Mr. Dennis Ray Morgan, Obit. (ER)

Mr. Dennis Ray Morgan, age 66, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away Tuesday morning, July 7, 2026, at His residence. Mr. Morgan was born in Summerville, Georgia on May 16, 1960, to the late Harvey B. and Boneida Peterson Morgan. He was a Veteran of the U. S. Air Force and a truck driver for Swift Transportation. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by a son, the late Daniel Morgan and grandson, the late Nick Litchfield.

 

Surviving are daughters, Amanda Driver and Jessica Miller; son, Matthew (Matt) Morgan; sister, Kathy Morgan; brothers, Harvey (Butch) Morgan, Bill Morgan, and David Morgan; grandchildren, Gavin Morgan, Brodie Morgan, D.J. Litchfield, Alexis Morgan, Megan Driver, Alyssa Katelyn Phillips, Sara Driver, and Nikki Litchfield; great grandchildren, Ke’ziah Balao and Maverick Phillips; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 11th, at 11:00 A.M. from the United Christian Fellowship, with Rev. Gary Howell officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Charles Miller, Joseph Litchfield, Gavin Morgan, Jacob Phillips, Nathan Green, and James Dover. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 10:00 until 11:00 A.M. at the Church.

 

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Dennis Ray Morgan, who passed away Tuesday.

Mrs. Annie Sue Mathews, Obit. (M)

Mrs. Annie Sue Mathews, age 82, of Gaylesville, AL, died Monday, July 6, 2026, at the residence of her daughter.

Mrs. Mathews was born September 13, 1943, in Rome, GA, daughter of the late Benjamin and Thelma Wimpy Touchstone.  She was of the Baptist faith, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Riegel Textiles.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arlie Cornelius Mathews; a son, Ricky Maton; a daughter, Deborah Bryant; brother, J.B. Touchstone; sisters, Kathleen Pruitt, Pauline Smith, and Neva Hulsey; and a brother-in-law, Earl Jacobs.

Survivors include her daughters, Diane (Edwin “Kebo”) Smith, Darlene Jordan, and Marie (David) Long; brothers, Kenneth Touchstone and James Touchstone; a sister, Glenda Jacobs; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Friday, July 10, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Terry Hawkins officiating.  Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Leroy Newsome, Javin Newsome, Casey Jennings, Ricky Newsome, Bryson Carroll, and Michael Williams.

Mrs. Mathews 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.

Ms. Tammy Doreene Hightower, Obit. (C)

Ms. Tammy Doreene Hightower, age 61,  a resident of a Summerville, Georgia address passed away unexpectedly at her residence on Saturday, July 4, 2026. 

Ms. Hightower was born the daughter of the late Joseph H. Lee and the late Joyce Wilson Lee born May 25, 1965 in Summerville, Georgia.

Tammy had been a lifelong resident of the area and was described by her family as “loving really hard”, “working hard for her babies and grandbabies”, “had a bleeding heart for the homeless” and while it was said that she was a redneck woman, the family stated, “she broke the mold”.

In addition to her parents, Tammy was preceded in death by a son, Doug Talley.

She is survived by sons, Christopher Lee (Tina Johnson), Eric (Sabrina) Talley; brothers, Michael Lee (& family), Steven (Theresa) Lee; sister, Deborah Wiggins (& family); grandchildren, Kadian Lee, Jonas Lee, Lynnica Talley, Leslie Talley, Bo Sweeny.

In accordance with Ms. Hightower’s wishes, she will be cremated and a memorial service may be held at a later date.

Mrs. Sarah Woodall, Obit. (M)

Mrs. Sarah Woodall, age 82, of Summerville, GA, died Monday, July 6, 2026, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Mrs. Woodall was born December 27, 1943, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Wade Allen Evans and Sarah Evelyn Allmon Evans.  She had attended Old Path Baptist Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed with World Carpet.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers, David Evans, Roy Evans, and Claude Evans; sisters, Hattie Lee Elsberry, Ann Ramey, and Dorothy Pettyjohn.

Survivors include her husband, Russell Lee Woodall; sons, Greg (Brenda) Woodall, Chris Woodall, and Timothy (Sandra) Woodall; daughter, Regina (David) Frasier; 7 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; a special friend, Wanda Lively; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, July 9, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wayne Hindman officiating.  Interment will follow in Subligna Cemetery.  Active pallbearers will be Charles Lee, Travis Rockwell, Shane Haney, Evan  Bice, Cameron Evans, and Matt Hunter.  The remainder of Mrs. Woodall’s nieces and nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Mrs. Woodall will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Mrs. Vickie Lynn Smith, Obit. (C)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Vickie Lynn Smith, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend.  Mrs. Smith was age 73, of a Trion address and passed away at her home on July 1, 2026 surrounded by family after a period of illness. 

