Mrs. Mary Jo Guffey Obit (M)

Mary Jo Guffey, age 83, of Menlo, GA, passed away Saturday September 10, 2016, at her residence.  Mrs. Guffey was born September 28, 1933, in Jamestown, AL, the daughter of the late James Luther and Julia Ann Deering Tucker.  Mrs. Guffey was a member of the Chesterfield Baptist Church,  retired from Best Mfg, and preceded in death by her husband, Barnard David Guffey, son, Barnard Dan Guffey.
 
Survivors include her children, James Willie Guffey, Shawn Guffey, Janice & Phillip Ayers, brothers, Tom Tucker, Jack & Martha Tucker, sisters, Annie Mae Jennirs, Glenda & Medford Gass, 3 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild.
 
Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday September 13, 2016, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Bishop officiating with interment in the AMI Cemetery.
 
Mrs. Guffey will be in state at the Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Monday September 12, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m.
 
Mason Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Mary Jo Guffey who died on Saturday.

Mrs. Robbie Lee McGraw, Obit. (UPDATED) (ER)

MRS. ROBBIE LEE MCGRAW, age 88, of Back Berryton Road, Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016, surrounded by her Family.  Mrs. McGraw was born in Gore, Georgia on May 9, 1928, a daughter of the late Bence and Maggie Reed Ward.  Mrs. McGraw was a member of Little Sand Mt. Baptist Church, a retired Emergency Room Nurse at Chattooga County Hospital.  She was a member of the Silverados Line Dancing Group.  She was a Loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and Great Great Grandmother, and loved spending time with her Family and friends.  Preceded in death by her husband, the late Ralph Walker McGraw, Sr., daughter-in-law, Shelby Jean McGraw, son-in-law, Jackie Bruce Burrage, Sr., sisters, the late Gladys Walker, Eula Lewis, Mary Keith, Helen Mann, and Frances Ward; brothers, the late Robert Ward and Berry Ward and a great grandson, the late Blake Young.

        Surviving are daughter, Sherry Lee McGraw Burrage; son, Ralph Donald McGraw, Sr.; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Muriel Ward, grandchildren, Rhonda Jean McGraw Young, Ralph Donald McGraw, Jr., Kristie Lee McGraw Hunter, Jackie Bruce Burrage, Jr., Robbie Angela Burrage, and Tiffany Lee Burrage Kellett; thirteen Great Grandchildren; six Great Great Grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews; special friends Susie McGraw, Juanita Battles, Lilia Williams, Billy Locklear, Doris Bowman, Bob and Diane Blackwell, and the late Mozelle Willingham.

        Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10th, at 5:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Odom officiating, interment in Greenhills Memory Garden.  Active Pallbearers Eddie Young, Donald McGraw, Jr., Clint Hunter, Jackie Burrage, Angie Burrage, and Tiffany Burrage; Honorary Pallbearers, John Hunter, Colby Young, Austin McGraw, and Robert Kellett.  The Family will receive friends Saturday from 4 until the hour of service at the Funeral Home.

        Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for MRS. ROBBIE LEE MCGRAW.

Mrs. Robbie Lee McGraw, Obit. (ER)

MRS. ROBBIE LEE MCGRAW, age 88, of Back Berryton Road, Summerville, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 8, 2016, in a Rome hospital.  Mrs. McGraw was born in Chattooga County, Georgia on May 9, 1928, a daughter of the late Bence and Maggie Reed Ward.  Mrs. McGraw was a member of Little Sand Mt. Baptist Church, a retired nurse, and was preceded in death by her husband, the late Ralph Walker McGraw; sisters, the late Gladys Walker, Eula Lewis, Mary Keith, Helen Mann, and Frances Ward;  brothers, the late Robert Ward and Berry Ward and a great grandson, the late Blake Young.

        Surviving are daughter, Sherry McGraw Burrage; son, Ralph Donald McGraw; six Grandchildren, seven Great Grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews.

        Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Ms. Margaret Bryant McRae, Obit. (M)

Ms. Margaret Bryant McRae, age 83, of Conyers, GA passed away Monday, September 5, 2016 at her home at the Remington House in Conyers, after an extended illness.
 
Margaret was born April 6, 1933, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Edgar Lee and Carrie Hood Bryant.  She thoroughly enjoyed music and playing the piano and singing in church.  She learned to play the piano at an early age and played for many churches and singing groups through the years in her hometown of LaFayette, and later in her adopted home of Conyers.  Margaret graduated from Menlo High School and received her Bachelor's degree from Jacksonville State University.  She also earned a Master's degree in Education from Berry College.
 
Margaret was a public school teacher for 30 years in the Walker County School System, teaching elementary school children and special needs children.  She founded the LaFayette chapter of TOPS in the early 1970's, and remained an active member for many years.  Margaret retired to Conyers in 1996 to be near her only child, Stephanie Wilkinson, and her grandchildren.  She loved to travel in retirement.  She made trips to the Holy Land, many places in the U.S., and her favorite destination, Ireland.
 
