Ms. Debbie Darlene Smith age 66 of Lyerly, GA passed away Friday, September 19, 2025 at her residence.

Ms. Smith was born February 21, 1959 in Ft. Payne, AL to the late John and Mildred Wade Marshall. She was retired from Bigelow-Sanford (Mohawk) and was a member of Four Mile Baptist Church. She enjoyed the outdoors, her dogs, her family, and life in general.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her brothers, Charles and Frankie Marshall.

Survivors include her siblings, Steve (Ginger) Marshall, and Gail (Dennis) Mosley; and special aunt, Catherine “Cat” Brewster.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Ms. Smith will take place at 1:00 PM EST Monday September 22 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Sanford DeBerry officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. bethel with Steve Marshall, Richard Mobbs, Dennis Mosley, Kenny Edwards, Kevin Edwards, and Tommy Busbin serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Monday from 11:00 AM EST until the service hour at Mason Funeral Home.

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

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

Dorothy Hammond Heath, age 91, of Summerville, GA, passed peacefully into the arms of her Savior on September 16, 2025. She was born November 1, 1933, and lived a long, full, and remarkable life marked by faith, hard work, and love for her family.

A devoted member of Floyd Springs Baptist Church, Dorothy lived her life as a woman of strong Christian faith and service.
Professionally, she was known for her dedication and leadership. She began her career as Executive Secretary to the Cotton Buyer at Riegel Textile, later serving as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at United First Federal in Florida. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and operate several successful businesses, including Shangrala Beach on Weiss Lake, Dotties’s Slimmer Trimmer You, and the beloved Dottie’s Diner.

Our precious “DotDot” received her complete healing Tuesday morning. Loving fiercely doesn’t even begin to describe her. She had the brightest smile, the most infectious laugh, and could outcook any chef. She stayed sharp as a tack until dementia stole pieces of her mind, but it could never take away who she was to us.

The memories we carry are countless and will always be with us. We remember when she cried about turning 80, but we were simply thankful that God gave us 91 beautiful years with her. Each day we had was a blessing.

Dorothy’s proudest role was that of Mother, Grandmother, and Matriarch. She was the loving mother of three wonderful daughters, the cherished grandmother of four, great-grandmother of eight, and great-great-grandmother of two. Her family was her greatest joy, and her legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will live on in each of us.

Dorothy will be remembered for her sharp mind, entrepreneurial drive, radiant smile, and her ability to bring warmth and joy to all who knew her.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Donald E. Heath; parents, Robert H. Hammond and Maude Purcell Hammond; brother, R.H. Hammond, Jr.; and grandson, Chuck Hammonds.

Survivors include her daughters, Janice (Nick) Vann, Rita (Tim) Harton, and Karen Hurley; grandchildren, Jeff Browning, Chad Browning, and Alison Ross; great-grandchildren, Chase Browning, Macy Browning, Kade Browning, Evan Browning, Riley Ross, Jonas Ross, Autumn Hammonds, and Reese Hammonds; great-great-grandchildren, Lyric Browning and Jasper Ross.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 21, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Garrett Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Jeff Browning, Chad Browning, Chase Browning, Riley Ross, Jonas Ross, and Kade Browning. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Floyd Springs Baptist Church Senior Adult Class.

Dorothy will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Sunday. The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate a life well lived and a woman deeply loved.

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.

Kristy McNeese Wogomon has gone to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, September 5, 2025. She passed away at 7:00 AM at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, TN.

She was preceded in death by her father Lamar McNeese, her paternal grandfather Walter McNeese and paternal grandmother Grace McDaniel, as well as her maternal grandfather George P. “Square” Reece and maternal grandmother Mary Lou Fleming Martin and bonus grandfather Ross Martin.

Still surviving is her husband Eric Wogomon, her two sons Aaron Venn and Andrew Venn (Kaysie Lee Wright), her mother Paula McNeese and her brother Randy McNeese. Kristy had two bonus daughters Erica Wogomon Day (Kris Day) and Sierra Wogomon. She had four bonus grandchildren, all of them loved her as their grandma. Kristy had Aunts and Uncles, Cousins and Friends that she deeply loved.

Kristy was employed at the University of Tennessee on staff to the Dean at the Institute of Agriculture. She also was a student at the University of Tennessee where she was studying for her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Kristy was involved in many activities and was so full of life. She loved going to watch her Volunteers, in which she had season football tickets, and was so proud that she was a part of the school. She loved her family more that anyone could ever imagine. Her two boys were her pride and joy and they loved their mother with all of their heart.

We know that Kristy is rejoicing with our Lord in heaven as she was a very strong believer in Jesus Christ. She believed that to show Jesus was just as important if not more important than to preach.

