Former Summerville City Mayor Mr. Joe Robert Norton, age 86 of Summerville, GA passed away peacefully Saturday, April 29, 2023 surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Mr. Norton was born November 6, 1936 in Summerville, GA to the late William Henry Norton and Anice Irene Woods Norton. Mr. Norton was retired from Georgia Power after 32 years of service. He was the owner/operator of Joe Norton Electrical for 50 years, and he faithfully served his community as the Mayor of Summerville for 13 years. He loved the people in his community and enjoyed feeding birds, fish, and all types of animals. He was of the Baptist faith.

Along with his parents Mr. Norton is preceded in death by his brother, William Earle Norton; and grandchild, Jordan Alan Vaughn.

Survivors include his loving wife, Glenda Marshall Norton; sons, Jason Vaughn, Joey (Ande) Norton, Barry (Fayla) Vaughn, and Stacy (Shelley) Vaughn; daughter, Tammy Norton; brother, Jonathon (Oneida) Payton; sister, Evone (Mike) Tolbert; grandchildren, Taylen, Cody, Braxton, Daegen Vaughn, Trey (Amanda) Norton, Gabriel Norton, and Sidni (Connor) Justus; great-granddaughter, Mila Justus; and special friend, Tony Watson.

The family would like to thank Floyd Heyman Hospice and especially Nurse Michelle Allie.

A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 PM Saturday, May 6 at Mason Funeral Home with eulogies being given from 3:30 – 4:00 by Shannon Tucker, Tim Wilson, and close family & friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to the Joe Norton Memorial Fund at United Community Bank.

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. Robert Lee Eaton, age 36 of Summerville, GA passed away unexpectedly April 28, 2023.

Robert was born in Rome, Georgia on April 7, 1987, son of Rita Faye Beason Owens and Charles Timothy Fowler. He was attended the Lighthouse United Church of God and was employed with the JP Smith Lumber Company. Robert was preceded in death by two grandfathers; Robert Beason and Perry Fowler.

Robert is survived by his wife, Ashley Eaton; children, Landon Eaton Kharsen Eaton and Lincoln Eaton, as well as an infant daughter; mother and stepfather, Rita and John Owens; father, Tim Fowler; sisters, Elizabeth Eaton Collins, April Fowler and Haley Fowler; brothers, Charleston Eaton and Charles Timothy Fowler, Jr.; grandmother, Linda Turner; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Robert will be held Monday, May 1, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Pastor Matthew Evans officiating. Interment will follow in the Fisher’s Cemetery in Ft. Payne, AL.

Pallbearers will be Rickey Beason, Jay Ledford, Lil Rick Farmer, Justin Farmer, Josh Farmer, Jason Cash, Levi Fowler, Timothy Fowler. Bradnon Womack, Keebo Smith, Diamian Watkins and Justin Ward

Robert will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Robert Lee Eaton. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and to post condolences.

Little Baylor Ray Timms, infant son of Jeffery and Autumn Henderson Timms, passed away April 27, 2023 at an Atlanta Hospital.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his grandparents, Stacy Henderson and Lindsey Speer, Jeff Timms, Dana Woody, and Joanie Hughes; great-grandparents, J.C. and Kathy Henderson, Barbara Lemming, and Larry and Barbara Woody; great-great-grandmother, June Drennan; uncles, Andrew Henderson, and Cavin Pickle; aunt, Katelin Timms; and several cousins.

Private graveside and interment services will take place at West Hill Cemetery. There will be no public visitation.

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. Troy Wayne Pope, age 78, of Menlo, GA, died Friday, April 28, 2023, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Mr. Pope was born April 25, 1945, in Russellville, AL, son of the late Troy Milton Pope and Stella Howell Beaird. He was a member of Berryton Baptist Church, and prior to his retirement, was employed with Mount Vernon Mills. He was also a member of the Quarter Century Club.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Donnie Troy Pope; half-brothers, David Davis, Pete Davis, and Jimmy Pope.

