MRS. MARTHA SUE SPEER, age 89, of Gore Community, Summerville, Georgia, passed away Saturday afternoon in a Rome hospital. A lifetime resident of Chattooga County, Georgia, She was born to the late Homer C. and Mary Doster Gordon on July 7, 1933. Mrs. Speer graduated from Gore High School, in 1950, was Valedictorian and was selected for Girl of the year with the school spirit and was recipient of a $150.00 scholarship for college from the Summerville-Trion Rotary Club. She attended West GA. College for a year then changed from Home Economics to Business, then took a business course at Caroll Lynn Business School. Upon graduation was office manager for the Early Head Start until retirement. Was Saved and Baptized at age 12 and was a member at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at Gore. In 1948 was elected to serve as Church pianist and then as organist, playing until July, 2022; She also taught the Beginners Sunday School Class for 26 years. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by husband, the late Robert S. Speer, Jr., son and daughter-in-law, the late Steve and Marie Speer, and siblings, Sidney Gordon, George Ed Gordon, Don Gordon, and Harold Gordon.

Surviving are granddaughters, Lindsey Speer and Brittney Sanford; great grandchildren, Carlie Sanford, Colton Sanford, and Cason Sanford; special friend, Joyce Crane; several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins also survive.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 22nd, at 2:00 P.M. from the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with Pastor James Baird officiating, interment in the Church Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Stacy Henderson, Colter Sanford, Colton Sanford, Cason Sanford, Duane Yarbrough, Sam Jones, Len Chumbler, and Greg Shaw; Honorary Pallbearers, members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 until 2 P.M. at the Church. The Family request no food or flowers and suggest contributions to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or the Church Building Fund, #204 Congress Street, Summerville, Georgia, 30747.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Martha Sue Speer.

MRS. MILDRED “VIRGINIA” JOHNSON BARKLEY, 97 of Jasper passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Northside Hospital – Cherokee in Canton, Georgia.

Mrs. Barkley was a lifelong resident of Summerville until 2017 when she moved to Jasper to be with her son. She was born August 23, 1925 in Summerville, Georgia to the late John Samuel Johnson and the late Ruth May Blalock. She was a true Prayer Warrior and member of the Summerville First Baptist Church where she taught a Ladies Sunday School Class for many years. She retired in 1985 after 25 years of service from the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Chattooga ASCS Office where she worked closely with the farmers of Chattooga County. In 2019, she became a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Husband, Robert “Bob” Barkley, Sr., (a decorated WWII Combat Veteran) and three Brothers, J.S. Johnson, Jr., Harold Johnson, and Arnold Johnson.

Surviving are her Son and very special Daughter in law, Robert “Robby” Barkley, Jr. & Mary Barkley; Two Grandsons, Paul Barkley (III) and Brandon Barkley, Three Great Granddaughters Dannin Rose Barkley, Liliana Barkley & Olivia Laurel Barkley. Several Nieces,
nephews, and cousins also survive.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Monday, February 20th, 2023 at the Summerville First Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Mason and Rev. Barry Peppers officiating. Burial will follow in the Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Mark Schrader, Joseph Jackson, Joe Barkley, Mike Tomlin, Ross Clifton, Doug Carlock, Nick Chamblee and Lamar Thomas. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Joy Club from the Summerville First Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends Monday from Noon until 2 PM at the church.

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Summerville First Baptist Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangement for Mrs. Mildred “Virginia” Barkley.

MR. William G. (BILL) DAVIDSON, age 92, of Rome, Georgia, formerly of Atlanta, passed away Monday, February 13, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Mr. Davidson was born in Maysville, Georgia to the late Paul and Mahuldah Wilson Davidson, on December 14, 1939. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia, was a Veteran of Korea, serving in the U. S. Air Force, was a businessman for many years in the Atlanta area. In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by brothers, Jack, Teddy, and Robert Davidson.

Surviving are his wife, Bobbye Jo Davidson; son, Michael Davidson; brother in law Doug (Beth) Wilson; several Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins also survive.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 17, 2023 at 2:00 P.M., from the Trion First Baptist Church with Dr. Warren Moorehead and Pastor Casey Bramlett officiating, interment West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Wil Graham, Tristan Graham, Steve Davidson, Ryan Starks, Tony Walker, and Taso Karahalios. The “Wilson Cousins Lunch Bunch” will be Honorary Pallbearers.

