Mrs. Beverly Brimer Bolsius, age 86 of Hiawassee, passed away after a struggling hospice in her mountain home Saturday, October 26, 2019.

Beverly was born in Atlanta, Georgia on September 10, 1933 to the late Aubrey & Margaret Brimer. The loss of her younger sister at the age of 10 made a big impact on her perspective of life. It was from that moment that she became intentional with her life. Her high school years were full of accomplishment some of which include serving as class officer and majorette of the band. It was also here that she met her future husband, Gene Bolsius. After high school, she attended business school and worked for the State of Georgia Health Department. Later, she reconnected with Gene and they began a solid marriage and life of adventure!

It is said behind every great man is a great woman. She was the epitome of that idiom. Bev had a certain charisma about her. When she entered the room her presence was instantly known- she was the life of the party. Her hilarious sense of humor and style allowed her to quickly form genuine connections with people. Through Gene’s career, they were able to live all over the world from Tokyo to Hong Kong and Buenos Aires. These locations served as jumping off points for the rest of their globe-trotting adventures as they enjoyed a full retirement traveling the world. Bev was extremely organized and patriotic. She even coupled these attributes volunteering to host and entertain troops overseas.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: loving husband of 67 years, Eugene Herbert Bolsius; daughter, Mona Carolyn Clayton; son & daughter-in-law, Mark Stephen & Anne Bolsius; and daughter, Melissa Anne Caldwell. Also, sharing in her legacy are 8 grandchildren, Christie Clayton, Colin Clayton (Gina), Michael Bolsius, Shelly Bolsius, Maggie Bolsius, Nick Caldwell, Jack Caldwell, and Olivia Caldwell. Bev was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Carolyn Brimer.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, October 31, 2019 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Chaplain Greg Bailey officiating. The family will gather together with friends prior to the service beginning at noon.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Mrs. Charlotte (Sherry) Bagwell, age 72, of 1483 Ivy Log Rd., Blairsville, GA, passed away Thursday, October 24, 2019, peaceably at her home following an extended illness. Charlotte was born November 5, 1946, in San Diego, CA, at the Naval Base Hospital to the late Max and Ruby Schlaich. Charlotte came to Blairsville in 2005 to be close to her mother and sister, also to enjoy the Mountains. She is preceded in death by her son, Davie Childers.

Surviving Charlotte are, sister, Barbara Wilson (Beloved Dog) Baby Cakes of Blairsville, GA, husband, Fred Bagwell of Perry, GA, daughters, Moena (Terry) Broadnax and Lisa Childers of Atlanta, grandson, Jay Childers of Atlanta, granddaughter, Cynthia (Ricky Jones) Broadnax of Atlanta, grandson, Troy Broadnax of Conyers, GA, nieces and nephews, Curtis Fisher and Jenny Blakley of Rex, GA, Yogi A. Yeomans of Jackson County, GA, several other nieces and nephews.

We would like to thank each and everyone at Union County Nursing Home for the compassion and excellent care they gave Charloette. She made many friends while there. We would also like to thank Regency Hospice, also everyone who made it possible for Charlotte to come home. Coming home was her only wish. We’re so glad we could give her this wish.

At Charlotte’s request no services will be held.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA was in charge of arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Ruth Nickerson Curtis age 73 of Raven Lane Murphy passed away peacefully on Saturday January 11, 2020 in the Erlanger Western Carolina Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Curtis was born on June 7, 1946 in Belfast, ME., the daughter of the late Kenneth Nickerson and the late Alice Reynolds Nickerson. Ruth had made her home in Murphy for the past ten years. She loved reading, bowling, playing bingo and watching games shows on T.V. Ruth was a loving and caring mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Curtis in 2011. Ruth was of the Christian faith.

