Mr. Joseph Edward “Joe” Hudgins, Sr., age 74, of Menlo, GA, died Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Advent Health Redmond.

Mr. Hudgins was born February 6, 1949, in Mentone, AL, son of the late Joseph Westwater Hudgins and Willie Mae Johnson Hudgins. He was Baptist by faith and was a self-employed carpenter.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hudgins was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank Hudgins and Ralph Hudgins; and a sister, Linda Johnston.
Survivors include his son, Joseph E. (Alicia W.) Hudgins, Jr.; daughter, Casey Cox; sisters, Rebecca S. (Mike) Posey, Deborah Hudgins, Beverly Hudgins, and Bobbie J. Lumley; brother-in-law, Jimmy Johnston; 4 grandchildren; and 1 great-grandchild.

Funeral services for Mr. Hudgins will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 4, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Harold Helton officiating. Interment will follow in Bankhead Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mike Posey, Randy Johnston, Steve Johnson, and Mack Flannigan.

Mr. Hudgins 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 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.

Rev. Bobby Lee Minard, age 71, of Summerville, GA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Rev. Minard was born January 7, 1952, in Hillsboro, TX, son of the late Lewis Cason Minard and Dorothy Hilton Robinson Minard. He was the current Pastor of Lyerly Pentecostal Tabernacle where he had served for 6 years and was retired from the trucking industry. He never met a stranger and he loved God, gospel music, and his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Lee Minard; and a brother, Lewis Minard, Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Sheila Jones Minard; son, Thomas “Tommy” Minard; a daughter, Christine Wheeler; brother, David (Tiffany) Minard; sister, Roxanne Faison; 5 grandchildren; and 3 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Rev. Minard will be held at 3:00 P.M. Thursday, October 5, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Don Mason officiating. Interment will follow at Johnson Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Quentin Jones, Matthew Jones, Landon Jones, Jeff Kirby, Tory Shropshire, and Tyler Shropshire.

Rev. Minard 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 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. James Reese Cooper, age 80, of Summerville, GA, died Thursday, September 28, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Cooper was born January 1, 1943, in Stevenson, AL, son of the late George Alvin and Ethel Goff Cooper. He was a member of Four Mile Baptist Church, and prior to his retirement, was employed with Reigel Textiles. Mr. Cooper had also previously worked in the pulpwood industry.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Ruby Pollack, Raymond Cooper, George Alvin Cooper, Leonard Cooper, Bill Cooper, Gerthie Hampton, and Emma McDonald.

Survivors include his wife, Hazel Bryant Cooper; a son, Jimmy Cooper; granddaughter, Christie Gilliland; great-grandchildren, Sean Peace, Seth Peace, and Sawyer Peace; step-children, Mary Jane Cloud, David Usry; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Cooper will be held at 2:00 P.M. Monday, October 2, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Joel Smith officiating. Interment will follow in West Hill Cemetery.

Mr. Cooper 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.

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. Bonnie Diane Croy, age 73 of Trion, Georgia passed away Thursday, September 28, 2023 in Gaylesville, Alabama.

Mrs. Croy was born in Summerville, Georgia on July 16, 1950, daughter of the late Bill Marlow and Elsie Trammell Barlow. She was retired from Mannington Mill, where she worked as a Creeler. She loved to ride around and visit with her friends and family. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Croy was preceded in death by sisters, Patricia Morgan and Savannah McWhorter; and brothers, Norton Mann and Monk Mann.

Mrs. Croy is survived by her sons, Allen Lester Croy, II and Aaron Ray Croy; grandchildren, Grayson Croy, Kinleigh Croy and Eli Croy; and a number of nieces, nephews and additional family members.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Croy will be held Monday, October 2, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Bro. Brandon Veatch officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Clay Hollingsworth, Stacey Croy, Ronnie Bean, Devon Bean, Hunter Hollingsworth and Matt Boyd.

Mrs. Croy will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Monday from 12:00 Noon until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Bonnie Diane Croy.

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

Mr. Charles Dempsey Carden, age 72, of Cloudland, GA, died Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Carden was born June 26, 1951, in Valley Head, AL, son of the late Ewel Lavance and Buena Lea Hope Carden. He was Baptist by faith, and prior to his retirement, was the owner and operator of Collinsville Feed Mill.

