Mrs. Debbie Sue Durham, age 69 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 17, 2026 at the Oak View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Durham was born in Lafayette, Georgia on July 1, 1957, daughter of the late John T. Kirby and Mable I. Brown Kirby. She was a homemaker and had previously been employed with Pruitt Hosiery. Mrs. Durham was an amazing cook and loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Durham was preceded in death by her husband, Sherman “Shotgun” Durham; 3 brothers and 11 sisters.

Mrs. Durham is survived by a son, Jeremy L. Jones; daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and Russell Peace; sister, Joyce Gentry; grandchildren, Brianna N. Jones, Branden Salas, Johnathan(Alexis) Ash, Ryan Peace (Lauren Forsyth), Amber Peace and Emily Peace; great grandchildren, Braxton Bradley, Aubrey Peace, Cameron Dowdy, Presley Ash, Johnathan “J.J.” Ash, Jr., Branden Salas, Jr. and Shyanne Salas; special friend, Miss Charlotte and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In accordance with Mrs. Durham’s wishes, she will be cremated and the family may hold a memorial service at a later date.

Mr. Forney Wes “John” Smith, Jr. age 72 of Trion, Georgia passed away Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at his residence.

John was born in Walker County, Georgia on March 29, 1954, son of the late Forney Wes Smith, Sr. and Alma Lee Brown Smith. He was a member of the New Hope North Baptist Church and was retired from Shaw Industries. John was the bass player for the Southern Express Band. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved being outside, hunting, and fishing. John enjoyed fixing things and gardening, but his favorite activity was spending time with his grandbabies.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Childers and Dorothy Carroll; a brother, Jimmy Smith; a special sister-in-law, Kim Laymon; and a great granddaughter, Jenna Moore.

John is survived by his wife, Tonia Blessing Smith; son and daughter-in-law, Ricky and Shanna Ware; daughters and sons-in-law, Angie and Mark Mann, Savannah Laymon and Tasha Blessing(Tim Franklin); brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Linda Smith; sisters and son-in-law, Ann Pettyjohn and Lynne and Scott Noel; grandchildren, Holly Stanley, Autumn Moore, Eli Mann, Lexie Young, Kensleigh Gordy, Emily Young, Willow Ware, Madison Franklin, and Lillianna Franklin; great granddaughter, Annalise Mann; and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral Services for John will be held Friday, September 18, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. in the chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Spears officiating.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Coffman Funeral Home.

Mr. Ronald “Ronnie” Grady Winters, age 80 of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, September 13 2026, surrounded by his family at his home in the Oak Hill Community following an extended illness.

Mr. Winters was born in Summerville, Georgia on July 4, 1946, the son of the late Frances and Grady Winters.  He was a graduate of Chattooga High School Class of 1964 and was a small business owner.  He was a member of Oak Hill Methodist Church.  Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Peggy Winters and by lifelong friends Ralph Kellett and Billy Edwards.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Kristi and Robert Beach; son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Abbey Winters; grandchildren Gray Beach, Walt Beach, Jack Weaver and Payton Weaver; sister Carol Winters; special nieces Lori Kellett and Lacey Baker; and special great-nieces and nephews Gracie and Doug Colbert, Kylor Kellett, Ruby Kellett, Shelby Baker, Olivia Baker, Colton Baker and Kaisen Colbert.