Vickie was born the daughter of the late John R. Silvernail and Beverly Jane Holly Silvernail on January 5, 1953 in New York.

Time found her living in different areas of the United States before settling into the Chattooga County area.  In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, hiking and camping just to name a few interests.  During her working years, she had been employed by Mt. Vernon Mills as a card operator and Shaw Industries as a twister operator.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by a son, Bobby Wandell; granddaughter, Alliyah Wilkens; grandson, Desmound Wandell; brother, Owen Silvernail and sister, Robin Palmer.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Smith; sons, Jay Wandell, Chris Wandell; step sons, Charles “Zeke” Smith, Brandon Smith; daughters, Traci Wandell Edwards, Jamie Wandell Etchison; brothers, John Silvernail, Bob Silvernail; sisters, Renee Silvernail, Linda Silvernail; grandchildren, Darnay Wandell, Devin Wandell, Scott Sprayberry, Tristan Smith, Ozmound Stout, Tori Hill, Colby Russell, Eric Hargrove, Dilyan Glenn and Harmony Wandell.  Vickie also leaves behind several great grandchildren and a number of nieces and nephews.

In accordance to Mrs. Smith’s wishes, she will be cremated and a memorial may be held at a later date.

Mr. John Wesley Baldwin, Obit. (M)

Mr. John Wesley Baldwin, age 65, of Summerville, GA, died Sunday, June 28, 2026. John was born April
2, 1961 in Rochester NY. He was the son of the late Liston Eugene Baldwin and Louise Jean Diekert
Baldwin. John grew up in Pensacola, Florida. Growing up he was an avid surfer and his love for the beach lasted his whole lifetime. As an adult, he relocated to central Florida where he met the love of his life, Cheryl. John and Cheryl were married September 1, 1990.

He met many lifelong friends throughout his construction and handyman career with his charming personality and goofy sense of humor. John was known for his honesty, work ethic, and attention to detail in his field.

John was a loving and devoted husband of 35 years and a phenomenal father to Hannah and Haley. John’s daily goal was to make his wife laugh. He loved to make people smile and was known as the fun loving favorite neighborhood dad – skateboarding, bike riding, and rollerblading after work, no matter how tired he was.

After moving back to the Panhandle and then again to Knoxville, TN, John found his love of the mountains. He loved the change of seasons and enjoying the outdoors. He loved exploring nature with family.

John moved back to Florida to help care for his parents, who he loved dearly, throughout the end of their lives. He then moved with his wife, Cheryl to Summerville, GA to retire on their property in the mountains with plans to watch all of the amazing sunrises and sunsets, putter around on his tractor, and play with his beloved grandchildren. Before John’s passing, he was able to build a home, much of it himself, and achieve some of his lifelong dreams.

Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Lynn White Baldwin; daughters and sons-in-law, Hannah Marie (Josh) Albin, Haley Michelle (Dillon) Grider; a brother, Carl Eugene Baldwin; sister, Theresa Louise (Eddie) Toenes; grandchildren, Parker Dean Albin, Gwen Helena Albin, and soon to be born, Baby Boy Grider.

Funeral services for John will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, July 5, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel.

Mr. John Baldwin 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 Sunday.

Ms. Jackie Hammonds Grimes, Obit. (ER)

MS. JACKIE HAMMONDS GRIMES, age 66, of Gaylesville, Alabama, formerly of Chattooga County, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in a Rome hospital. She was born in Summerville, Georgia on January 27, 1960 to the late Fletcher Charles and Jennett Fraiser Hammonds. Ms. Grimes was a Homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, the late Mickey Hammonds, former husband the late Michael Grimes, and nephew the late Chuck Hammonds.

 

Surviving are daughter, Robin Womack; son, Cody Grimes; brothers, Ricky (Pam) Hammonds and Jerry (Anita) Hammonds; grandchildren, Justice Rich, Aubrie Rich, Joey Rich, and Chance Womack; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

 

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 3rd, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Steve McGill officiating, interment in Lebanon Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 12:00 noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

 

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ms. Jackie Hammonds Grimes.

Mrs. Martha A. Latta, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Martha A. Latta, age 90 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2026 in a Rome hospital.

