Mr. Patrick Lee Wesson, age 56, of Summerville, GA, passed away peacefully on July 14, 2025, at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta.

He was born May 9, 1969, in Rome, GA, son of Larry and Brenda Davis Wesson. Before retiring, he was self-employed as an autobody repairman at the family business of Wesson’s Body Shop with 35 years of service. He was also a retired volunteer fireman with the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department with 24 years of service.

Patrick had a love for life and the outdoors. He loved to fish, with one of his favorite places being in Blue Ridge on the banks of the Toccoa River. He passed the summertime always planting a huge garden, raising vegetables that he gave to his neighbors and friends. He had a heart of gold and would help anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Robert and Pearl Wesson, Jess and Ann Ruth Davis; and his father and mother-in-law, Rubin and Joyce Goodson.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Judy Goodson Wesson; son, Ryan Wesson; parents, Larry and Brenda Wesson; sisters-in-law, Marsha Smart (Robert McGill), Virginia (Emmett) McWhorter; several nieces and nephews; and his furbaby, Mika.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 4:30 P.M. Friday, July 18, 2025, at Macedonia Cemetery with Rev. Justin Ward officiating. Active pallbearers will be Barry Bridges, David Fletcher, Dale Cook, Will Thompson, Tim Wesson, and Dennis Elrod. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Elrod and the members of the Teloga Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. Wesson will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. 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.

Rykar Blane Ward, age 6, of Gaylesville, AL, passed away Saturday, July 12, 2025, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Rykar was the heart of our family! He was the biggest mama’s boy, his sister KK’s best friend, his mimi’s little man, and his pappy’s sidekick.

Rykar was a loving little boy who was full of joy and never met a stranger. He loved Jesus and his favorite song was “Chain Breaker.” He loved playing with his sister; their favorite thing to do was back flips into their swimming pool. He was very smart and creative. His favorite toy was legos and he built entire cities with them. His pappy had just given him his first .22 rifle and he was learning about gun safety and how to shoot. He could already hit his target. He loved school and would have started first grade next month.

We know that Rykar is now with Jesus, but our family will forever remember the joy and love of Rykar Ward!

He was preceded in death by his older cousin, Payton Mitchell; and great-grandparents, Bobby Joe Crane, Judy Nelson Hood, and Pamela Ward.

Ryker is survived by his mother, Hailey Ward; father, Brandon Cobb; sister, Karissa-Kate Ward; grandpaprents, Kristie and Jamie Ward, B.J. Cobb; great-grandmother, Rita Crane; great-grandfather, Ernie Ward; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins; and special friends, Randy Welchel, Jim Welchel, and Jody Stephenson.

Funeral services for Rykar will be held at 2:00 P.M. (AL Time) Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Faith Baptist Church in Gaylesville, AL with Rev. Stanley Koonce officiating. Interment will follow in the Faith Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Hayden Mitchell, Thomas Boyd, Jim Welchel, and Randy Welchel. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Joe Stephenson and Tyler Bullard.

There will be no visitation and everyone is asked to assemble at the church for the funeral service at 2:00 P.M. (AL 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.

Christopher Bryan “Hollywood” Ledbetter, age 57, of Cedar Bluff, AL, passed away at his residence on Sunday, July 13, 2025.

Born January 4, 1968, in Atlanta, GA, Chris was the son of the late Larry Gene Ledbetter and Barbara Denise Reynolds Ledbetter. He was a proud electrician and contractor with Berry Construction, known for his hard work and dedication to his craft. Beyond his trade, Chris was an incredibly gifted carpenter and creator. There was nothing he couldn’t build or fix with his own two hands.

A true dirt track racer, Chris didn’t just love the sport, he lived it. Since 1987, he competed behind the wheel and found his community at the track, where his grit, determination, and nickname “Hollywood” became well known. He also enjoyed watching golf and cheering for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Though Chris had a tough exterior, he carried a deeply sensitive and emotional soul. He was a man who felt everything fully and gave love freely to those close to him, whether it was to his beloved dogs or to the family he helped raise. Chris was an incredibly loving husband, father, and “pappy” who poured his heart into every role he filled. His compassion, loyalty, and unwavering work ethic left a lasting mark on all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Lenderman Ledbetter; sons, Brent (Brandy) Smith and Casey (Sydney) Smith; daughter, Dori (Brad) Watson; brother, Jason Ledbetter; sister, Hannah (Dave) McLaughlin; grandchildren, Spencir Bridges, Jake Smith, Jarod Smith, Bailey Harmon, and Alissa Ramey; great-grandchildren, Grayson Price and Layton Godfrey; and a niece, Jaycie Ledbetter.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Stacy Evans officiating. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Casey Smith, Brent Smith, Jason Ledbetter, Tony Hyde, Brad Watson, John Ledbetter, Spencir Bridges, and Marty Rogers. Honorary pallbearers will be the employees of Berry Construction.

The family will receive friends at Mason Funeral Home from 12:00 Noon until the hour of service on Friday.

To share condolences or memories, please visit http://www.masonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by Mason Funeral Home – Summerville, GA

Mrs. Ellen Lenore Crane, age 76, of Gaylesville, AL, died Monday, July 7, 2025, at her residence.

Mrs. Crane was born October 11, 1948, in Fort Payne, AL, daughter of the late Chester Lawrence Smith and Esther Mae Morgan Smith. She was Church of God by faith, and prior to her retirement, was employed in the textile industry. Mrs. Crane was a gardener and loved to fish.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Calvin Crane; a son, William Archie Cox; and a daughter, Regina Marie O’Dell.

Survivors include her son, Calvin Wayne Crane (Amy Rhea); daughter, Teresa (Ricky) Calaway; grandchildren, Maddie Kelley and Dakota Crane; and great-grandson, Xavier Crane.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 11:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Union Hill “Needmore” Cemetery with Rev. Gail Sharp officiating. Pallbearers will be Lawayne Crane, Ricky Calaway, Dakota Crane, and Michael Crane.

Mrs. Crane will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 9:30 until 10:30 A.M. (Eastern Time) 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.

Ms. Yvonne Mechelle Hudgins, age 67, of Centre, AL (formerly of Menlo, GA), died Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at CHI Memorial Hospital – Georgia.

Ms. Hudgins was born May 23, 1958, in Rome, GA, daughter of the late George Washington Hudgins and Alice Lee Walker Hudgins. She was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Roper.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Gerald Wayne Hudgins, Darryl Zane Hudgins, George Washington “Bubba” Hudgins, Jr., and Terry “Rita” Hudgins.

Survivors include her sons, Mitch Hudgins (Kellie Everett), Ryan Hudgins (Kelly Thornbury); brothers, Anthony Hudgins, Thomas Hudgins, and John Hudgins; sisters, Regina Hudgins, Joan Hudgins Burrows, Mamie Hudgins Carroll, Sharon Hudgins Thompson, and Jerilyn Hudgins; and grandchildren, Landen Hudgins, Nora Hudgins, Barrett Hudgins, Wren Hudgins, and Leo Hudgins.

Memorial services for Ms. Hudgins will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at Mason Funeral Home from 2:00 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.

MRS. JANE STOKES, age 91, of Beavers Road, Summerville, Georgia, Chelsea Community, passed away Thursday afternoon, July 3, 2025, at her residence. A native of Chattooga County, Georgia, She was born on January 28, 1934, to the late Hugh Lee and Margaret Ruth Wofford Hamby. She was retired Beautician and member of the Summerville First United Methodist Church. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Fred Stokes, siblings, the late Hughbelle Tucker, Joyce Hogg, Peg Tate Hogg, Margaret Thomas, Nelle Adamson, and Edwin Hill Hamby.

Surviving are Her son, Kelly Logan Stokes; grandson, Logan Stokes; brother, Jerry Hamby; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home, with Rev. Harold Helton officiating, interment in Garrett Cemetery. Pallbearers, Logan Stokes, Al Adamson, Ron Tucker, Lee Hamby, Chase Hegwood, and Callan Hamby. The Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, Saturday, from 12 noon until 2 P.M.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Jane Stokes, who passed away Thursday afternoon.

Mrs. Easter Ruth Burke, age 87, of Summerville, GA, died Saturday, June 28, 2025, at her residence.

Mrs. Burke was born June 9, 1938, in Dalton, GA, daughter of the late Homer and Bessie Crider Hughes. She was a member of the Church of God Union Assembly, and prior to her retirement, was a self-employed truck driver. She had also previously worked at Harriett and Henderson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Monroe Burke; sisters, Claudia Brownie, Dorothy Kune, and Mary Jo Brooks.

Survivors include her children, Marshell (Charlie) Roberts, Orlando Millican, Phyllis (Freddie) Bell, Tina Treadaway, Fredrick (Melody) Burke, Eddie (Stephanie) Burke, Kimberly (David) Nichols; a sister, Bessie (Joe) Dilbeck; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rocklan Hughes officiating. Interment will follow in West Hill Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Eric Millican, Jacob Ratliff, Daniel Bell, Tyler Blalock, Casey Burke, and Dacey Roberts. Honorary pallbearers will be Dusty Millican, Rex Millican, David Ratliff, Joshua Bell, Jonathan Hines, Daniel Little, and Vann Burke.