Survivors include his wife and best friend, Phyllis Pope; step-sons, Andy Howell and Joey Barnette; a brother, Terry Pope; sisters, Tina Wilson, Sue (Garvin) Skates; 6 grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 3:30 P.M. Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Bandy Cemetery with Rev. Kevin J. Norton officiating. Active pallbearers will be Garvin Skates, Jason Wilson, Chris Blanks, Andy Howell, Tufton Blanks, and Jeff Woodall. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Leonard, Luke Bandy, D.L. Powell, and Dennis Moseley.

Mr. Pope will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 P.M. 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. VIOLET L. MURDOCK, age 90, of Little Sand Mountain Road, Armuchee, Georgia, passed away Thursday afternoon at her residence, following a brief illness. She was born on Little Sand Mountain on September 22, 1932, a daughter of the late James B. and Maggie Owens King. Mrs. Murdock was a member of Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church and had worked for Berry College, the Floyd County Family & Children’s Services, and later the Chattooga Training Center. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Hugh Murdock and a brother, the late James B. King, Jr.

Surviving are sons and spouses, Wayne and Angie Murdock, Don & Anita Murdock; grandchildren and spouses, Melanie & Jason Lackey, Holly Murdock, Randy & Katie Murdock; great grandchildren, Hunter Murdock and Ashton Lackey; sister & spouse, Betty & Ted Youngblood; sisters-in-law, Kay & Byron Yarbrough and Cindy Murdock; Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 29th, at 4:00 P.M. from the Little Sand Mountain Baptist Church with Pastor Miles Phillips officiating, interment in Little Sand Mountain Cemetery. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 2 until 4 P.M. at the Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Violet L. Murdock, who passed away Thursday.

Mrs. Gloria June Cook, age 71, of Lyerly, GA, died Thursday, April 27, 2023, at her residence.

Mrs. Cook was born June 16, 1951, in Cherokee County, AL, daughter of the late Woodrow Nathan Henderson and Ruby Christina Ingram Henderson. She was Baptist by faith and loved to farm. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and nannie. Mrs. Cook owned and operated Cook’s Produce

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Brenda Claire; a brother, James Henderson; and a grandson, Cody Fulmer.

Survivors include her husband, Wallace Cook; daughters, Donna (Kenny) Hampton, Candy (Anky) Fulmer; son, Randy (Becky) Hartline; two stepdaughters, Candi Cook and Leslie Cook-Bevels; sister, Janet (David) Hartman; grandchildren, Doreen Hampton, Kensly Aylssa Hampton, Brittney Renee’ Hampton, Montana Hunter (Dillion), Korea Black (Mason), Hogan Hartline, Casey Hartline, Shelia Langston Blackmon, Justin Patterson, and Cecley Craig; great-grandchildren, Gavin Lane Gillum, Thomas Wayne Gajda, Harbor June Gilreath, Peyton Hank Gilreath, Coleman Gilreath, Annie Oakley Hutner, Derringer Gene Hunter, Austyn Drake Todd (McKenzie); great-great-great-grandchildren, Atlas and Jett Todd; and several nieces and nephews.

No formal services and planned at this time.

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. Ellen Jennifer Fowler, age 65 of Lyerly, GA passed away Thursday, April 27, 2023 at a Rome hospital.

Mrs. Fowler was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 2, 1957, daughter of the late Bill Cox and Berlene Barber Cox. She enjoyed cleaning, drawing and looking collectables. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Fowler was preceded in death by a sister, Joan Reba Cox.

Mrs. Fowler is survived by her husband, Randle Fowler; sons and daughter-in-law, Rodney and Stacy Fowler and Christopher Fowler; sisters and brother-in-law, Linda Biddy, Janice Reynolds, Francis Childers and Wanda and Darrell Womack; brothers and sister-in-law, David and Elizabeth Cox and James Cox; grandchildren, Haley Fowler, Sarah Fowler, Ryan Fowler, and Matthew Fowler; grandchildren, Emory Ledford, Ivana Ledford, Reid Fowler, JJ Gregory, Kate Gregory, Bella Gregory, Lila Gregory, Ollie Gregory, Emme Carver, Ian Carver and Keaton Carver; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Fowler will be held Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Subligna Cemetery.
Pallbearers will include Christopher Fowler, Rodney Fowler, Ryan Fowler, Matthew Fowler, Lucy Reynolds and Charolette Rush. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tony Reynolds and Rena Carroll.

