Mrs. Dorothy Jean Lawson age 89 of Gaylesville, AL passed away Friday, October 6, 2023 at a local healthcare facility following a long illness.

Mrs. Lawson was born January 14, 1934 to the late Elmus Johnson and Ophelia Mobbs Johnson Lawson. She was retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of Gaylesville Methodist Church. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, reading, and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Junior Lawson; and sister, Coleen Myrick.

Survivors include her sons, Terry (Jill) Lawson and Dale Lawson; sister, Juanita McElrath; and grandchildren, Tera (Kevin) Walker, Russ (Tracey) Bishop, Michael Lawson, Tyler (Kathryn) Lawson, Gable Lawson, and Landon Lawson.

Graveside & interment services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Lawson will be held at 2:00 (GA time) Sunday October 8 at Weiss Lake Memorial Garden with the grandsons serving as pallbearers.

There will be no public visitation.

Friends wishing to attend the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Cherokee Health and Rehabilitation Center and Pro Health Hospice for their love, care, and compassion shown to Mrs. Lawson during her illness.

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. GARVIN RAY GORHAM, age 86 formerly of Summerville, Georgia/Fort Payne, Alabama passed away in a Collinsville, Alabama Nursing Facility Thursday, October 5, 2023. He was born in Crossville, Alabama on September 24, 1937, son to the late William McKinley and Ida Wisner Gorham. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Teague Gorham and several brothers and sisters. He founded and served as Owner and Operator of Gorham Hosiery Mill in Fort Payne, Alabama and was Baptist by faith.

Surviving are his sons, Jeff (Mechelle) Gorham and Tony Gorham; grandchildren, Alisha (Tommy) Stephens, Tiffany (Brett) Johnson and Emily (Chad) Smith; 5 Great Grandchildren; sister, Estelle Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. EST, from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. Mickey Skates officiating, interment in Summerville Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be David McGuire, Tony Burt, Michael Hawkins, Tommy Stephens, Chris Henderson, and Brett Johnson.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 p.m. until the hour of service at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Garvin Ray Gorham who passed away Thursday.

Mrs. Carolyn Wyatt Johnston, age 84, of Summerville, GA, passed away Tuesday October 3, 2023, at the residence of her daughter.

Mrs. Johnston was born March 24, 1939 in Lyerly, GA to the late Webb and Velma Bishop Wyatt. She was retired from American Glove Company and was a member of Lyerly First Baptist Church. She enjoyed quilting, gardening, going to yard/estate sales, teaching Sunday School, and mentoring children.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by her husband, Louie E. Johnston; son, Louie Johnston, Jr.; daughter Gwendolyn Johnston; and brothers, Webb Wyatt, Gene Wyatt, and Bob Wyatt.

Survivors include her children, Dave (Nancy) Johnston, Troyce (Allen) Hayes, Gay Johnston, and Connie Johnston; siblings, Danny (Susan) Wyatt and Ann (Duane) Jackson; 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Graveside & interment services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Johnston will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, October 6 at Lyerly Cemetery with Rev. James Baird officiating. Pallbearers will be Mrs. Johnston’s Grandsons.

There will be no visitation and those wishing to attend the graveside service are requested to assemble at the cemetery.
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. Cameron Eli Lyons age 19 of Trion, GA passed away Saturday, September 30, 2023 at an Atlanta hospital due to injuries received in an automobile accident the month prior.

Mr. Lyons was born March 28, 2004 in Rome, GA to Michael Hammond and Shae Lyons. He was employed at Mt. Vernon Mills and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, music, playing x-box, and shopping for his soon coming baby.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jerry Payne, and David Lowrence; Grandmother, Kim Blackmon; and cousin, Casey Beene.

Survivors include his wife, Sharie Lyons; soon coming child, Harden Eli Lyons; parents, Michael Hammond and Shae Lyons; siblings, Carson Keen, Bentley Cothran, Jordan Hamilton, Harper Hammond, Kylie Cothran, Arabelle Fisher, and Georgianna Hammond; Grandparents, Paulette Lowrence and Terry Lyons; “favorite” aunt, Amber Tapp; and several cousins and friends.

Funeral services to celebrate Cameron’s life will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, October 5 at the chapel of Mason Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Collins and Mr. Sean Ledbetter officiating. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery with Zach McGuire, Levi McGuire, Matthew Tapp, Kasen Reyes, Terry Lyons, and Damien Allmon serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Alex Barley and David Tapp.

Visitation will be held and the family will receive friends Thursday from 11:00 until the service hour at the funeral home.

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

Mrs. Lori McWhorter age 42 of Trion, GA passed away Friday, September 29, 2023 from injuries received in an automobile accident.

Mrs. McWhorter was born May 18, 1981 in Rome, GA to Nolan and Rachel Sparks Crisp. She was an educator at LaFayette High School.
Mrs. McWhorter is preceded in death by her grandparents, Len Earl and Rachel Sparks, and William “Cherry” and Pauline Crisp.

Survivors include her loving husband Anthony McWhorter; sons William and Owen McWhorter; parents, Nolan and Rachel Sparks Crisp; sister, Misty (Robert) McQuese; nieces & nephews, Noah, Eli, and Ava Grace McQuese, Shane Tucker, Heather Roberts, Ben McWhorter, Tyson McWhorter, and Hampton McWhorter; and great-nieces, Hannah Stewart, Rayne McWhorter, and Jolie McWhorter.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mrs. McWhorter will take place at 4:00 PM Wednesday, October 4 at Pennville Church of Christ with Min. Robbie Eversole officiating. Interment will follow at West Hill Cemetery with Noah McQuese, Eli McQuese, Alan Mann, Richie McWhorter, Tracy McWhorter, and Shane Tucker serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the LaFayette High School FBLA, The Trion High School 1997 – 1999 Girls Softball Team, and the current Trion High School Football Team.

Mrs. McWhorter will lie in state at the church and the family will receive friends Wednesday from 2:00 until the service hour.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial donations be made to the LaFayette High School FBLA.

To share your condolences with the family online, please visit the funeral home website at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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

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.