The Family will receive friends Friday from 1 until 2 P.M. at the Trion First Baptist Church 30753 In lieu of flowers, the Family requests contributions to the Salvation Army.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. William G. (Bill) Davidson who passed away Monday.

Mr. Leo Edward Bridges, age 81, of Gaylesville, AL, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Advent Health Redmond.

Mr. Bridges was born May 23, 1941, in Jamestown, AL, son of the late Lewis Millard and Gladys Miller Bridges. He was a member of and deacon at Chesterfield Baptist Church. Prior to his retirement, he was employed for 30 years with Chattanooga Glass and had worked at Best Manufacturing. Mr. Bridges took over his family’s farm and maintained it until the time of his death.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Bridges was preceded in death by a brother, Chester Bridges; and a sister, Cora Mae Cavin.

Survivors include his wife, Bernice Wright Bridges; a son, Michael (Chasity) Bridges; a sister, Glenda Hudson; grandchildren, Addie Bridges and Lane Bridges; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. (E.S.T.) Friday, February 17, 2023, at Chesterfield Baptist Church with Rev. Jim VanPelt and Rev. Steve Bishop officiating. Interment will follow in AMI Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lane Bridges, Chester Bridges, John Bridges, Keith Lutz, Donnie Hudson, Joe Wright, and Mikie Jones.

Mr. Bridges will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. (E.S.T.) Thursday. He will also be in state at Chesterfield Baptist Church from 1:00 P.M. (E.S.T.) 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. Eston Louie Staton, age 84, of Trion, GA, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at a local hospital.

Mr. Staton was born June 7, 1938, in Gadsden, AL, son of the late Gurney Staton and Mamie Watts Staton. He had attended Mountain View Baptist Church, and prior to his retirement, was employed with Abbington Corp. Mr. Staton was an avid gardener and loved the outdoors as well as spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Rev. Bobby Staton, Donald Staton, Michael Staton; son, Stephen Staton; and grandchild, Elizabeth Staton.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Staton; daughters, Tammie (Russell) Stevens, Debbie (Barry) McCrickard; step-son, Ritchie Brown; 6 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Friday, February 17, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bud Davis officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Larry Staton, Randy Staton, Kenny Staton, Ladon Lively, Josh Staton, and Jeremy Staton.

Mr. Staton will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 P.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.

Ms. Dorothy Faye Forrest, age 81, of Rock Spring, GA, died Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at her residence.

Ms. Forrest was born March 30, 1941, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Bill and Bernice May Smith Ragan. She was a member of Kensington Church of God, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Pruitt Health Care.

In addition to her parents, Ms. Forrest was preceded in death by her brothers, Billy Siffles, Leon Siffles, Ray Siffles, Charles Ragan, and Terry Ragan; sister, Geneva Fountain; sisters-in-law, Betty Faye Siffles and Mary Siffles.

Survivors include her son, Larry (Amelia) Hunter; a daughter, Sandra Crowe; brothers, Jack Siffles, David (Mary) Siffles; sisters, Betty Edgeworth, Linda Wade, Glenda Green, and Barbara Blackmon; 6 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, February 16, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Dennison and Rev. Garland Touchstone officiating. Interment will follow in Summerville Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Josh McGraw, Anthony Groce, Joe Edgeworth, Michael Hancock, Tony Fountain, and Kevin Bently.

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

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. Michael Dwight Anthony, age 63, of Summerville, GA, departed this life Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Calhoun Health Center.

Mr. Anthony was born September 14, 1959, in Chattooga County, GA, son of the late John H. Anthony and Annette Mostiller Anthony. He attended school in the Chattooga County School System. Michael joined Pond Spring AME Zion Church at an early age. Prior to his disability, he was employed at Lester Foundry. Michael was a loving and caring brother until his health began to fail, but he had loving caretakers including his brother and a special niece, Tara Foster.

In addition to his parents, Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Lora Reynolds Anthony; two brothers; one sister, three uncles; and two aunts.

He is survived by four brothers, Larry Anthony, Terry Anthony, John Anthony, and Lonette Adams, Jr.; sister, Janice Foster; two step-children, Ashley Reynolds and Tasha Dupree; and a son, Dwight Steward.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, February 11, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. J.T. Holt officiating. Interment will follow in Finley Chapel Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be nephews. Flower bearers will be nieces.

