MR. JOSHUA CODY RATHBUN, age 34, of Summerville, Georgia, Pennville Community, passed away unexpectedly Monday morning. He was born in Melburn, Fla. on January 5, 1989 to Rickie Allen Rathbun and Lisa Joanne Hinchman Rathbun who survive. Mr. Rathbun was Baptist by Faith and an operator for Audia Plastics of LaFayette.

Surviving are His wife, Megan Rathbun; parents, Rickie and Lisa Rathbun; daughter, Avery Grace Rathbun; sons-Noah James Rathbun and Colton Joshua Rathbun; brother, Jason Allen (Heather) Rathbun; nieces, Destiny Rathbun, Addison Ramey, and Caydence Ramey; sister-in-law, Mandi Ramey.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 6th, at 1:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery, with Dr, Charles Bishop officiating. The Family will receive friends Thursday from noon until 1:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Joshua-Cody Rathbun.

MR. ROBBY EUGENE FERGUSON, age 45, of Summerville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from injuries received in an auto accident near his home. He was born December 20, 1977 in Dalton, Georgia, son of Rocky Eugene Ferguson and Carolyn Marlene Allmon Ferguson. Mr. Ferguson was a self employed Mechanic. Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rube and Fannie Allmon and Tommy and Iris Ferguson.

Surviving are his parents, Rocky & Carolyn Ferguson; sister, Christy (Richard) Dycus; niece, Mikayla Dycus; nephew, Brandon (Sarah) Dycus; great niece, Remi Dycus.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 2 p.m. from the J.D. Hill Memorial Chapel of Earle Rainwater Funeral Home with Rev. David Pruett and Rev. Larry Scoggins officiating, Interment in Subligna Cemetery. Active Pallbearers will be Brandon Dycus, Richard Dycus, Sam Sutton, Mike Sutton, Kevin Godfrey and Chad Brown. The family will receive friends Friday, March 31, 2023 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Robby Eugene Ferguson who passed away Wednesday.

Betty “Ann” Bryant Ponder Gwathney, 78, peacefully and rejoicingly joined her Savior in Heaven on March 28,2023. Ann was preceded in death by her late husband, Bill Ponder, and her step daughter April Gwathney. She was the devoted wife to Bill Gwathney, loving mom to Angi (Bill) Reid of Lawrenceville, Billi (Tim) Kilgore of Cornelia, Shann (J.) Doig of Buford, Amy Gorham of Pisgah, AL and Reggie (Amy) Gwathney Daphne, AL. She was the loving Nanny to Kori (Sam) Benfiel, Eric (Sarah) Kilgore, Jackson, Andi, Jake, and Jannsen Sells, Clay and Mallori Gorham, Adam Gwathney, Kurt, Blake, and Joy Gwathney. She was the very proud great grandmother to Jubilee, Mercy, Nehemiah, Ezra, Judah, Branch, Charli and Victoria. Ann was the sister of Martha (Bill) McConnell and O.W, ( Martha) Carpenter. She was blessed with and loved all her nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

To say Ann’s friends outnumbered the stars in the sky may be an understatement. She loved like no other. She cared deeply, advised wisely, prayed fervently, cooked deliciously, and laughed deeply with all her friends. Her travel buddies and her card playing friends have always held such a special place in her heart.

Ann was born and raised in Lyerly, GA. Ann is known for so many things. Her beautiful piano playing, her love of travel, her delicious bonbons and eggnog, her “open door “ policy for everyone, her love for Jesus and her church, love for Friday night card games, watching a good College football, her love for all things Christmas and of course, her love for birthday cake with a lot of icing!

The last decade has brought many obstacles to her life, all of which she hurdled with a smile on her face and joy in her heart. Despite each one, she knew she was loved by her Savior and Lord, and kept sharing of His great mercy and love.

A Memorial Service Honoring the Life of Ann will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 3:00PM at Tom M. Wages Lawrenceville Chapel. Inurnment will follow at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 1st from 1:00PM until the time of service at 3:00PM.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, 120 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville,

MR. WILLIAM HENRY MORGAN, SR. – Age 81, of Trion, Georgia passed away Saturday, March 25, 2023 at Etowah Landing Nursing Home. He was born January 5, 1942. He was preceded by his loving wife, Linda Price Morgan, daughter, Theresa Darling Morgan, parents, William N. Morgan and Margaret Neil Morgan, sister, Jean Hewitt. He was retired from Wheland Foundry and a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors are his loving and devoted daughter, Tracy M. Johnson; son, William H. (Tim) Morgan-Hurt; two grandsons, Steven Johnson, and Shane Johnson; brother-in-law, John Martin, Sr.; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives; a dear friend / roommate, James Wilson and other friends. Special thanks to the Etowah Landing Nursing Staff and to Tapestry Hospice.

