Patricia Woody, age 67, of Suches, passed away Sunday, December 1, 2019, at her home in Suches. Mrs.Woody was born January 5, 1952, in Dahlonega, GA, to the late Ray Jay Rider and the late Thelma Satterfield Rider.

Survivors include her husband, James Randall Woody, daughters, Kim (Nathan) Garrett, Miranda Woody, and brother, Ray Rider, Jr.

Funeral services: Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Garrett officiating. Interment will follow in the Sugar Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers: Robert Woody, Howard Woody, Clyde Woody, Jason Booker, Michael Harper, and Daniel Murphy.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested any donations are welcomed to help with funeral expenses.

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.

Nora Garrett Rogers, age 94, of Dalton, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loved ones. Nora was born November 29, 1924, in Hayesville, NC, to the late Bob Garrett and the late Verdie Carroll Garrett. Mrs. Rogers worked for Brumby Textiles, Levi Strauss, and furniture stores. She was a member of Mount Herman Baptist Church and attended Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church before declining health. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Hoyle Vernon Rogers, daughter-in-law, Ann Hice Rogers, seven sisters, and three brothers.

Nora, a member of the generation that knew hard work and dedication, loved gardening, canning, working in her flowers – especially roses, picking blackberries, quilting, attending gospel singings, and traveling. She was a beloved, cherished, honored wife, mother, and grandmother. She was brave and had great courage, loved being in any exciting adventure, such as; riding a horse at 77 years old, flying in a helicopter at 85 years old, jumping in bouncy houses with great-grandchildren, etc. Being a great example of love, her loving hugs, kisses, and “I Love You’s” were always given each time you entered her home or was in her presence. (Proverbs 31).
Her most delicious buttermilk biscuits, gravy, fried chicken, blackberry jelly, banana pudding, chocolate cake, and blackberry cobbler were lovingly prepared for her family.

Survivors include: son & daughter-in-law, Ernest & Tam Rogers, son & daughter-in-law, Don & Becky Rogers, son, John Rogers, daughter & son-in-law, Nina & Junior Fleming, daughter & son-in-law, Brenda & George Mullis, daughter & son-in-law, Wanda & Steve Ware, grandson, Tony Rogers, granddaughter, Vicki Davis, grandson, Andy Ware, grandson, Adam Fleming, grandson, Donny Rogers, grandson, Brad Mullis, grandson, Keith Ware, several great-grandchildren,
great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews, also survive.

Funeral services: Sunday, December 1, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Ware and Rev. Adam Fleming officiating. Music provided by Andy and Tammy Ware, and Keith and Christa Ware.

Pallbearers: Tony Rogers, Andy Ware, Brad Mullis, Donny Rogers, Keith Ware, and Charlie Davis. Interment will follow in Sweetgum Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Saturday, November 30, 2019, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

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.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for Mr. Phillip Cramer Reifschneider, age 89 of Blairsville who passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019.

A Celebration of Mr. Reifschneider’s Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 823 Forge Mill Rd, Morganton, GA 30560. Full Military Honors will be presented by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

*Full obituary will be posted soon*

Mark Allan Powers, age 56, of Doefield St., Canton, GA., formerly of Blairsville, passed away on Monday October 28, 2019 in the Wellstar Kennestone Hospital in Marietta, GA., after a battle with cancer. Mr. Powers was born on July 4, 1963, the son of Patrick Powers and the late Caroline Rose Long-Reader. Mark loved volunteering at his church, First Baptist of Atlanta with Pastor Charles Stanley. He was a Prayer Warrior and he always was endorsing his church’s charities and many others. He loved his mother’s cat Mitzy which brought great comfort and joy to his life. Mark worked as a computer IT Tech & troubleshooter in the Atlanta area. He loved smoking fine cigars with his brother, Steve, while swinging on the back porch. He is preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Rose Long.

Survivors include his father and step-mother, Patrick & Opal Powers of Harrison, TN., a brother, Steve Powers of Canton, GA., a cousin, Delores Collins of Louisville, KY., and longtime friends, Shirley & Ronnie McDonald of Blairsville.

An evening graveside service will be held on Friday, November 1, 2019 at Holly Hill Cemetery at 5:30pm with Rev. Steve Rhoten officiating. Music provided by Roy McKee, playing Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

Mark would like to thank each and every one that contributed to his home-going.

