Florence Hazel Lyke

October 20, 1923 – February 27, 2019

Mrs. Florence Hazel Lyke age 95 of Arrowood Pointe Blairsville passed away peacefully on Wednesday February 27, 2019 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Lyke was born on October 20, 1923 in Jersey City, NJ., the daughter of the late Bertram Burstell and the late Florence Filkens Burstell. Florence volunteered most of her life giving a lot of her time to Little Leagues and the Girl Scouts and many others. She was a loving and caring mother grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, William C. Lyke in 2003 and also a brother, Bertram Burstell. Mrs. Lyke was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Metuchen, NJ.

Surviving Mrs. Lyke are one daughter and son in law, Florence and Robert Campbell of Blairsville, one son and daughter in law, William and Maureen Lyke of Longwood, FL., three grandchildren, Scott and Dana Campbell, Timothy and Tasha Campbell, Wendi and Tom Burns, two great grandchildren, Rhett Campbell and Charlotte Campbell, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A Graveside entombment service will be held on Friday March 15, 2019 at 12:30 pm from the Woodbridge Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Woodbridge, NJ. with Rev. Anna Thomas officiating where she will rest next to her beloved husband, William. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in Mrs. Lyke’s memory. The family will meet with friends following the services at the mausoleum.

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

Ella May Schlott Lapp

July 16, 1930 – February 08, 2019

Mrs. Ella May Schlott Lapp age 88 of Old Gum Log Spur Blairsville passed away peacefully on Friday February 8, 2019 in the Union General Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Lapp was born on July 16, 1930 in Groveton, NH., the daughter of the late Stillman Wilson Shannon and the late Lula Curtis Shannon. Ella was a very avid Bingo player. She had worked at Boscov Department Store and also Richey Rackett for many, many years. She was a very loving and caring mother, sister and aunt. She was preceded in death by her first husband, John Schlott and her last husband, Arthur Lapp, two sisters, Leola Zerbe and Thora Swoards and a brother, Stillman Shannon Jr. Ella was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mrs. Lapp are one daughter, Joell King of Blairsville, ex son in law, Dennis King of Blairsville, one sister, Dorothy Quinter of Reading, PA., several cousins, nieces, nephews, 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 help defray expenses or to the American Heart Association in Mrs. Lapp’s memory. Interment will follow in the Forest Hills Cemetery in Reading, PA at a later date.

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

Angela Gail Ledford

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death and memorial services for Angela Gail Ledford, age 50, of Hiawassee, who passed away on Friday, February 1st, 2019.

Angela was born in Kokomo, Indiana, and was the daughter of Abigail Johnston Ledford and the late Bruce Ledford. Angela has lived in Towns County, Georgia for the past 20 years, and was a member of Old Union Baptist Church. She was dearly loved by her family and will be remembered for her bubbly personality. Besides her father Bruce, other relatives have preceded her in death: paternal grandparents, Guy and Rendie Ledford; maternal grandparents, Robert and Cora Johnston; cousin, Bretney Turner; Uncles, Bruce and Bronze Ledford; and Aunts, Regina Walker and Susan Coleman.

Angela is survived by her family members: mother, Abigail Johnston Ledford, of Hiawassee; daughter and son-in-law, Alexis Ledford and Matthew Swanson, of Hiawassee; granddaughter, Aiden Swanson, of Hiawassee; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Ashleigh Ledford, of Kokomo, Indiana; Aunts: Mary Ann Owen, Carolyn Fulton, Roberta Bradley, Brenda (Myron) Turner; Belinda Post, Bivian (Harry) Hughes; two nephews: Caleb Ledford and Joshua Ledford, both of Kokomo.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 16th, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., to be held at Old Union Baptist Church with Rev. Ricky Rogers officiating. The family will meet with friends for one hour before the service starts at the church.

If you wish, donations may be made to help defray expenses.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please send your condolences and sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Marion “Gene” Eugene Lawrence

September 30, 1932 – January 26, 2019

Mr. Marion Eugene “Gene” Lawrence of 14 Chestatee Drive of Blairsville died Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the age of 86 at home, surrounded by his family. Gene was born September 30, 1932 in Phenix City, Alabama. He is a graduate of Jordan High School in Columbus Georgia and later attended Georgia College in Cochran with a degree in Nursing.

Gene served in the United States Air Force for twenty years. He completed tours of duty in Morroco and in Vietnam. After his retirement, he completed his nursing training and worked for over twenty-five years as a registered nurse.

