Mr. Aubrey C. Sanford, age 75, of Young Harris, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at his home.

Mr. Sanford was a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi, a son of Aaron C. Sanford and Velma Mae Saxton Sanford, He had been a professor at the University of Southern Mississippi. Mr. Sanford will be remembered as a wonderful husband and father – an intelligent, very good man.

No services have been planned at this time.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. Please sign the guest registry online at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Mrs. Anna Lea Virginia Hite Gillooly age 87 of Partridge Lane Murphy, NC., passed away peacefully on Sunday March 25, 2018 in the Chatuge Regional Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mrs. Gillooly was born on June 30, 1930 in Gilmer County, W. VA., the daughter of the late Jennings Hite and the late Macel Jamison Hite. Anna Lea loved cooking, reading and walking outdoors. She was a very loving and caring mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Joseph Gillooly. Mrs. Gillooly was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Gillooly are one daughter and son in law, Debra and Joe Edwards of Murphy, two sons and daughters in law, Steven and Martha Gillooly of Belton, SC., David and Pamela  Gillooly of McDonough, GA., three grandchildren, Danelle Whitker, Shane David Gillooly, LeAnn Fitzgibbon, four great grandchildren, Ryleigh Whitker, Alex and Ivey Gillooly and Addison Fitzgibbon, 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 in Mrs. Gillooly’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

Mr. James Francis Fleming, age 92 of Garrett Lane Blairsville formerly of Conyers, GA., passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 22, 2018.  Mr. Fleming was born on July 28, 1925 in Kansas City, MO., the son of the late Roswell Edgar Fleming and the late Mildred Marie Caswell. He was a retired veteran of the US Air Force. Mr. Fleming received several medals during his 24 year career including the Bronze Star and many others. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and D-day +1. During his military service he was honored to drive President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Mr. Fleming also retired after 20 years from AAFES, The Army Air Force Exchange Service, as Chief of the fine diamond and jewelry division. He was affectionately referred to as “Diamond Jim”. He was an avid golfer and a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 67 years, Joyce Carroll Vickery Fleming in May 2012 and a son, Gary James Fleming of Cartersville, GA.

Surviving Mr. Fleming are four daughters and sons in law; Jodi Thomas and Gary Davenport of Blairsville, Lisa and Mark Lam of Jackson, GA., Karen and Spencer Graves of Murfreesboro, TN., Holly and Mark Green of CO., one son and daughter in law, Brian and Cindy Fleming of Lawrenceville, GA., fourteen grandchildren, Drew, Zachary and Ryan Thomas, Austin and Taylor Lam, Ian, Sean and Tia Fleming, Kristen and Scott Scribner, Jason and Weston Fleming, Brett and Claire Green, one great grandchild, Zoey Fleming, and many other relatives and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday April 4, 2018 at 2:30pm at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA. where he will rest with his beloved wife Joyce. Rev. David Feathers will officiate the service. Full Military honors will be conducted by the US Air Force. The family will meet with friends following the services at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Mr. Fleming’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

Miss Kayla Rene Mathieu age 29 of Lovers Leap Drive Murphy formerly of Blairsville passed away on Sunday March 4, 2018 in Andrews, NC. following a sudden illness. Kayla was born on January 24, 1989 in Blairsville, GA., the daughter of Michelle Mathieu. Kayla was a loving and caring daughter, sister, grandaughter,  niece and was a friend to so many. Her family was her life. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Michael Mathieu Sr. Kayla attended Harmony Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving Kayla are her mother, Michelle Mathieu and Chad Stephens of Blairsville, three sisters, Ashley Stephens, Maranda Stephens, Delana Stephens all of Blairsville, brother, Cooper Stephens of Blairsville, grandmothers, Barbara Mathieu of Murphy, Lela Stephens of Blairsville, aunts and uncles, Mike and Sheila Mathieu, Tania Mathieu, several cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday march 10, 2018 at 11:00 am from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev. Scotty Jarrard officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Chad Stephens, Michael Mathieu Jr., Michael Mathieu III, Cory Mathieu, Cody Armitage and Chris Green. Interment will follow in the Harmony Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to help defray expenses in Kayla’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Friday evening from 6-8:00 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. Kody Zannis of Duckworth Lane Blairsville passed away suddenly on Sunday August 5, 2018 at his home. Kody was born on January 28, 1995 in Minnesota the son of John Angelo Zannis and Holly Presley. He lived most of his life in the Blairsville area. He was a loving and caring husband, son, uncle and brother. Kody was employed by Wendy’s and loved being with his friends.

