Mrs. Gaynelle Denise Goodson, age 66, of Summerville, GA, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Pruitt Health – Shepherd Hills.

Gaynelle was born January 23, 1960, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Grady Ledford and Betty Lowrance. She was a homemaker and was Church of God by faith.

Gaynelle was a lady of many talents; singing, writing poetry, and picking guitar. She had a amazing love for her family and friends and always told everyone, “I love you with my whole heart.” She had a heart of gold with a little sass and could make anyone laugh with her quirky comebacks and jokes. She was born and raised in Chattooga and Walker Counties. She met and fell in love with Leonard Felton Goodson. They got married and had four children together, and Felton’s oldest daughter made five. Together, they had four daughters and one son. They were both amazing, loving parents and grandparents.

Gaynelle worked several mill jobs including at Roper and Best Manufacturing. She then settled in as a homemaker. She loved country music, rock, and Gospel, and she had a beautiful voice. She loved her husband and kids, her parents, her siblings, her family, and her friends, and enjoyed having family reunions and gatherings. She could spend all day long outside soaking up the sun and telling stories of her childhood. She made sure to tell her loved ones every day, “I love you with my whole heart,” and every night, she would say, “Goodnight. I love you. Sweet dreams.” She fought long and hard and her greatest fear was leaving behind her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. What a beautiful blessing she was to her entire family and all of her friends, and she was dearly loved and will be missed by everyone.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Felton Goodson; step-daughter, Angie Hennessee; and a granddaughter, Kali Harris.

Survivors include her son, Shaun (Jessica) Goodson; daughters, Jennifer Goodson Webber, Misty Goodson and Shannon Goodson; brothers, Grady Eugene (Doodle) Ledford, Wesley Ledford, Randall Brock, Avery Brock, and Matt (Amy) Lowrance; a sister, Sandra (Dennis) Gray; 13 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 7, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Blake Hughes officiating. Interment will follow in Wesley Chapel Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Ashton Goodson, Dayton Goodson, Kaitlyn Goodson, Zackary Hart, Randall Brock, and Matt Lowrance. Honorary pallbearers will be Rusty Hamilton and four grandchildren.

Mrs. Goodson will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 10:00 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. Ellen Ann Jennings, age 86, of Summerville, GA, died Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at her residence.

Mrs. Jennings was born May 29, 1939, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Vernon and Leola Adkins Langston. She was a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Mohawk Industries. She had also served as the director of the Senior Center for many years. Mrs. Jennings loved her family, spending time with her grandchildren, and traveling with her husband.

Survivors include her husband, Danny Jennings; sons, Joey (Anita) Day, Joey (Carla) Jennings; daughters, Toni (Roy “Bugsy”) Clark, Donna (Greg) Collins, Misty (Russ) Blackwell; 8 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon Friday, February 6, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Russ Blackwell and Bro. Max Reed officiating. Interment will follow in Moseley Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Roy Clark, Greg Collins, Joey Jennings, Dicky Jennings, Sid McGill, and Preston Wakefield. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny and Cherry Williams.

Mrs. Jennings 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.

MRS. DEBRA DARLENE CAMPBELL, 67 of Anniston Alabama passed away, Sunday February 1, 2026 at her residence. She was born May 21, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois a daughter of the late Zollie and Maudie Austell Miller Bolton. Mrs. Campbell was a Home Maker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by siblings, John Bolton, and James Bolton; Shirley Pena, Linda Nesbit, Diane McInnish, Donnie Smith, Thomas Smith, Kenny Smith, Jerry Smith, Dennis Smith and a grandson, Austin Boothe

Surviving are her husband, Mike Campbell; daughter, April Slayton; sons, Joseph Boothe, Christopher Millican and Jason Slayton; 16 grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren; sister, Mary Stanley and brother, Larry Bolton.; several nieces and nephews also survive

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 1 p.m. eastern standard time from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Larry Bolton officiating; interment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Active Pallbearers will be Robby Wallin, Jason Slayton, Joe Boothe, Chris Millican, Kaleb Millican, Dakota Millican and Daniel Hunt.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 12 noon until the hour of service.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Debra Darlene Campbell who passed away Sunday.