Graveside Service will be held Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 12:00 noon at the Allgood Cemetery in Trion, Georgia with Bishop V. T. Harden as Eulogist. Interment, Allgood Cemetery. Arrangements by Willis Funeral Home, Dalton, Georgia.

MR. RYAN DEWAYNE COPELAND, age 47, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 24, 2023, in a Rome hospital. Ryan was born on June 23, 1975, in Rome, Georgia to the late Veston Dewayne Copeland and Brenda Joy Posey Copeland, who survives. He was Baptist by Faith and was Lot Manager for Harvey’s South End Auto Sales.

Surviving are sons, Jackson Graham Copeland and Dayton Tanner Copeland; Mother, Brenda Copeland; sister, Holly (Joe) Money; brother, Lane Copeland; nephew, Landon (Haley) Henson; great nephews, Brody and Lincoln.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 30th, at 4:00 P.M. from Graveside in Summerville Cemetery, with Pastor Phil Minter officiating. Active Pallbearers Steven Fountain, Jason Brown, Harvey Fitzgerald, Danny Hayes, John Sterner, and Danny Carter. The Family will receive friends Thursday from 2 until 4 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mr. Ryan Dewayne Copeland who passed away Friday.

Mrs. Peggy “Gail” Anderson, age 70, of Lyerly, GA, died Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Advent Health Redmond.

Mrs. Anderson was born May 15, 1952, in Summerville, GA, daughter of the late James and Lottie McNeese White. Prior to her retirement, she was employed with Mohawk Industries. Mrs. Anderson enjoyed reading, working with her flowers, and homemaking. She loved spending time with her family and her grandkids.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rickey Anderson as well as 5 brothers.
Survivors include her son, Stephen (Retta) Sprayberry; daughters, Traci (Rusty) Williams, Amy (Kevin) Simon; sisters, Shirley Culberson, Betty Jo (Phil) Rogers; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 28, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lebron Long officiating.

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.

With great sorrow, the family announces the death of Patricia Bell, age 80, of Summerville, GA. Patricia passed away on March 21, 2023, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her loved ones at the time of passing.

Pat was born April 12, 1942, in Memphis, TN to Walter and Lillian Slay. She Graduated from Batesville High School, in Mississippi and from the University of Tennessee in Chattanooga, TN.

In addition to the role of mother to Julia Anne Goodnight, Nancy Karen Goodnight and Amy Goodnight Kennedy, Pat spent her career as an accountant, and retired as the Vice President of Finance for the Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce.

During retirement Pat spent time in many hobbies. She participated in multiple Bible Study groups and several book clubs. She was an extraordinary painter and she was an avid Master Gardner.

Pat lived a life of deep faith and was a devoted member of the McFerrin Sunday School Class at Brainerd Baptist and of the Lydia Sunday School class at Trion First Baptist Church.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Lillian Slay , Winnifred and Theron Chandler, beloved Aunt and Uncle, daughters Julia Anne and Karen Goodnight

Pat is survived by a daughter Amy Kennedy (Gary), adoring grandchildren Scott Kennedy (Kimber), Lauren Pettit (Luke), Rebecca Thomas (Ramsey) and Lilly Kennedy as well as 4 great grand children Rowan, Ridley and Rory Thomas and Josie Kennedy. Additionally, Pat is survived by special loved ones, Barbara, David, Megan and Alison King. Pat leaves behind a very large and special friend group from many phases of her life. There are beloved childhood friends from Batesville, MS, and numerous friends from Chattanooga, TN and friends from Summerville, GA.

Pat was an extraordinarily brilliant person with many gifts and talents. She was a generous soul to all she met and loved by all who knew her. Her talent for gardening and painting are tangible gifts she leaves us. Her creativity and boundless love made this world a better place.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trion First Baptist Church on Thursday March 30, 2023 in the sanctuary. The family will receive friends at 11 am with the Celebration to begin at noon.

