Mrs. Margaret Charleen Browning, age 94, of Town Creek School Road in Blairsville, passed away peacefully on Tuesday January 14, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Mrs. Browning was born on November 7, 1925 in Blairsville, GA., the daughter of the late Moody Watson Collins & late Martha Aria Collins. In her free time, she enjoyed cooking, quilting, gardening, and puzzles. Margaret was a native & life-long resident of Union County. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hoyt Paige Browning in 2015, a daughter, Martha Clark, and a son, Joey Browning. She was a member of Union Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Browning is a daughter & son-in-law, Cherry & Eddy Hood of Blairsville, son-in-law, Jim Clark of Blairsville, GA, five grandchildren; Penny & Ben Fitzgerald, Abbey Clark, Calley Hood, Haley & Mitch Henderson, Adam & C J Clark. Also, ten great-grandchildren; Faith, Lathan, Cyrus, Emily, Zoe, Natalie, Lane, Charlee, Jackson, and Madison.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Tommy Hunt officiating. Interment will follow in the New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers; Steve Efird, Paul Browning, Jeff Browning, Mike Morris, Ray Seabolt, and Ray Brown. Also, the following gentleman will serve as honorary pallbearers; Adam Clark, Mitchell Henderson, Ben Fitzgerald, and Nikki Smith. Flowers are accepted, or if you wish the family requests that donations be made to Homestead Hospice or the New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery fund in Charleen’s memory. The family will meet with friends from 12:00pm-2:00pm prior to the services on Saturday.

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. William “Bill” Clement, age 77 of Jewell Mason Road, Blairsville, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday January 15, 2020 following a brief illness. Mr. Clement was born on February 12, 1942 in Union County, the son of the late Lester Clement & late Arvie Brackett. Bill loved his Jesus as well as gospel singing. He was saved at a tent revival in 1959, which he was very proud of. Bill was an avid fisherman as well as being a native & life-long resident of Union County. He is preceded in death by his wife, Wanda McClure, a sister, Odena Moore, and four brothers, Lewin Dills, Gentry Dills, Willard Dills, and Dewy Clement. Bill was a member of Liberty Hill Methodist Church.

Surviving Bill are one stepson , Gary and Teresa Patterson of Blairsville, six grandchildren, several great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 17, 2020 at 2:00pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Brother Buck Dills officiating. Interment will follow in the Liberty Hill Methodist Church Cemetery. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Tommy Abercrombie, Jacky Cook, Jeremy Duvall, Josh Dills, Aaron Dills and Jacob Dills. The family will meet with friends on Thursday evening from 6:00pm-9:00pm at the funeral home.

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 a Celebration of Life Service for CWO4 Ronald Wayne Caudill, USN(Ret.)

Chief Warrant Officer Ronald W. Caudill, U.S. Navy (retired), wrote the below in September of 2019 for a Navy publication that asked veterans to share their experience and advice to benefit young sailors. We think his own words best sum up his life and his legacy:

“I learned through my 26 years of military service to value my family. I enlisted in the Navy in 1964 and served on 11 ships. In the first three years of my Navy service, I was single and wasn’t really sure about making it a career. After my third year was over, I returned from Vietnam and met my soul mate, Sue, on my 24th birthday (February 8, 1967). Sue made all the difference in my life and encouraged me to make the Navy my profession. She gave up a very promising career in Atlanta to start our married life in the Navy town of San Diego, California. Throughout my time in the Navy, Sue inspired and encouraged me in my work and helped me attain the ranks of Chief Petty Officer and Chief Warrant Officer. More importantly, she gave me two wonderful boys who we raised together to become men of character. Our oldest son, Shannon, served 25 years in the Air Force with two tours in Iraq, retired as a Colonel, and is now working on his doctoral degree. Our youngest son, Matt, is a licensed social worker and therapist who does amazing work helping veterans overcome their mental health challenges at the Veteran’s Administration hospital in Atlanta. Our boys and their wonderful wives (Corinna and Carissa) have given us four grandchildren whom we adore. Military service helps clarify what is important in life: your family and the love they give you. My advice to shipmates serving today is to write or e-mail your loved ones often, call when you can and be very involved with your family when ashore. To my former shipmates, thank you for your friendship, service and camaraderie. Fair winds and following seas to all.”

As a family, we are filled with pride, joy and love as we thank our Lord for the blessing of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and Vietnam veteran. Thank you for being with us to celebrate the life of this loving and kind man. We wish Ronnie fair winds and following seas as this old sailor joins his loved ones and our Savior in the great beyond.

