Mr. Norman Francis McFarland age 89 of Fightingtown Creek Rd. McCaysville, GA., passed away on Monday August 6, 2018 at his home. Mr. McFarland was born on April 9, 1929 in Talking Rock, GA., the son of the late John McFarland and the late Abigail Messer McFarland. Norman had worked as a Social Worker with the Department of Family and Children’s Services for most of his life. Before he retired he had worked with the Fannin County DEFACS Office for over ten years. He loved woodworking and nature and rafting the rivers of north Georgia.  His life -long passion was writing about love, peace and justice and about caring for all children of the world and all of human kind. His was always joyful in his closeness to God. He was a loving father and grandfather. He was the last of his ten siblings.

Surviving Mr. McFarland are one daughter, Sandra McFarland of Decatur, GA., two sons, Alan McFarland of Spring Field, VA., Brent and Jennifer McFarland of Grayson, GA., two grandchildren, Ryan Alan McFarland and Taylor Carson McFarland, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A private family 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 UNICEF in Mr. McFarland’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

Our dear brother, son, and uncle, Kenneth Christopher Guettler, AKA “Boots”, passed away peacefully at his home in Blairsville Ga. on July 22, 2018.

Kenny was a long time resident of Blairsville Ga., having been both self employed as a mechanic, and contract working as a welder.

Born in Ft Lauderdale, Fl. on November 30, 1959, Kenny grew up in Ft. Pierce, Fl., the second child of Norbert and Patricia Guettler, moving with his family to Blairsville Ga. his junior year.

After graduating Union County High in 1977, Kenny enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving both in Minot, ND., and Seoul, Korea, where he also volunteered at the local orphanage. He certified in the Air Force in heavy equipment mechanics and operations.  Kenny loved reading, riding his motorcycle, scuba-diving, and fishing. He was a member of the Chatuge gun club, and a past member of AMVETS. He truly loved his country and expressed his patriotism often.  He enjoyed cooking, especially on the grill, and no one told a story better than Kenny, every detail, recalled and embellished, with precision. He will be remembered as the big guy with a rough voice and “teddy bear” heart, a defender of women, a timely joke teller, with a hearty loud laugh, and the occasional affectionate grin for his nurses.

He is preceded in death by his father Norbert J. Guettler, as well as both grandparents on maternal and paternal sides. Surviving family includes his mother, Patricia Elizabeth Rountree Guettler of Blairsville Ga., and siblings Cecilia (Guettler) and George Holland (Blairsville, Ga), Katrina Guettler (Decatur, Ga) Julie and Patrick Guettler (Ft Pierce, Fl), nephew Jason Holland, nieces: Kristi (and husband Derrick) Toogood, Sierra Guettler, and Elizabeth Guettler, as well as great niece and nephew Maddie and Derrick Toogood, and many other relatives as well as friends here and in Florida.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on August 14, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, (3717 Ga-515, Blairsville, Ga. 30512) followed by a light reception in the parish hall.

A procession to the site will leave the church parking lot at 2:00 p.m. to Holly Hills Cemetery, (130 Ford Mountain Rd., Blairsville, Ga.) for military honor guard and graveside blessing.

Those who love and miss him are welcome to attend all ceremonies.

In leu of flowers, please donate to St. Vincent DePaul Society or The Kidney Foundation.

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

Mrs. Sophie Marchuk Doeler age 94 of Whispering Pines Blairsville passed away peacefully on Saturday July 14, 2018 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. Mrs. Doeler was born on May 27, 1924 in Carteret, NJ., the daughter of the late Dennis Marchuk and the late Stella Trush Marchuk. Sophie had been a Union County Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer and had accumulated over 9000 hours. She had been a Girl Scout Leader for over ten years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron and Grand District Deputy. She was a loving mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. Later in life she came to love animals. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carlton Doeler in 1979 and a two brother’s, Max Marchuk, and John Sowchuck, one sister Olga Feaster. Mrs. Doeler was of the Episcopal faith.