Surviving Mrs. Curtis are two daughters and sons in law, Patricia and Steve Haynes of Hudson, FL., Terry and Martin Gunn of Murphy, one brother, Kenneth Nickerson of Belfast, ME., five grandchildren, Michael Haynes, Robert Kendrick Jr., Brittany Trull, Tyson Haynes, Samuel Kendrick, four great grandchildren, James Trull, Ella Trull, Addie Jo Kendrick and Mason Kendrick, many other relatives and friends also survive. As per Ruth’s wishes, no services are planned. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the St. Jude’s Hospital in Ruth’s memory.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Arlene Pack, age 88, of McCaysville, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2019, in Blue Ridge. Mrs. Pack was born April 16, 1931, in Mc Caysville, GA, to the late Mark Taylor and the late Iowa Taylor. She was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. Mrs. Pack was preceded in death by her husband, Herbert Pack, son, Steven Pack, brothers, Hoyt Taylor, Paul Taylor, Edwin Tayor, Ralph Taylor, and sister, Maudene Taylor. Arlene was a lifelong resident of the area and enjoyed sewing, gardening, hunting, fishing, and ball games.

Survivors include her sons, Terry (Kathy) Pack, Stanley (Sue) Pack, Todd (Lisa) Pack, and Stacy (Kim) Pack, sister, Lorene Queen, 12 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services: Tuesday, December 10, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Mitchell Taylor and Rev. Harold Willis officiating. Music provided by Ryan & Holly Norton. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers: Brian Jones, Steve Hedden, Terry Hedden, Kevin Thomas, B.J. Taylor, and Bruce Pack.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville Monday, December 9, 2019, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Dana Hughes, age 50 of Copperhill, TN, passed away on November 24, 2019, in Ellijay, GA. Mrs. Hughes was born May 8, 1969, in Copperhill, TN. to the late Jesse Sisson, Sr. and the late Martha Sue Dye. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jesse Sisson, Sr. and Martha Sue Ash Dye, step-father, Clarence Dye, and sister, Tina Hensley.

Survivors include sons, Jonathan (Brandie) Hughes, and Jeffery (Kimberly) Hughes; daughter, Jessica (Raymond) Hughes; sister, Karen (Steve) Driskill; brother, Jesse (Alma) Sisson, Jr.; brother-in-law, Randy Hensley; and 10 grandchildren.

Funeral services: Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at 5:00 pm at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA with William Ashe and Jesse Sisson Jr. officiating. Music provided by Tim Nicholson.

The family will receive friends at the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA Tuesday, November 26, 2019, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cochran Funeral Homes to help defray final expenses.

Arrangements entrusted to the Finch-Cochran Funeral Home of McCaysville, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Mr. Vaughn “Bud” William Hughes Jr., age 76 of Blairsville who passed away on Saturday evening, November 23, 2019.

Bud was born in Young Harris, Georgia on September 11, 1943 to the late Vaughn William Hughes Sr. and the late Maebelle Thomas Hughes. Bud was a builder by trade and highly respected for operating with a high level of integrity and perfection. There was a right way to do things, the wrong way, and then there was Bud’s way- which was always a step above the rest. Bud was licensed and qualified in nearly every facet of the construction industry. He also enjoyed farming and working with his tractors. Bud had a no-nonsense approach to life. He was honest and direct, one never wondered how he stood on an issue.

His mannerisms and gentle demeanor were like a magnet for little children who affectionately called him “Uncle Bud”. He was a people person and a master story teller of historical events. Gifted with a photographic memory, he retained a vast knowledge of many subjects including local kinships. Bud loved to sing gospel music and performed with the Trackrock Baptist Church Quartet.

Family left to treasure his memory are: his loving wife of 55 years, Jeanette Coker Hughes; son & daughter-in-law, Marty & Shannon Hughes; daughter, Michelle Hughes; and sisters, Flonnie Hughes and Elsie Hughes Nelson. Also sharing in his legacy are his 3 grandchildren, Tristan (Brian) Payne, Adam (Lindsay) Nolte, and Tyler Hughes and his 5 great grandchildren, Noah, Deacon, Eden, Judah and Elam Payne. Bud was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Beatrice Hughes Clark, Lois Hughes Corn, and Norma Jean Hughes Galloway.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Trackrock Baptist Church with Rev. Wade Plott officiating. The body will lie in-state at the church from 1:00 p.m. until the service begins. Special music will be presented by the Trackrock Baptist Church Choir, Danny Hudson, and Pam Corn. Eulogy will be given by Gerald Patterson. Interment will follow at Trackrock Baptist Church Cemetery. Gentlemen serving as pallbearers are Ray Brown, Gerald Patterson, Jeff Nelson, Anthony Coker, Harold Coker, Jason Sosebee, Cecil Hughes, and Danny Owenby. Honorary Pallbearers include Brian Payne, Tyler Hughes, and Adam Nolte.