MR. BRANDON DWAYNE SIMPSON, 36 of Cedar Bluff, Alabama passed away unexpectedly, February 1, 2026 at his residence. He was born in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia, April 21, 1989, son of the late Roger Brewster and Donna Kay Simpson who survives. Brandon was a General Contractor by trade

Brandon was larger than life. To know him was to love him and to love him meant you were going to laugh. And laugh, we did, often and loudly. Brandon always had a story to tell and never met a stranger. If you bumped into Brandon at the grocery store, you walked out 45 minutes later feeling like you’d just reconnected with an old friend. Brandon loved his family, he loved his wife and kids and was always up for an adventure whether it was shopping for furniture or riding across a snowy mountain rescuing others who had gotten stuck. Brandon was one of a kind, there will never be another like him. If Brandon loved you, he loved you with a fierceness like no other. His wife, Courtney, was his best friend and he was her rock. A love like theirs is a once in a lifetime kind of love, the kind of love that makes you crazy in all the best ways. That kind of love never dies. The love they shared filled their lives with so much joy, they enjoyed every moment together and no moment was too small to be celebrated together. Although Preston and Sarah may not have shared Brandon’s last name, he loved them deeply as his own and was so proud of everything they did from Sarah’s pageants and color guard to Preston graduating high school and entering a trade. His eyes twinkled when he bragged on their kids, he was so excited to watch them grow and thrive. Brandon loved to talk, anyone that knew him knew a conversation could last anywhere from 5 minutes to 5 hours. And more than likely, it was going to be 5 hours. He loved to talk about his family, his wife, his kids, his nephews and his nieces, he was so very proud of every one of them and he loved to brag on all of their accomplishments. You could hear the love and pride in his voice as he’d tell you about their grades, their sports accomplishments, their jobs or even the work they were doing on a project car. His nephews and his nieces hung the moon if you ever asked Brandon and he kept them all laughing with little inside jokes and nicknames. They all loved Uncle Brandon just as much as he loved them. Brandon was a true Mama’s boy, looking at Brandon and his mom, you felt like you were looking at twins. There were very few days that went by that Brandon didn’t call his Mom. He usually called just to chat about his day and to make plans for the weekend. Brandon was always on the hunt for a good place to eat and his Mom, Roger and the rest of the family were always along for the ride. You could see the line of jeeps driving anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours for a good bite.

The memories made along the way were always way better than the food, and the food was pretty dang good. Those memories of a Mother and her Son will live on forever. Brandon’s PawPaw was his idol, he spent his youth all the way up to adulthood admiring everything about his PawPaw. If you ever got to hear any of his childhood stories growing up with his PawPaw, you were in for a treat because they always came with a good laugh and usually a lesson learned. Brandon strived daily to be more like the man he admired so greatly, one comfort that can be found is

knowing that Brandon has reunited with his PawPaw and oh the stories he’s probably filling his PawPaw’s ear with. Weekends and summer were Brandon’s favorite, he loved being in or near the water or cruising with the top off of their jeep. The stories that jeep could tell, trips to the mountains, the beach, the lake or the river with his wife, kids and extended family. There was no better time than standing beside a grill with Brandon, watching the kids play in the water and a good, classic country song in the background. If Brandon gets to pick his spot in Heaven, I just know a river runs through it. Brandon will be so deeply missed by his family. The memory of his laugh which was so contagious will help his family through the days, weeks and years to come. If Brandon was laughing, everyone around him was laughing, that was a guarantee. He had a laugh that carried through the entire room no matter how full it was and his personality demanded attention. You wanted to hear his stories because they were always good ones, so good that sometimes you questioned their authenticity just to find out later on, the details were spot on.

