Mrs. Christel Lynn Surber, age 50 of Trion, Georgia passed away Friday, August 9, 2024 at a Rome hospital.

Christel was born in Winder, Georgia on August 22, 1973, daughter of the late Allen Lewis and Sue Lord Lewis. She was a member of the Wayside Baptist Church and recently had attended the Ridgeway Baptist Church. She was employed with Oriental Weavers in Dalton. Christel loved working in her flowerbeds, decorating her house and taking care of her fur babies. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandparents, Julia Lord, Pearlene Lewis and Hoyt Lewis.

Christel is survived by her husband, John Surber; brother, Sammy Lewis; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Todd Tankersly; an Aunt and Uncle, Sara and Cedy Rollins; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Services for Christel will be held Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Benny Price and Rev. Gary Lewis officiating. Interment will follow at 2:30 P.M. in the Oaknoll Memory Gardens in Rome.

Pallbearers will include Barry Rollins, Austin Gonzales, Ken McCallister, Jeremy Tankersly, James “Peanut” Grogan and Frank Bearden.

Christel’s family will receive friends Tuesday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

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

Mr. Jonathan “Jon” Wells, age 34 of Rossville, GA (formerly of Trion, GA) passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at his residence.

Jon was born August 8, 1989 in Fort Oglethorpe, GA to the Rev. Gary and Glenda Wells. He was employed at Shaw Industries and formerly worked at Wells Pest Control. He faithfully attended Bible Baptist Church and was an avid reader.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Eugene Wells, and Rev. W.C. and Louise Woody.

Survivors include his parents, Rev. Gary & Glenda Wells; siblings, Rev. David (Brenda) Wells, Phillip (Danielle) Wells, and Stephanie (Dallas) Holzer; grandmother, Frances Wells; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Wells will take place at 2:00 PM Friday, August 16, 2024 at Mason Funeral Home with Rev. David Wells and Rev. Ricky Gravely officiating. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery with Phillip Wells, Jace Wells, Isaac Spears, Eli Spears, Aaron Wells, and Dallas Holzer serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Frank Kenyon “Ken” Tribble, Jr., passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2024, at the age of 67 in Holland, Georgia. Born on January 26, 1957, in Greenville, Alabama, he was a well-respected member of his community.Ken graduated from Robert L. Osborne High School in Marietta, Georgia before furthering his education at Millsaps College, Georgia State University, and the University of Georgia. He had a distinguished career, beginning as a Program Administrator at IBM, then serving as the Director of Administrative Services at the Chattooga County Board of Education, and finally as the owner of Cedar Hill Computer Services until his retirement.

Ken was deeply involved in his community and was a member of Summerville First United Methodist Church. His hobbies included cycling and golfing, which he pursued with passion and dedication. He was also a member of the group Friends of Sloppy Floyd for many years and served in several administrative positions throughout his membership. Additionally, he at one time was on the board of directors of the Chattooga County Literacy Council and once served as the chair for Chattooga Family Connection. He also volunteered his services to the Three Circles Foundation for a time and was formerly a volunteer fireman/first responder in the Holland Volunteer Fire Department.

Ken is survived by his wife, Karen Tribble; his daughter, Calliope Westbrooke; and his son, Alex Tribble. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank K. Tribble, Sr. and Plu Chandler Tribble, and his brother, Chandler M. Tribble.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Friends of Sloppy Floyd organization at the Sloppy Floyd State Park office or through the following link: https://friendsofgastateparks.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=41 Contributions may also be made to Three Circles Foundation at: http://www.threecirclesfoundation.org/support. Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge.

Jesse Doyle “Pete” Peppers, age 81, of LaFayette passed away Saturday, August 3, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family. Pete retired from Combustion Engineering. He was an avid member of the LaFayette Church of God and supporter of Kingston Church of God. He loved his church family. He and his wife Evie recently retired as Senior Leaders of the church Senior Group.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Evie Lee Peppers; sons, Jeff Peppers of Ringgold and Chris (Rachel) Peppers of Fort Oglethorpe; grandsons, Worth Peppers and Kevin Jackson; granddaughters, Camry Peppers and Khrista (Blaine) Cook; great-grandson, Kamden Cook; special nephews, Hank Peppers and Greg Cox; and special nieces, Pepper Thompson, Kelly Pallazza, and Trena Jackson.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Wednesday, August 7, in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Pastor Josh Edwards, Dr. Jerry McNabb, and Pastor Kenneth Oliver officiating.

