Melba Louise Thomas Boss, formally of the Waterville community in Walker County, Ga, age 90, passed away January 26, 2023 following an extended illness.

She was born July 17, 1932 in Trion, Ga. the daughter of Reece Henderson Thomas and Letha Thomas. Mrs. Boss was a graduate of LaFayette High School and retired from Eli Walker shirt factory as personnel manager and Mt. Vernon mills where she worked in the cost department. She was a member of Waterville Baptist church for over 60 years and served in many capacities including choir and a Sunday school teacher.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Marshall Henry Boss. Brothers, Kenneth George Thomas and Holland Richard Thomas.

She is survived by her daughter and son in law Kathy and Tim Thompson, grandsons Wes Thompson (Keeta), Ben Thompson, Dr. Luke and Annie Thompson. Sister-in-law Betty Allen. Several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Boss was a very strong Christian lady that always let her light shine everywhere she went and she was fortunate enough to travel to a lot of places. Her luggage was always packed. She was able to go on several missionary trips where she helped with support of crews that built churches, homes, and missions. Among other places she was able to go to Alaska, Canada, Mexico and St Lucia.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Wallis Wilbanks Funeral Home in LaFayette, Ga. Family will receive friends from 12:00pm till the hour of the funeral at 2:00pm with the Rev. Sam Barrett officiating. Interment will follow in the LaFayette Memorial Garden.

Active pallbearers will be Wes Thompson, Ben Thompson, Luke Thompson, Evan Webb Keith Thomas, Mike Dawson, Vester Young.

Family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Seven Hills memory care and Trinity Hospice.

Flowers will be accepted as well as donations to Waterville Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.

Mr. Allen D. Sparks, age 87, formerly of Mentone, AL passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at his residence in Hinckley, IL.

Mr. Sparks was born May 31, 1935 in Cherokee County, AL, the son of the late Voy Sparks and Edgel Dockery Sparks.

He was devoted to his church activities and had been a Deacon at Central Avenue Baptist Church in Trion, GA before relocating back to Illinois to be near his family.

He worked at John T. Clark company in Geneva, IL, residing in rural Batavia, Il for over 40 years before retiring and building their home in Mentone, AL near his brothers Len Earl, Sherold and Dale Sparks, now deceased; and brother Garlis and sister Darnell Amico of Trion, GA

Mr. Sparks was preceded in death by his wife, Lauretta (Maytum) Sparks. He is survived by 5 children and their spouses, Lane and Brenda Sparks, Gary and Julie Sparks, Dale and Lisa Sparks, Todd and Tracy Verachtert, and Wade and Michelle Sparks; and 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.

No funeral or memorial service is immediately planned. The family will notify loved ones in the future when a service is scheduled.

Private interment will take place at Dixon Chapel Cemetery.

You can share your condolences with the family online at www.masonfuneralhome.com.

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

Mrs. Katherine Elizabeth “Kathy” Gilmer Bradley, age 73 of Summerville, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at the Oak Niew Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Bradley was born in Summerville, Georgia on April 27, 1949, daughter of the late Yancey Mazone Gilmer and Georgia Bingham Gilmer. She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church and was a homemaker. She loved telling stories and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bradley was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Bradley; daughter, Melanie Millican and a brother, Wayne Gilmer.

Mrs. Bradley is survived by a daughter and son –in-law, Julie and Bobby Snider; a son, Chris Whisenant(Pamela Wiley); grandchildren, Will Whisenant, Beth Dodd, Gail Dodd, Chaz MIllican, Mika Vaughn, Kinsey Money, Matt Snider, Brooke Brown and Karlah Snider; great grandchildren, Kimberly Whisenant, Cayden Whisenant, Brynlee Whisenant, Silver Williamson, DaVinity Williamson, Leighton Williamson, Holyn Williamson, Aubree Johnston, Zane Johnston, Landon Ables, Jasper Ables, Dallas Ables, Brayden Snider, Kamren Snider, Blaine Snider, Dax Brown and Blake Smith; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Bradley will be held Sunday, January 29, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Petitt Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Pastor Danny Decker officiating. Interment will follow in the Summerville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Snider, Chris Whisenant, Austin Rowland, Todd Money, Brenden Smith and RJ Brown. Honorary Pallbearers will be the staff of Oak View Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

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

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Katherine Elizabeth “Kathy” Gilmer Bradley.