He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: loving wife of 52 years, Sue Rich Caudill; and sons & daughters-in-law, Shannon & Corinna Caudill and Matthew & Carissa Caudill. Also, sharing in his legacy are 4 grandchildren, Thomas Caudill, Nicholis Caudill, William Caudill, and Gavin Zindle. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dean & Leona Caudill; and 3 brothers, Lowell, Vernis, and Clifford.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, Jaunuary 17, 2020 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors presented by the United States Navy and the North Georgia Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project online at woundedwarriorproject.org or Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Mrs. Bea Sherwood, age 93 of Blue Ridge, passed from this earth January 12, 2020. Fondly referred to as Miss Bea, she was originally from Clyattville, GA. She and Reamer Sherwood moved to Chamblee, GA in 1951. She was a graduate of the Clyattville High School. She grew up on her parents farm and her favorite chore was always house cleaning. She loved a clean house and was constantly cleaning out cabinets and closets. Cleaning was not her only interest. She loved to read and learn more about history and politics. While two of her children were in college, she took courses at DeKalb Community College in Atlanta and made an A in each class. It was a brief college experience, but she loved every minute. She was chosen to participate in an experimental project at Emory University assisting Dr. Ellen Fuller in a laboratory project with sheep. She was recognized by Dr. Fuller as an excellent technician.
She was an avid lover of sports. She especially loved the Atlanta Braves, UGA Football and the Duke Basketball team. They were among several families who established the Church of Christ meeting at the Lawson Chapel in Chamblee, GA and then were involved in building the congregation at Chestnut Drive in Doraville, GA. Their family worshipped at the Chestnut Drive Church of Christ where she was a bible school teacher & elders wife. Being the mom of five children, she was a stay at home mom as her main job. Miss Bea was also a member of the local garden club in Chamblee, GA.
Mrs. Sherwood was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Reamer Y. Sherwood, Jr., from Valdosta, GA. She is survived by her children and their families: Bess (Dick) Sumner, Pat (Charles) O’Cain, Claire Sherwood, Yeargin (Kim) Sherwood and Rena Roberts. Grandchildren: Ryan (Carla) Sumner, Scott Sumner, Jonathan (Amanda) Sumner, Patrick O’Cain, Robbie O’Cain, Chris (April) Sherwood, Blake (Kimberly) Sherwood, Wesley Sherwood, Rachel Roberts, Rebecca (Nate) Smith. Great-grandchildren: (Ryan’s children) Lexi & Anna Claire, (Jonathan’s children) Caleb & Emersyn, (Rebecca’s son) Kilian, , (Blake’s sons) Grant & Owen, (Chris’s daughter) Peyton.
She was also predeceased by her parents, Rufus and Bessie Johnson of Valdosta, GA, her brothers Charles R. Johnson of Casper, Wyoming, Julian Johnson of Valdosta. She is survived by three siblings, Mary Nell Wells, Gene (Carolyn) Johnson and J. Winston Johnson along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She and Mr. Sherwood built a weekend cabin in Blue Ridge in 1979 where they visited on weekends. After his passing she moved to Blue Ridge in 1994. She joined several Senior Clubs in Blue Ridge and traveled with them. She worshipped at the Blue Ridge Church of Christ, and was involved in teaching Bible classes, mailing cards to encourage members of the Blue Ridge church as well as to people in the community. She mailed church bulletins to previous members, shut in, military service people and students in college. She loved to cook and was known by her friends and family for her cabbage (always served in a blue bowl) chicken casserole and cornbread at every monthly potluck fellowship dinner at church over the years. Sunday Lunch was at her house every week with a home cooked meal.
She always loved plants and could make anything grow. Her sun porch was a haven for plants and orchids as well. She loved sending fresh cut flowers from the florist to people. Her local florist even sent fresh flowers to her in appreciation for her business.
She was a Christian first: serving the Lord in all she did. She prayed daily naming family members and friends by name. She was a daily Bible reader. You never left her presence without a bible verse quote and a reminder “God is in control.” As a loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother and friend she will be deeply missed, but her memories will remain in our hearts forever. We are all blessed to know we had her as an influence in our lives as long as we have.
Her greatest desire was to go to Heaven and we are promised if we do his will, we will join him. She was prepared to meet her Lord and join loved ones gone on before.

Funeral services: Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 1:30 pm at the Blue Ridge Church Of Christ. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the Blue Ridge Church Of Christ of Blue Ridge, Saturday, January 18, 2020, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm.

Flower acceptable or donations can be made to the American Heart Association or Georgia Agape Adoption Agency, Atlanta, Georgia or Blue Ridge Church of Christ, Blue Ridge, GA.
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.