Surviving Mrs. Doeler are one daughter, Carliss Degolyer of Blairsville, one brother, Walter Marchuk of Largo, FL., one sister, Alice Wilson of Largo, two grandchildren, Jolee Miles and Nick Degolyer, five great grandchildren, 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 Union County Hospital Auxiliary, 35 Hospital Street, Blairsville Ga. 30512, in memory of Mrs. Doeler.

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.mountainviewfuenralhome.com

Martha (Betty) Thomas Smith, 85, of Kennesaw, Georgia, died on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

Betty is survived by her children David Lamar Smith, Jr., (Ann) of Houston, Texas, Marlene Hooks (Rick) of Kennesaw, Teresa C. Rutherford (Bob) of Orlando, Florida, and Tracy S. Schmidt (Eric) of New York City; and her grandchildren Brandon and Steven Carden, Sierra Smith, and Philip, Andrew, and Katherine Schmidt. She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, D. Lamar Smith, Sr., and her daughter Carole E. Smith.

Betty was a much loved member of the community. She adored her grandchildren and loved to travel and spend time with them. In the 1990s, she worked as an afterschool program assistant at Big Shanty Elementary School, and she was a past member of Piedmont and Towne View Baptist Churches. Her primary occupation was bringing love and laughter to all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the staff of Union County Nursing Home for their compassionate and loving care.

A memorial service will be planned for family members at a later time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association athttps://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=39209&mfc_pref=T&39209.donation=form1&gclid=CjwKCAjw4avaBRBPEiwA_ZetYkYsl7O6o0g8hPq_WnhXJsFP2dIyTg-dk5QGIuT5E0yZlIgLyMqF-hoCFTIQAvD_BwE

Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family.

Brian Buser lost his battle with pneumonia Wednesday evening, July 11, 2018, at the age of 55.  Brian had been struggling with the illness for a number of weeks and fought valiantly, but ultimately he was not able to overcome it.

Born in Frankfort, Indiana, on July 28, 1962, Brian was the son of Ann Buser and the late Carl Buser of Blairsville, Georgia.  Brian was “special needs” and lived with his parents all of his life, dealing with many adversities throughout, but he was a good companion to his “Mama” ever since the death of his father in 2016.  He leaves to cherish his memory and will be greatly missed by his Mom, his two brothers, Dave (and his wife, Trish) and Wade, his three nephews and their wives, his niece, four great-nephews and one great-niece.

Brian was a part of the family at Avita Community Partners in Blairsville, where he attended weekly.  Brian was also a faithful member of House of Prayer Church in Blairsville.

Services will be held at House of Prayer Church, 1400 Pat Colwell Road, Blairsville, Georgia, on Sunday, July 15, 2018.  Visitation at the Church begins at 2:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m.  A short grave-side service will follow at the Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Brian Buser to: Avita Community Partners Intellectual Developmentally Disabilities Program 76 Hunt Martin Street, Suite A Blairsville, GA 30512

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 announces services for Joyce Betty Norton, age 64 of Blairsville, who passed away on Monday, June 18, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Family was everything to Joyce. She loved nothing more than having everyone gather together and especially watching games of “corn-hole” being played. The presence of children always seemed to brighten her day. She always looked forward to watching movies and playing video games with them. Joyce’s laugh was contagious and her warm smile could light up any room. Joyce’s strong Christian faith could be summed up in one statement: She LOVED Jesus!