Mrs. Fowler will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Sunday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Ellen Jennifer Fowler. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and to post condolences.

MR. DEED “EWELL” PRICE, SR., age 84, of Lyerly, Georgia passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Mr. Price was born on July 24, 1938, in Chattooga County, Georgia, to the late Ernest and Irene Green Price. He was retired from General Electric and a member of Dry Valley Baptist Church. Mr. Price proudly served his Country in the United States Army during the Viet Nam War. In addition to Parents, He was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian Ponder Price, brother, Kenneth Price, sister and brothers-in-law, Dean and James Parr and J. C. Garlin.

Survivors include His children, Maria (Jimmy) Holbrook, Deed (Wendy) Price, and Holli Price; grandchildren, Tyler Wilson, Lexi (Corey) Dowdy, Haley Price, Savannah Price, and William Price; great grandchildren, Seth Wilson, Blayne Wilson, Price Wilson, and Mason Dowdy; sister, Margaret Garlin; brothers, Bill (Georgia) Price, and Rev. Benny (Barbara) Price; sister-in-law, Sophia Price; several Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Special Friends, and Neighbors also survive.

A memorial service honoring the life of Mr. Price will be held at the Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home on Saturday, April 29, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Lee Hickman officiating. The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home from 11:00 A.M. until the Service hour. The Family request, in lieu of flowers contributions be made to Lyerly Cemetery Fund c/o Lyerly First Baptist Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Deed “Ewell” Price, Sr.

Mr. Charles Frederick Franklin, age 94, of Rome, GA, died Sunday, April 23, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Franklin was born February 9, 1929, in DeKalb County, GA, son of the late Elmer Franklin, Sr. and Florence Benfield Franklin. He had worked as a Construction Superintendant and was retired from J & J Carpet where he served as a maintenance supervisor. Mr. Franklin was an avid turkey and deer hunter and killed his last deer at 90 years old. He also loved fishing and spending time at the lake.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Franklin was preceded in death by his wife, Nettie Tench Franklin as well as 4 brothers and 2 sisters.

Survivors include his son, Charles Edwin “Ed” (Shirley) Franklin; daughter, Patricia (Kenneth) Cox; grandchildren, Lorie Brown, Becky Payton; and great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Payton, Makaila Brown.

Graveside and interment services for Mr. Franklin will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Subligna Cemetery.

Mr. Franklin will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:30 P.M. 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. Leonard Lamar Rakestraw, age 68 of Summerville, passed away Saturday, April 22, 2023 at his residence.

Lamar was born in Marietta, Georgia on October 3, 1954, son of the late Howard Lamar Rakestraw and Luella Jane Keown Williams. He was self employed as a painter, was of the Baptist Faith and enjoyed riding motorcycles. In addition to his parents, Lamar was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Ray.

Lamar is survived by three daughters and son-in-law, Melissa and Travis Beavers, Hope Turner and Crystal Gaines; sister and brother-in-law, Jayne and Wayne Helton; grandchildren, Brittany Curtis, Bridgette Rakestraw, Kaylee Hendricks, Travis Silvers, Jarred Cooley, Chase Cook, Madison Huskins, Maezie Huskins and Makailey Huskins; great grandchildren, Azalee Owens, Hazeleigh Silvers, Angeleah Curtis, Alexis Rutledge, Braxton Rutledge, Gavin Haney, Legend Edwards and Reyna Stoppelbein; special friends, Denise Rakestraw and Brenda Singleton; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Lamar will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Wednesay afternoon from 5:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Leonard Lamar Rakestraw.

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