Gene is survived by his loving wife Jeanette Seabolt Lawrence, five children (George Michael Lawrence, Deborah Claire Wallace, Pamela Diane Addison, Sharon Lynn Moon, and Margaret Elizabeth “Beth” Jeffreys), ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

For many years, Gene lived on his farm in Eastman, Georgia where he dabbled in many agricultural projects.

Gene was a kind, generous, and loving man who helped all those around him. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

He developed the ability to paint in oils and it became one of his favorite pastimes.

Funeral services will be held at Antioch Baptist Church on Monday, January 28^th at 2:00 pm with Rev. George Cline officiating. Special music will be presented by Sara Davis and Patsy Phillips. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Mark and Zachary Jeffreys, Bill Moon, Nicholas Meeks, Jake Addison and Roy Rudd. Serving as honorary pallbearers will Jason Wallace, Paul Clarke, Doug Brassell, Tom Grant and Gary Loucks. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with the North GA Honor Guard conducting Military Honors. The viewing will be held at the church beginning at 1:00 pm on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Youth and Children’s Ministries or food ministry of Antioch 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

Mary Doreen Fildes

September 28, 1928 – January 23, 2019

Mary Doreen Fildes died Wednesday, Jan. 23, of complications of Alzheimer’s Disease and congestive heart failure at the Stonehenge assisted living facility in Blairsville. She was 90.

The daughter of Clay C. and Awilda Rush Hawkins, Mrs. Fildes was born in the Hites Run community of Breckinridge County, KY, on Nov. 28, 1928. She was preceded in death by an infant son, John Clay Fildes, and her husband, Command Sgt. Major (U.S. Army retired) Norman R. Fildes, whom she met in Lexington, KY, and married in 1948. As an Army wife, she lived in the Panama Canal Zone, Mississippi, and Alabama. In later years, she also lived in Tullahoma, TN; Annandale, VA; and Elizabethtown, KY.

Survivors include her children, Norman R. Fildes Jr. (wife Leigh) of Casselberry, FL; Vickie Fildes Plunkett (husband David) of Young Harris, GA; and Jackie Fildes Butler (husband Mitchell) of Hardinsburg, KY; three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; siblings, the Rev. Oliver Hawkins of Lawrenceburg, KY, Alice Hardcastle of Tullahoma, TN, and Jerry Hawkins of Amarillo, TX, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors at the Trent-Dowell Funeral Home in Hardinsburg, KY, on Monday, Jan. 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday at the Trent-Dowell chapel. Mrs. Fildes will be interred with her husband at the National Military Cemetery in Lebanon, KY, on Tuesday, Jan. 29. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.

Little Brayden Thomas Long

January 19, 2019 – January 19, 2019

Little Brayden Thomas Long infant son of Colton Thomas Long and Stephine Michelle Boyd Long went to be with Jesus on Saturday January 19, 2019 in the Union General Hospital. Brayden is now in the arms of Jesus. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Stephen Boyd and Rickey Long.

Surviving Brayden are his parents, Colton and Stephanie Long of Suches, his new twin brother, Rickey Long of Suches, his grandmothers, Vernice Long of Blairsville, Joanne Boyd of Bartow, GA., many other cousins and relatives also survive.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday January 24, 2019 at 12:00 pm from the Long Cemetery with Rev. Larry Trulove officiating. The family will meet with friends following the services.

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

Robert Lewis Clemmons

March 17, 1937 – December 29, 2018

Mr. Robert L. Clemmons age 81 of Gainesville, Blairsville passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Saturday December 29, 2018 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. Mr. Clemmons was born on March 17, 1937 in Miami, FL., the son of the late William Clemmons and the late Allie Mae Prescott Clemmons. He was a veteran of the US Air Force. Robert and his wife Christine owned and operated Sunrise Grocery since 1983 until only recently when their son took over the family business. Robert loved people and enjoyed socializing which was why Sunrise Grocery was and is such a well known and liked business. He made many friends at the store which dates back to the 1920’s.  He was preceded in death by a son, Richard Clemmons in 2006 and his daughter, Constance Dillon in 2016. Mr. Clemmons was a member of Shady Grove Methodist Church.