She will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: daughter, Angie Hardin; sons, Robert Norton, Michael Norton, and Roger Norton; and sister, Shirley Ditmore. Also, sharing in her legacy are grandchildren Charles Cable, Amanda Ledford, and Rochelle Norton; and great grandchildren, Mason Cable, Rylan Allen, Elijah Allen, and Benjamin Norton.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 22, 2018 from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home with Rev. Mike Stewart officiating. Special music will be presented by Alan Kendall. Interment will follow the service at Union Memory Gardens Cemetery. The following gentlemen have the honor to serve as pallbearers: Anthony Belmares, Scott Mealer, Brian Queen, Travis Henry, Charlie Cable, and Gavin Owenby. Honorary pallbearers include Mason Cable and Elijah Allen. The family will receive friends on Thursday evening at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Mrs. Deloris Bellin Wheeler of Mull Valley Road in Blairsville GA passed away at Stonehenge Assisted Living on Tuesday June 12, 2018 following an extended illness. She was born in Appleton WI on August 19, 1932 to parents Richard Bellin Sr. and Ortho Crandall. She is the widow of her late husband Roman Tasker Wheeler. Deloris was preceded in death by her brother Ronald Bellin, and son Dennis Wheeler. Deloris has lived in Blairsville since 1995; she moved here from West Palm Beach Florida, She was the branch manager at Bank of America. Mrs. Wheeler is of the Lutheran faith, and enjoys spending time doing yard work, working in her garden, and spending time with her loving family.

Surviving Mrs. Wheeler is her son Sam Wheeler of Blairsville, her brother and sister-in-law Richard & Terry Bellin. Jr., four grandchildren, Josh & Chelsie Wheeler of Rydal GA, Heather & Justin Byers of Blairsville GA, Tracie & Jason Love of Woodstock GA, Chantel & Jamey Patterson of Blairsville GA, and nine great grandchildren, many other relatives and friends also survive.

The family has scheduled a private service at a later date. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, you can send donations to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Mrs. Wheeler’s name.

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

Mrs. Carolyn Sue Fortenberry age 71 of Fortenberry Rd. Young Harris passed away on Sunday June 3, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family following an extended illness. Carolyn was born on August 22, 1946 in Murphy, NC., the daughter of the late Roy Wilson Sampson and the late Elsie Mae Chastain Sampson. She had been employed with the United Community Bank in Hiawassee for thirty-three years,as well as owning her own lawn care service for many years. She loved fostering animals, reading, and growing flowers. She was a loving mother, grandmother and a devoted woman of God. Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edward “Ed” Fortenberry in 2005. Mrs. Fortenberry was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Fortenberry are two daughters and sons in law, Denise and Jeff Gurley of Young Harris, Angie and Rodney Nicholson of Hiawassee, four grandchildren, Sarah and Adam Orlowski, Laura Burch, Jaryd Gurley and Jordyn Gurley, a host of her church family, and many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held  on Wednesday June 6, 2018 at 2:00 pm at Cornerstone Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Flanagan and Rev. Larry Williams officiating. Special music will be presented by the Cornerstone Church Choir. The following will serve as pallbearers, Denise Gurley, Angie Nicholson, Jeff, Jordyn and Jaryd Gurley, Laura Burch, Sarah and Adam Orlowski and Jamie Reynolds. Interment will follow in the church cemetery where she will rest next to her beloved husband Ed. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, donations may be made to the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Carolyn’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the Cornerstone Church on Tuesday evening from 6-9:00 pm.

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

Jo Gray George of Blairsville passed away on Monday, May 28, 2018. Jo was born in McCayesville, GA to Carl and Mae Gray on September 17, 1931. Her parents preceded her in death when Jo was very young. She was raised by her uncle and aunt, Gaither and Pearl Turner, as their own daughter. She was preceded in death by her brother CG Turner and sisters Geraldine Green and Eva Mobley. Her sister Marjorie (Tommy) Quintrell remains her closest friend. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and many other nieces and nephews.

While her immediate family benefited most from her unconditional love, endless cooking, and open hospitality, all who knew her can attest to her kindness, generosity, and encouragement. Her life was a testament to her love for Christ – from teaching Bible School, providing meals and a home to those in need, and the endless passion she showed in making a difference in the lives of her students.