Mr. Winters was a wonderful and beloved husband, and was the most amazing father and grandfather.  He grew up on his family’s farm and was a proud veteran serving in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  After returning home from the military he operated Oak Hill Farms with his father and later with his children and grandchildren raising cattle.  He owned and operated Ronnie Winters’ Bankson Tire and Oil Company in Summerville, Georgia until his retirement.  Even in retirement he never slowed down and was always a hard worker that few could keep up with.  He enjoyed attending events for his grandchildren and never missed anything. With his wife, he loved hosting class and family reunions at a family home that was moved to their farm and remodeled. His true passion was restoring classic cars and tractors and collecting antique gas and oil pumps and signs and was known for his collection of Pure Oil signs. The taillights of his 1965 Plymouth Belvedere were seen by friends across Chattooga County as he passed them racing on the Smallan Road during his younger years. He was a proud member of the VFW Post 6688, American Legion Post 129, Summerville-Trion Optimist Club (President and Board Member), Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce (Board Member), North Georgia Cruisers, Northwest Georgia Joint Development Authority (Board Member), Georgia Oilmen’s Association (Board Member), Georgia Tire Dealers and Retreaders Association and was a Stakeholder in the Southeastern Pure Oil Jobbers Cooperative. His love and attention to the needs of Veterans and Youth in our community was widely known and felt.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at 3:00 PM in the Chapel of Mason Funeral Home with the Reverend Wayne Pace officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Hill Methodist Church Cemetery with the Reverend David Humphreys Officiating.  Active pallbearers are Gray Beach, Walt Beach, Jack Weaver, Kyle Kellett, Kylor Kellett, Doug Colbert, Bowden Heathcock, Colton Baker, Jackson Powell and Callen Kerce.  Honorary pallbearers will be VFW Post 6688, American Legion Post 129, Brandon Croy, Cassey Ray, Tony White, Johnny Crawford, Joe Reed, Chip Williams, Eddie Williams, Randy Anderson, Farrell Anderson, The Summerville Trion Optimist Club and Oak Hill Methodist Church Members.

Mr. Winters will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the service hour on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Chattooga Unit of the Boys and Girls Club (P.O. Box 636 – Summerville, GA 30747).

Mr. Larry Allen Stoker, age 70 of the Spring Creek Community, Trion, Georgia, passed away Monday, September 14, 2026 in a Rome hospital.

Larry was born in Lafayette, Georgia on June 5, 1956, son of the late Amos Lee Stoker and Jo Ann White Stoker. He was a member of the Welcome Hill Baptist Church, where he was very active in many areas of the ministry. Larry retired from the Central Garage at Mt. Vernon Mills following 47 years of service, and was member of the Trion Masonic Lodge #160 F&AM. He was an avid outdoorsman that loved to deer hunt and fish, but his favorite activity was spending time with and helping his family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by a son, Jason Stoker and a sister, Vickie Rena Stoker Davis.

Larry is survived by his wife, Johnnie Stoker; son, Cody Stoker; sisters and brothers-in-law, Kathy and Charles Ratledge and Tammy and Elliot Norton; brothers and sisters-in-law, Amos Lee Stoker, Jr., Greg and Sherry Stoker and Mark and Debbie Stoker; three grandchildren, Gage Stoker, Addison Wilson and Hayleigh Cochran; three great grandchildren, Salem Stoker, Sebastian Howard and Declan Stoker; and a number nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and extended family members.

Private Graveside services for Larry will be held in the Pettyjohn Cemetery with Pastor Terry Shores officiating.

Per Larry’s instructions, there will be no visitation.

The family respectfully asks that no flowers be sent, but to please make memorial contributions in Larry’s name to the Welcome Hill Baptist Church, 107 Welcome Hill Rd, Trion, GA 30753.

Mrs. Joan Kathryn “Kathy” Whitten Hughes, age 80 of Trion, Georgia passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026 in a Rome area healthcare center.

Kathy was born in Trion, Georgia on May 22, 1946, daughter of the late John Henry Whitten and Sylvia Faye Thomas Huskey.  She was retired from the Roper Corporation and was of the Baptist Faith.  Kathy loved being outdoors, whether it was fishing or camping, but her favorite activity was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Kathy is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Paige Mitchell and Race Allen; sister, Janet Young; three grandchildren, Skyler Hughes, Macy(Kirby) Brush and Linc Allen; three great grandchildren, Delta Brush, Declan Brush and Jett Hughes; and two nieces, Hope Money and Missy(Tracy) Moore.

In accordance with Kathy’s wishes, she will be cremated and the family may hold a memorial service at later date.

Mr. Michael Lee “Duck” Hunter, age 57, of Summerville, GA, died Friday, September 4, 2026, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.

Mr. Hunter was born April 7, 1969, in Summerville, GA, son of the late Roy Lee Hunter and Linda Diane Wood Tapp.  He was employed with Elevated Steel of Adairsville.
Duck loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids.  He was a devoted grandparent and loved to brag on his kids and grandkids.  He was the kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back and be ready to help in any way.  He enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, sharing old stories, and spending time with friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Greg Tucker, Stacy Tapp; and a granddaughter, Aaliyah Hunter.