Interment will take place in West Hill Cemetery in Trion, GA.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Jackson, Blaine Cook, Scott Jackson, Bobby Wooten, and Chris Finkbone.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Tuesday, August 6, at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

Perry Lee Kitchens “Kemo Sabe” 75 of Lafayette, GA (formerly of Summerville, GA) went to be with The Lord on Wednesday, July 31, 2024.

Perry served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. He retired from the United States Postal Service where he was a mail carrier for many years in Summerville, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his Parents Otis & Susie Kitchens and Brother Richard Kitchens.

He is survived by his wife Eileen Kitchens, daughter, Cindy (Jim) Taylor, son, Eric (Stephanie) Tallent, three granddaughters and seven great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, August 5, with the funeral service following in the Wilbanks Memorial Chapel with Rev. Jim Taylor officiating.
Interment will be held at LaFayette City Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

Mrs. Judy Diane Owens, age 67, of Summerville, GA, died Monday, July 29, 2024, at Atrium Health Floyd.

Mrs. Owens was born June 26, 1957, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late Bun and Maida Lou Sasser Kinsey. She was a member of Fisher’s Chapel Church, and prior to her retirement, was employed with Mohawk. She had also previously been employed in the hospice field.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Owens was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Reford Atkins; and daughter-in-law, Amy Kittle.

Survivors include her husband, Frank Owens; children, Brian (Jessica) Kittle, Jennifer Kittle, Craig (Sarah) Owens; brother, Earl (Brenda) Kinsey; sisters, Martha “Mot” (Ray) Teems, Betty (Gary) Ward, and Gail Atkins; grandchildren, Phoebe Parker, Ian Owens, Isaac Owens, and Lily Owens.

Funeral services for Mrs. Owens will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 1, 2024, at Fisher’s Chapel Church with Rev. David Autry, Bro. Bruce Owens, Bro. Mike White, and Bro. Chris White officiating. Interment will follow in Fisher’s Chapel Cemetery.

Mrs. Owens will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Wednesday. She will also be in state at Fisher’s Chapel Church on Thursday from 10:00 A.M. until the hour of service.

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. BARBARA JEAN STEWARD, age 81, of Trion, Georgia, passed away peacefully Monday, July 29, 2024, at her residence. Mrs. Steward was born in Trion, Georgia on December 22, 1942, a daughter of the late Paul T. and Grace Lee Hennon Blackmon. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by her husband the late Arnold Bruce Steward on May 29, 2019, and brothers the late Mitchell Blackmon and Infant Paul Blackmon. Mrs. Steward was a member of the East Trion Church of God.

Survivors include daughters, Kelly Karen Steward & Charles Larry Burrage, Jr. and Rebecca Jean Steward James; son, Randy Bruce & Bonnie Steward; grandsons, Colton Alexander Burrage and Grayson Noah James; sister, Bonnie Blackmon Bryant; brothers Willie Blackmon and Roy Blackmon; several Nieces and Nephews also survive.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 2 p.m. from the Graveside in West Hill Cemetery with Dr. Paul Mason and Dr. Randy Clayton officiating. Active Pallbearers will be Colten Burrage, Noah James, Charles Burrage, Jr., Tommy Smith, Tim Blackmon and Jason Blackmon. The Family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 noon until 1:30 P.M. at Earle Rainwater Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Barbara Jean Steward who passed away Monday.

MRS. FRANCES HIX BULLARD, age 92, of Calhoun, Georgia formerly of Chattooga County, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2024, afternoon in Calhoun. Born in Trion, Georgia on July 4, 1932, she was a daughter of the late T. R. and Ida Mae Bennett Hix. Mrs. Bullard was a member of the Meadowdale Baptist Church in Calhoun Georgia. Frances was a homemaker and excellent baker, you were really special if you had her tea cakes and red velvet cake. She traveled the US as a military wife with her husband in the USAF. She also went on many trips with the Gadabouts in Calhoun and made many friends. Frances had one hobby and one only…shopping at Belks and she was expert at it! In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, the late Hugh M. Bullard, brothers, Kenneth (Yvonne) Hix, brothers-in-law, Harbin Davis, Jack Lanier, Johnny Bullard, and Austin Moore.