She inspired her children – Barry (Alison) George, Garry (Jeanie) George, Lyn Harbin, and Jacque (Tsali) Bentley – not only to pursue their education and dreams, but led by example as she continued to pursue her education even at the age of 70 when she returned to her beloved University of Georgia for a Certificate in Gerontology just so she would know what to expect once she was old. Known as “Jo G” to her seven grandchildren – Samantha George, Andrew (Colby) George, Matthew George, Stewart (Jennie) Harbin, Morgan Bentley, Will (Abigail) Harbin, and T Bentley, she made each one feel special in their own way and was their biggest cheerleader at their activities.

Jo was a favorite friend to the neighborhood children and her students alike hosting Christmas Teas, Etiquette Dinner Parties, and yearly Senior Class Cookouts. Jo’s sense of humor and adventure allowed many opportunities to teach a lesson in every situation. It was not unusual to find a full sized teepee in her yard with Jo dressed in costume. She loved to surprise dinner guests by serving “BLUE” mashed potatoes. Her travels allowed her the opportunities to ride an elephant in China and a camel in Israel, to see the Pyramids in Egypt, and see New York City and the Florida Keys with her grandchildren.
Jo was a member of Blairsville First Baptist Church for the past 60 years and was a member of the Faith Sunday School Class. In addition to operating a successful insurance agency, a motel and a restaurant, Jo worked over 30 years for the Union County School System. She started the first kindergarten in Blairsville, taught classes in the middle school, and served as the counselor in both the middle school and high school. As the sole High School Counselor, she started the Scholarship Program for graduating seniors which today has grown to over $1 million. As a lifelong learner herself, she worked diligently to help her students obtain their goals, encouraged them to further their knowledge and to give back to their communities. In 1992, the year she retired from the school system, Jo was featured by the AJC for her tremendous effort in obtaining 100% participation from parents of each graduating senior to meet each of their 4 years of high school to discuss and equip the students to reach their career goals. The results were the greatest proportion to receive college-prep seals, greatest number to receive vocational seals, and the highest percentage to further their education and training after high school. In recognition of her commitment and service, Jo was awarded an Honorary Diploma from UCHS and graduated with the Class of 1992. After retiring from the school system, Jo turned her efforts toward the aging. She began the Second Wind Dreams program at the Union County Nursing Home in 2001. Since that time, over 200 citizens – most of whom lived at the nursing home – have been blessed with a Second Wind Dream.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries at www.gbchfm.org. The family will receive friends at the Union County Community Center on Friday, June 1 from 5 pm – 8 pm. The funeral service will be on Saturday, June 2 at Blairsville First Baptist Church at 11 am. Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online atwww.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Rev. Benny T. Nix age 80 of Clarks Bridge Rd. Clermont, GA., passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday May 29, 2018 following an extended illness. Rev. Nix was born on Feb. 4, 1938 in Gainesville, GA., the son of the late Everett Nix and the late Bernice Simmons Nix. He was a native and lifelong resident of Hall County. Benny was a Baptist Pastor who served at Union Baptist Church for over forty seven years. He was known for his Christian comedy  and performed at many churches. Benny was an avid guitarist and music lover. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather

Surviving Rev. Nix are his loving wife and best friend of fifty eight years, Mary Lou Martin Nix of Clermont, one son and daughter in law, Marty and Jan Nix of Clermont, two daughters and sons in law, Melody and Mike Marlowe of Clermont, Marlena and Jay Braddock of Clermont, six grandchildren, Katie Coleman, Cody Marlowe, Matthew Nix, Jessica Nix, Gabby Braddock and Rachel Braddock, a host of his church family, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday May 31, 2018 at 11:00 am from the Union Baptist Church with Rev. Tommy Hunt and Rev. Ken Zollinger officiating. Special music will be presented by the Union Baptist Church Choir. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Richard Corn, Buddy Rowan, Daniel Funk, Nick Haynes, Andrew Cape, Matt Merritt and Donnie Lee. Interment will follow in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Union Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Wednesday evening from 6-9:00 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,mountainveiwfuneralhome.com

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mr. Jerry Frank, better known as “Bone” Carpenter, age 67, of Blairsville, who passed away on Monday, May 28th, 2018 in Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Braselton, Georgia.