The Family will receive friends at Cochran Funeral Home on Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trackrock Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1195, Blairsville, GA 30514.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Mrs. Sandra Jean Chitwood, age 58 of Rocking Horse Farm Rd, went to be with the Lord on Sunday November 24, 2019 in the Union General Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Chitwood was born on December 14, 1960 in Copperhill, TN., the daughter of the late Laymon Hawkins & late Mary Nichols. Sandra was a loving wife, mother, sister, and friend. In her free time, she enjoyed gardening and growing flowers. She is preceded in death by a brother, Ira Hawkins. Mrs. Chitwood was a member of Fairview Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Chitwood is her loving husband and best friend of 35 years, Leland Martin Chitwood of Blairsville, one son and daughter in law, Jason & Mandy Rich of Asheville, NC., Tiffany & Jimmie McKeral of Blairsville, one sister and brother in law, Glenda & Ricky Rice of Mineral Bluff, GA., one brother, Kyle Hawkins of Mineral Bluff, GA., five grandchildren; Harley Rich, Tyler Floyd, Devin Floyd, Logan Floyd, Asher Rich, niece, Mary Rice of Mineral Bluff, GA. Several more nieces & nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday November 27, 2019 at 11:00am with Rev. Jim McKeral officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Jimmie McKeral, Reen Hollifield, Andy Donnelly, Zachary Flowers, Jeffrey Moore, and Bill Jones. Interment will follow in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations be made to help defray expenses in Sandra’s memory. The family will meet with friends on Tuesday evening from 6:00pm-9:00pm.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Debra Lynn Stephens, age 62, of Ruth & Rachel’s Dr., Blairsville, GA, went to be with the lord on Wednesday October 23, 2019 following an extended illness. Debra was born on June 7, 1957 in Murphy, NC, daughter of the late Owen Garrett and the late Edna McDonald. Debra was a very religious and family-oriented person. She loved all her family, grandchildren, but most of all, her Lord. She is preceded in death by her husband, Michael Stephens in 2007, and a brother and sister, Ronnie Garrett & Susie Densmore.

Surviving Debra is one daughter, Brandy Lynn Brantley of Murphy, NC., sister and brother-in-law, Pat & Kenneth Mayo of Gay, GA., a brother and sister-in-law Doug & Kathy Garrett of High Falls, GA., several grandchildren; Keltsey Brendle, Keyla Brendle, Keyton Mullins, Kevin Mullins Jr., and one great-grandchild, Leland Comstock.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help defray expenses in Debra’s memory.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Dr. Larry V. Flegle, age 71, of Blairsville, who went to be in the presence of the Lord on Sunday evening, December 8th, 2019 in Blairsville.

Larry was born in Tampa, Florida on August 9, 1948 to the late Vernon and Hazel (Keene) Flegle. He proudly served his Nation as a 2nd Class Aviation Electronics Technician in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era. His military service led him to be stationed in Millington , TN, Pensecola, FL, and Norfolk, VA where he was on the forefront of helicopter and drone technology. His education credentials include: a Bachelor’s in Communication and Broadcasting from the University of South Florida, a Master’s in Public Administration from Pepperdine University, and he completed his Doctorate in Business Administration at Nova Southeast University. Larry made a career in sales and marketing with companies like MCI Communications/ Verizon and Atlanta Motor Speedway. He also taught on subjects such as marketing, management, and leadership as a Professor for multiple Universities. He embraced innovative education and helped pioneer distance learning and online courses.

