Mrs. Madeline Cheryl Bartlett Stephens, age 77 of Trion, Georgia passed away Friday, November 22, 2024 in Rome.

Mrs. Stephens was born in Trion, Georgia on March 11, 1947, daughter of the late William Frank “Bill” Bartlett and Mozelle Irene Ozment Bartlett. She was a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church and prior to retirement was employed as a medical coder with Dr. Gary Smith and Dr. Richard Smith. Mrs. Stephens was an excellent cook and loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Lesley Biddle.

Mrs. Stephens is survived by her husband, Tommy Stephens; son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Julie Stephens; grandchildren, Julianne and Jared Trammell, Jessica Stephens, Joseph Farmer and Lauren Neal; great granddaughter, Kaya Neal; nephew, Jamie and Myra Biddle; and a number of additional nieces and nephews.

Graveside and Interment services for Mrs. Stephens will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Green Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Rickey Biddle officiating.

There will be no formal visitation.

Those attending the graveside service are asked to assemble at the Green Hills Memory Gardens at 1:45 P.M. on Monday.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Madeline Cheryl Bartlett Stephens.

Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

Mr. Harold Glenn Leming, age 74, of the Wayside Community, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 19, 2024.

Mr. Leming was born November 28, 1949, in Trion, GA, son of the late Howard Ray Leming and Arvaleen Sisson Leming. He was a member of South Commerce Church of Christ and prior to his retirement, was employed with Blue Bird.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Hugh Leming.

Harold, better known as “Papa,” was a kind, loving man who never met a stranger. Harold married the love of his life, Martha, on December 24, 1969, and over the next 55 years, they set an amazing example of what unconditional love truly is. Together, they raised 3 sons, 10 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. To say “Papa” will be greatly missed is an understatement, but his legacy will live on in those who remember the way he lived and loved. So, to Papa, rest easy. We will always love you more!

Survivors include his wife, Martha Jones Leming; sons, Greg (Lisa) Leming, Tim Leming, Shawn (Sasha) Leming; sister-in-law, Dana Leming; brothers-in-law, Junior (Brenda) Jones, Larry Jones; grandchildren, Nicole and Dustin Rosser, Tyler Leming, Anistin and Travis Stancil, Tanner Leming, Kenzley Leming, Chase Leming, Addison Leming, Shelby Hill, Emma Leming, and Caitlyn Bailey; great-grandchildren, Zion Morrison, Jordan Morrison, Freya Rosser, Ryland Forsyth, Rayden Forsyth, and Finley Stancil.

Funeral services for Mr. Leming will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, November 22, 2024, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Min. Hugh Glaze, Min. Bill Thomas, and Rev. Gary Howell officiating. Interment will follow in West Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tyler Leming, Dustin Rosser, Tanner Leming, Jake Morrison, Dalton Bearden, and Conner Bolen.

Mr. Leming will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Friday.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.

Mr. Jason Darniel Watwood, age 38, of Gaylesville, AL, died Saturday, November 16, 2024 at his residence.

Mr. Watwood was born September 13, 1986 in Gasden, AL, the son of the late Jackie Watwood. He worked as an inspector at Mt. Vernon Mills prior to his retirement.

He is survived by his mother, Theresa Conway; one son, Hunter Watwood; two brothers, Jeremy and Nick Watwood; grandparents, W.E. and Jean Watwood.

Memorial graveside services to celebrate the life of Mr. Watwood will be held Thursday, November 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM (CST) at Randall Cemetery in Gaylesville, AL.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.

With the humble acceptance of God’s will, the family of Carolyn Corbin Colbert would like to announce her arrival to Glory. On November 13th at 3:50pm Carolyn passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her loved ones and achieved her goal of eternal life in heaven with Jesus.

Carolyn was born on October 1,1948 to Charlie (U.L.) and Mackie Jean McWhorter Corbin and was a lifelong resident of Summerville, Ga. In May of 1976, Carolyn married the love of her life, Doug Colbert. She enjoyed years of traveling and “loafering” with her husband and together, they built a large family. She was passionate about sharing The Word of God. She loved and prayed for her family daily. She was a charter member of the Summerville Pentecostal Worship Center.

