Major E. Joyce Miller

May 2, 1931 – February 8, 2019

Major E. Joyce Miller, 87, of Hiawassee, GA, passed away after a short illness at Union County Hospital, in Blairsville, GA, Feb. 8, 2019. Joyce was born in Chauncey, Ohio to Ronald and Juanita Miller, May 2, 1931. Joyce graduated from Middleport High in Middleport, Ohio, in 1949. While a senior she read, “Sally Joins the WAC” which influenced her to join the US Army following graduation. After basic training she was sent to Fort Jay, NY, where a view out her barracks window included the Statue of Liberty. She then was sent to Heidelberg, Germany, where she served with the post WWII Army of Occupation. In 1953, she returned to civilian life to attend San Diego University and the school of Art in Dayton, Ohio. She rejoined the Army, attended Dental Tech School at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, and after graduation served as a Dental Tech instructor. While at Fort Sam, she competed with male and female soldiers for 4th Army’s “Soldier of the Year,” which she won. She then attended WAC OCS at Fort McClellan, AL and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. A highlight of her Army career was serving as Commander, 5th Army, WAC Detachment, Fort Sheridan, IL. After the Army, she became a member of the Department of Defense workforce and retired as an Army civilian, after working at the US Army Depot in Anniston, AL, as a technical writer for overhaul and repair of Army tanks and combat weaponry. She will be remembered for her many interests including RVing and president and co-owner of American Heritage RV Park in Williamsburg, VA, then president of Fairoaks Condo Association in Eustis, FL. Her summers were spent raising vegetables and RV traveling to Ohio and Sault Ste Marie, MI to spent time with family and friends. Additionally, she was an accomplished artist, wood worker and animal humanitarian. Joyce, our wonderful partner, friend, “adopted Mom,” sister and aunt will be remembered and missed greatly.
Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory Of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family.

Ann “Starr” Rosdeutscher

December 08, 1950 – February 25, 2019

Mrs. Ann “Starr” Rosdeutscher age 68 of Lost Indian Trail Suches passed away on Monday February 25, 2019 in the Union General Hospital following a sudden illness. Mrs. Rosdeutscher was born on December 8, 1950 in Macon, GA., the daughter of the late William Helms and the late Ann Millican Helms. Starr always loved volunteering and helping others. She had volunteered for over five years at the Humane Society Thrift Store of Blue Ridge. She was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents and also a brother, William F. Helms Jr. Starr was of the Methodist faith.

Surviving Mrs. Rosdeutscher are her loving husband and best friend of forty two years, Larry G. Rosdeutscher of Suches, two sons, Bryan Richardson of Locust Grove, GA., and Glenn Rosdeutscher of Roswell, GA., one grandson, Blaine Richardson, many other relatives and friends also survive.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Blue Ridge Humane Society in memory of Mrs. Rosdeutscher.

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

Willa Faye Foster

December 01, 1946 – February 11, 2019

Mrs. Willa Faye Foster age 72 of Gainesville Hwy Blairsville passed away peacefully on Monday February 11, 2019 in the N.E. GA Medical Center following a brief illness. Mrs. Foster was born on December 1, 1946 in Dahlonega, GA., the daughter of the late Dick Johnson and the late Dorothy Harkins Johnson. She was a lifelong resident of Union County. Faye loved thrift stores and had managed Christian Love Ministries Thrift Store for over eleven years. She loved watching the deer and chipmunks from her yard. She will be greatly missed by her family and especially by her two cats, Boot and Minnie Me. She was a loving mother, sister and aunt and was a friend to all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cecil Eugene Foster in 1988. Faye was a member of First Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Foster are two sons and one daughter in law, Alan Foster of Blairsville, Steve and Shannon Foster of Sarasota, FL., one brother and sister in law, Leroy and Donna Johnson of Flowery Branch, GA., one sister, Jackie Martin of Flowery Branch, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday February 14, 2019 at 11:00 am from the Union Memory Gardens Cemetery with Pastor Ray Potts officiating where she will rest next to her beloved husband, Gene. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Union County Humane Society in Faye’s memory. The family will meet with friends following the services at the cemetery.

