Mr. Thomas Austin Cole, age 79, of Menlo, GA, died Friday, February 27, 2026, at his residence.

Mr. Cole was born July 29, 1946, in Summerville, GA, son of the late Thomas Edison Cole and Lela Alberta McConnell Cole. He was a member of New Antioch Baptist Church, and prior to his retirement, was employed with World Carpet. He had also worked several years at Best Manufacturing. Mr. Cole was a dedicated wrestling fan and a coon hunting champion. His greatest love was for his family and he was saved by God’s grace!

Survivors include his wife, Juanita Womack Cole; daughter, Lela Renae (Carl) Maynard; grandchildren, John (Elana) Brown, Tommy Meadows, and Isaiah Maynard; great-grandchildren, Lela Maynard, Lauren Brown, and Elijah Bailey.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, March 1, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Harold Helton and Rev. Brian Williams officiating. Interment will follow in Garrett Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Rodney Womack, Hunter Williams, Johnny Hartline, Bear Brown, Jeremy Croy, and Dan Bullard. Honorary pallbearers will be Ginger Marshall, the members of Liberty Baptist Church, his Cedartown family, and his beloved Chihuahua, Daisy.

Mr. Cole will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Saturday, February 28, 2026.

The family respectfully requests no flowers.

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. Oravel Lee Shellman, age 86 of Summervile, Georgia, formerly of Houma, Louisiana passed away Friday, February 27, 2026 at his residence.

Mr. Shellman was born in Allegany, New York on March 12, 1939, son of the late George Edward Shellman and Mildred Arlene Jackman Shellman. He was retired from Cavins Corporation, where he worked in the oil field as a dispatcher and sales and service representative. Mr. Shellman was an active member of the Chattooga Senior Center and was a member of two AA groups, one here and one in Rome.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Shellman was preceded in death by a son, Michael Lee Shellman; brothers, Wiliam Shellman, Robert “Bob” Francis Shellman and Ralph Shellman; and sisters, Shirley Jean Holloway and Linda Kay Brady.

Mr. Shellman is survived by a sister, Alice Kight; brother-in-law, Levon Brady; nieces, Charlene Turnmire and Addie Holloway; nephew, John Brady; and a number of additional nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral Services for Mr. Shellman will be held Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:00 A.M, in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Jake Darden officiating. Private Interment will be in Houma, Louisiana.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Oravel Lee Shellman.

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

MR JAMES MONROE PIERCE, age 61, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at a Rome hospital. He was born on March 9th, 1964 in Fort Payne, Alabama, a son of the late Elmer and Margie Eller Pierce. In addition to his parents, Mr. Pierce was preceded in death by a son in-law Mr. Josh Hines and a Grandson Mr. Christopher Chapman. He was a retired small engine repairman.

Surviving include his wife Mrs. Alisha Pierce, daughters, Deanna Hines and Cheyenne Nichols (Ryan Pierce), sons Christopher (Veronica) Pierce, Daniel (Crystal) Pierce, and Jonathon Nichols. Grandchildren Alexis Sluder, Jordyn Sluder (Brycen Hunt), Trinity Sluder (Chance Canada), Daye Nutter, Chloe Pierce, Aubrey Pierce, Ashton Pierce, Adian Pierce, Jameson Pierce, and Thomas Davis and three Great Grandchildren, Tyson, Vada and River, Brothers Stephenson Pierce and Dewayne Pierce and sisters Carolyn (Noel) Johnson and Debbie (Frankie) Majors. Several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mr. Pierce will be held on Saturday, February 28th at 2PM from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home. The Rev. Chris Nixon officiating and interment in the Summerville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Nellenboch, Jeremy Spears, Ryan Pierce, Carson Keen, Steve Fowler, and Chance Canada. The Family will receive friends Saturday starting at 1PM until the time of the service, at the funeral home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. James Monroe Pierce.

Ms. Nancy Alene “Nanie” Light, age 85 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Saturday, February 22, 2026 in a Rome hospital.