There will be a celebration of Kristy’s life on Sunday, September 21st 2:00PM at Lyerly First Baptist Church, 265 Tennessee Ave., Lyerly, GA 30730. All family and friends are welcome to attend.

A second celebration for Kristy will be on Sunday, September 28th 3:00PM at Willow Creek Community Center, 130 Willowcreek Blvd, Sweetwater, TN 37874.

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. Rodney Lee Dillard, age 67 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Sunday, September 14, 2025 at the local emergency department.

Rodney was born in Summerville, Georgia on March 23, 1958, son of Geneva Scoggins Dillard and the late J.D. Dillard. He was a member of the Four Mile Baptist Church and had retired from the Dye House at Mt. Vernon Mills. Following his retirement, he was employed at the Menlo Elementary School as a custodian. Rodney was an avid animal lover and loved his dog Rosie and his cat, Waldo. He had been a member of the Boy Scouts of America and enjoyed fishing and hiking. Rodney always had a smile on his face and enjoyed meeting new friends and talking.

Rodney is survived by his mother, Geneva Dillard; son and daughter-in-law, Ethan and Olivia Nixon; brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Debra Dillard; grandchildren, Grey Nixon and Asher Nixon; special friends, Dennis Amberson and Kaylor Amberson; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services for Rodney will be held Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Pastor Joel Smith and Rev. Sanford DeBerry officiating.

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

The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Floyd Felines, www.floydfelines.org or to your favorite charity.

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

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

Mrs. Shirley Elaine Kendrick Clay, age 87, of Rome, GA (formerly of Summerville), died Monday, September 15, 2025, at The Spiers at Berry College.

Mrs. Clay was born August 24, 1938, in Summerville, GA. She was a member of the Subligna Baptist Church, and prior to her retirement, was as a legal secretary with DeKalb County, GA. Mrs. Clay loved animals, especially hummingbirds and had played piano and organ for many different churches.

Mrs. Clay was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Clay; twin brother, David Kendrick; and her aunt, Irene Roberts.

Survivovrs include nieces, Tynie Monk, Greta Clay, and Mary Scockley; nephews, Allen Clay, Mike Clay, Tony Clay, Kenneth Clay, Jr., Robert Clay, and Randy Clay; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Kendrick.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Charles Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in Subligna Cemetery. Her nephews will serve as pallbearers.

Mrs. Clay 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 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. Charles Walter Venable, age 72, of Summerville, GA, died Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Mr. Venable was born June 26, 1953, in Cedartown, GA, son of the late Otis Turner Venable and Jessie Mae Osborne Venable. He was a member of West Berryton Faith Temple Church, but had most recently attended Menlo First Baptist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Turner Venable; and sister, Glenda Mae Venable.

Survivors include his nieces and nephew, Lisa B. Venable, Adriana Venable, and Kenneth Dewayne (Diane) Venable; and several cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tony Weaver officiating. Interment will follow in the Oak Hill Methodist Church Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be the staff of Oakview Health and Rehabilitation.

Mr. Venable will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 3:00 P.M. 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. Christopher Allen Witt Sr., age 69, of Trion, GA, died September 13, 2025, following a valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer. He was surrounded by his wife and children when he left his earthly home to step into the presence of Jesus.

Mr. Witt was born September 22, 1955, in Trion, GA, the son of the late Raymond Earl and Barbara Jean Palmer Witt. He loved his family and was especially proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved fishing, hunting, playing golf, and spending time with his family. In his younger years, Mr. Witt earned many impressive accolades for his athletic ability, having his name etched into the Trion High School football and baseball record books. He graduated from Shorter University with a bachelor’s degree in education, then earned a master’s degree from Kennesaw State University, and finally a specialist’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lincoln Memorial University. He retired from Trion City Schools after proudly serving for over twenty years, teaching and coaching multiple sports.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Witt was preceded in death by two brothers, Greg Witt and Gary Witt.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Connie Witt; children, Amber (Chris) Moore, Allen (Ashley Goodrich) Witt, Ashlee (Kyle) Abernathy, and Ali (Jacob) Chandler; brother Sid Witt; 12 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special friends Lee and Brenda Cooper, and Wil Hyden.

Celebration of Life services will be held Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Trion First Baptist Church with Rev. Casey Bramlett officiating.

Honorary pallbearers will be Stephen Witt, Roy Witt, Dale Witt, Jared Witt, Colt Moore, Ross Moore, Wil Hyden, Terry Pope, and J.C. Henderson. The Witt family requests that any athlete Mr. Witt coached during his career serve as honorary pallbearers as well.

The family of Mr. Witt issues a heartfelt thanks to Tapestry Hospice, and especially his nurse, Emily Clements, for the extraordinary care she provided for him.

Mr. Witt’s family invites those in attendance to join them following the service for a time of fellowship and refreshments at the church fellowship hall.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Christopher Allen Witt.