To know Brandon was to love him and oh, how we all loved him. We will miss him as much as we loved him and the love that Brandon and his entire family share is too great to be measured. If Brandon was here, I’m sure he wouldn’t want us to cry but that’s impossible. As Chaplin Robert Orr said, “Where there is deep grief, there is great love.” Brandon will live on through every life he touched, through every “Only Brandon” story that we will tell over the years, through the love that we all shared that binds us together even in these most difficult moments. Brandon may not physically be here with us any longer but his laugh and his love will always remain in every single one of us. So, tell the tales, relive the moments and always laugh…often and loudly and always for Brandon.

Surviving are his wife, Courtney Simpson; mother Donna Kay Simpson; children, Preston Wooten, and Sarah Thomas; sister, Nicole White and Mandy Bowman (Kyle Moore).

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at 2 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with family members and friends sharing cherished memories; interment in Dixon Chapel Cemetery, Gaylesville, Alabama. Active Pallbearers will be Justin Fletcher, Eric Willingham, Todd White, Brandon Hollis, Alan Simpson, Aaron Green and Blake Fletcher. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ricky Simpson, Matthew Kinnamont, Aiden Fletcher, Andrew Kinnamont, James Gilliland, Glenn Fletcher, Ryan Fletcher, Matt Veatch and Jeff Simpson.

Visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements for Mr. Brandon Dwayne Simpson who passed away Sunday.

Amalene M. Elrod, born March 10, 1939, passed away February 1, 2026, peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Amalene married the love of her life on June 21, 1957, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with devotion and adventure. Together, she and her husband shared a love of travel and proudly visited all 50 states, creating memories they treasured deeply. She especially loved her time with the Chattooga Senior Center seniors, where she enjoyed competitive card playing and the friendships that came with it.

She retired from the Chattooga County Department of Family and Children Services, where she dedicated many years to serving children and families. In her free time, she found joy in reading and reflecting on her travels and time spent with those she loved most. Amalene was a member of Four Mile Baptist Church.

Amalene will be remembered for her quiet strength, kind heart, and unwavering love for her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Parker Mullen and Lillith Mary Gilbreath Mullen; her beloved husband, Milton C. Elrod; and her son-in-law, Stewart Wills.

She is survived by her sister Elizabeth (Johnny) Reynolds, children, Renae Elrod (David Franklin), Michael (Jolynn) Elrod, and Janet Wills. She was a devoted grandmother to Bryan Gilmore, William Elrod, Jackie Carter, and Scott Seaman, and a cherished great-grandmother to several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 6, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joel Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Johnson Cemetery. Pallbearers will be William Elrod, Jerry Cook, Ethan Ray, Bryan Slaughter, Darrell McComas, Darrenn McComas, Scott Seaman, Wallace Cook, and Robert Elrod.

Mrs. Elrod will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon 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. Jeffery Bexter Hines, age 65, of Summerville, GA, died Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Mableton, GA.

Mr. Hines was born December 9, 1960, son of Syble Rogers Hines and the late Brintz Hines.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Rodney Hines, Tammy Hines, and Andy Hines.

Survivors include his mother, Syble Hines; siblings, Farrell (Sherry) Hines, Kenny (Letitia) Hines, Carol Hines Godfrey, and Randy (Marsha) Hines; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 4, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Nate Villatero officiating. Private interment will be held in West Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Hines 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. David Joseph Hutcherson, age 53, of Summerville, GA, died Friday, January 30, 2026, at his residence.

Mr. Hutcherson was born March 13, 1972, in Indianapolis, IN, son of Earl and Beverly Hutcherson. He was employed as a health insurance sales agent. Mr. Hutcherson was a devoted and loving father, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Survivors include his son, Zachary Hutcherson; daughters, Kayla Hutcherson and Courtney Hutcherson; parents, Earl and Beverly Hutcherson; a sister, Hollie Hutcherson; and nephew, Brandon McGee.

No formal services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any donations be made to the American Heart Association in his memory.

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. Jeremy Wayne Elrod, age 43, of Summerville, GA, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at his residence.

