Mrs. Deborah Sue Smith age 69 of Ft. Payne, AL passed away Thursday, April 3, 2025 at her residence.

Mrs. Smith was born July 24, 1955 in Trion, GA to the late Glenn and Susan Fountain Blackmon. She was a homemaker and enjoyed shopping, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles K. Smith; and son, Arnold Thompson, Jr.

Survivors include her children, Bryan (Kellie) Tate and Tina Ely (Jackie Hampton); grandchildren, Johnathan (Kyra) Tate, Lisa Shannon, Dale Vaughn, and Joseph Vaughn; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Chris Blackmon, Jerry Blackmon, Randy Blackmon, and Darlene Beard; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Smith will take place at 1:00 PM Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin J. Norton officiating. Interment will follow at Cloudland Presbyterian Cemetery with Michael Love, Clay Love, Mark Love, Johnathan Tate, Jackie Hampton, and Dale Vaughn serving as pallbearers.

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

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit www.MasonFuneralHome.com

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

MR. DANNY LANE HESTER, SR., age 54, of Alabama Street-Trion, Georgia, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, in a Rome, hospital following an illness. Danny was born in Salome, Arizona on April 25, 1970, a son of the late Tommy Glenn Hester and Glenda Kay Dye Hester. He was a member and Deacon Chairman for the Harrell Street Church of God of the Union Assembly. Danny was well know in the community as Jazzy the Balloon Artist, Gishamer the Magician, and Homer “Da” Clown. He loved being involved with church VBS, plays, and ect, and always enjoyed spending time with His Family. Danny will be sorely missed in so many places and by many people. In addition to Parents was preceded in death by father C. D. (Tiny) Long, siblings Tommy Glenn Hester, Jr., Karen Hester, and Gevetta Samples.

Surviving are wife, Jean Hester; sons, Danny (DJ) Hester and Tanner Hester; mother, Judy Long; sisters, Melissa (Thomas) Hamilton and Retta (Stephen) Sprayberry; brothers, Charlie Long and LeBron (Corrinna) Long, Michael Butler, Jessie Butler, Sonny (Devin) Jones; granddaughter, Micah Ellis; 2 Aunts; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, April 2nd, at 1:00 P.M. from the Harrell Street Church of God of the Union Assembly with Rev. Denny Smith, Rev. LeBron Long, Rev. Kenny Payne , and Rev. Rocklan Hughes officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Active Pallbearers Aaron Long, Sam Roberts, Mikie Jones, Eric Mann, Josh Smalley, Barry Tanner, Sam Eldridge and Cody Betts.

The Family will receive friends Tuesday evening at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home from 6 until 8 P.M.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of Floyd Atrium ICU. Especially Dr. Brock Jr. and Jordan and Ashley, nurses.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Danny Lane Hester, Sr. who passed away Sunday afternoon.

Mrs. Willie Lee Parton, age 86, of Trion, GA, left this earth to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Hickory Valley Senior Living Center.

Mrs. Parton was born March 31, 1938, in Fort Payne, AL, daughter of the late William and Trannie Hill Barnett. She was a homemaker and a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church. She was also an active participant in the activities at Hickory Valley Senior Living Center.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Parton; a sister, Louise Crowder; brother, Lois Barnett; and a daughter-in-law, Lois Brooks Parton.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Joyce Parton; granddaughters, Amy (Jeremy) Smith, Amber Ables (Jamey Hughes), and April (Matt) Kelly; great-grandchildren, Caleb Parton, Nathan Kelly, Anna Kelly, and Cohen Smith; 6 chosen grandchildren; 7 chosen great-grandchildren; and 6 chosen great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at West Hill Cemetery with Elder David Smith officiating. Pallbearers will be sons-in-law and grandsons and include Jeremy Smith, Matt Kelly, Jamey Hughes, Caleb Parton, Nathan Kelly, Cohen Smith, Billy Morrison, and Michael Morrison.

Mrs. Parton will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday.