Carolyn was a very talented singer and loved to sing. At the age of 15 she recorded a double-sided record in Nashville titled “Boy Doll” and “Let’s Talk Thing Over.” She ultimately chose to use her musical talents to worship The Lord. She spent several years traveling and singing with the gospel trio, Rejoice.

Carolyn attended Chattooga High School and was a majorette. She owned and operated the Bed and Bath shop and retired from Roper Corporation.

She is preceded in death by her parents; In-laws JD and Jesse Colbert; brothers-in-law Melvin Owens, Gerald Cambell, and Jimmy Colbert; and grandson Marty Gary;

Carolyn is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 48 years Doug Colbert.  Brother Jackie (Jeannie) Corbin; Sister Brenda (Larry) Brock;Children Tammy Stricklin; Lori (Kenny) Wilemon; Bryan Colbert (Macy Carpenter); Sisters-in-law Paulette Owens; Peggy (Tommy) Campbell Ash; and Janet Colbert; Grandchildren Mallori (Joey) Engelbrecht; Cain (Caitlin) Higgins; Zachari (Stephanie) Willingham; Jessica Wilemon; Harley Gary; Samantha (Isaac) Morgan; Bo and Mason Stricklin; Tylar, Jake, Maddux, and Stetson Colbert; Graysen Carpenter, Peyton Dover, Layla May Clark; 15 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and church family.

At her request, there will not be a traditional visitation or funeral. However, to honor her memory, the family will be fulfilling her wishes by filling the church pews of the Summerville Pentecostal Worship Center for a Sunday morning service on November 24th at 11am. The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Gideon International in her honor at https://www.gideons.org/donate. If you would like to send a card, please use the address below. Or a donation can be made directly to the church for bible distributions.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support. We will see her again.

Summerville Pentecostal Worship Center
116 Lake Wanda Rieta Rd, Summerville, GA 30747

Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Vernon Wyatt Earp, age 79, of Trion passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024.

He was extremely talented in music, art, and nature, as well as a devoted Christian.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, Fonnie and Lydia Cameron Earp; brother, Fonnie Earp, Jr.; sisters, Nancy Earp and Ruth Hughes; and two nephews, Vinson Hughes and Raymond Hughes.

He is survived by his brother, James Earp; nephews, Wayne Hughes, Jeff Hughes, and Alvin (Lin) Earp; nieces, Renee Hughes Lanham and Belinda Earp Belcher; several great-nieces and nephews; and several great-great nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, November 22, at West Hill Cemetery with Pastor L.D. Ludy and Brother Rickey Biddle officiating.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, November 21, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Ring14 USA, either through their website at https://ring14usa.networkforgood.com/projects/121250-everyday-giving or mail to Ring14 USA, P.O. Box 9562, Midland, TX 79708, USA.

Arrangements by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

MRS. BECKY SCHILLING, age 71, of Trion, Georgia, passed away Tuesday afternoon, November 12, 2024, following a sudden attack. A native of Cherokee County, Alabama, she was born on May 8, 1953, to the late Houston D. and Bessie Carolyn Stansell Palmer. She was retired nurse for Chattooga County Hospital and Baptist by Faith. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Schilling was preceded in death by husband, the late Joseph H. Schilling, Jr. on September 8, 2009; siblings, the late Marilyn Foy Palmer, Bobby Gene Palmer, Jimmie Ruth Sweat, Kimberly Dawn Kennett, Phyllis Sue Padgett, and Beloved Pet-Lambchop.

Surviving are sisters, Pat Elsberry, Linda Orr, Martha Reynolds, Kathy Brown, Marsha Uptain; brothers, Houston Ladon Palmer & Michael T. Palmer ; fiance’, Steve Scoggins; God children, Justin Blackmon and Amber Uptain.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, November 17th, at 2:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery, with Gary Brown officiating. Active Pallbearers Stacy Reynolds, Robby Johnson, Mike Palmer, Justin Blackmon, Barry Padgett, and Jeremy Marshall. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 until 1:50 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Becky Schilling, who passed away Tuesday.