Jerry was born in Young Harris, Georgia, a son of the late Frank Carpenter and the late Cora Lee Deyton Carpenter. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and was of the Baptist faith. Bone will be remembered for many things such as his love of riding horses and Harley Davidson Motorcycles. He loved helping other people any way that he could. Anyone who knew Bone, knew there was one passion that stood out. He love to hear the whistle of the turbo, and the low steady thrum of the 600 Cat diesel in his burgundy 379 Peterbilt as he traveled all across the Midwest hauling cattle. Having bought the truck new in 2000 he had driven it more than two million miles in seventeen years. He had been preceded in death by his wife, Donna Harkins Carpenter, in 2015.

Family members left to treasure the memory of Jerry are: daughter and son-in-law, Tracy Dawn Cann and Gary Cann; sisters: Gayle Dyer, Frankie Hall, Mary Carpenter, Wanda Mamich and her husband Mark, Jo Jones, Bennie Plott; brothers: Robert Carpenter and his wife Nancy, Don Carpenter and his wife, Francis; and Jack Carpenter; his mother-in-law, Velma Harkins; Special friends, Harrison Turner, Gerald Patterson, and Troy Dyer; many nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, May 31st, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville. Nephews will serve as pallbearers, and burial will be in Coosa United Methodist Church Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by North Georgia Honor Guard.

The family will meet with friends on Wednesday, May 30th, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. until 9 p.m.

The family has suggested that random acts of kindness to others, especially to help families in need, be performed in lieu of flowers.

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

Mrs. Helen Irene Flowers age90 of New Hope Rd. Morganton formerly of Bartow, FL., passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 16, 2018 in the Union County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Flowers was born on March 2, 1928 in Baltimore, MD., the daughter of the late Cadmus Roane Phister and the late Sadie Creamer Phister. Helen was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother. She loved crocheting, gardening and being outdoors. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. She was preceded in death by her husband, Venson “Bud” Flowers in 2009 and twelve siblings. Helen was a member of Peace Creek Baptist Church in Bartow, FL., and also Cross Point Family Worship Church in Hayesville.

Surviving Mrs. Flowers are two sons and daughters in law, Rev. Alan and Angela Flowers of Morganton, Venson Roane and Janice Flowers of Bartow, FL., seven grandchildren, Joey and Stephanie Flowers of Lake Wales, FL., Aaron Price of Blue Ridge, Jennifer and Randy Teems of Bartow, FL., Heather and Adam Deyton of Blairsville, Mandy and Joe Harville of Brandon, FL., Corissa Payne of Ellijay, GA., Amy and Josh Wilson of Bartow, FL., nine great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. Interment will follow in the Gandy Family Cemetery in Bartow, FL., where she will rest next to her beloved husband Venson. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Cross Point Family Worship Church in Hayesville in memory of Mrs. Flowers.

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.mountainviewfuenralhome.com

Mr. Ferrell Penland, age 94, of Blairsville, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning May 15, 2018.

Mr. Penland was born on May 26, 1913 in Union County to the late Joseph Wyly & Anne Bell Hamby Penland. A member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church, Ferrell was ordained as a Deacon in 1948 and has served in many other capacities such as Sunday School Teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. He was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather, as well as being an avid Atlanta Braves fan. He loved many things such as gardening and baseball, but nothing quite as much as his family. Ferrell will be remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his Wife of 72 years, Grapell Davis Penland; Son, Ronald Ferrell Penland (Janie); Sister, Josephine Akins; Granddaughters, Julie Fullbright (Lee) and Elizabeth Murphey (Chris). Also sharing in his legacy are his Great-Grandchildren: W.J. Fullbright, Levi Fullbright, Janie Fullbright, Regan Bishop, Chapman Murphey and Levi Murphey. As well as many other friends and family.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Harmony Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Scotty Jarrard officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until the service begins. Special music will be presented by Scotty and Tommy Green. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville.