a full life marked by an unwavering love for his family, a successful career, and a dedication to service.
As the retired owner/operator of Moore’s Grading, Charlie was known for his hard work and commitment to his trade. His professional life was a testament to his industrious spirit and expertise, earning him respect in his community. In addition to his accomplishments in business, Charlie proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a life member of the Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720, reflecting his steadfast dedication to his country.
Charlie’s faith was an essential aspect of his life, and he held strong to the teachings of the Holiness faith. Throughout his life, he demonstrated compassion, kindness, and an enduring spirit that touched the hearts of those around him.
He shared a loving marriage of 70 years with his wife, Ruby Jewel Ivester Moore. Together, they cultivated not just a home but a legacy, which included a passion for restoring antique Mustangs. This shared interest illustrated their bond and the joy they found in spending time together.
Charlie was the proud father of Joann Rodacker, Geraldine Gibson, and Edward Moore, and he took immense joy in watching his family grow. He was a devoted grandfather to six grandchildren, a cherished great-grandfather to nine great-grandchildren, and a beloved great-great-grandfather to seven great-great-grandchildren. His proudest accomplishments in retirement were helping his grandchildren and great-grandchildren with their cars and motorcycles in his mechanic shop, imparting both knowledge and love during these special moments.
Charlie is also survived by his brother, Randolph Moore. He leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends, all of whom will carry forward the warmth of his memory.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Virgil and Mae Moore; brothers, Willard Moore and Claude Moore; and sisters, Nancy Tillison, Valerie Ivester, Ila Ivester, Fannie Bell Moore, Louise Ivester, Inez McGahee, and Velma Helen Sewell.
A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire, with Rev. Austin Ivester officiating.
Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery in Turnerville.
A visitation will be held on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home.
Charlie will be dearly missed, but his legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Georgia native, Slater Nalley, 18, hugs his former English teacher, Michele Davis, during his audition for "American Idol" on the March 9, 2025, season premiere. Nalley wrote an original song based on a poem Davis wrote about her son, Carter, who was killed in 2016. Nalley is one of the performers chosen to continue in the singing competition which airs Sundays at 8 p.m. (Eastern) on ABC. (Disney/Eric McCandless)
He was seventeen, ready to begin his last year of high school. This handsome, happy fellow looked forward to playing football and his favorite, Lacrosse. He loved rooting for the underdog, kidding his little sister, Greta, and bringing his South Dakota ways to the suburbs of Atlanta. He was a rare kid whose mission was to make all around him light up with smiles, anchored by his unwavering faith.
Carter Davis never entered his senior year, picked up another ball, nor laughed again. He, along with Natalie Henderson, was murdered behind a grocery store just a few miles from my home on August 1, 2016. Mental illness mixed with a gun claimed all the tomorrows waiting for Carter and Natalie.
Carter Davis was looking forward to his senior year in high school when he was gunned down by a stranger in Roswell on August 1, 2016. (Photo by April Oedekoven)
My grandmother declared, “If you can walk through pain and survive, you find the courage you never dreamed you could possess on the other side.” However, losing a child is suffering beyond most of our comprehension. How could anyone endure such grief, especially when a young life ends so horrifically abruptly?
Carter was born into a family of bravery and enormous faith. Michele Davis is Carter’s mom. Her blond hair frames a face that, like her son, lights up space, as she did sitting at my breakfast table on a recent afternoon.
Some people walk into our lives and change us. We are unsure how they arrived or why, but God moves the wheel to join folks at intersections in mysterious ways. I am honored to tell a piece of her story, glimpse into her son’s spirit, and realize that death is never the end of a journey.
To help ease his daughter’s confusion and pain after their first meeting with the detectives, Jeremy Davis said to Greta, “People believe that God sends signs to let us know our loved ones are okay—like birds, dragonflies, or butterflies.”
“Maybe a doggy?” replied eight-year-old Greta.
Her father responded, “Perhaps God will send an eagle or a hawk since he loves sports and those are team names.” The thought of a soaring bird comforted Greta, as she knew her brother’s spirit would fly.
A prayer service was soon held outside of Carter’s high school. Countless students lined up on the sidewalk, writing chalk messages in memory of Carter. Just as they did, a loud screech filled the air. With its wings spread wide, a hawk dove down and flew the entire length of the sidewalk as if it were reading the words.
Carter Davis’ death shook his family to their core. Imagining his spirit soaring, watching over them, brought great comfort. ((Photo by April Oedekoven)
From then on, the family began searching for the soaring bird. While returning to their hometown in South Dakota for another memorial service, they started noticing images of hawks. These hawks appeared on interstate signs, farm fencing, and resting on tree branches. After spotting several hawks, they decided to keep a count. They tallied a total of 144 hawk sightings in just two days. If we take the time to notice, we can trust that God will ease our pain in unexpected ways.
After the investigation, convictions, and overwhelming grief, Michele realized that she must move through the pain. She had to raise her daughter, be a supportive wife, teach her classes, and fulfill her purpose in life.
With the support of a large family, she also found comfort in a group called Warrior Moms. This group consists of mothers who have lost children under various circumstances and share the same devastating experience. The strength and support of this gathering of women who understood her suffering was a beacon of hope for Michele, highlighting the power of community in overcoming grief.
A teacher and writer, Michele began to express her grief through poetry. One was “Traces of You,” about Carter.
Each year, about six weeks into the school term, Michele shares the story of Carter’s life and death with her new English students, concluding the class with her poem.
Slater Nalley performs his original song, “Traces of You,” for his American Idol audition. His performance brought the judges to tears and earned him a ticket to Hollywood. (Disney/Eric McCandless)
When she read it to a new class two years ago, Slater Nalley was a spirited sophomore. The news of a young man’s death, someone Slater had never met, impacted him profoundly. As he worked on transforming his teacher’s poem into a song, he felt a connection to Carter’s spirit. Slater’s dedication to honoring Carter’s memory led to unexpected opportunities he never anticipated.
Today, Slater is chasing his dream of becoming an American Idol, performing “Traces of You.” At the same time, Michele and her friends from the Warrior community are in the final stages of publishing their book. This book will share their personal stories to support others who have experienced profound loss. Titled “Grieve Like a Mother, Survive Like a Warrior,” it will be available later this year.
As Michele eloquently says, “We live in the “AND.” We experience victory AND failure, grief AND joy. If we can appreciate the AND in life and grow from what we have endured, we will continue to thrive.”
God is a mighty God, and even though we go through tremendous heartache, somehow, we can soar on the wings of a wild bird and spread the blessings of his merciful love. We will hold each other in the darkest of nights and celebrate with song in the light of day.