Surviving are son, Robert M. (Brenda) Bullard; grandson, Jason R. (Marcy) Bullard; great grandchildren, Beau Bryant Bullard and Sydney Claire Bullard all of Calhoun; sisters, Charlotte Davis of Calhoun, Pat Lanier of LaFayette, Evelyn (Bobby) Hegwood of Chattanooga, Marilyn Moore of Summerville, Sandra (Glenn) Garner of Rock Spring, Melba Jean (David) Underhill of Virginia Beach; brother, Larry Hix of Subligna; sister-in-law, Mary Bullard; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 27th, at 1:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Berry officiating, interment in Subligna Cemetery. Active Pallbearers Jason Bullard, Beau Bullard, Bobby Hegwood, Larry Hix, Kent Moore, and Rich Holder. Special thank you to Morning Pointe Memory Care Staff and Employees and to Compassus Hospice.

The Family will receive friends Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Flowers are accepted or contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association #922 East Morris St., Dalton, GA.-30720.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Edward Calvin Brooks age 66 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Monday, July 22 at a local hospital.

Mr. Brooks was born on February 24, 1958 in Waleska, GA to the late Hammond and Louise Smith Brooks. He was retired from the construction industry.

Mr. Brooks is preceded in death by his wife, Karen Day Brooks; and several siblings.

Survivors include his daughters, Keila Crider and Brandy McCoy; step-children, Jeremy (Alishia) Wilson and Stephanie (Chris) Harris; siblings, Johnny Brooks, Linda Allen, and Sarah Hughes; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A graveside & interment service to celebrate the life of Mr. Brooks will take place at 2:00 PM (EST) Thursday, July 25 at Johnson Cemetery with Rev. Russ Blackwell officiating. Pallbearers will be Douglas Spivey, Chris Smith, Shane Smith, Cody Aycock, Josh Clifton, and James Spivey. They are requested to meet at the cemetery at 1:55 (EST).

There will be no visitation.

Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Iva Nelle Spears, age 88, of Menlo, GA, died Monday, July 22, 2024, at Chulio Hills Health and Rehabilitation.

Mrs. Spears was born June 16, 1936, in Rinehart, AL, daughter of the late Harold Loyd and Rosa Dell Parker Loyd Pledger. She graduated from Menlo High School in 1954 as the valedictorian of her class. She was an elder in the Menlo Presbyterian Church and also clerk of the session. She held these two titles for several years. Mrs. Spears was employed with Best Manufacturing for 44 years before retiring as Personnel Manager. The most important thing to her was her family. Her hobbies included needlepoint, quilting, and crocheting.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Spears was preceded in death by her first husband, Billy Joe Reese; sisters, Maxine Loyd, Judy Dutton; and a step-grandson, Blake Jolly.

Survivors include her husband, James Spears; daughters; Cindy ( E.C. “Spunkey”) Mitchell, Darlene (Max) Treadaway; step-daughters, Diane (Gary) Norton, Lisa (Rickey) Phillips; a brother, Lamar Pledger; sisters, Barbara Brown and Joyce Stallings; grandchildren, Josh Mitchell, Blake Mitchell, Jeremy Treadaway, Matthew Treadaway; great-grandchildren, Allie Mitchell, Gracie Treadaway, Eme Mitchell, Jocie Mitchell, Meila Treadaway, Addie Treadaway, Colby Treadaway; step-grandchildren, Kristin Wilson, Jason Jolly, and Matthew Jolly; step-great-grandchildren, Anna Kate Wilson, Riley Claire Wilson, Drake Jolly, Blake Jolly, and Carter Jolly, Bishop Jolly, and Celina Jolly.

Funeral services for Mrs. Spears will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at Menlo Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steven Spears and Chaplain Jennifer Lee officiating. Interment will follow in Ami Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Josh Mitchell, Jeremy Treadaway, Matthew Treadaway, Jeff Smith, Timothy Brown, and Jerry Lee Reese. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Menlo Presbyterian Church, Alpine Church, and the members of Best Silver Club.

Mrs. Spears will be in state at Menlo Presbyterian Church and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the hour of service on Tuesday.

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.