Ms. Light was born in Rome, Georgia on December 18, 1940, daughter of the late Jeddy S. Light and Mildred Frances Ashworth Light. She was a member of the Sonrise Community Church, where she was active in the Nursery and the Fellowship Hall Ministries. She loved God and enjoyed serving her church. Ms. Light was employed with the former Farmer’s and Merchant’s Bank, retiring as assistant Vice President after over 35 years of service. Following her retirement, she worked with her brother as a decorator in the wallpaper business. In her down time, she enjoyed working in her yard and reading.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Light was preceded in death by her siblings, Brenda Raynell Wiseman, Faye Neil Duke, Frances Maxine Jones, Patsy Ann Woods, Jerry Maxwell Light, Carole Sue Ash, Deborah Jean Warnock and Michael Lewis Light; and a nephew, Steven Jones.

Ms. Light is survived by her sisters and brothers-in-law, Liz and Jim Bennett, Fredda McCrickard and Roxie and Larry Weesner; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Debbie Light; her beloved fur baby, Merzedez; and a number of nieces, nephews and additional family members.

Funeral Services for Ms. Light will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Marcus A. McCrickard officiating. Interment will follow in the Green Hills Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Larry Weesner, Shannon Bennett, Rhett Bennett, John Critchfield, Zeb Whitehead and Tshombe High. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Women’s Sunday School Class and members of the Sonrise Community Church.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 28, 2026 at the Coffman Funeral Home from 1:00 P.M. until the service hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Ms. Nancy ALene “Nanie” Light.

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

Mr. Gary Nolan Kitterman, age 84, of Summerville, GA, died Saturday, February 21, 2026, at his residence.

Mr. Kitterman was born March 15, 1941. He was retired from the United States Air Force with 28 years of service.

He was preceded in death by several siblings.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Ann Graham Kitterman; daughters, Beth Campbell and Carol Zemlicka; brothers, Leland Kitterman and Bill Kitterman; and several grandchildren.

There will be no formal services and private entombment will be held at Greenhills Memory Gardens.

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.

Mrs. Amy Nicole Sparks, age 49 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at her residence.

Amy was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on April 22, 1976, daughter of Barbara Jones Sparks and the late Clarence Sparks. She was a member of the Sardis Baptist Church and was a stay at home mom and nanny. Amy was an avid music lover and enjoyed photography and photographs.

Amy is survived by a daughter, Kayla Goudy; “Son”, Justin Sword; mother, Barbara Sparks; boyfriend, Shaun Burleson; brother, Chris Layne; sister, Becky Sparks; former husband, Lloyd Cook; grandchildren, Marleigh Goudy, Shawn Goudy and Thunder Sword; and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral Services for Amy will be held Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Jamey Maples officiating. Interment will follow in the Johnson Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Chip Cook, Daniel Cook, Shane Sword, Eric Bailey, Johnny Cook and Matthew Cook.

The family will receive friends at the Coffman Funeral Home Saturday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Amy Nicole Sparks.

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

Ms. Bernice “Bonnie” Ward age 73 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026 at her residence.

Ms. Ward was born November 11, 1952 in St. Louis Missouri to the late Sandy Howard and Margaret Lea Ward. She was retired from Century Glove and was Baptist by faith. Ms. Ward was a very spirited person who loved caring for her family and especially her grandchildren.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by Mildred Wilson, Lewis Wilson, Rita Wilson, and Jessica Bond.

Survivors include her spouse, Steve Wilson; children, Timothy Hogue, Beth (Mark) Floyd, and Crystal (Barry) Chandler; siblings, Howard (Linda) Ward, Richard (Pam) Ward, Andrew Ward, Sammy Ward, Marilyn (Ron) Stewart, Terrie Easton, and Mary Dillard; aunts, Glenda (Steve) Eden, Iva Lea, and Carol (Terry) Ramey; grandchildren, Collin Hogue, and Ashleigh Markison; great-grandchild, Aubry Markison, 1 great-grandchild on the way; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Ms. Ward will take place at 12:00 Noon EST at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Burns officiating. Interment will follow at Bankhead Cemetery with family members serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 11:00 AM EST until the service hour at the funeral home.