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

Mrs. Patricia Lowry Ponder, age 78 of Trion, Georgia passed away Friday, January 20, 2023 in a local healthcare facility.

Mrs. Ponder was born in Trion, Georgia on October 28, 1944, daughter of the late Floyd Lowry and Anna Styles Lowry. She was Baptist by faith and was retired from the Lyerly Plant of Mohawk Industries. She was an avid animal advocate, loving animals of all kinds. Along with her parents, Mrs. Ponder was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Earl Ponder.

Mrs. Ponder is survived by a sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Jim Palmour; a favorite aunt, Nancy Lowry, niece, Georgianna Palmour; nephew, Jay (Beth) Palmour; great nephew, Christopher Ward; and several cousins and extended family members.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Ponder will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 4:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Daniel Driver officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Jay Palmour, Chris Ward, Steve Lowry, D.J. Driver, Tommy Pledger and Ed Flener.

Mrs. Ponder will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 3:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society or to a local animal shelter.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Patricia Lowry Ponder.

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

Miss Samantha Denyse Smith, age 31 of Summerville, passed away Friday, January 20, 2023 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Samantha was born in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia on September 10, 1991, daughter of Terry Earl Smith and the late Regina Denyse Jennings Smith. She was a graduate of Chattooga High School and was the assistant manager at the Summerville Subway Restaurant. Samantha enjoyed painting and drawing and spending time with her Subway Sisters.

Samantha is survived by her brothers and sister-in-law, Aaron Smith and and Allan and Nikki Smith; grandmothers, Betty Jennings(Gary Bailey) and Mary Reynolds; father, Terry Earl Smith; 5 nieces; 5 nephews and a number of Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Funeral Services for Samantha will be held Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Rickey Biddle and Rev. Barry Brown officiating.
Honorary Pallbearers will be her sisters from Subway.

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

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Miss Samantha Denyse Smith.

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

Mr. Gary Steven Witt, age 71, of Trion, GA, died Monday, January 23, 2023, at his residence.

Mr. Witt was born November 3, 1951, in LaFayette, GA, son of the late Raymond Earl Witt and Barbara Jean Palmer Witt. He was a member of Welcome Hill Baptist Church and was currently employed as a bus driver with the Chattooga County School System. Mr. Witt was also retired from Mount Vernon Mills where he was a member of the Quarter Century Club and had previously been employed with Wal-Mart for 20 years.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Witt was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Elaine Helms Witt; brothers, Greg Witt; mother and father-in-law, Bobby and Margie Helms; and a brother-in-law, Richard Helms.

Survivors include his children, Stephen (Brandy) Witt, Kari (Brad) Groce, Brittanie Witt (Jeremy Chamlee); brothers, Chris (Connie) Witt, Sid (Melody) Witt; brother-in-law, Steve Helms; grandchildren, Emma Witt, Evan Witt, Fisher Witt, Abby Groce, Brady Groce, Blaine Groce, Ella Bolton, Coleson Chamlee, Greyson Chamlee; and soon-to-be-born, Averie Chamlee.

Funeral services for Mr. Witt will be held at 1:00 P.M. Thursday, January 26, 2023, from the Mason Funeral Home Chapel. Active pallbearers will be Evan Witt, Brady Groce, Blaine Groce, Coleson Chamlee, Greyson Chamlee, Fisher Witt, Allen Witt, Roy Witt, Dale Witt, Jared Witt, Patrick Strawn, and Craig Holt. Honorary pallbearers will be the bus drivers and staff of the Chattooga County Bus Barn.

Mr. Witt 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 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.

MRS. MARY Z. JACKSON HIGH, age 95, of the Gore Community, Summerville, Georgia, passed away peacefully, Sunday, January 22, 2023, at her home. Mrs. High was born on July 20, 1927 in Chattooga County, the daughter of Brunette Brewer Jackson and Robert Gaines Jackson. She was a 1943 graduate of Lyerly High School. She retired from the Chattooga County Board of Education in 1992, serving as secretary and bookkeeper for 26 years. Mary married Weyman Wright High in 1947; they were married for 67 years. She was a member of Unity Baptist Church; she was currently a member of Summerville First United Methodist Church. Other than Her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Robertine Jackson of McDonough, Georgia.