Larry was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, where he also passionately served in the orchestra. He, along with his wife, Jan, founded the Missionary Quartermaster- an organization dedicated to meeting the needs of missionaries who actively serve around the world sharing the Gospel. Under this banner, they focused on short-term mission trips to support missionaries. Larry led 3 missions to Thailand and 1 to Uzbekistan. At home, he operated the radio station WUCG 93.1 in Blairsville. Larry also served as a board member of Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter.

Larry leaves behind his loving wife of 50 years, Jan Flegle; a daughter, Krista Flegle McLendon; two sisters: Darlene Flegle Bolton and her husband, Larry; and Patricia Flegle Bolton and her husband, Joe. Two precious Maltese pups, Lacy and Lily; many other relatives and a host of friends also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, December 12th, 2019, to be held at 10:00 a.m., in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, with Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. The following gentlemen have been requested to serve as pallbearers: Bob Honea, Steve McCranie, Bob Williams, Billy McDaniels, Ernie Kamber, Jim Shinholser, Mitch Rambo, and Jim Filler. Military Honors will be presented by North Georgia Honor Guard. Burial will be in Liberty Hill Cemetery in Acworth, Georgia, at 3:00 p.m.

The family will meet with friends on Wednesday evening, December 11th, 2019, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Flowers are being accepted. If you wish to do so, memorial contributions may be directed to an organization that was close to Larry’s heart, Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter, P.O. Box 1252, Blairsville, Georgia 30514.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Dr. Larry V. Flegle. Please share your condolences and sign the guest registry online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Balinda Gale Hymen, age 46, of Blue Ridge, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019, at Piedmont Hospital. Ms. Hymen was born on January 31, 1973, in Pahokee, FL, to Gale Stinnett Hymen. Balinda graduated from Moorehaven High School in Florida. She was active in the FFA program and loved all animals, especially cows. Coming from Moorehaven, Florida, Ms. Hymen made Fannin County her home for the past 31 years. She was a member of Liberty Hill Methodist Church.

Survivors include her father, Carl Eugene Hymen, mother, Gale Hymen, and spare mother, Anne Hymen.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements entrusted to the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, GA. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Ms. Edna Harrison Beavers, age 91, of McCaysville, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 31, 2019. She was born in the Staffordtown community, in Copperhill, TN, on August 27, 1928, to the late Grady & Edith Chancey Harrison.
Funeral Services will be held on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at 3:00 pm from the Chapel of Finch-Cochran Funeral Home in McCaysville, GA. Rev.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 2, 2019, from 5:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the funeral home.
A complete obituary will be posted as soon as it is available.
Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory Of McCaysville is honored to be serving the family.

Mrs. Betty Harper Swearington, age 83, of Blue Ridge passed away Wednesday evening, October 30, 2019, at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital in Jasper. She was born January 2, 1936, in Fannin County, Georgia, to the late Cliff and Maude Collins Harper. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ike Swearington, and siblings, Juanita, and James.
Betty retired from Lincoln Financial, and she had been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge. She liked deep-sea fishing, spending time on the Coast of North Carolina, listening to Billy Graham, and Southern Gospel Music. She loved dogs, and they held a special place in her heart.
Survivors include her niece, Shirley Foster of California, special friends, Tracy Radebaugh, Karon (Jerry) Monnett, and Larissa (Jack) Jones.
Funeral services Saturday, November 1, 2019, 11:00 AM from the Henry Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bob Richardson and Pastor W.L. Collins officiating. Music by Brian Huffman. Interment will follow in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the Henry Cochran Funeral Home on Friday evening, November 1, 2019, from 6 PM till 8 PM.
In place of flowers donations, may be made in Betty’s name to Samaritan’s Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.
You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Richard Harold Kephart, age 78, of Murphy, went to be with the Lord on October 25, 2019 at Mission Memorial Hospital in Asheville after a long battle with cancer. He was the son of Frank Lee Kephart and Josephine Dockery Kephart, who preceded him in death in 2005. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Janice Kephart Payne, Sheila Kephart Phillips, and brother, Merle R. Kephart.