Survivors include his sons, Brandon (Monica) Hunter, Dillon (Montana) Hunter; brother, Billy Tapp; sisters, Kimberly Lovett (Randy) Hunter, Shannon Bruce; former wife and mother of his sons, Doniela Hunter; and grandchildren, Derringer Hunter, Dominic Hunter, and Annie Hunter.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, September 12, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Ethan Hutchins officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ethan Young, Darrell “Bubba” Huskey, Austin Ramsey, Donald Starkey, and Stefan Starkey.

Mr. Hunter will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of service on Saturday.

Ms. Nancy Ann Adams, age 77, of Rome, GA, died Sunday, September 6, 2026, at her residence.

Ms. Adams was born December 2, 1948, in LaFayette, GA, daughter of the late David Harrison Starkey and Thelma Nelle Chandler Starkey.  Prior to her retirement, she was employed as a teacher at Coosa Valley Technical College.

Survivors include her son, James “Jim” (Casey) Bowers; brother, David R. (Daline) Starkey; and a sister, Phyllis (Bo) Bowden.  She’s also survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and her beloved cat, Zima.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, September 11, 2026, at West Hill Cemetery with Pastor Brent Wells officiating.  Pallbearers will be David Starkey, Devin Starkey, Dason Starkey, and Kendall Coffman.

Ms. Adams will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, September 10, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Ms. Sarah Lee “Sally” Parsons, age 72, of Menlo, GA, died Saturday, September 5, 2026, at her residence.

Ms. Parsons was born August 17, 1954, in Kent, CT, daughter of the late George Edward Parsons and Eva Augusta Clark Parsons.  Prior to her retirement, she worked as a Registered Nurse Clinician at Tampa General Hospital.  Ms. Parsons held national certifications in the fields of Rehabilitation Nursing, Case Management, and Pain Management.  She was also a member of the Reading Buddies program through the Menlo Housing Authority.  Ms. Parsons loved horses and was a lifelong equestrian.  She volunteered at The Valley View Ranch Girls Equestrian Camp in Cloudland, GA.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Elizabeth Parsons.

Survivors include her partner, J.J. Watts; a brother, Robert Lane Parsons; and a niece, Ashley Newsome.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Mount Olive Cemetery with Rev. Jared Pickard officiating.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Sarah Lee Parson Scholarship Fund at The Valley View Ranch (606 Valley View Ranch Road – Cloudland, GA 30731).

Mr. Phillip Randy Crabtree, age 74 of the Teloga Community, Summerville, passed away Monday, September 7, 2026 at this residence.

Randy was born in Summerville, Georgia on December 23, 1951, the youngest and last remaining son of the late C.W. Crabtree and Clara Maude Self Crabtree.  He was a member of the Son Rise Community Church and was retired from the maintenance department of Covenant College.  Randy had an impeccable work ethic. He was either working or helping others do something.

In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Lynn Young Crabtree; and all of his 10 brothers and sisters.

Randy is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law that he considered his daughters, Ross and Lindsey Crabtree and Blake and Carrie Crabtree; four grandchildren, Parker Crabtree, Grey Crabtree, Katie Beth Crabtree and Hudson Wilbanks; one great granddaughter, Rynlee Crabtree; and 32 nieces and nephews.

Memorial Graveside Services for Randy will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. in the Macedonia Cemetery with Rev. Kevin Woods officiating.

Randy’s family will receive friends Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Coffman Funeral Home.

Mrs. Tina Michelle Lively Striblin, age 52, of Summerville, GA, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at her residence.

Mrs. Striblin was born March 4, 1974, in Rome, GA, daughter of Wanda Lynn Drake Wilbanks and the late Earl Lively.  She was employed with the State of Georgia in Early Childhood Education.  She enjoyed flowers and loved taking care of children and others and putting smiles on their faces.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents and great-grandparents, and a nephew, Grant Taylor.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Striblin; son, Maverik (Kaitlin) Van Powell; daughters, Kaylee Layne Driver, Ashley Striblin (Austin Meadows), and Chelsy Striblin (Stanton Womack); parents, Wanda and Larry Wilbanks; a brother, J.R. (Ashley) Wilbanks; sister, Mandy (Todd) Taylor; grandchildren, Brodie Meadows, Waylon Meadows, Cedar Womack, and Ridge Womack.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Chris Holman officiating.

Mrs. Striblin will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Wednesday.