Charles was an avid fan of all sports, especially football. He was an incredible athlete in his younger years and was the Quarterback for the Valley Head football team his junior and senior years of high school. In 1967 he was on the Dekalb County All Star Football team and the Alabama All State football team. In 1968 he was once again on the Dekalb County All Star football team, the Alabama All State football team and basketball team, and made the All American football team. His talent as quarterback for the teams he played with brought great attention. He was sought after to play on football teams for the University of Alabama, Auburn, University of Georgia, University of Tennessee, Kentucky, Notre Dame, Florida, Southern California, and Ole Miss just to name a few. After visiting many universities and consideration he eventually chose to accept a scholarship to attend and play for the University of Tennessee. However, the joy that was brought to him by his wife, children, and grandchildren was far greater than any sporting event. He would drop anything he had planned to do if any of his family ever needed anything of him whether it was running an errand, driving someone to the doctor, babysitting, or just being there to listen.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Carden was preceded in death by a son, Clay Harris; brother, Glenn Carden; and mother-in-law, Clara Warren.

Survivors include his wife, Cynthia Lee Warren Carden; children, Andrea (Daniel) Hayes, Ashley (Sebastiano) Cavallo, Ansley (Daniel) Smith, Jason (Amanda) Wright, Anthony (Lindy) Vizinnia, John T. (Marcie) Davis,; brothers, Harold (Dianna) Carden, Jack Carden; sisters and brothers-in-law, John (Linda) Storey, Betty Blalock, Jeff Pack, and Matt Warren; grandchildren, Caden Smith, Emma Kate Smith, Libby Wright, Cali Cavollo, Collyn Davis, Harrison Davis, John Clayton (Grace) Groat, Evan (Gracie) McPherson, Maggie Groat, J.P. Groat

Graveside and entombment services will be held at 2:30 P.M. Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Greenhills Memory Gardens with Rev. Richard Ellis officiating. Active pallbearers will be Daniel Hayes, Sebastiano Cavallo, Daniel Smith, Jason Wright, Caden Smith, Harold Carden, Jack Carden and Mark Patton. Honorary pallbearers will be Brimp Warren, Rex Abernathy, Matt Warren, Jeff Pack, John Storey, Albert Smith, Eddie Smith and Valley Head High School alumni.

Mr. Carden will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. on Sunday.

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. Juanita “Lyn” Smith Kocinki, 63, of Chattanooga, TN went home to her Lord and Savior on September 27, 2023.

Lyn was born May 18, 1960 and grew up in Summerville and Trion, Georgia. Lyn graduated from Chattooga High School and then received her Bachelor of Science degree from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and was an English teacher in the Chattanooga/North Georgia region.

She was an exceptional singer and accomplished pianist and musician. Lyn touched many lives and her piano students and families held a very special place in her heart.
She will be deeply missed by those who love her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Barbara Smith, her best friend Rob Lampert, and Christopher Neely, who was like a son to her.

Survivors include her daughters; Anna (Travis Miller) Kocincki and Kerri (Dino) Xoinis, both of Chattanooga, TN, and their father, Charles Kocincki; one sister; Susan Hopkins of Marietta, GA; four brothers; Ken (Mitzi) Smith of Marion, VA, Alan (Patty) Smith, Richie (Marie) Smith, and Jes (Stephanie) Smith, all of Trion, GA. She is survived by very special aunts, Geri Hughes, Brenda Veatch Haynes, and Charlotte (Michael) Hawkins and several close cousins. She is survived by several nieces and nephews. The true joy of her life were her four grandchildren, Bryson, Brooke, Jackson, and Everett.

Funeral services for Ms. Kocinki will take place ar 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 3 at Son Rise Community Church. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery with Jackson Neely, Bryson Gowan, Quenten Hopkins, Travis Miller, and Dino Xoinis serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 12pm-2pm at the church.

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. DORIS RUTH MONEY, age 80, of Menlo, Georgia, passed away Wednesday evening September 27, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Born in Summerville, Georgia on December 17, 1942, She was the daughter of the late Fred and Edith Sams Sumner. Mrs. Money was graduated in 1961, from the former Menlo High School, had worked for Roper Corporation for 20 years, and together with Her Husband and Son, owned and operated Travis Money Antiques and Auction Company, in Summerville, Georgia. She was Methodist by Faith; in addition to Parents, was preceded in death by husband, the late Travis Earl Money and daughter, the late Renee Money.

Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, Jason and Nicole Money; grandchildren, Austin Money and Tatum Money; sister, Peggy Herod; several Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins also survive,

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 30th, at 2:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel with the Honorable John Dennis officiating, interment in West Hill Cemetery. Active Pallbearers, Danny Parrish, Derrick Parrish, Barry Money, Richard Sumner, Rocky Hatfield, and Tim Hayes; Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the 1961 graduating Class of Menlo High School. Visitation will be Saturday from 12 noon until 2:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Doris Ruth Money, who passed away Wednesday.

CATHERINE JEAN WILSON, age 59, of Old Hix Street, Summerville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly at her residence. She was born in Rome, Georgia on January 16, 1964 to the late Clifford and Ava Morton Mountain. Ms. Wilson attended the Four Mile Baptist Church and was a homemaker. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by her brother the late Phillip Mountain.

Surviving are daughter, Brittany Hewitt; sons, Brandon Wilson and Brian Wilson; grandchildren, Catie Beth Hewitt and Maddux Hewitt; Jerry Wilson also survives.

Memorial funeral service will be held Friday, September 29th, at 1:00 P.M. from the Four Mile Baptist Church with Rev. Joel Smith officiating, inurnment in Summerville Cemetery. The Family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 A.M. until 1 P.M. at the Church.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Ms. Catherine-Jean Wilson.

Mrs. Sue Mason Phillips, age 85, of Summerville, GA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at her home surrounded by family.

Sue was born November 17, 1937, in Blanche, AL, daughter of the late William “Bill” and Bessie Crane Mason.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her children’s fathers, Bill Ezell, Jess Tucker, and her husband, Boney Phillips; sisters, Nora Lee Mason, Ann Tucker, and Cledia Woods.

Sue was an avid Elvis Fan and enjoyed Elvis’ music and collecting his memorabilia. She was retired from Courageous Home Health. She loved the special people she was able to meet and serve. It suited her servant heart. Her life was a living example of Ephesians 6:7-8, “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do.” Sue’s passions were her family, her pet dog, Star, and being an Elvis Fan.

She loved her family and helped everyone she knew and did it with so much love. She will be missed, but her love, grace, and generosity will live on through everyone who knew her.

The mother of 3 sons, she is survived by her sons, Glen (Rita) Ezell, Joey Ezell, and Shannon (Joanna) Tucker; sisters, Lucille Wood, Joyce Burke, and Judy Tucker; grandchildren, Sonja Ezell Price, Brian Ezell, Hope Ezell, Kaylee (Jay) Williams, Caleb Tucker, Ester Sue Tucker, and one bonus grandson; 6 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews. Sue will be will be greatly missed by her faithful fur baby companion, Star.

Funeral services for Mrs. Phillips will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, September 23, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with her loving sons officiating. Interment will follow in Weiss Lake Memorial Gardens in Gaylesville, AL, with her nephew, James “Jimbo” Burke officiating. Active pallbearers will be Ryan Price, Jamie Tucker, Jay Williams, Brannon Ezell, and John Tucker. Honorary pallbearers will be her caregivers, Remona Wright, Opal Deering, Vickie Darnell, Relady Bishop, and Brooke Brock;,as well as the Staff of Menlo Restaurant and of Chattanooga Hospice.

Mrs. Phillips will be in state at Mason Funeral Home and the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Friday.
At other hours, the family will gather at 851 Mockingbird Lane off of Trion-Teloga Road in Trion. Look for the yellow ribbon.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to her caregivers who loved on her and who were there for her.

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. Betty Faye Lively Nelson, age 74, of Summerville, GA, died Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at her residence.

Ms. Nelson was born February 8, 1949, to the late Ray Lively and Wilma Burke Hunter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Jack Lively; and one sister, Donna Hogue.

Survivors include daughters, Karen Gamble, Summerville, GA, Aimee Espy, Tiltonsville, OH; two sons, Tracy (Kathryn) Espy, Summerville, GA, Geoff Baird, Wheeling, WV; eight grandchildren, Joey (Anna) Shepard, Katie (Doug) Van Drei, Josh Shepard, Daniel Espy, David Espy, Nick Espy, Trey Espy, and Faith Baird; one sister, Melanie Howard, Summerville, GA; one brother-in-law, James Arnold, Summerville, GA. Several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

No formal visitation or funeral services will be held.

A drop-in friend and family gathering will be held Sunday, September 24, 2023, from 2:00 until 6:00 P.M. at West Summerville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. The public is invited.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN (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.