She is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and William Crouch; three granddaughters and spouses; , Lindsey and Lance Brown, Whitney and Nate Rupp, and Christine Crouch; three great grandsons, Zeke Brown, Andrew Rupp, and Logan Brown.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, at 2:00 P.M. from Graveside in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Gore Community, with Rev. J. Wesley Privette officiating. Active Pallbearers William Crouch, Lance Brown, Nate Rupp, and Zeke Brown. There will be no visitation. Anyone who would like to remember Her with a contribution is asked to give to the Summerville First United Methodist Church general fund (P. O. Box 187, Summerville, Georgia) or to Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund (204 Congress Street, Summerville, Georgia).

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Pastor Joey Paul Vaughn, age 60 of the Pennville Community, Summerville, passed away Friday, January 20, 2023 at his residence.

Pastor Vaughn was born in Trion, Georgia on April 1, 1962, son of William Paul “Pete” Vaughn and the late Mary Jo Reece Lindsey. He was a member of the New Generation Church of God, and was an ordained minister, working with the Chattooga County Community Resource Center. Pastor Vaughn enjoyed collecting Action Figures, and was considered at “Super Hero” throughout Chattooga County for his work with the Chattooga Community Resource Center. He was a loving father, grandfather and friend to all that knew him. In addition to his mother,

Pastor Vaughn was preceded in death by a sister, Tammy Ann Lindsey, and grandparents, John and Clara Bell Reece and Clarence and Hazel Vaughn.

Pastor Vaughn is survived by his wife, April Vaughn; sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Amanda Vaughn and Jehrome Paul and Jessica Vaughn; daughter, Minister Angel Vaughn; father and step-mother, Pete and Cindy Vaughn; step-father, Jimmy Lindsey; brothers and sisters-in-law, Stacey and Shelley Vaughn, Barry and Fayla Vaughn and Jason Vaughn; grandchildren, Israel Vaughn, Ella Vaughn, and Tyler Vaughn; fur babies, Tiny, Penny, Shakespeare and Smokie; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services for Pastor Vaughn will be held Monday, January 23, 2023 at 3:00 P.M. in the Chapel of the Coffman Funeral Home with Rev. Danny Harkins, Rev. Eric Mosley and Rev. Paul Winston officiating. Interment will follow in the Summerville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Caleb Reynolds, Matthew Simmons, Ben Weeks, Scott Woodall, Ethan Hutchins and Jake Hutchins. Honorary Pallbearers will be New Generation Church and the staff of Amedysis Hospice.

Pastor Vaughn will be in state at the Coffman Funeral Home and the family will receive friends Monday afternoon from 1:00 P.M. until the funeral hour.

Coffman Funeral Home, Petitt Chapel is honored to be serving the family of Pastor Joey Paul Vaughn. Please visit www.coffmanfh.net to sign our online guestbook and to post condolences.

Mrs. Peggy Silvers Winters, age 75 of Lyerly, Georgia, passed away on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Advent Health Redmond Hospital following a brief illness.

Mrs. Winters was born in Calhoun, Georgia on July 26, 1946, the daughter of the late Alvin Silvers and Ethel Perry.  She was a graduate of Trion High School Class of 1965 and a retired hairdresser.  She was a member of Oak Hill Methodist Church in the Oak Hill Community.  Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by father and mother-in-law, Grady and Frances Winters; brothers Mickey Silvers and Jonny Silvers; stepbrother Mike Perry; and close Church friends, Debbie Yarbrough, Jimmie Duke Jones, Betty Smith, and Sara Moseley.