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. Martin Kevin Howard, age 50, of Trion, GA, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Advent Health Redmond.

Mr. Howard was born July 20, 1974, in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, son of Willie Lou Rape Jackson and the late Ernest Levon Howard. He was employed with Bagley Distributors. Mr. Howard loved fishing and collecting coins.

Survivors include his mother, Willie Lou Jackson; brothers, Jesse Howard, Todd Howard, and DeWayne (Beth) Howard; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 28, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Charlie Long officiating.

Mr. Howard 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 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. Johnny Darrell Allen, better known to local radio listeners as “Marc Summers,” age 61, of the Chattoogaville Community, died Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at his residence after an extended illness.

Mr. Allen was born July 19, 1963, in Rome, GA, son of the late William Roger “John” Allen and Clara Ray Allen. He worked as a disc jockey and had been employed at WEIS Radio and previously at WSAF Radio and for WZQZ Radio. Mr. Allen was selected as the Alabama Broadcaster of the Year as a Small Market Newscaster. He had also previously been employed with Jeff Cook Studios.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Allen was preceded in death by his aunt, Patricia Allen, uncles, Randy Allen, Broadys Allen, Cecil Samuel “Dude” Allen, Cecil Ray, and Clyde Ray.

Survivors include his aunt, Doris Allen; cousins, Sarah (Brandon) LaFavor, Jennifer (Duane) Nichols, Tina (Jason) Brewster, Donna Sentell, Brady LaFavor, Marissa and Myracle Nichols, Shane (Stormy) Hatcher, and Haylee (Colten) Brewster Smith; step-son, Ethan (Jessi) Barnes; and special friend, Karen Bullard.

Funeral services for Mr. Allen will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 29, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jamie Maples officiating. Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Daryl Kelley, Brandon LaFavor, Andrew Hughes, Joey Weaver, Jason Brewster, and Shane Hatcher. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Holbrook, Jerry Baker, and the Staff of WEIS Radio.

Mr. Allen 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.

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. Nancy Elaine Gardner, age 77, of Lyerly, GA, died Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Mrs. Gardner was born November 11, 1947, in Lyerly, GA, daughter of the late Avery Winson Bryan and Clara Belle Floyd Bryan. She was a member of the Lyerly Community Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Mohawk Industries for over 30 years. Mrs. Gardner was a loving wife, mother, nanny, friend, and a passionate cook.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Bryan; and a sister, Maxine Ragland.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Terry “Butch” Gardner; daughters, Tracy Anderson, Christy (Corey) Wells; brothers, Jim (Nittaya) Bryan, Hugh “Bo” (Louise) Bryan; a sister, Tina (Donnie) Sutton; grandchildren, Sierra (Nick) Robinson, Kayla (Guthrie) Frazier, Megan Wells (Dawson Day); great-grandson, Samuel James Frazier; special friends, Cathy Hurley, Ruthie Groce, Kathy Simpson, Ginger Marshall, and Joann Byars.

Funeral services for Mrs. Gardner will be held at 12:00 Noon Thursday, March 27, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Marshall Bryan and Rev. Brett Clements officiating. Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Nick Robinson, Guthrie Frazier, Dawson Day, Tyler Pledger, Shane Clements, Ben Clements, and Dan Bryan.

Mrs. Gardner will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 26, 2025. She will also be in state Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 11:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

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. Marion “Glenda” Littlejohn Lee, age 89, of Trion, GA, died Monday, March 24, 2025, at her residence.

Mrs. Lee was born April 23, 1935, in Trion, GA, daughter of the late Winfred Samuel Littlejohn and Gertrude Adams Littlejohn. She was a member of Ridgeway Baptist Church for 79 years and was retired from Riegel Textiles.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Lee; sisters, Thelma Ramsey and Joan Davis; nieces, Deborah Ramsey and Deidra Bryant.

Survivors include her daughter, Vicki (Allen) Hughes; grandchildren, Andy (Andrea) Lee and Amanda Bartlett (Jonathan Nelson); great-grandchildren, Austin Lee, Allie Lee, C.J. Bartlett, and Brenleigh Nelson; and her darlin’, Robbie Dover.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow in Ridgeway Cemetery.