In addition to being a full-time school teacher and church musician, she taught private piano students throughout the years.  She left a legacy of the love of music with her daughter and her grandchildren who are all pianists.  She loved to play and sing with small ensembles.  A couple of note were the "April Aires" and the "Joyful Tones." Margaret was a member of the North Rockdale Baptist Church.  She was also the pianist there for several years.  Before moving to Conyers, she was a member of the Ridgeview Baptist Church in LaFayette.
 
Margaret is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Lloyd Wilkinson; grandchildren, Daniel and Jessica Wilkinson, Zack and Elizabeth Wilkinson, Rachel and Nathan Mozingo, Alex Wilkinson, and Hannah Wilkinson; great-grandchildren, Adam Wilkinson and Naomi Mozingo; the father of her daughter, Arlin McRae and his wife, Jean.  Several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and close friends survive.
 
Funeral services for Margaret will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday, September 12, 2016, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel (320 Highway 48, Summerville, GA 30747) with Rev. Bud Martenn officiating.  Interment will follow in the Macedonia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Daniel Wilkinson, Zack Wilkinson, Nathan Mozingo, and Alex Wilkinson.
 
Margaret 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 Monday.
 
At Margaret's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the North Rockdale Baptist Church, 3130 Highway 138 NE, Conyers, GA, 30013.
 
Mason Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Ms. Margaret B. McRae who died on Monday.  To share your condolences online, please visit our website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Elsie Echols-Johnson, Obit. (ER)

MRS. ELSIE ECHOLS-JOHNSON, age 98, of Bittings Avenue-Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at Her residence.  A native of Chattooga County, Georgia, Oak Hill Community, She was born to the late Julian Erick and Carrie Brooks Hawkins on October 29, 1917.  Mrs. Elsie was co-owner of Echols Appliance for many years, and for 40 years served in the Chattooga County Registrar’s Office.  She was a member of the Summerville First United Methodist Church and was preceded in death by her husbands, the late John B. Echols, Sr. and the late Hubert Johnson.

        Surviving are daughter, Honey Housch; son, Johnny Echols; grandchildren, Greg Echols, Terri Young, Jim Echols, Erick Housch, Ben Housch, and Mary Beth Waggner; fourteen Great Grandchildren, three Great Great Grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews.

        Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10th, at 10:00 A.M. from J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Dr. Ed Judy officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery.  Pallbearers Matt Echols, Jim Echols, Erick Housch, Ben Housch, Tim Young, and Steve Bullard.  The Family will receive friends Friday from 6 until 8 P.M. at the Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers the Family request contributions to the Summerville United Methodist Church, in memory of Mrs. Elsie.

        Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for MRS. ELSIE ECHOLS-JOHNSON

Mr. Gary Lee Hayes, Obit. (C)

Mr. Gary Lee Hayes, age 75 of Haywood Valley Road, Summerville, passed away Wednesday, September 07, 2016 at the Mt. Berry Hospice Center in Armuchee.

 

Mr. Hayes was born in Michigan on June 23, 1941, son of the late James W. Hayes and Syble Lee Elsberry Hayes.  He attended Fisher’s Chapel UMC, Subligna Baptist Church, Bethlehem Baptist Church and other churches in the Subligna and Haywood Valley area.  He loved to read western books,  liked old coins, loved music, and rarely met a stranger.  Mr. Hayes retired as a truck driver for Quality Finishers in Calhoun, but he still loved being on the road.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by the love of his life, Josephine Blevins Hayes, and an infant sister, Caroline Hayes.

 

Mr. Hayes is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Tom and Tina Hayes, Jim and Christine Hayes, Ben Hayes and Lisa Swinford, daughters and son-in-law, Brenda and Stan Smith and Kathy Bryant; close friend, Myra Smith; grandchildren, Aaron Smith, Matthew Hayes, Samantha Statham, Lori Hayes, Holly Lassiter and Khloe Bryant; and seven great grandchildren.

 

Funeral Services for Mr. Hayes will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. in the Fisher’s Chapel United Methodist Church with Rev. Art Graves and Rev. Joel Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

 

Pallbearers will be Aaron Smith, Enoch Statham, Matthew Hayes, Bill Smith Donnie Smith and Stan Smith.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Calvin Berger, Rusty Holbert, Chester King, Danny Wilson, Brenda Hansird and Krista Dooley.

 

Mr. Hayes will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home where the family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 until 7 P.M.  On Friday, Mr. Hayes be carried to the Fisher’s Chapel United Methodist Church where he will also lie in state from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

 

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

Mrs. Juanita Rogers Reeves Obit (C)

Mrs. Juanita Rogers Reeves, age 88 of Summerville, passed away Monday, September 5, 2016 at the Redmond Regional Medical Center.

 

Mrs. Reeves was born in Kentucky on September 12, 1927, daughter of the late Joel Rogers and Mattie Lee Rogers.  She was a member of the New Bethel Baptist Church, and prior to retirement, was employed as Dr. Hyden’s nurse at the Trion Hospital.  She has also worked for a time at Riegel and at McDonald’s.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Reeves was preceded in death by her husband, Merdie Reeves, daughter, Betty Jean Talley; and her siblings, J.D. Rogers, L.C. Rogers, Jimmy Earl Rogers, Billy Ray Rogers, Russell Rogers, Harold Rogers and Lillie Mae Mathis.