He was a native of Cherokee County and graduated from White Church Elementary School and Murphy High School. He later graduated from Georgia State University, earning a BBA Degree. He married Margie Garrett of Unaka, in 1966 and resided in Decatur, GA, for seven years and then in Covington, Ga, for thirty-three years. Harold became a Christian in 1953, at the age of twelve. He was of the Baptist faith and an active member of several Baptist churches in Georgia and North Carolina. Harold enjoyed serving the Lord and was active as a pianist, deacon, bus driver, and camp counselor at Canaan Baptist Church for twenty-eight years, and Newton Baptist Church for five years, both in Covington, GA. He also served as pianist and deacon in Unaka Baptist Church. He strived to live up to his favorite Bible verses, Romans 12:1-2,
‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.’

His business career concentrated on serving banking and credit union communities. He worked at Citizens Bank and Trust from 1959-1961. After serving his military commitment, he worked for the National Bank of Georgia in Atlanta for eleven years as head of information systems. Next, he worked for First Financial Management Corporation of Atlanta/ FiServ for seventeen years providing various computer services to commercial banks. He then worked with FiTECH Systems in Atlanta for five years providing online computer services to credit unions. He then retired from Atlanta and worked five years teaching part-time at Dekalb Technical College as an adjunct professor. Harold was a veteran of the US Air Force serving from1961-1964. He served in Texas, the Philippines, and in England as a Radio Intercept Analyst. He and his wife returned to Cherokee County in 2007, where they happily resided in Murphy, NC. His interests for years have been playing the piano, photography, gardening, and non-fiction history.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Margie Garrett Kephart, his son, Thomas R. Kephart and wife, Amy of Oxford, GA, his daughter, Cynthia Fox and husband, Greg of Greenville, SC, five grandchildren who he dearly loved, Garrett and Weston Kephart, Daniel, Anna, and Jonathan Fox, and sisters, Alice McCanless of Oxford, GA, Karen Twiss and Sharon Kephart of Murphy.

Visitation will be from 12:00-2:00 on Monday, October 28, 2019 at the Cochran Funeral home in Murphy, NC. the Funeral will follow at 2:00 in the Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Rondal Brown, Rev. Daniel Hall, and Glenn Crowe officiating. Music will be by his grandchildren. Interment will follow in Unaka Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors by local veteran organizations.
In place of flowers, you may send donations to Unaka Baptist Church Building Fund.

The Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy is in charge of arrangements, and you may send condolences to the family at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com

Russel I. Hart, 75 of Murphy, North Carolina, formerly Alpena, Michigan, passed away Friday, January 10, 2020, at his residence.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was a strong, disciplined man who took great pride in caring for his family and was always very kind and considerate of others.
Russ retired from LaFarge North America – Alpena Plant in 2016 after 43 years of service as a Quality Control Manager.
In retirement, he enjoyed traveling with his dear wife, Birdie Hart, throughout the Southeast and, most especially, the mountains of North Carolina, which he loved so much. He delighted in the exploits of his grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments.
Russ was the son of the late Daniel and Marjorie Hart and was also proceeded in death by a sister, Sara Paad, and a brother Patrick Hart.
Surviving are his wife, Birdie Hart of Murphy, North Carolina and daughter, Jennifer Domrase of Ossineke; Russ had three sons, Mark Hart (Angie) Lewiston, Michigan, Jeffrey (Steven Teets) Hart of Imlay City, Michigan and Daniel Madison of Murphy, North Carolina. Additionally, Russ had a brother Fred Hart from Alpena, Michigan, and four grandchildren, Mark Hart, Jr of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jacob Hart of Lewiston, Michigan, Lane Domrase of Ossineke, Michigan, and Breanna Domrase of Ossineke, Michigan. Russ had many friends, both in Alpena and Murphy, where he chose to retire and was loved by all.
A celebration of Russ’s life will be held on March 7, 2020. The place will be announced at a later date. Family and friends are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made in memory of Russel Hart to Shriners Hospital for Children by going to https://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/shc/ways-to-give1.
You may sign the guest register at www.CochranFuneralHomes.com
Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Murphy, NC. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.