Mr. Anthony 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 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. POLLY GILBREATH, age 84, of Tyler Street, Summerville, Georgia passed away Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in a Rome Hospital. She was born July 1, 1938 to the late Fred and Esther Roberts Stewart. Mrs. Gilbreath was a retired beautician, and member of the Summerville First Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert L. Gilbreath, a son, Eddie Lively, a daughter, Kaye Casey, a great granddaughter, Sarah Blalock and a sister, Dot Watkins.

Surviving are Son-Mark (Susan) Gilbreath; Grandchildren, Cara (Tony) Blalock, Carla (Bucky) Chisolm, Laura (Ben) Latta, Miles Gilbreath, Michael (Paige) Bradley; Great Grandchildren, Kayleigh Byars, Layton, HarperAnne, and Scout Chisolm, Calleigh Hall, Ty Hall, and Madyln Henderson, Brooks Bradley and Sydney Bradley; Brother Sonny Stewart (Mary Lou Bame). Several Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 12, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Barry Peppers officiating, Interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Active Pallbearers will be Tony Blalock, Miles Gilbreath, Billy Petitt, Donny Hayes, Gary Hardeman and Michael Poole. Honorary Pallbearers will be “THE GIRLS.” The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 p.m. until the hour of service at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Polly Gilbreath who passed away Tuesday.

Mr. Rondall Alvin Hughes, age 67 of Summerville, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at his residence.

Mr. Hughes was born in Tampa, Florida on August 6, 1955, son of the late Cecil Hughes and Betty Jo Hughes.  He was retired from the Hillshire Farms and was of the Christian Faith.  He was an avid fisherman and loved motorcycles and playing pool.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Hughes was preceded in death by two brothers, Raymond Hughes and Robert Hughes.

Mr. Hughes is survived by a daughter, Karla Hughes; a son, Brent Hughes; sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Manuel Owens and Sharon and Nathan Deering; granddaughter, Cailin Hughes; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hughes will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Tuesday, February 7, 2023 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M.  A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

Coffman Funeral  Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Rondall Alvin Hughes.

MRS. MARTHA BARTLETT GAINES, age 86, of Back Berryton Road, entered her Heavenly home Monday, February 6, 2023 at her residence. She was born August 12, 1936 in Chattoogaville, Georgia, daughter of the late Ellon Carr Bartlett and James Alfred Bartlett. She was a member of New Antioch Baptist Church. After raising her children, she was employed by Century Glove Company and later by Mount Vernon Mills before her retirement. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Joe B. Gaines whom she married July 2, 1953; brothers, Wesley, Roland, Gordon, Bill, James, and Dennis Bartlett, J.T. and Jim McAteer; sisters, infant, Barbara Lee Bartlett, Winola Brown, Ola Copeland, Lena Mae Nations, Mildred Gilreath, Bell Atkins, Sybil Hayes and Christine Bohannon and also great, great granddaughter, Joselyn Phibbs.

Martha loved the Lord. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and always trusted in Him through all her difficulties. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother helping to raise and take care of all her children. She always has Sunday dinner all the way back to the beginning of her marriage when family would come to visit. After retirement, she began quilting, making numerous, all handmade, quilts for all her family. She never believed in being idle, work was the name of the game.

Survivors include her children, James Patrick (Pat) and Karen Gaines and Brenda Gail and Nelson Lee Wilson; grandchildren, Ethan Gaines, Cynthia and Nick Swords, April and Derek Adams; great grandchildren, Dylan and Levi Adams, Kayla, Caitlin, Aleigha and Scottie Satterfield; great, great grandchildren, Lilah Marie Gazaway, Parker Phibbs, and on the way Paxton Phibbs.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, February 11th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Hutchins, Pastor Harold Helton, and Pastor Jason Lee officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Dylan Adams, Levi Adams, Scottie Satterfield, Ethan Gaines, James Lee Bartlett and Randy Hunter. Honorary Pallbearers members of New Antioch Baptist Church, Care Givers of Tapestry Hospice, Staff of Oakview Nursing and Rehab Center, Joe Fay and Cathy Denson and Marilyn and Atteka Abdou. The family will receive friends Saturday from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Martha Bartlett Gaines who passed away Monday.