Mrs. Vivian Nichols Lovell, age 81 of West Union Road, Young Harris, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 24, 2019, in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. She was born on November 7, 1938 in Young Harris, GA., the daughter of the late Clarence Nichols & late Letha Hooper-Nichols. Vivian had a deep faith in God and a profound love for her family and church family. She was a native and life-long resident of Towns County as well as a member of the Order of Eastern Star Bald Mt. Chapter 349. She is preceded in death by her husband, James “Jim” Albert Lovell in 2004, and two brothers, Rowe & Wilkie Nichols. Vivian was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC. The family extends their most sincere thanks to Dr. Tom Karisny and staff at Union General Hospital in Blairsville, GA..

Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Debby Powell of Knoxville, TN., Alisa & Joffery Richards of Young Harris, a son, William & Joy Hein of Daytona Beach, FL., seven grandchildren, Nick & Hope Powell, Wayde Powell III, Rhetta & Tom Mitchell, Maelena & Andrew Aslinger, Leah Powell, Derek & Shannon Richards, Diandra Lovell (Matt Moss), and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 2:00pm at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC., with Rev. David Berrong, Rev. Josh Mulkey, and Rev. Mark Shook officiating. Interment will follow in the Pine Grove Church Cemetery. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Tommy Lovell, Michael Lovell, Derek Richards, Chad Sisum, Richard Nichols, and Matt Moss. The following gentleman will also serve as pallbearers; Frank Lovell, Andrew Aslinger, Cody Henderson, Brent Shook, Nick Powell, Tom Mitchell, Darrell Shook, and Mark Shook. The family will receive friends on Thursday & Friday evening from 5:00pm and thereafter at the church.  Special music will be presented by Matthew Roach, Russell Williamson, Chris Rumfelt, and Nola Jean Nichols. Flowers are being accepted by the family.

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 of Hiawassee announces the death of Mr. Frederick M. Cooper, age 81, of Hayesville, North Carolina, who passed away Monday, December 23rd, 2019 at Brasstown Manor in Hiawassee.
Mr. Cooper was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was a son of the late James Archie Cooper and the late Eva Pauline Barnhouse Cooper.
No services have been planned at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee.

Mrs. Irene Morris Martin, age 90 of Martin’s Bluff, Blairsville, passed peacefully  on Tuesday December 10, 2019 following an extended illness. Mrs. Martin was born on June 30, 1929 in Hapeville, GA., the daughter of the late Jack Morris and the late Rosalie Morris Cardwell. Mrs. Martin had lived in Blairsville since 1989. She is preceded in death by two sisters, Jacqueline Bumbaugh & Eleanor Pitman, and a son, Jeffrey Paul Martin. Mrs. Martin was a long-time member of the Coosa United Methodist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Martin is her loving husband and best friend of 63 years, Robert Eugene Martin Sr. of Blairsville, three sons, Jack Love of Memphis, TN, Fred Love of Atlanta, GA, Robert Martin Jr. of Seattle, WA, two daughters, Rosanne Love of Atlanta, GA, and Michele (husband Richard) Kenney of San Diego, CA. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Jonathan, Daniel, Michael and Larissa, and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday December 14, 2019 at 3:00 pm at the Coosa United Methodist Church with Rev. Roy Watkins officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in the Mt. Zion Methodist Church Cemetery in East Point, GA. The family will meet with friends from 2:00-3:00 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Heart Association (10 Glenlake Pkwy NE South Tower Suite 400 Atlanta, GA 30328) or Coosa United Methodist Church, (767 Mulkey Gap Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512) in Mrs. Martin’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.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces the death of Mrs. Deborah Thomas Allen , age 67 of Blue Ridge, Georgia who passed away on December 17, 2019.

A Memorial Service is being planned and will be announced at as information becomes available.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville

David Anthony Conley, age 70, passed away December 13, 2019 surrounded by his loving family at his home. David was born December 11, 1949 to the late Charles and Nettie Burch Conley.  A native and life long resident of Union County, David grew up with two brothers, Melvin and Larry, and a sister, Linda, who preceded him in death.  He was a member of Revival Baptist Church. David was a devoted husband, father and friend.  He never allowed Parkinson’s or Dementia to define him.  He loved to spend time at the beach with his family, but his favorite place was his cabin on Helton Creek, especially when it snowed.  He loved the simpleness of sitting on the porch, camp cooking and the quiet of the night.  When spending time with his children or grandchildren, he had the uncanny knack of making each one feel as though they were his favorite.  David prayed every night, focusing not on his worries, but always asking for God to give favor to others.