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

John Bennett Walters III

February 15, 1940 – February 06, 2019

Lieutenant Commander John Bennett Walters III, US Navy (Retired), former resident of Montevallo, AL. died on Wednesday Feb.6, 2019 at the age of 78, at his home in Blairsville, GA. He was a native of Knoxville, TN and was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John Bennett Walters Jr., and Martha Patterson Walters as well as his brother, Robert David Walters.

A 1962 graduate of the University of Montevallo, he joined the Navy, completed Naval Pre-Flight School, and was commissioned an Ensign. A twenty year U.S. Navy Veteran and P2/P3 Naval Flight Officer, he completed six tours of duty, including three combat tours, Flight School instructor, hurricane/typhoon hunter tours, X.O. of Nantucket Naval Facility and a final tour as the Chief of Naval Operations’ “Last Navigator” with VP-30 NAS Jacksonville, FL. LCDR Walters was awarded three Air Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon, as well as service awards. Following his naval service, LCDR Walters taught high school mathematics for 17 years in Orange Park, FL.

LCDR Walters is survived by his wife, the former Caroline Gibbes Scott Walters of Blairsville and their three daughters: Caroline Walters Sims (Steve) of Dumfries, VA., Jane Walters Phillips (John) of Walterboro, SC., and Laura Walters Firoozi (Kam) of Winter Springs, FL., as well as seven grandchildren.

LCDR Walters was a longtime member of The Montevallo Methodist Church and most recently a member of Shady Grove Methodist Church in Blairsville, GA.

Graveside services will be held on Friday Feb. 8, 2019 at 11:00 am from the Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Winfred Pitts officiating. Special music will be presented by John Sims. The North GA Honor Guard will conduct Military Honors.

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.

Virginia Francis Payne

December 29, 1935 – January 29, 2019

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Graveside Services for Mrs. Virginia Payne, age 83 of Blairsville who passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 surrounded by her family and friends.

Mrs Payne was born in 1935, to the late Purle and Kathrine Murphy. A life long resident of Blairsville, Mrs. Payne worked with her husband raising children and chickens on their family farm. She lived her faith by serving and ministering in care giving roles for the sick and the elderly. Her favorite pastimes included sewing, cooking, gardening, reading, and of course, spending time with her large family. She took great pride in her involvement with the Union County Historical Society in the revival of the Payne Cabin.

Virginia is survived in death by her husband of 65 years, Ernest Payne; sons and daughters-in-law, Tony Payne & Janice Boling, Melvin & Alice Payne, and Chris & Judy Payne; daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy & Johnny Wallace, and Cindy & Steve Youngblood; four brothers and two sisters. Also, sharing in her legacy are eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Gary Payne; brother, Joey Murphy; and her parents.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery (Jones Creek) with Rev. Steve Youngblood officiating. Serving as Pallbearers are: Joshua Wallace, Sean Payne, Nathan Payne, Nick Payne, Noah Payne and Alec Youngblood. Honorary pallbearer is Thomas Payne.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Jimi Cher Bailey

October 17, 1970 – February 03, 2019

Ms. Jimi Bailey age 48 of Burns Farm Rd. Blairsville passed away in her parent’s home on Sunday February 3, 2019 in Blairsville. Ms. Bailey was born on October 17, 1970 in Winder, GA.

We have lost the world’s most incredible mother, daughter, and sister. She will be dearly missed by anyone that knew her. She always had a big smile and greeted almost everyone she met. She never met a stranger and she loved everyone.

She volunteered at the hospital gift shop & information desk. She especially loved talking to patients because of her 17 surgeries. She knew how important that could be for patients.

She also volunteered at Tri-State Pet spay & neuter clinic in Murphy as well as the Chimp Rescue in Blue Ridge.