MR. AUSTIN RYAN CARNES, age 27, of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2024, from injuries received in a pedestrian-auto incident near Lyerly, on Saturday. He was a son of Lori Nichole Williams and Bobby Ray Carnes. Austin was employed with Joey’s Lawn service, and was preceded in death by grandparents the late Bobby Carnes, Terry and Marlene Williams; great grandparents, the late Joe Potter, Gordon and Margaret Williams, Lamar and Era Smith; great great grandmother, the late Evelyn Lemming also passed away earlier.

Surviving are son-Liam Brown; mother Lori Williams, father and step mother, Bobby and Jessica Carnes; grandmother, Debbie Carnes; great grandmother, Kathryn Potter; brothers, Blake Williams and Jacob Swan.

Funeral service will be held Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. from Graveside in Lyerly Cemetery with Rev. Robert Brown officiating; Active Pallbearers Brady Carnes, Eric Williams, Joey Carnes, Eric Brown, Blake Williams, and Jacob Swan. There will not be any visitation.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Diana Lynn Gardner Hutchens, age 68 of the Little Sand Mountain Community, Summerville, Georgia passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at a Rome hospital.

Diana was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 9, 1956, daughter of the late William Joseph Gardner and Clara Kate Parker Gardner. She was a member of the Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church, where she was active in the Dorcas Circle, and prior to retirement, was a safety supervisor with Mohawk Industries. She loved traveling, especially to Florida, gardening, being outdoors, and taking care of her animals. In addition to her parents, Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edward “Tommy” Hutchens; daughters, Nancy Marie Hutchens and Demple Dixon; and sisters, Regina Kitchens, Missy Hamby and Shelia Hyatt.

Diana is survived by her children, Thomas Edward “Doe Doe” Hutchens, whose wife, Carol Hutchens preceded her in death, Thomas Eugene “Lil Tommy” Hutchens(Jamie), Michael David Norris(Stephanie), Kathy Renee Thompson(Horace), April Diane Denham(Eddie), Billie Joe Cargle(Terry) and Barbie Lynn Niederhuth(Bruce); brothers, Kenny Gardner and Joey Gardner; 35 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; a fur baby, Rascall; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Diana will be held Saturday, November 16, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church with Pastor Myles Phillips and her son, Michael David Norris officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Norris, Michael Scoggins, Chandler Norris, Doe Doe Hutchens, Lil Tommy Hutchens, Daniel Dooley and Michael Dooley. Honorary Pallbearers will be Codi Denham, Edward Denham, members of the Dorcas Circle and all members of the Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church.

Diana’s family will receive friends Friday evening at the Coffman Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

On Saturday, Diana will lie in state at the Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Diana Lynn Gardner Hutchens.

Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

Mr. William Thomas “Tom” Chapman, Jr., age 70, of Uvalda, GA (formerly of Summerville), died suddenly Friday, November 08, 2024, at Atrium Health Floyd-Chattooga.

Mr. Chapman was born March 29, 1954 in Metter, Georgia, son of the late William Thomas Chapman, Sr. and Berta Mae Brown Chapman.

As told to his daughter, Lauren, he lost his high school class ring when he flung a beer bottle out of a moving car. Afraid of his parents’ response to that and myriad of infractions, he signed up to serve his country in the Army. He was a paratrooper and joked they had to push him out of the plane for his first jump, but he loved every jump thereafter.

Later, Mr. Chapman was a member of the Old Guard serving in the Caisson barn, 1975-77 on wheel, as a section SGT and Cap Horse Walker. He was described as hard working, loyal, and fun to be around by his fellow service men. Mr. Chapman was Blackjack’s, the Riderless horse’s, last handler and was involved in numerous military funerals as well as President Jimmy Carter’s inauguration. This was one of his proudest services.

Mr. Chapman was also a member of the Metter Lodge # 435, F&AM and was a Shriner. He served as Worshipful Master of his lodge in 1982.