Surviving Mr. Clemmons are his loving wife and best friend of sixty one years, Christine Clemmons of Blairsville, one daughter,  three sons and daughters in law, Stephen (Shirley Roberts) Clemmons of Newland, NC., Scott (Kelly) Clemmons of Bradenton, Jason (Jesica) Clemmons of Blairsville, eight grandchildren, Robert, Meredith, Rosie, Ian, Daisy, Nick, Joe Robbie and Steven, one great grandchild, Summer, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 31, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Dr. Winfred Pitts officiating . Special music will be presented by Winfred and Patsy Pitts and Wayne Ciucio. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Jason Clemmons, Stephen Clemmons, Ian Clemmons, Jamie Clemons, James Hindmon and Nick Hindmon..Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Shady Grove Methodist Church in Robert’s memory. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Monday from 1-2:00 pm.

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

Harold Mark Gantnier

June 15, 1927 – December 20, 2018

Mr. Harold Mark Gantnier, age 91 of Young Harris, GA passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 20^th, 2018 in the Union General Hospital. Mr. Gantnier was born on June 15^th, 1927 in Norwalk, CT., the son of the late Harold Gantnier & Bertha Sleeper. Mr. Gantnier was a resident of Young Harris, GA for the past 40 years. David enjoyed playing cards, working outdoors; especially when tending his own lawn. He is preceded in death by two sisters; Margaret Vinet & Patricia Scisco, two brothers; Felix & Vernon Gantnier, and a son; Richard Gantnier who passed in 1976.

Surviving Mr. Gantnier are four children; Jacqueline Gantnier of Accord, NY., Susan Gawel of Connecticut., Gay Anne Cook of Florida., Donna Retallick of Long Island, NY., and Carol Retallick of Connecticut. Several nieces & nephews also survive: Travis Lewis, Jason Retallick, Ashley Stebbins, Lindsey Sears, Frank Gawel, and Cheryl Gawel.

Funeral time & date are pending; interment will be at Wooster Cemetery at 20 Ellsworth Ave. Danbury, CT 06810 on January 4^th, 2019.

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

Joshua Robert Haist

May 04, 1976 – December 15, 2018

Joshua Robert Haist age 42 of Atlanta formerly of Blairsville passed away on Saturday December 15, 2018 following a brief illness. Joshua was born in, Indianapolis In. on May 4, 1976 he was a twin brother to Jeramiah David Haist. Mr. Haist graduated from Sprayberry High School in Marietta Ga. in 1994. Mr. Haist served in the U.S Air Force from 1994-1998. He did his overseas tours of duty in Egypt and Sultanate of Oman as well as at Robins AFB in Warner Robbins, Ga. His specialty was as an Electronics and Switching Systems Journeyman. He was a Sr. Airman and was awarded the National Defense Medal. He participated as an Honor Guard while stationed at Robins AFB.

Joshua worked at Bellsouth/AT&T as a Digital Technician from 1998-2009 in Atlanta, Ga., Shreveport, La. and Birmingham AL.

In 2009 he chose to return to further his education by attending Chattahoochee Technical College of Marietta, Ga. While going to school, he worked part time at Waffle House and McDonalds while maintain a 3.9 G.P.A. until graduation in May of 2016 with an Associated Degree in Bio-Medical Engineering.

Joshua spent a year here in Blairsville with his parents and working at Ingles Supermarket as a produce clerk where he learned to make Ingles world famous guacamole. In January of 2018, he was able to resume his Bio Medical Engineering career at Medical Maintenance, a Gensana Company located in Norcross, Ga.

Joshua was preceded in death by his brother, Jeremy Haist in 2009 and by his grandparents, Lloyd and Edwina Haist of Blairsville and Elizabeth Haist of Flint, MI.

Surviving Joshua are his parents, Cathy and Bob Haist of Blairsville, grandparents, Dottie and Paul Hussey of Lawrenceville, IL., a longtime family friend, Austin May of Atlanta, aunts and uncles, Sally and Mel Lockwood of Columbia, SC., Carol and David Gaddey of Tuscola, IL., Cindy and David Anthis of Mt. Carmel, IL., John and Barbara Anderson, Terry and Tom Powell all of Florida, several cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday December 29, 2018 at 1:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Chaplin Marvin McRoberts officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by the North GA Honor Guard. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Joshua’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12-1:00 pm prior to the services.

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

Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory announces Celebration of Life Services for Mrs. Martha Joe Farmer, age 83 who went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

A loving Christian wife, mother, and nana; Mrs. Farmer dedicated her life to her Savior and family.