The family request that any memorial donations in honor of Patricia Bell be made to Trion First Baptist Church or The Ronald Mcdonald House where she volunteered for many years.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Tommie Louise Boykin, age 72, of Summerville, GA, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Advent Health Redmond.

Mrs. Boykin was born July 3, 1950, in Holland, GA, daughter of the late John Hudgins and Laura Erving Adams. She was a member of Pond Springs AME Zion Church and had been employed with Mohawk Industries.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Leslie Lester.

Survivors include her sons, Timothy Ladell Boykin, Kevin Alfonzo Boykin; brothers, Glenn Adams, Aaron (Gail) Adams, Issac Adams, and Felix Adams; sisters, Francis Hudgins, Ann Price, and Mahalia Lay; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; special niece, Angie Harris, special nephew, Terrence Adams; special cousin, Janice Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services for Mrs. Boykin will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel.

Mrs. Boykin 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 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. Beatrice Virginia “Bea” Alexander, age 89 of Trion, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 in a local healthcare center.

Mrs. Alexander was born in Berryton, Georgia on March 13, 1934, daughter of the late William Henry Grady Cothran and Martha Beatrice Brown Cothran. She was a member of the South Summerville Baptist Church and was retired from the Lucky’s Supermarket in Menlo. She loved to cook, sew, can food and refinish furniture, but her favorite activity was spending time with her family. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Alexander was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph E. Alexander; second husband, Ray Burkhalter; sister, Betty Sue Cothran; brothers, Bill Cothran, Jerry Cothran, Curtis Cothran, and Sammy Cothran; and a great grandson, Jordan Blane Duke.

Mrs. Alexander is survived by a son and daughter-in-in-law, Keith and Sondra Alexander; daughter and son-in-law, Jimmie and Barry Duke; grandchildren, Virginia Celeste Duke Hutchens and Crystal Denae Duke; great grandchildren, Madison Leigh Hutchens, Trystan Blake Hutchens, Brayden Tyler Hutchens, Joshua Brent Duke and Jeslyn Brook Duke; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Alexander will be held Sunday, March 26, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Casey Bramlett officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Arnold Kilgo, Kenneth Blansit, John Sterner, Gary Duke, Blake Hutchens, Tyler Hutchens and Joshua Duke. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Staff of Oak View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, C-Hall Nurses and CNAs and the Staff of Affinis Hospice.

Mrs. Alexander will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00 P.M. until the service hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Beatrice Virginia “Bea” Alexander.

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

Thomas “Tom” Clyde Drummond, age 81, of Summerville, Georgia, passed away on March 21, 2023, at his residence.

Tom was born on April 5, 1941, to the late Thomas “T.J.” Jefferson Drummond & Vivian Irene Kellett Drummond Bryant in Trion, Georgia. Tom was raised on Kellett Hill in the Summerville area and graduated from Summerville High School in 1959. He was an elite athlete and excelled in basketball, baseball & football at SHS. After graduation, he married Lola Bowers & moved to Statesboro, Georgia, where they began a family & he began studying Recreation at Georgia Southern University.

After graduating from GSU in 1964 with a degree in Recreation, Tom began working as Program Director at Dalton Parks & Recreation, kickstarting a 33-year career in the field. He worked for the State of Georgia and was also a Director in Carrollton, GA. He later became the Director of Clayton County Parks & Recreation. Tom was instrumental in starting many recreational programs all over the state of Georgia. After retiring at the age of 51, Tom moved to Jekyll Island, Georgia, where he enjoyed sailing, playing golf, tennis and restoring classic cars. Tom moved back to his hometown of Summerville in 2016, due to declining health and to be near family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and Stepfather, Edward R. Bryant & Stepmother Lillian E. Drummond.

He is survived by his four children: Kelli (Tim) Winters, Kit (Randy) Willingham, Matt (Shelley) Drummond, Laine Drummond; grandchildren: Josh (Emily) Hurley, Lacey (Willys) Hames, Leslie (Blake) Gazaway, Jessie (Kyle) Shepard, Emily Green (Justin Smith), Wil (Alyssa) Drummond, Cal Drummond; Ten great-grandchildren; One great-great-grandchild; Former wife & mother of his children, Lola Bedford; Uncle, Gordon Kellett; Special Cousin Jamie Frady and a host of special, life-long friends.

A Memorial Service for Mr. Drummond will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 22nd, at 290 Woodhaven Drive, Summerville, Georgia.