Mr. Chapman served the State of Georgia as an employee of the Department of Corrections until his retirement after 30 years. One of his most rewarding accomplishments was during his tenure as the Warden at Pulaski State Prison, Hawkinsville, GA. In 2008, by working with Middle Georgia Technical College and Mr. Tommy Irvin, former Georgia Agricultural Commissioner, he implemented Georgia’s first prison horse-rescue farm. This project was and still is beneficial for horses and inmates alike. Emaciated, abused horses often have nowhere to go. By coming to Pulaski State Prison, horses are nurtured and inmates report feeling they are “…doing something worthwhile [that] is actually good…” Because of the partnership with the technical college system of Georgia, some inmates are able to earn a certificate as a veterinary technician through Middle Georgia Technical College.

This is just one example of Mr. Chapman’s foresight, dedication to his role as Warden, and his ability to build friendships lasting long after his time with the Department of Corrections.

While in Hawkinsville, Mr. Chapman was heavily involved with the Chamber of Commerce, many community projects, served as the Grand Marshall in the Harness Festival Parade, named Citizen of the Year, and was an avid connoisseur of M&T’s Meat Market.

This list does not begin to encompass all of his accomplishments, however, one of his most recent was his sobriety, which he committed to one month after his grandson, Will, was born in 2017. Will was his absolute best friend whom he loved more than anyone else on this Earth (it’s true, and the rest of the family all know it and happily and heartily accept it).

Following his sobriety and giving his life over to the Lord, Mr. Chapman devoted many hours to sharing his testimony with anyone who would listen. He hoped his story would inspire others. The AA group in Summerville, GA was a major contributor to his ability to maintain his sobriety.
We would be remiss to leave out Mr. Chapman’s one-time obsession with Harley Davidson. He enjoyed the camaraderie and riding; especially with his friends, Huey and Sharp. He was always one of the first to help with charity rides, Toys for Tots, and other community events. Mr. Chapman also enjoyed being outside; particularly magnet fishing and metal detecting with his best buddy, Will.

Mr. Chapman’s survivors include his wife, Jan Wilson Chapman; children Lauren (Blake) Elsberry; William Thomas “Trey” Chapman, III, Brandy Love James, and Cindy Chapman; sister, Tammy (David) Chapman Hart; grandchildren, William Ashworth Elsberry and Sarah Katherine Elsberry, and many precious nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, November 15th, 2024, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. Chapman will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Friday.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please make donations to:

The Foundation of the Old Guard, online: https://donorbox.org/caisson-buckle-fund
Click on “leave us a comment” to mention Tom or mail a check to:
The Foundation of the Old Guard
P.O. Box 1010
Ft. Myer, VA 22211
Note “Tom” on the check
The foundation will use all funds received to support the Caisson platoon.
or
Heartbound Ministries, online: www.heartboundministries.com or mail a check to:
Heartbound Ministries
P.O. Box 191703
Atlanta, Georgia 31119-0703

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are provided by Mason Funeral Home- Summerville, GA.

Mr. Raymond Lee Hurley, age 72 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Friday, November 8, 2024 at his residence.

Mr. Hurley was born December 9, 1951 in Trion, GA to the late Raymond H. and Bonnie Wade Hurley. He was a retired machine mechanic from Sew So Styles and enjoyed gardening, whittling, and woodworking. He was a member of Freedom Baptist Church.

Along with his parents he is preceded in death by his son, Raymond Nathaniel Hurley, and sister, Glenda Henderson.

Survivors include his loving wife of 49 years, Rita Garlin Hurley; grandchild, Garrett Hurley; and special friend, Dr. April Connell.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Hurley will take place at 12:00 Noon (GA Time)Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from the Chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Hawkins officiating. Interment will follow at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens in Rome, GA with Jimmy Scott, Colby Scott, Logan Blalock, Steven Blalock, Michael Tucker, and Charles Tallent serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Freedom Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday from 11:00 AM (GA Time) until the service hour.