Mrs. Burke will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the service hour 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.

Mrs. Martha Jane Savage York age 92 of Summerville, GA passed away early Saturday, June 28, 2025 at a local hospital.

Mrs. York was born March 25, 1933 in Marshall County, AL to the late William and Lena Ross Savage. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and she was a member of LaFayette Church of Christ. She loved flower gardening and spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, John W. York; twin brother; 7 sisters; and 2 brothers.

Survivors include her son, Timothy (Marsha) York; grandchildren, Dallas (Amanda) York and Jon (Emily) York; great-grandchildren, Chandler, Lucas, Lonnie, and Lena York; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside and interment services to celebrate the life of Mrs. York will take place at 3:00 PM Tuesday, July 1 at Greenhills Memory Gardens with Min. Hugh Glaze and Min. Terry York officiating.

There will be no public visitation.

In Lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice in honor of Mrs. York.

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

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

Edwin Tommy Chapman, age 85, of Armuchee, GA, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved family by his side.

Born December 30, 1939, in Tignall, GA, he was the son of Thomas Chapman and Mary (Castleberry) Chapman, proud and hardworking sharecroppers who instilled in him a lifelong commitment to integrity, hard work, and service. He was the eighth of nine children and shared a deep bond with his brothers and sisters.

Tommy spent many years honing his craft as a skilled carpenter and was employed for much of his career by S.I. Storey Lumber Company. His incredible work ethic and craftsmanship left a lasting mark on the community he loved, from countless personal projects to thousands of hours of cheerful service. His work can still be seen today, from the historic Cherokee cabins built at Red Clay State Historic Park, to the massive wooden flume along the Ocoee River, and the restored Civil War cannons on Jackson Hill in Rome.

A longtime member of Old Armuchee Baptist Church, his woodworking talents continue to be enjoyed by the congregation today. He also shared his time as an assistant scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 56, where he made a lasting, positive impact on many young men’s lives.

More than anything, he loved his family and cherished simple pleasures, especially road trips to the mountains and to his ancestral home of Cherokee, North Carolina.

He is survived by his loving wife, Johnnie (Smith) Chapman of Armuchee; his children, Tommy Darnell (Gail) of Kingston, Reggy Chapman (Christy) of Armuchee, and John Adam Chapman (Annie) of Armuchee; his grandchildren, Sarah Sisson (Dalton), Jacob Chapman, Ashley Gilbreath (Dalton), Levi Miller (Elizabeth), Catherine Chapman, and Mary Frances Chapman; and his great-grandchildren, Baylee Wright, Kinsley Sisson, and Lexi Gilbreath.

His life was a reflection of service, family, and faith, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held at Old Armuchee Baptist Church, located at 6648 Big Texas Valley Road NW, Rome, GA 30165, on Sunday, July 6th at 3:00 PM. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Cure Childhood Cancer on the web at www.curechildhoodcancer.org/donate-to-cure or by mail, 200 Ashford Center North, Suite 250, Atlanta, Georgia 30338.

Coffman Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Edwin Tommy Chapman.

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

Mrs. Ida Mae Tapp Kendall age 78 of Summerville, GA passed away Friday, June 27, 2025 at a Rome, GA healthcare facility.

Mrs. Kendall was born February 26, 1947 in Summerville, GA to the late Everett and Roxie Timmons Tapp. She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of Dry Valley Baptist Church, the Summerville Silver Sneakers Club, the breakfast club, dance club, and she supported the humane society and local food kitchen.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Kendall; and brothers, William Tapp, Willie Dean Tapp, and James Tapp.

Survivors include her children, Kenneth (Emily) Kendall, and Julie (Ryan) Fernandez; step-son, Larry (Ann) Kendall; siblings, Willie “Bud” (Nancy) Tapp, Emma (Leon) Caylor, and Martha McKeehan; grandson Dalton Kendall; great-granddaughter Breannon (Dominic) Hochberger; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Graveside and entombment services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Kendall will take place at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Greenhills Memory gardens with Mr. Ralph McWhorter officiating. Active pallbearers will be Ryan Fernandez, Benji Dunaway, Michael Tapp, Eric Housch, Buford Lee Fox, and Grant Norton. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Summerville Silver Sneakers Club and Dry valley Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends at Mason Funeral Home from 8:30 AM until 10:30 AM.

In Lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to your local humane society or community kitchen/food pantry.

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

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