Mrs. Lee 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.

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. EMMETT WAYNE MILLER—-April 4, 1944—November 18, 2022

Emmett was born in Rome, Georgia and was the only child of Maddie Sue Easter and Bennett Layfette Miller. Emmitt grew up outside of Summerville and was standout football player in the Summerville High School and graduated in 1962. After graduation He entered the United States Marine Core and was part of the 1st Radio Battalion, who were the first “boots” on the ground in Vietnam. After three tours in Vietnam and four years of service, Emmett was discharged from the Marine Core and Started a lengthy career with the CIA, (1967-1997), upon retirement from the CIA, Emmett and Elaine bought a 90 years house in Menlo and Spent their retirement years traveling, relaxing, and renovating their house in Menlo.

MARION ELAINE MILLER—-January 15, 1943– December 4, 2024

Elaine was born in Rome, Georgia and was the third child of Horace Glen Patterson and Annie Maxine Phillips. Elaine grew up in Gore and was very close with her aunts and uncles. Elaine was a cheerleader, played basketball, and graduated from the Summerville High School in 1961. After a few years working in Summerville, Elaine and Emmett got married and moved to California, Elaine also enjoyed a lengthy career in the CIA (1970-1997) and retired the same year as her husband Emmett. In retirement Elaine was part of Several social clubs in Summerville and surrounding areas.

A service of Remembrance for Emmett and Elaine Miller will be held Sunday, March 30th –2:00 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Ronald Daine “Ronnie” Stephens, age 76, of Summerville, GA, died Thursday, March 20, 2025, at his residence.

Mr. Stephens was born August 19, 1948, in Rome, GA, son of the late Harbin Monroe and Ethel Lee Green Stephens. He was Baptist by faith and was retired from Consolidated Freightways. Mr. Stephens was also a veteran of the United States Army.

Mr. Stephens was a 1966 graduate of Chattooga High School and was on the Chattooga High School Class of 1970 Board in honor of his wife, Sharon. He served as a volunteer firefighter for 52 years including with the Lyerly Fire Department where he served as Fire Chief for 6 total years, and the Powdersville, SC Fire Department where he served as Fire Chief for 14 years. He had also worked with the Anderson County, SC Hazardous Materials Team for 16 years. He was a member of the V.F.W., the American Legion, and a board member of the Chattooga County Historical Society and the Resource Community Center. Mr. Stephens loved his family and loved being a papa. He also enjoyed traveling and cave diving.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sharon Norton Stephens; a sister, Joyce Williams; and a nephew, Zane Williams.

Survivors include his son, Chris Stephens (Heather Forbes); a brother, Douglas (Mary) Stephens; grandchildren, Brianna and Jonathan Stephens; nieces, Heather Trimby, Lindsay Norton, Melissa Kennedy, and Whitney Powell; brother-in-law, Gary (Dianne) Norton; sister-in-law, Kim (Rod) Powell; and special friend, Peggy Womack.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Casey Bramlett and his niece, Whitney Powell, officiating. Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be members of the Lyerly Fire Department.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Summerville Main Street.

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

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. Jane Wright Bishop, age 95, of Trion, GA, died Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Bishop was born November 27, 1929, daughter of the late Grover and Minnie Clark Wright. She was a member of the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, and prior to her retirement, was employed with First National Bank. Mrs. Bishop had also previously worked at Lyerly Glove.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben Loyce Bishop; son, James Reuben Bishop; siblings, Katherine Chamblee, Elsie Cooper, Ruth Martin, Carmen Wright, Fred Wright, Paul Wright, Jimmy Wright, and Alvis Wright.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Patty Bishop; and a granddaughter, R.J. (Caleb) Crider.

Funeral services for Mrs. Bishop will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, March 21, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Min. Hugh Glaze officiating.

Interment will be held privately in West Hill Cemetery.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made in her honor to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).

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.