She is survived by her wonderful son;, Alex Bailey, parents;, Don & Joyce Spero, sister & brother-in-law;, Danette & Bobby Driggers,; nieces, Megan & Haley Driggers,, nephews;, Robbie & Jake Driggers,; aunt & uncle;,Carol & Tom Flynn, She is also survived by her dogs, Rex, Lady-Bug, Butterscotch, as well as cats. All of her animals were rescues.

A Celebration of Jimi’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter of Blairsville or a favorite charity of your choice in Jimi’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

Thelma Dorothea Parnell

December 03, 1931 – January 22, 2019

Mrs. Thelma Dorothea Parnell age 87 of Young Harris passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 22, 2019 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Parnell was born on December 3, 1931 in North Adams, MA., the daughter of the late John M. Oleson and the late Ida M. Gilman Oleson. Thelma loved gardening, country music and watching old westerns. She loved her dogs Spanky and Bear very dearly. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Henry P. Parnell in 2016 and a brother John Oleson.

Surviving Mrs. Parnell are two sons Walter (Rebecca) Nicklien of Young Harris, Jace Nicklien of Kaufman, TX., and one daughter Autumn (Donato) Mastroianni of Cheshire, MA., three grandchildren, Jennifer (Bill) Rennie, Marc (Bonnie) Nicklien, Tim (Constance) Nicklien, three great grandchildren, Anthony, Joseph and Isaac, many other relatives and friends also survive.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to a local Humane Society of your choice in Thelma’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

Edward Stamey

May 28, 1952 – January 18, 2019

Evangelist Edward Stamey age 66 of Old Skeenah Gap Rd. Suches went to be with his Lord on Friday January 18, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Ed was born on May 28, 1952 in Hayesville, NC., the son of the late Ray Clarence Stamey and the late Elveta Roland Stamey. He was a great man of God who loved his Lord dearly. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and digging ramps. Ed worked for Sprint Telephone Company for many years and also worked with Builder Way and Mountain Building Supply for several years. He was a loving and caring husband, father and brother. He was preceded in death by his parents and also a brother, Sammy Stamey in 2016. Ed was a member of the North Mt. Zion Church of God.

Surviving Mr. Stamey are his loving wife and best friend of thirty eight years, Pauline Bruce Stamey of Suches, two sons, Sammy Lee Stamey of Hayesville, Christopher Edward Stamey of Suches, one daughter, Terri Marie Garrett of Suches, one brother and sister in law, Clarence and Faye Stamey of Castle Rock, WA., three sisters and one brother in law, Carolyn Scroggs of Johnson City, TN., Delores and Steve Law of Nashville, TN., Linda Padgett of Hayesville, several nieces, nephews, a host of his church family, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life service  will be held on Sunday January 27, 2019 at 2:00 pm from the North Mt. Zion Church of God with Rev. Rayburne Wilson officiating. A visitation will be held on Sunday January 20, 2019 from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA. Special music will be presented by Ryan Wilson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to North Mt. Zion Church of God building fund or to help defray expenses in memory of Mr. Stamey.

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

Lawrence Neil Stroud

August 23, 1926 – January 06, 2019

Mr. Lawrence Neil Stroud of Hayesville, NC passed away on January 6^th, 2019 at the Clay County Care Center in Hayesville, NC following an extended illness. He was a native and lifelong resident of Clay County and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he was served as Deacon for over sixty five years. He was also a member of the Stephens Lodge #414 F&AM; as well as being previously married for 60 years to his late wife Mamie Lands.

Mr. Stroud was born on August 23^rd, 1926 in Hayesville, NC., to the late  Alfred Carter Stroud and Eva Bell Ledford Stroud. He is preceded in death by his wife Mamie Stroud in 2005, son, Floyd Lands, a daughter, Patricia Plott,son in law Loyal Shhok, sisters; Maude Allison, Lillie Allison and Hazel Stroud, brothers; Will Stroud, Claude Stroud, Robert Stroud, and Floyd Stroud.