David was an entrepreneur owning Conley’s Garage for a number of years.  He was an outstanding mechanic and extended kindness to anyone that needed it.  He often would neglect his personal projects to help others.  He was a man of his word and would work tirelessly to fulfill his commitments.

David will be missed by everyone that knew him, but most significantly by his wife of 51 years, Nancy Plott Conley, son Jonathan and wife Lynn of Chula, daughters Jennifer and husband Kelly Cruse and Leila and husband Jeff Nicholson both of Blairsville, and son Andrew and fiancé Shelby of Lake Park.  David’s six grandchildren were the light of his life and they adored their Pop:  Alex Bright and husband Josh, Emma Conley, Bailey Bellow, Lainee Conley, Charlie and Oliver Nicholson.  He was blessed with a great-grandson, Avery Bright.

Graveside services will be held at Revival Baptist Church Cemetery, Monday, December 16, 2019 at 11:00 am with Tim Lee officiating.  The family will meet with friends after the service.  To honor David’s memory, please consider making contributions to the Union County Food Bank.

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. Clinton Wilbur Brown, age 80, of State Hwy 180, Hiawassee, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 9, 2020 following a brief illness. Mr. Brown was born on August 11, 1939 in Blairsville, GA., the son of the late Thomas Brown & late Cora Nix. Clinton was an avid fisherman and a phenomenal story-teller. A lot of his time was spent with his loving grandson. He is preceded in death by two grandsons, Kaiden Brown and Shawn Brown, both in 2009, two sisters, Mamie Ruth Bagwell, Beva Jean Barnes, five brothers, Oble, Zeno, Wacel, Frances and Benny Brown. Clinton was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Brown are three sons and daughters-in-law, Darrick & Chastity Brown of Hiawassee, Jason & Regina Brown of Colorado Springs, CO., Brandon & Casey Brown of Mineral Bluff, four sisters and a brother-in-law, Shirley & Eugene Pope of Blairsville, Dot Garrett of Hiawassee, Vassie Garrett of Young Harris, Marie Burnett of Blairsville, and six grandchildren, Reid Brown, Austin Brown, Brooklyn Brown, Jessica Brown, A.J. Cary, and Colton Harkins.

Funeral service will be held on Monday January 13, 2020 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Burley Chester officiating. Interment will follow in the House of Prayer Church Cemetery. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Robby Brown, Bryon Davis, Rick Davis, Austin Brown, Ben Brown and Dakota Grooms. Serving as honorary pallbearer will be Reid Brown.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to help defray expenses in Clinton’s memory. The family will meet with friends on Monday Jan. 13, 2020 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 line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mr. Luther “L.N. Luke” Garrett, age 71 of Andrews, passed away Thursday, December 19, 2019, at Valley View Care Center. Mr. Garrett was born June 28, 1948, in Hayesville, NC, to the late George Washington Garrett and the late Carrie Estella Wilkins Garrett. He was a member of Member Murphy First Baptist Church, and his favorite pastime was walking.

Survivors include sisters, Elizabeth Garrett, and Ethel Jones, nieces, and nephews also survive.

Funeral services: Friday, December 27, 2019, at 2:00 pm at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel Murphy with the Pastor Aud Brown officiating. Music provided by Aud and Becky Brown. Interment will follow in Green Lawn Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Cochran Funeral Home Murphy, Friday, December 27, 2019, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.

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.

Mrs. Elizabeth Joan Pierce age 76 of 12 Point Road Blairsville, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2020 in the Union General Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Pierce was born on October 19, 1943 in Hendersonville, NC., the daughter of the late Joseph John Meliski & late Betty Sumner. Elizabeth was an avid grower of tomatoes. She kept herself active by reading books, cooking dinner, and spending time with her cats. In her past, she worked for Clayton County Schools Systems as a teacher. Mrs. Pierce had lived in the Blairsville area since 2007.