She is survived by the love of her life and husband of 55 years, Ronnie Winters, daughter and son-in law Kristi and Robert Beach; son and daughter-in-law Jason and Abbey Winters; sister-in-law Carol Winters; sisters Mildred Singleton and Kathy Jacobs; a brother Richard Silvers; special nieces Lori Kellett and Lacey Baker, and several other nieces and nephews; grandchildren Gray Beach, Walt Beach, Jack Weaver, Payton Weaver; special great-nieces and nephews Gracie Farmer and her fiancé Doug Colbert, Kylor Kellett, Ruby Kellett, Shelby Baker, Olivia Baker, and Colton Baker; Step-brothers and step-sisters Bobbie Jo Martin, Shirley Perry, and Rick Perry. She was a proud descendant of George Silvers, Revolutionary War Patriot who served alongside George Washington and was present at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Mrs. Winters was a wonderful and beloved wife, and she was the most amazing mother and grandmother. She grew up in Trion, Georgia as part of a foster home, and she always carried a special love to help foster children.  Prior to her marriage and while her future husband served in Vietnam, she worked at Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta and held the much respected first chair spot in their beauty salon. At her home, she later operated her beauty shop to many longtime customers.  She loved taking trips and cruises, and one of her favorites was a special trip to Paris in 2008 with some of her close friends.  She loved antiquing and had a respected eye for hard to find and now popular primitive furniture pieces over many decades. As a gifted cook, she always enjoyed hosting dinners and parties with family and friends. She loved hosting class and family reunions at a family home she and her husband moved to Oak Hill and remodeled. She enjoyed visiting and talking with her friends, and she always made everyone feel welcomed and loved. Starting new hobbies was a consistent activity for her, and she was a gifted artist, soap maker, and winemaker. She loved selling her homemade goods at Sum-Nelly. At the age of 60, she learned to play the guitar, and her family loved hearing her sing and strum happy birthday to them. Her love of music, especially blue grass and country, stemmed from her close kin with the first family of country music, The Carter Family.  She was a member of the Summerville Victorian Christmas Guild, Chattooga County Schools Reading Buddies Program, and was a dog fosterer with the Animal Advocates of Chattooga County.  Her love of the elderly, children, and animals was widely known and felt.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Oak Hill Methodist Church with Reverend Jason Willis and Reverend Wayne Pace officiating.  Interment will follow in Oak Hill Methodist Church Cemetery.  Active Pallbearers are Doug Colbert, Gray Beach, Walt Beach, Jack Weaver, Kylor Kellett, Joe Reed, Duane Yarbrough, Kyle Kellett, and Tony Jones.  Honorary pallbearers will be the members of Oak Hill Methodist Church and the Trion High School Class of 1965.

Mrs. Winters will be in state at Oak Hill Methodist Church and the family will receive friends from 1:00 P.M. until the service hour on Sunday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oak Hill Methodist Church Cemetery Fund (P. O. Box 336, Lyerly, GA 30730).

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. FAYE JOLENE LAWSON BROWN, age 90, of Jason Drive, Trion, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at her residence. A native of Sylvania, Alabama, She was born to the late William H. Lawson and the late Eva Ferguson Roberts on October 7, 1932. Mrs. Brown was a faithful member of the Trion First Baptist Church, loved quilting, was an avid gardener, and enjoyed the Silver Sneakers. In addition to Parents, She was preceded in death by siblings, Bonnie Davenport and B. W. (Jack) Brown and step father, the late M. O. Roberts.

Surviving are daughters, Debbie Fowler and Patricia (Patrick) Baldwin; sons, Marvin (Rose) Brown and Anthony Brown; half sisters, Katie Golden, Joyce Lancaster, and Pam Jackson; grandchildren, Richard (Amber) Ramirez, Caressa (Stephen) Price, Chris Ramirez, Jonathan Ramirez, Dylan S. Baldwin, and Cassidy S. Baldwin, MD; Seven Great Grandchildren; several Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 21st, at 3:00 P.M. from the J. D. Hill Memorial Chapel with Pastor Casey Bramlett and Rev. Dee Dee Lawson officiating, entombment in Greenhills Memory Garden. Active Pallbearers Richard Ramirez, Chris Ramirez, Jonathan Ramirez, Dylan Baldwin, Stephen Price, and Kaden Ramirez. Visitation will be Saturday from 1 until 3 P.M. at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, Palmetto, Georgia.

Earle Rainwater Funeral Home in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Faye Jolene Lawson Brown.