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

Mr. Robert Gene Hill Sr. age 83 of Johnston Ln. Blairsville passed away peacefully on Sunday October 27, 2019 in the Northeast GA Medical Center Gainesville following an extended illness. Mr. Hill was born on May 19, 1936 in Kennesaw, GA., the son of the late Charles G. Hill and the late Mildred Dameron Hill. Robert enjoyed traveling in his RV with  Janet, boating, fishing, and most of all, mission work. He always loved helping others and loved his Lord. He was preceded in death by a sister, Sarah Sexton and two grandchildren, Zac Carroll & Daniel Carroll. Robert was a member of New Union Baptist Church.

Surviving Robert is his loving wife and best friend of of 62 years, Janet Hill of Blairsville, son and daughter-in-law, Robert (Bobby) Jr. & Pam Hill of Cleveland, GA., daughter and son-in-law, Jamie & Dave Carroll of Bowling Green, KY., a brother, Charles (Bo) Hill of Milledgeville, GA., three grandchildren, Rob & Jennifer Hill of Cleveland, GA., Brad & Michelle Hill of Jefferson, GA., Josh & Ashleigh Carroll of Bowling Green, KY., three great-grandchildren, Drake Hil, Zac Hill, and Jackson Carroll., several nieces & nephews , a host of church family, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 2, 2019 at 11:00am from New Union Baptist Church (4159 Jones Creek Rd. Blairsville, GA 30512) with Rev. Johnny Foster, Rev. Justin Jarrett, and Rev. Harrison Bradley officiating. Robert will lay in state at the church on Saturday from 10-11:00 am. Special music will be presented by Johnny Foster, Judy Foster, and Leita Gowder.  The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Marty Payne, Tim Odom, Mike Baldwin, Chris Ballew, Myron Holcombe, and Randy Bergstrom. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be, Tom Marysuck, Fred Woodward, Jimmy Payne, Luke Stewart, and Ed Kirkland. Flowers are being accepted in Robert’s memory. Interment will follow in the New Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home from 5pm-8pm Friday evening.

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. April Joy Cook, age 43 of Blairsville, passed away January 6, 2020 at her residence. Mrs. Cook was born August 11, 1976. She was a member of the Poplar Springs Baptist Church and worked as a cosmetologist.

Survivors include: husband, Harold Dean Cook, Jr. of Blairsville, father and step-mother, Lindsey (Denise) Watson of Gainesville, children , Abby Mathis & Dalton Mathis both of Blairsville, brother, Gabriel Watson of Blairsville, nieces and nephews, Savana Watson, Reid Watson, and Jerin Watson.

Funeral services: Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 1:00 pm from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Randall Hulsey officiating.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

If you wish, memorial contributions may be made to your choice: Castoff Rescue, P.O. Box 1932 Blairsville, GA 30514; or to Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter, P.O. Box 1252, Blairsville, GA 30514.

Arrangements entrusted to the Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, Georgia. You may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Mary Black Hays, age 94 of Epworth, GA passed away January 1, 2020. Mrs. Hays was born April 24, 1925 in Ringgold, GA to her late parents, Marion Neal and Mae Templeton Black. Mary was a member of the First Baptist Church of Epworth. She worked as a homemaker for most of her life and enjoyed working in the yard and tending to her flowers. She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Milton Hays and grandson Cary Thomas Jones.

Survivors include: son, Milton (Patti) Hays of McDonough, GA daughter, Celeste (Dennis) Jones of Covington, GA daughter, Karen Hays of Epworth, GA Brother, Frank (Dot) Black of Elizabethtown, KY, sister, Norma (John) Hollis of Richmond, IN, 4 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services: Monday, January 6, 2020 at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church of Epworth with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the First Baptist Church of Epworth, Monday, January 6, 2020, 1:00 pm until the service hour of 2:00pm.

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.

Obituary for James Franklin McCrickard

Obituary for Barbara Jane Pitman

G. Wayne Croy, age 73 of Blue Ridge, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at home. Mr. Croy was born August 4, 1946, in Moultrie, GA to the late Otis Darnell Croy and the late Sally Carrington Croy.

Survivors include: spouse, Irwin McQueary; sister, Joanne (John) Perkins; nephews, Mark Perkins, David Perkins, and Matt Perkins.

No services are planned at this time.

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.