Surviving Mrs. Pierce is a son & daughter-in-law, Michael & Ashley Pierce of Marietta, GA., a sister and brother-in-law, Marcia & Mike Stokes of Gainesville, a brother and sister-in-law, Buck & Barbara Meliski of Chimney Rock, NC., and a grandchild, Greta Pierce.

No services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Union County Humane Society Mountain Shelter (PO Box 1252 Blairsville, GA 30514) in Elizabeth’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

Shirley Mae Ray age 84, of the John Creek section of Alpharetta formally of Fannin County, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2019. She was born in McCaysville, Georgia on October 22, 1935, to the late J.C. Ray and Amanda Ray and was raised in McCaysville and Blue Ridge area. She was preceded in death by her parents J.C Ray and Amanda Ray and sisters, Eva Jean Scism and Mary Maxine Fuller. Shirley received a Masters in Education from the University of Georgia and later taught school in Hampton, Georgia. She was an exceptionally kind and loving woman who will be missed very much by her friends and family.

Mrs. Mary Alice Dwyer age 84 of Sautee Nacoochee GA formerly of Blairsville passed away peacefully on Saturday December 14, 2019 in Sautee Nacoochee following an extended illness. Mrs. Dwyer was born on June 3, 1935 in Pittsburg, PA., the daughter of the late Adam Albert Charles Dolenbach and the late Inez Josephine Theresa Wright Dolenbach. Mary was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents and also her husband, Robert William Dwyer who passed away  in 2015. Mary was of the Pentecostal faith.

Surviving Mrs. Dwyer are two daughters and one son in law, Sharon Dwyer of Blairsville, Pat and Gerald Cook of Sautee Nacoochee, two sons and daughters in law, Robert and Kim Dwyer Jr. of Clermont, Michael and Kim Dwyer of Blairsville, one sister, Patricia McCombs of Blairsville, six grandchildren, Kent Cook, Melissa Hester, Kari Carpenter, Kassie Hulsey, Wyndi Wyatt and Wesley Dwyer. twelve great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday December 17, 2019 at 1:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Paul Flynn officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Jonathan Carpenter, Kent Cook, Wesley Dwyer, Chris Hulsey, Chris Hester and Byron McCombs. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dalton Hulsey and Howard McCombs. Interment will follow in the Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery where she will rest next to her beloved husband Bob. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Hospice of NGMC in Mary’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 12-1:00 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

Katharine Pauline Martin passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 10, 2020 surrounded by her loving family. Katharine was a lifelong resident of Union County Georgia. Mrs. Martin was born on March 9, 1935, the daughter of the late Raleigh Henderson & late Flossie Emerson.

She was preceded in death by her father, Raleigh James Henderson, mother, Flossie Jane Emerson Henderson Williamson, brother Bill Ray Williamson, and step-grandchild Zachary Tritt. She was a member of Zebulon Baptist Church in Blairsville, GA.

Katharine is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Reverend R.L. Martin, four children, Gary Martin, Terry & Robbin Martin, Jerome & Jamie Martin, Noni & Anthony Tritt, eleven grandchildren, Brandon & Niki Martin, Garrick & Vannie Martin, Patrick Martin, Emily & Bo McClure, Whitney & Wes McClure, Alex & Brittany Martin, Tyler Martin, Ethan & Brittany Martin, Eli Martin, Logan Tritt, and Isaac Tritt, four step-grandchildren, Clay & Brad McConnell, Courtney & Evan Moose, and eleven great-grandchildren also survive.

Katharine was a devoted wife and mother who held values high and put her family first. She had a loving nature, a heart of gold and was the very best the world could hold, never selfish, always kind, and always praying. These are the memories for a special person in God’s care.

The memories of our mom are precious and impossible to express in such a short space. Our mom was extremely kind and generous to all, she loved her God, family, friends, and neighbors. Mom was hard working and was an artistic person. She made a lot of the shirts and dresses we wore to school from flower and feed sacks. She would also order material but we like telling the story of the flower and feed sacks. We were always complimented on our clothes because they were unique and couldn’t be purchased in stores. She was a whiz with needle and thread. Mom’s hard work kept us fed in the summer and winter. We always had fresh vegetables from the garden that she and Dad planted and harvested. She would preserve these same vegetables for the winter by canning, freezing, and pickling; you name it and she did it. She also preserved meats for us as well, as she and our Aunt Dorothy would pressure can hundreds of cans of sausage on a wood stove for us to have in the cold winter months. She would cook that same sausage for breakfast every morning along with her famous biscuits, gravy, farm fresh eggs and homemade blackberry jelly. Breakfast was the first thing we smelled when we awoke before getting up for school. Aside from her artistic side, she was a very intelligent person who loved to read. She read book after book. She read so many books that she laughed about starting a book and then realizing she had already read it. After her chores were done, she would get us in her lap and read to us. So, by the time we started school we could already partially read. Learning to read was so easy because of the time she spent with us.