Mr. Stroud is survived by his children; Johnny & Amanda Stroud of Young Harris, GA., Betty Shook of Young Harris, GA., and Lloyd & JoAnn Lands of Hayesville, NC., daughter-in-law, Kathleen Lands  of Hayesville, NC., and son-in-law, Ronnie Plott. Many nieces, nephews, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 2:00pm at Shiloh Baptist Church with Rev Clark Moss and Rev. John Talley officiating. Special music will be presented by the Hughes family. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers; Ricky Plott, Ray Plott, Scott Lands, Paydon Shook, Rodney Stroud, and Tony Beasley. The following gentleman will also serve as honorary pallbearers; Donald Cheeks, Donald Allison, Willis Allison, Robert Garrett, Bill Norton, and Mike McClure. Interment will follow in Shiloh Baptist Church cemetery where he will rest next to his beloved wife Mamie. The family will meet with friends on Tuesday January 8, 2019 from 6pm-9pm at the Shiloh Baptist Church

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

Wendy Leigh Dixon

June 19, 1970 – December 28, 2018

Mrs. Wendy Leigh Dixon age 48 of Crump Creek Rd. Blairsville passed away peacefully on Friday December 28, 2018 in the Union General Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Dixon was born on June 19, 1970 in Warner Robins, GA., the daughter of James Randall Dixon and Rosemary Edwards. Wendy had been an LPN for the longest part of her life. She loved helping people which made her an excellent Nurse. She a kind and loving mother, daughter, sister and aunt and touched many lives by all who knew her. She loved all animals, but especially her dog and best friend, “Ali”. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The main attribute of her life was that she knew the Lord and had been saved. Wendy attended the House of Prayer Church.

Surviving Wendy are her mother and stepfather, Rosemary and George Mangum of Blairsville, her father and stepmother, Randall and Marie Dixon of Eastman, GA., one son, Zachary Lee Dixon of Blairsville, one sister, Jamie Dee Dixon of Suches, niece, Hannah Rose Bryant of Cochran, GA., many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a late date and will be announced. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Union County Humane Society Mtn. Shelter in Wendy’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

Fred Amos Sims

July 04, 1923 – December 24, 2018

Mr. Fred Amos Sims age 95 of Plott Town Rd., Young Harris, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Monday December 24, 2018 following an extended illness. Mr. Sims was born on July 4, 1923 in Marietta, GA., to William Bry Sims and Grace Hall Sims. He lived in Marietta and Woodstock before moving to Young Harris over 50 years ago. Fred was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and fought in WWII in the European and Pacific Theaters. He served 3 years, 4 months and 27 days until the end of the war and was discharged as a First Class Petty Officer. He married the love of his life in 1953. He was employed at Lockheed Martin Corporation in Marietta as a Tool and Die maker and then was employed with Lucent Technologies at Norcross in the experimental lab until his retirement. He generously lived his life for God, family and others. Fred served as a Baptist Deacon for many years and taught Sunday School. He attended the House of Prayer Church.

Surviving Mr. Sims are his wife and best friend of sixty five years, Iva Lee Sims of Young Harris, two daughters and sons-in-law, Paula and Rev. Charlie Orr of Westminster, SC., Christa and Garry Kelley of Blairsville, one son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Kimberly Sims of Young Harris, seven grandchildren, Joel and Anna Orr, Reagan and Judson Williams, Matt, Joey and Krisi Sims, and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Connie Sims of Berea, Ky. He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret McGinty.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 11:00 am at the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Jerry Helton and Rev. Charlie Orr officiating. Special music will be presented by Pamela Corn and Mildred LeCroy. Serving as pallbearers are Reagan Williams, Anna Orr, Matt Sims, Daniel Sims, Charlie Orr and Garry Kelley. Internment will follow in the Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Samaritan’s Purse online at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/our-ministry/gift-catalog/?item=30 in memory of Mr. Sims. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10-11:00 am.