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: devoted husband of 66 1/2 years, Rev. Gene Paul Farmer, Sr.; son, Gene Paul Farmer, Jr. and his wife, Susie; son, Jimmy R. Farmer and his wife, Pamela; daughters, Deborah Rogers and Paula Farmer. Also, sharing in her legacy are 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Peachtree Memorial Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the favorite charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Helen Lenore Mulcahy

September 20, 1928 – December 11, 2018

Mrs. Helen Lenore Mulcahy age 90 of Mining Gap Trail Young Harris passed away peacefully at her home surround by her loving family on Tuesday December 11, 2018 following an extended illness. Mrs. Mulcahy was born on September 20,, 1928 in McCloud, CA., the daughter of the late Delbert Bangs and the late  Lenore Kinnear Bangs. She had made her home in Towns County since the 1980’s. Helen loved gardening, entertaining family and friends and playing the piano and organ. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Darwin Mulcahy in 2014 and also by three brothers. Helen was a member of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church.

Surviving Mrs. Mulcahy are four children, Kevin Mulcahy, Trena Munnell, Kiedren Mulcahy all of Young Harris, Sean Mulcahy of Denver, CO., two grandchildren, Kira Nyland and Leon Menard, one great grandson, Michael Nyland, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Mrs. Mulcahy’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

Viola Mae Bergen

May 11, 1928 – December 04, 2018

Mrs. Viola Mae Bergen, age 90, of Destin, Florida, formerly of Blairsville, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Destin on Tuesday December 4, 2018.  Mrs. Bergen was born on May 11, 1928 to the late Charles and Mae Worsley Feere in Swan River, Manitoba, Canada.  Mrs. Bergen was a school bus driver for the Union County School System for many years and with her husband, Carl, owned Bergen Tire in Blairsville.  Viola and Carl were charter members of the Blairsville Church of the Nazarene.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Carl Bergen, a granddaughter, Melissa Dalrymple, as well as four of her sisters, Pearl Harris, Mary Jenkins, Ruth Parks and Rosanna Labadie.  Surviving Mrs. Bergen are one son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Diane Bergen of Blairsville, two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Benny Dalrymple of Murphy, NC, and Rhonda and Carey Stegall of Destin FL., seven grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held at 6:00 pm. on Saturday December 8. 2018 at the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Ivan Rexroth officiating.  Mrs. Bergen’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers:  Chris Bergen, Jonathan Dalrymple, Gregory Stegall, Joshua Bergen, Talen Dalrymple, and Zayne Dalrymple.  Interment will follow in the Coosa Methodist Church Cemetery.  The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday afternoon from 4-6:00 pm.  Mountain View Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome .com.

Michelle Strickland

October 28, 1961 – October 29, 2018

Karen Michele Parris Strickland, age 57 of Orange Beach, AL, passed away Monday, October 29th, 2018 peacefully at home in the company of her children, animals and husband after a two-year battle with Cancer.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 1:30 PM on Sunday, November 11th, 2018 at The Christian Life Island Church, 25550 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL. 36561. A reception with the family will follow the service at GTs on the Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL. 36561. Pastor Fred Franks will officiate.

Michele was born to Regina and Danny Parris on October 28, 1961 at Copper Basin Hospital in Copper Hill, Tennessee.

Michele spent her childhood in various towns where her parents ministered including New Orleans, LA, Alapaha and Griffin, GA. Michele was a rabid Georgia Bulldog fan. She has maintained many lifelong relationships with her friends from Griffin High School, where she was active in many church and school activities. Michele spent 18 years in sales and office administration with Valvoline Oil and Stratus Computer before “retiring” in 1998. Later she indulged her passions for decorating and design, opening her own Antiques and crafts business. Most importantly, her driving and constant passion was her role as mother and homemaker. In addition to her own children, Michele was always looking to mother any young person, animal or adult in need of an ear, some advice, a pat on the head and a meal. Her seasonal decorating and her legendary Christmas displays were the Zenith of her love of house and home, her desire to nurture and her way of spreading joy to everyone she touched.

Michele is survived by her husband, Tim Strickland, son Richard Owen and wife Nina Owen, daughter Brooke Owen, Son in Law John P. Bloom III, grandchildren Audrey Lynne Bloom, John Preston Bloom IV, and Benjamin Edward Bloom. She is further survived by her parents, Regina and Danny Parris, brother Mike Parris and wife Lisa, niece Kristi Robinson and husband Jason Robinson, niece Kelli Parris, nephew Mac Smith, grandfather Buford Arp, former husband Rich Owen and wife Kathy, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her daughter, the late Stephanie Lynne Bloom proceeded her in death.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to the Mitchell Cancer Institute Kilborn Clinic in Fairhope, AL where Michele received such outstanding and compassionate care.

Cason Funeral Service in Foley, Alabama in charge of arrangements. Announced as a courtesy by Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.