We always knew that whatever we did, mom would stand behind us. She might be disappointed, but would never stop loving us. She was always encouraging, and when we were challenged and ready to give up, she would always say “you can do this, you can do anything you set your mind to doing”. This kind of encouragement can only come from a mother’s love and is something we will all miss very much.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday January 12, 2020 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Paul Ray Morgan & Pastor Ray Potts officiating. Special music will be presented by the Zebulon Baptist Church Choir. Interment will follow in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Brandon Martin, Garrick Martin, Patrick Martin, Alex Martin, Tyler Martin, Ethan Martin, Eli Martin, Logan Tritt, and Isaac Tritt. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home Saturday evening from 6:00pm-9:00pm prior to the services. Flowers are accepted, or if you wish the family requests that donations be made to Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association (8180 Greensboro Drive, Suite 400 McLean, VA 22102) in Katharine’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

Obituary for Gregory Jack Lowery

Mary Magdalene Ledford, age 73, of Hayesville, went to her Heavenly Home Wednesday, December 11, 2019. Mrs. Ledford was born September 2, 1946, in the Shooting Creek section of Clay County, NC, to the late Burley Maney and the late Alcie Watkins Maney. She was a member of Bethabara Baptist Church and enjoyed shopping, decorating her home, and watching soap operas. She loved talking to her sisters each day, being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but the most precious thing was spending time with her daughter. Mrs. Ledford loved all her nieces and nephews, and all of her extended family at the Clay County Care Center. Magdalene was preceded in death by her father, Burley Maney, mother, Alcie Watkins Maney, husband, John A. Ledford, brothers, O.J. Maney, Lawrence “Junior” Maney, and James Robert Maney.

Survivors include her daughter, Melissa (Mike) Card, step-daughter, Mary Ann Fields, sisters, Pauline Ledford, and Luejean Ledford, grandson, Kaylor (Garilynn) Card, granddaughter, Ashlyn (Chris) Langer, step-granddaughter, Kiesha Fields, great-grandchildren, Jayden, Kayden, Brantley, Kolton, Sadie, Lacie, and Jemma.

Services Thursday, December 19, 2019, 6 PM at Bethabara Baptist Church with Rev. Eugene Freeman officiating. Music will be by Marilyn Freeman, Randolph Jones, Scott Cody, Marty, Sherry and Mariah Ledford.

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.

Mrs. Shirley Long, age 76, of Suches, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Friday morning, November 22, 2019. She was born in LaGrange, GA, to the late Thomas L. & Francis Kathleen Turner Harcourt, on March 4, 1943. Shirley is a member of the Salem #1 (Sugar Hill) Baptist Church and enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She goes on to be with her parents as well as her beloved husband Howard Edwin Long. Also preceding her are two sisters, Diane Darnell and Brenda Stevenson. Shirley will be remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her children, Angela Gail Helton (James Jr.), Billy Lee Long (Lisa Jane), Jerry Edward Long (Kathy), and Robbie Sue Long; siblings, Jim Harcourt (Carol), Jeanette Brock, and Bob Harcourt (Diane); brothers-in-law, Harold Long (Marie), and Harry Leach (Diane); grandchildren, Stephanie Nicole Odom (Wayne), Misti Beth Foster (Justin), Matthew Edwin Jordan (Brittany), Jennifer Anne Holoman (Jason), Evanston David Long (Sara); great-grandchildren, Haley Odom, Bryson Odom and Caleb Foster, as well as Baby Jordan on the way.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2019, at 2:00 pm, from the Salem #1 (Sugar Hill) Baptist Church, in Suches, GA, with Rev. Tim Garrett officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home.
Henry-Cochran Funeral Home Of Blue Ridge is honored to be serving the family.