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

Ida Sue Chastain

March 02, 1940 – December 23, 2018

Miss Ida Sue Chastain age 88 of Cooper Creek Rd. Suches passed away peacefully on Sunday December 23, 2018 in the Gold City Nursing Home following an extended illness. Miss Chastain was born on March 2, 1940 in Murphy, NC., the daughter of the late David Lee and the late Dollie Marie Chambers Lee. She was a lifelong resident of Union County. Ida Sue loved going to the Civic Center with her group, knitting and making things, going to church and playing bingo. She always was such a loving and caring person who loved her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and also a brother, David Lee and a nephew, Kenny Chastain who passed away in December of this year. Mrs. Chastain was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Surviving Miss Chastain are her sister in law, Florine Chastain of Suches, niece, Sandra Wynn of Conyers, great nieces and nephews, Lacie Chastain of MI., Adam Wynn of Conyers, Garrett Wynn of Conyers, Toccoa Wynn of Conyers, Raven Chastain of Blairsville, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday December 27, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Pastor Ray Potts officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Gary, Adam and Garrett Wynn, James Watkins, Larry McCollum and Timmy Picklesimer. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 12-2:00 pm.

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

Alta Hathaway Foster

January 25, 1933 – December 21, 2018

Mrs. Alta Hathaway Foster, age 85 of Morganton, GA passed away peacefully on Friday, December 21, 2018 in Chattanooga, TN following an extended illness. Mrs. Foster had been a resident of North Georgia for 30 years, residing in Florida and New York prior to relocating. Mrs. Foster worked as a business manager for St. James Mercy Hospital in New York until she retired. In her twenties, Mrs. Foster also worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigations. In her spare time, Alta enjoyed arts and crafts, watching classic movies, and traveling. Mrs. Foster was of the Methodist faith, and was an active participant in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Mrs. Foster was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Foster who passed away in 1998.

Surviving Mrs. Foster are her daughter, Deborah Wolfe of Deland, FL, daughter and son-in-law Kellie Foster and John Kirkdoffer of Morganton, GA, sister Jane Peyton of Pulaski, NY, brother James Hathaway of Pulaski, NY, grandchildren Charles Sherwood and Timothy Wolfe, two great grandchildren, her beloved Dachshund Sherry, and many other friends and relatives also survive.

A memorial service for Mrs. Foster will be held on Sunday, December 23, 2018 at 2:00PM at Coosa Methodist Church in Blairsville, with the Rev. Earl Bishop officiating. Interment will be at the Coosa Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive visitors between  1:00PM and 2:00PM in the chapel of Coosa Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a Humane Society of your choosing.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. You can send condolences and sign the family’s guest book online at www.mountainview funeralhome.com.

Guy Eugene “Bud” Holcomb

August 23, 1938 – December 16, 2018

Guy Eugene “Bud” Holcomb of Young Harris, GA passed away Sunday December 16, at North East Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness. Bud was the son of the late Fred and Faye Rogers Holcomb. He was preceded in death by sisters: Ruth Holcomb, Opal Wimpey, Helen Fain, and brother James “Bill” Holcomb.

Surviving Mr. Holcomb are his wife Earlene Shook Holcomb, son Keith (Karen) Holcomb, daughters Gail (Ron) Day and Angie (Jason) McNabb, and  two grandsons Eli and Easton McNabb . Also surviving one brother, Fred Holcomb Jr. (Pat Lord) and one sister Virginia (Ellis) Nix , and sister in law Ellen Holcomb. Also surviving Bud are three step grandchildren , Justin Duncan, Jamie Godfrey, and Christina Hiler, four step great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Holcomb will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday December 19, 2018 at the Cornerstone Baptist Church with Rev. Mark Handy and Rev. Todd Flanagan officiating. Special music provided by the Shook family and Rebecca Flanagan. Burial will follow at the Cornerstone Baptist  Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers; Gary Holcomb, Larry Holcomb, Brent Shook, Gary Shook, Nathan Allen, and Jamie Godfrey. Cornerstone deacons and trustees will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Cornerstone Baptist Church where Bud was a member and trustee. The family will meet with friends on Tuesday December 18, 2018 from 6-8 pm at the church.