Doyce Bryan Loudermilk of Epworth Georgia passed away on Tuesday, January 14th, 2020, at the age of 85. Doyce was born on February 25th, 1934, to the late George and Cressie Loudermilk at their home in Fannin County. He married Loretta Odom in 1954, and the couple recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Doyce was a faithful member of Copperhill First United Methodist Church and the Sunday School Superintendent for most of the years he spent there at the church. He enjoyed camping, model airplanes, fixing just about anything, watching the Braves play baseball, and, most importantly, spending time with his family. Doyce spent his entire life serving others, loving his family, and taking care of all those around him. “Papaw,” as we all referred to him, made every one of us feel loved and special.
Doyce was preceded in death by his parents George and Cressie Loudermilk; son, Darrell Roger Loudermilk, and his siblings Dennis Loudermilk, Sue Williams, Sibyle Whitlow, C.G. Loudermilk, and Austin Loudermilk.
He is survived by his wife Loretta Loudermilk, son Randy Loudermilk, daughter and son in law Ramona and Kenny Cook, brother Donald Loudermilk, and sister Annette Loudermilk; Grandchildren Alex and Lisa Loudermilk, Daniel and Haley Loudermilk, Gary Loudermilk, Hope Loudermilk, and Chloe and Nolan Walker. Also, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Doyce’s life will be held Saturday, January 18th, 2020, at Copperhill First United Methodist Church. Rev. Tom Reed and Rev. Jennings Neeld will be officiating. The interment will follow at Barnes Chapel. The family is requesting donations to the Pastor’s discretionary fund, but flowers are also welcome. Those serving as honorary pallbearers are the First United Methodist Men of Copperhill.

Finch-Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the family.

Mary Lou Robinson, age 83, of Ford Rd. Warne, NC, passed away peacefully on Thursday December 26, 2019, surrounded by her loving family following an extended illness. Mary Lou Robinson was born on Nov. 1, 1936 in Deepwater, MO., the daughter of the late Guy William Dahms and the late Pauline Elizabeth Carter Dahms. Mary was an avid golfer and loved bowling. She was a teacher and passionate about education. Mary Lou was a loving mother, sister and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Allan Robinson in 1981, her parents, her brother Richard Dahms in 2019 and sister Leila Dahms in 1930.

Surviving Mary Lou are one son and daughter in law, Michael and Jill Robinson of Blairsville, one sister, Julia Lynn Dahms of Springfield, MO., two grandchildren, Rebecca Lynn Robinson and Micah Alan Robinson, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A 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 Alzheimer’s Foundation Research in memory of Mrs. Robinson.

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. Doris Jane Becker age 80 of Ranger Rd. Murphy passed away peacefully at her home on Monday December 23, 2019 following an extended illness. Mrs. Becker was born on July 29, 1939 in St. Paul, MN., the daughter of the late George Horne and the late Lula May Mendemhal Horne. Doris was an avid collector of salt and pepper shakers. She loved cooking and spending time with family and friends and living life to the fullest. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Elizabeth Bobo and Rebecca Brunetti, a grandson, Brian Emerson and a brother, George Horne. Doris was of the Christian faith.

Surviving Mrs. Becker are her loving husband and best friend of thirty one years, Lyman D. Becker of Murphy, two daughters, Amy Morin and Brenda Hebert both of Murphy, two stepdaughters, Tracey and Barry Emerson of N. Ft. Myers, FL., Tonya and Brett Emerson of Cape Coral, FL., fourteen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A Celebration of Life 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 American Cancer Society in memory of Mrs. Becker.

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 W. McLean of Greer, SC., passed away on Tuesday December 10, 2019 in Greenville Memorial Hospital. He was born in Harbor Beach, MI., son of the late Wally & Esther Grekowicz-McLean. He married Diane Lamke on June 19, 1986. John graduated from UBLY High School. His parents owned the McLean Furniture store in Argyle and UBLY as well as managing the UBLY store later. He taught school in Harbor Beach and in UBLY, as well as working at Gemini and drove the school bus. He later went on to become the Director of Quality Control for many plants in the automotive industry. John never met a stranger. He was a happy go lucky guy. John cherished the time he had with his twin grandsons, Archer and Seanix.

John is survived by his wife, Diane McLean of Greer, SC., son Joric (Shelly) McLean of Lisbon, Portugal, two daughters, Ellissa McLean of Kona, HI., Danielle (Joe) Upham of Greer, SC., his beloved twin grandsons, Archer & Seanix Upham of Greer, SC., and one sister, Penny Mclean of Harbor Beach, MI.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to E.A.A. Young Eagles or your favorite humane society in John’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.

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