Jeremy was born September 19, 1982, in Rome, GA, to Dennis and Peggy Elrod. He was Church of God by faith and had been employed with Iris Networks.
Jeremy was a man of many talents who had an immense love for his family and friends. He was a true warrior who fought a long, hard battle. He had a heart of gold and would do anything he could to help those in need. Jeremy was a life-long resident of Chattooga County and was a multi-talented athlete from youth through high school.

Jeremy and his high school sweetheart, Crystal Lee, married and chose to grow their family in Chattooga County near Jeremy’s family. His family meant everything to him. His wife, his girls, his parents, and his animals were his world. Jeremy had a heart for helping, was incredibly intelligent, fiercely witty, and a razor sharp mind. He was stubborn in the best way, strong-willed, and determined.
Jeremy was a people person and had so many friends. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and his humor, his charm, his smile, and his light, was truly lucky. Jeremy was truly one-of-a-kind and can never be replaced. His loss has dimmed the world’s light just a bit more.

Jeremy was preceded in death by his grandfather, Alfred Crabtree; grandparents, Robert and Jean Elrod; and several uncles.

Survivors include his wife, Crystal Lee Elrod; daughters, Ramsey (Noah) Edgeworth, Addison Elrod; chosen daughter, Everly McBride (Jeremy was her “J.J.”); parents, Dennis and Peggy Elrod; sister, Brittany (Scott) Riddle; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Adam (Tina) Lee; mother-in-law, Darlene Scoggins (Jerry Warren); father-in-law, Sammy (Lynn) Lee; nieces and nephews, Anna Crawford, Mac Lee, and Coleman Lee.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, February 1, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Steve Keith officiating. Interment will follow in West Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Taylor Elrod, Jeff Jarrett, Neil Hardy, O.W. Carpenter, Jason Ware, and Tim Thompson. Honorary pallbearers will be Audrey Clark, Scott Crowe, Randy West, Lee Denton, Mike Bennett, David Parker, Mike Adevedo, Waymond Wesson, and Wade Blevins.

Jeremy 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.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.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.

MRS. JUDY GALE CARTER, age 80, of Menlo, Georgia, passed away Wednesday evening, January 28, 2026, in a Rome hospital. Native to Summerville, Georgia, She was born to the late James and Evelyn Warren Bryan on November 21, 1945. Mrs. Carter was retired from the sort and grind department of Mohawk Industries. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by sons, the late George Carter, Jr., and the late Thomas Britt Carter; sister, the late Brenda Crowe; brothers, the late Jimmy Bryan, Ronnie Bryan, and Michael Bryan.

Surviving are Her husband, George (Gene) Carter; daughters, Lisa Cordell and Jill Spears; son, James Carter; grandchildren, Stephanie Morgan, Crystal Wade, Dalton Bonanno, Blake Bonanno, Tori Patterson, Amber Lemming, Dillon Carter, Bailee Carter, Emma Patterson Carter, and Gracie Patterson Carter; Eight Great Grandchildren, Nieces, and Nephews also survive.

Memorial service will be held Sunday, February 1st, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Paston Sammy Barrett officiating.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Judy Gale Carter who passed away Wednesday evening.

Mr. James Henry “Bo” Lewis, age 93, of Lyerly, GA, died Monday, January 26, 2026, at Pruitt Health-LaFayette.

Mr. Lewis was born September 20, 1932, in LaFayette, GA, son of the late Basil Webster Lewis and Marle Russell Lewis.  He was a member of the Pentecostal Power Ministries, and prior to his retirement, was employed with Lyerly Rug Mill.  Mr. Lewis was also a veteran of the United States Army. He enjoyed going to church and riding motorcycles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Wells Lewis; brothers, Clyde Maxwell Lewis, Claude Maxwell Lewis; sisters, Edna Lee Cook, Marie Nettles, Clara Parker, and Kathryn Strickland.

Survivors include his son, Basil Wallace Lewis; and a daughter, Frances Lynn Lewis.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 28, 2026, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Evangelist Ricky Phillips officiating.  Interment will follow in Lyerly Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be the men of Pentecostal Power Ministries.