 

Mrs. Reeves is survived by her grandchildren, Jeff DeBerry, Kelly Ray, Lisa (Wayne) Crowe and April (Tracy) Trammell; great grandchildren, Justin (Khrista) Crowe, Haley Lloyd, Colt Trammell, Tyler DeBerry, and Chance DeBerry; great-great grandchildren, T.J. Crowe, Neiko Crowe and Tucker Crowe; and a number of nieces and nephews.

 

Funeral Services for Mrs. Reeves will be held Thursday, September 8, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. in the Petitt Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Robert Patterson officiating.  Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

 

Mrs. Reeves will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home where the family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 P.M.

 

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

 


 

Mrs. Eula Gore Amos Obit (ER)

MRS. EULA GORE AMOS, age 91, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Monday, September 5, 2016.  Mrs. Amos was preceded in death by husband, J. C. Amos, Jr. and parents, J. W. and Bedie Gore formerly of LaGrange, Georgia.

        Eula graduated LaGrange High School in 1944.  She pursued a career in business and owned Amos Mfg, Glove Plant in LaFayette, Georgia.  Mrs. Amos received the B & PW Woman of Achievement Award in 1981 and was elected Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce President in 1983.  In addition to traveling through many countries around the world, Eula served her community as a member of the Chattooga Chamber Board of Directors, Chattooga Library Board of Trustees, Chattooga Board of Health, and Elder of Summerville Presbyterian Church.  In 1987 Mrs. Amos received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

        Eula Amos was admired and loved by many community members, as well as family members: Richard, Jan, and Savannah Amos; Angela Amos, C. S. Baker; Kellie and Kevin Garrett; Ezekiel, Aimee, and Charleston Baker.

        The Family will receive friends Sunday, September 11th, from 1 until 3 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.  The Family requests memorial donations to American Red Cross or Chattooga County Chamber of Commerce.  A private service will be held in LaGrange, Georgia.

        Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Eula Gore Amos who passed away Monday.

Mr. Wallace Gregory (Greg) Maxwell, Obit. (ER)

MR. WALLACE GREGORY (GREG) MAXWELL, age 64, passed away Saturday, September 3, 2016, surrounded by his family.  He was a Baptist by Faith, and was the former owner of Maxwell’s Grocery, The Video Store, Maxwell’s Restaurant, and co-owner of Otasco.  He was born in Sylacauga, Alabama on August 31, 1952; a son of the late Ruby Smith Maxwell and Wallace H. Maxwell.

        Surviving are His daughter, Valerie Burdick; three grandchildren, Raven Laken, and Rowan Burdick; brother, Randy Maxwell; sisters and brother-in-law, Sandra and Jerry Tallent and Glenda Maxwell; two nieces, Amber (Travis) Hutcheson and Brooke (Brian) Cigainero; two nephews, Dr. Gabe Tallent and Matt Maxwell; one great nephew Heath Hutcheson.

        Graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 7th, ay 1:00 P.M. in West Hill Cemetery, with Rev. David Romine officiating.  Pallbearers will be Dr. Gabe Tallent, Travis Hutcheson, Brian Cigainero, Matt Maxwell, Ron Williams, and Mark Smith.

        Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Wallace Gregory (Greg) Maxwell, who passed away Friday

Mr. Michael Keith Minor, Obit. (C)

Mr. Michael Keith Minor, age 57 of Hair Lake Road, Summerville, GApassed away on Monday, August 22, 2016 at his residence.

Mr. Minor was born in Munford, Tennessee on July 20, 1959, son of Frances Genese Mathews Minor and the late Ancel Minor.  He was a member of the Highway Baptist Church in Mississippi and attended the United Christian Fellowship here in Summerville.  Mr. Minor was a retired general contractor, but stayed active doing odd jobs in and around Chattooga County.  He was a member of the AQHA, the Georgia Horse Council and was Past President of the Ducks Unlimited, Tunica, Mississippi Chapter.  Mr. Minor loved horses, and spent his time raising and breeding Quarter Horse Racing Horses. In addition to his father, Ancel Minor, he was preceded in death by an infant brother.

Mr. Minor is survived by his wife, Holly Davis Minor; mother, Genese Minor; step-son, Matt Maxwell; step daughter, Brooke (Brian) Cigainero; sisters and a special brother-in-law, Rebecca Ray and Chuck Ray and Cynthia Thompson; special nephews and nieces, Larry Thompson, David Thompson, Timothy Thompson, Mark Thompson, Bradley Thompson, Austin Ray, Amber McCormick, and Aubree Canton; and his beloved fur children, Rocky and Sissy.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the United Christian Fellowship Church with Rev. Gary Howell officiating.

Flowers will be accepted, however those desiring may make memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Michael Keith Minor.  Please visit our website at www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and to post condolences.