Rowanda Anderson Lindley, age 85, of Blue Ridge, GA, passed away Saturday, November 9, 2019, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She was born March 20, 1934, in Mineral Bluff, GA, to the late Reid Anderson and Hazel Harrison Anderson. She was preceded in death by her husband Edward Lindley, siblings Thelma Jarrard and Mary Kay Griffin, and grandson Ronnie Lynn Porter, Jr.

Survivors include: son, Ronnie Lynn Porter, Sr.; sister, Frances Earley; brother, Bobby (Ella Mae) Anderson; granddaughter Tracy Lynn Porter; great-grandchildren Alyssa and Mia Porter, and Carly and Ellie Wolfer; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

Rowanda and her husband owned and operated Lindley Cleaners in Marrietta, GA for a number of years. They retired in 1999 to Blue Ridge, GA where they resided until her passing. In her spare, time Rowanda enjoyed traveling and spending time with her sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Ferrell Earley.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 2:00 pm.

The family will receive friends at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home of Blue Ridge, Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.

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

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Loyal Gene Sprayberry, age 74, of Blairsville, who passed away on Sunday, October 27, 2019 at his home.

Gene was a native of Anniston, Alabama, a son of the late Loyal C. Sprayberry and the late Joyce Jennings Sprayberry. Gene was well-known and well-liked in our community, and was a banker with United Community Bank for many years. Gene was a member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church. He had been preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine Louise Sprayberry; two brothers: William Sprayberry and Alan Wade Sprayberry.

Gene was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind the following family members: son and daughter-in-law, Wade Louis and Angel Sprayberry of Blairsville; and son and daughter-in-law, Kelly Gene and Tracy Sprayberry, of Marietta, Georgia; five grandchildren: Nathan Sprayberry, Mallory Sprayberry, Selina Waterhouse, Kassy Guffey, and Michael Victoria; two great grandchildren: Emma Guffey and Ellie Guffey; many cousins and other relatives also survive.

Visitation hours will be held at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville as follows: Friday, November 1st, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.; and then from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Gene hated wearing a tie….so he had requested that no one have to wear ties to his visitation or funeral!

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, November 2nd, to be held at Harmony Grove Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. The body will lie instate at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery.

The family has requested the following gentlemen serve as pallbearers: Scott Nanney, Eric Collins, Michael Victoria, Jody Rich, Nathan Sprayberry, and Justin Guffey; the following gentlemen are requested to serve as honorary pallbearers: Brandon Grimsley, Larry Lunsford, Jerry Rich, Jimmy Tallent, Zack Carney, and Ben Waterhouse.

If you wish to do so, memorial donations may be directed to Harmony Grove Baptist Church, 1008 Town Creek School Road, Blairsville, Georgia 30512.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Gene Sprayberry. Please share your condolences and fond memories with the family on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Obituary for Robin Renay Burger

Mr. Danny Jay Shaw, age 73 of Boy Scout Rd. Blairsville, GA., and also of Ft. Lauderdale, FL., passed away peacefully on Saturday December 7, 2019 in the Erlanger Baroness Hospital from a stroke following an extended illness. Mr. Shaw was born on September 27, 1946 in Dennison, OH., the son of the late Jack Shaw & late LuLa  Bradley Shaw. Danny served as CEO of Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) for 20 years. He was an avid traveler, boater, snow-skier, and NASCAR fan. He also thoroughly enjoyed watching old cowboy movies. He is preceded in death by two brothers, Jim & Tom Shaw. Mr. Shaw was of the Protestant faith .

Surviving Mr. Shaw is his loving wife and best friend of 52 years, Patricia “Pat” Steffens-Shaw of Blairsville and Ft. Lauderdale, FL; sister-in-law, Pam & Frank Terranova of Blairsville; brother-in-law, Craig Steffens of McCaysville, GA; sister-in-law Brenda Shaw of Marietta, GA; nephew, Jimmy Shaw of Ft. Lauderdale; niece Christy & Johnny Cox of Coral Springs, FL; niece Jody Drum of Marietta, GA; nephew David and Sonya Senterfitt of Martinez, GA., and several beloved nieces & nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday December 19, 2019 at Coosa United Methodist Church in Blairsville, GA., with Rev. Bill Burch officiating. The family will meet with friends at 1:30 followed by a memorial service at 2:00. A private interment will be held at a later date at Coosa United Methodist Church. Also, a celebration of life will be held at a later date in Ft. Lauderdale, FL., and will be announced. Flowers are accepted, or if you wish the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the American Cancer Society in Danny’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