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

Mrs. Reita Thomas Lanier, age 102 of Summerville, Georgia passed away Friday, September 12, 2025 near her daughter in Columbia, South Carolina.

Mrs. Lanier was born in Chattooga County, Georgia on June 25, 1923, daughter of the late John H. Thomas and Leona Holland Thomas. She was a member of the Trion First Baptist Church, had been a member of the Red Hat Society and the Quarter Century Club and was retired from Riegel/Mt. Vernon Mills. Mrs. Lanier enjoyed cooking, sewing and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Lanier was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Lanier, Jr.; sister, Carolyn Langston; a brother, Rev. J. Holland Thomas and an infant brother,Leverne Thomas.

Mrs. Lanier is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Patti and Jim Neal; grandchildren; Lanier Neal (Tiera Robinson); Brian (Brenda) Neal, Michele (Scott)Diedrich, great grandchildren, MacKenzie Robinson, Laila Robinson-Neal, Eric (Lindsey) Neal, Samantha (Chase) Helton, Logan (Cheyenne) Diedrich, Rachelle Martin; several great-great grandchildren; special caregivers, Kathy Corbitt and Annie Mae Hogue; special friends;Jimmy and Janet Schram; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Lanier will be held Monday, September 15, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Pastor Casey Bramlett officiating. Private Interment will be in the Green Hills Memory Gardens.

Mrs. Lanier’s family will receive friends at the Coffman Funeral Home Monday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

The family respectfully asks that no flowers be sent, but to make a memorial contribution to the Trion First Baptist Church, 95 Church Street, Trion, GA 30753, or to your favorite charity in Mrs. Lanier’s name.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Reita Thomas Lanier. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

Mr. Donald Edward “Donnie” Hunt, age 73 of Trion, Georgia formerly of Chickamauga, passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025 at a Rome Hospital.

Mr. Hunt was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on March 12, 1952, son of the late Homer Carl Hunt and Virginia Powell Hunt. He was a member of the Dry Valley Baptist Church, where he was active with the Young at Heart; and was retired from Vulcan Materials. Mr. Hunt was also a member of the Mountain City Corvette Club, and was in several bowling leagues in Rome, Ft. Oglethorpe and East Ridge.

Mr. Hunt is survived by his wife of 57 years, Cindy Hunt; daughter and son-in-law, Donnell and Charles Martin; son and daughter-in-law, Donald Edward (DJ) and Deidra Hunt; sister, Mary Lois Everett; brother and sister-in-law, Robert Carl “Bobby” and Janice Hunt; grandchildren, Kayla Jennings, Kristyn(Zach) Farrow, Kaitlyn Hunt, Khloe Hunt and Jackson Hunt; great grandchildren, Tucker Farrow, Eva Brooke Woods, Kyler Farrow, Hadley Boyd, Denver Farrow, Kamdyn Hunt and Lynette Hunt; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services for Mr. Hunt will be held Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Terry Hampton and Mr. Charles Martin officiating.

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

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Donald Edward “Donnie” Hunt. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and post condolences.

MRS. VANESSA “NETT” ALLEN FAIN- It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Vanessa “Nett” Allen Fain, a cherished mother, grandmother, great – grandmother, sister, and friend who left this world on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the age of 70. Vanessa was born on December 27, 1954, to the late Elizabeth Allen Moore and Henry Lee Allen. She proudly served in the United States Air Force as a Law Enforcement Specialist. Vanessa graduated from Chattooga High School and continued her education at Chattanooga State College and Walker Tech.

She shared a loving marriage with John Fain, Sr., and together they raised their wonderful son, John Fain, Jr. John Jr. was married to the late Preeya Fain, and they were blessed with two beautiful granddaughters, Desiree and Jania. Jania later welcomed her great grandson Treyson, making Nett a very proud great-grandmother. Vanessa grew up surrounded by a close – knit family that included her siblings: Shirley (Dr. Donald) White, Dudley (Gwendolyn) Allen, Annie (Harry) Harvey, Patricia Allen, Cherry Hart, James “Jimmy” (Cathy) Allen, Opal Moore, Herbert Johnson, Vernon (Sandy) Thurman, Jerry (Josephine) Allen, Robin Williams, Pam (Warren) Albert, Brenda Williamson, and Michael (Sandra) Allen. She was also loved by her in-laws: Virginia Price and Gloria Fain, as well as her special friend, Terry Hague. She is also survived her loving nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Vanessa will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. Her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of her loved ones. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at 2:00 P. M. at New Bethel Baptist Church, 281 Georgia Avenue, Summerville, Georgia 30747, with Dr. Rev. Donald White as Eulogist and Pastor Kevin Roach as Presider.

The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. Interment at Chattanooga National Cemetery on Monday, September 15, 2025 at 11:00 A. M.

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