To share you condolences online, please visit www.MasonFuneralHome.com.

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

MRS. FRANCES ARZELLA STAMPER EVANS- Age 84 of Summerville, Georgia passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Mrs. Evans was born on May 31, 1941 to the late Mrs. Belle Stamper. She was preceded by her mother, sisters, Helen Young, Mary Ann Stamper, Helen Powell, and brother, Homer Stamper. She was a member of Prospect Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Usher Board and was the Sunday School Secretary. She was retired after thirty-six years of service from Mt. Vernon Mills.

Survivors are her loving daughters, Cynthia Lumpkin, and Gail Avent; five grandchildren, Torri Ludy, Cary (Kanisha) Ludy, Rocky (Lynn) Ludy, Carmela Avent, Taylor Avent; seventeen great grandchildren, eighteen great great grandchildren; two brothers, Jeff Stamper, James (Rosie Lee) Stamper; special sister-in-law, Martha Stamper; two special nieces, Patricia Jones, Renee Huskey; other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and her church family.

Celebration Of Life for Mrs. Frances Evans will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 12:00 noon at Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, 194 Prospect Church Road, LaFayette, Georgia 30728 with Pastor Jeffrey Scott Copeland as Eulogist. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 A.M. until the funeral hour. Interment at Summerville City Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Willis Funeral Home, Inc., Dalton, Georgia.

Mrs. Mary Ruth Bryant, age 61 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Monday, February 16, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Bryant was born in Cartersville, Georgia on March 22, 1964, daughter of the late David Harold Lowe and Pauline Patterson Lowe. She had been employed in the packing department of Mt. Vernon Mills.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bryant was preceded in death by a grandson, Austin Jarrell.

Mrs. Bryant is survived by her husband, Ricky Bryant; children, Wesley(Holly) Bryant, Ricky Bryant(Heather Jacobs), Misty Bryant, and Mary Ann Jacobs(Daniel Jarrell); brothers, Johnny Lowe and Jimmy Lowe; sisters, Glenda Sellers, Linda Fuller, Kathy Ivey, Vickey Moore, Barbara Ann Ward and Julia Smith; grandchildren, Ashley Jarrell, Nicholas Jacobs, Jessica Jacobs, Elizabeth Jacobs, Terri Jacobs, Zyler Jarrell, Carmen Jarrell, Avery Fillers, Mackenzie Bryant, Caleb Bryant, Cadin Sanchez, Wesley Bryant, Jr. and Tristian Bryant; great grandchildren, Cali Brown, Timothy Jarrell, Casen Strickland, Braxton Mathison, Carlye Mathison, Zayden Mathison, Jocelynn Cornejo, Laura Cornejo, Heaven Gonzalez and Armando Gonzales; and a number of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Funeral Service for Mrs. Bryant will be held Friday, February 20, 2026 at 4:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Summerville Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Coffman Funeral Home Thursday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Mary Ruth Bryant. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook, post condolences or make memorial contributions for her funeral services.

Master Waylon Spencer Dodge, age 7 months passed away unexpectedly Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Born in Macon, Georgia on June 30, 2025, Master Waylon is the son of Christian Dwayne Warren Dodge and Christian Victoria Wells; brother of Rafe Christian Dodge, grandson of Philip and Danielle Wells, Ashley and Clifford Cook and Justin Dodge; great grandson of Terry and Lucy Adams and Tammy Christy; and great nephew to Barda and Travis Swinford.

Master Waylon was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Angela Rae “Angie” Wells; uncles, John Wells and Eric Bell; and an Aunt, Gretchen Lynn Dodge.

Funeral Services for Master Waylon will be held Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Todd Dover officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Master Waylon Spencer Dodge.

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