Mrs. Latta was born in Trion, Georgia on December 5, 1935, daughter of the late Arthur Dewey Anderson and Bessie Mae Guice Anderson. She was a member of the Central Avenue Baptist Church, where she was active in many church activities; and was retired from the County Clerk’s office. Mrs. Latta raised 3 boys, 3 grandchildren, was an excellent cook and an avid gardener.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Latta was preceded in death by her husband, WA Latta.

Mrs. Latta is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, Greg and Theresa Latta, Gary and Melinda Latta and Grant and Kendra Latta; grandchildren, Andy(Elizabeth) Latta, Ben Latta and Wyatt Latta; great grandchildren, Challis Latta, Wilkes Latta, Knox Latta and a number of additional extended family and friends.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Latta will be held Sunday, July 5, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Central Avenue Baptist Church with Pastors Terry Hampton and Brandon Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Andy Latta, Ben Latta, Shannon Tucker, Knox Latta. Wilkes Latta, Wyatt Latta, Joe Bachelor and Ralph McWhorter. Honorary Pallbearers will be Wayne Whited, Larry Gilreath, Randy Crabtree, Kenneth Cox, Larry Stoker, Scott Quinn and BruceWallin.

Mrs. Latta will lie in state at the Central Avenue Baptist Church, where the family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Martha A. Latta

Mrs. Teresa Deborah Craig, Obit. (C)

Mrs. Teresa Deborah Craig, age 70 of Trion, Georgia passed away on June 29, 2026 at her Spring Creek residence in Trion, Georgia. 

Teresa was born on February 26, 1956 in Summerville, Georgia to the late Boyd C. Williams and Mary Lois Nation Williams.  She was a retired textile worker from Mount Vernon Mills.  According to her husband, she most enjoyed correcting him and telling him what to do.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Craig was preceded in death by a brother, Bud Williams and a grandchild “Zay” Sizemore.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mr. Robert Craig; a son, Shannon Keen(Missy); a step daughter, Loretta Sizemore (Robert); twelve total grandchildren: Austin Keen, Ty Craig. Ashley Evans, Blake Sizemore, Railey Cooper, Ally Cooper, Ely Cooper; great grandchildren,  Payton Sizemore, Ryder Sizemore, Kati Broom, Jayden Broom, Jo-Jo Broom, Slade Stroupe and Maranda Stroupe.

Visitation for Mrs. Craig will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory from 5-7 that evening.  Teresa will be cremated according to her wishes and no further service is planned.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society in Mrs. Craig’s honor.

Mr. Matthew “Matt” Dylan Tapp, Obit. (C)

Mr. Matthew “Matt” Dylan Tapp, age 28, passed away unexpectedly at his residence in Cartersville, Georgia on June 11, 2026.

Mr. Tapp was born in Dalton, Georgia on April 25, 1998, son of John David Tapp, Jr. of Trion, Georgia and Carissa Blackwell Thomas of Panama City Beach, Florida. In high school, Matthew enjoyed playing football and wrestling for Chattooga High and also Coahulla High School in Dalton, Georgia. He was a hard dedicated worker as an employee of Plateau Excavation working as a pipe layer. Matt was a wonderful father where his son, Xander and daughter, Ivory were the light of his life.

Matthew was preceded in death by a Grandfather, William Blackwell, Jr.; a Grandmother, Cyclinda Youngblood and a Grandfather, John David Tapp, Sr.

Matthew is survived by his fiancée, Mya Weddle; grandmothers, Betty Brooks, Paulette Lowrance; father, John David Tapp, Jr(Amber); mother, Carissa Blackwell Thomas; 6 year old son, Xander Byron Tapp; 7 month old daughter, Ivory Lynn Tapp; brothers, Michael Tapp(Amie), Zack Tapp(Shawnna), Zach McGuire, Levi McGuire, Cameron Tapp, Zayden Tapp; sisters, Kristina Tapp, Alexia Evans(Josh), Destinee McGuire and Andrea Tapp. A number of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and a community of friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 11 a.m. from chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory with the following officiating: Sean Ledbetter, Steve Collins and Mitchell House. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be: Michael Tapp, Zach McGuire, Zack Tapp, Levi McGuire, Zack McKeithan, Cameron Strickland and Hunter Kautz.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Plateau Pipe Crew.

The family will receive friends on Monday, June 29, 2026 from 5-7 p.m. at the Coffman Funeral Home.