Kody is survived by his wife Kaitlyn Henson Zannis, father, Johnny Zannis, mother, Holly Presley, sister’s and brother’s Dina Zannis, Debbie and Mark Jolly, Pauline Zannis, Trystan  Presley, Jaden Presley, and Ashlyn Presley.  No services are planned at this time.

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

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy Mason Pickelsimer, age 84, of Blairsville, who went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Sunday morning, July 29th, 2018.

Mrs. Dorothy was born in Cherokee County, North Carolina, a daughter of the late Lee Mason and the late Leo Dean Mason. She was a lifelong resident of Blairsville, and was a member of New Liberty Baptist Church. Besides her parents, Dorothy had been preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Earl Pickelsimer and a brother, W.L. Mason. Earl and Dorothy ministered to many, through Earl’s preaching, and through Dorothy’s singing.

Dorothy leaves behind her family members and many friends to treasure her memory: two sons: Jimmy Wayne Pickelsimer and Kenneth Lloyd Pickelsimer, both of Blairsville; daughter, Barbara Earlene Folmar, of Carrollton, Texas; sisters: Bonnie Mae Mason Davenport, Eva Hettie Mason Williams, Nancy C. Mason Stephens, Kathren Elizabeth Mason Fox, and Gerrie Elaine Mason Young, all of Blairsville; and brother: Jullian Allen Mason, of Blairsville; Eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Wednesday, August 1st, 2018, to be held at 2:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville. The following gentlemen have been selected to served as pallbearers: Charles Blair, Roy Guffey, Clay Pickelsimer, Bradyn Hill, Mick Hill, Ray Davis, and Matthew Lillard. Dorothy will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Earl, in New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will meet with friends at Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday night, between the hours of 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the Dorothy Pickelsimer family. Please share your condolences and sign the online guest registry atwww.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Mr. Elmer F. Badertscher, age 86 of Blairsville who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, July 28, 2018 .

Elmer was born on July 7, 1932 in Tecumseh, NE to the late Fred and Freida Badertscher. Elmer went to school and did his chores growing up on the farm into a man. At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force and served 2 years and 11 months. His last year of service was with 3540th Supply Squadron in Korea, 30 miles behind enemy lines. He was awarded the UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

After his service years, he took those skills and worked at Pan AM and Lockheed at the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex in Merritt Island, FL. He met Yvonne, his loving wife of 59 years and raised two children. One of the family’s most memorable events were preparing for their summer camping adventure trips of 14 years, traveling through 48 out of the 50 States. Elmer was a Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at Fort Christmas Baptist Church in Fort Christmas, FL.

Elmer and Yvonne had a dream to move to Blairsville, GA because of many of their camping adventures to Blairsville. With many years of sacrificing and dedication, they made their dream come true in 1994. After retiring to Blairsville with his wife, Elmer’s biggest passion was gardening, as well as, collecting and restoring antique appliances; washing machines, toasters, irons, butter-churns, ect.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Yvette Lane; grandson, Brandon Lane; and 4 brothers: Eugene, Wayne, Eldon, and Delmer Badertscher. He leaves behind his loving wife, Yvonne; and son, Wayne C. Badertscher. He was a loving grandfather to Rebecca Badertscher, Wayne C. Badertscher, Tamara Lane; and 6 great grandchildren and 3 sisters, Esther Hassan, Erma Wright and Ruth Bray.

A Graveside Service will be held at Noon on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at Union Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until noon.

A special thanks to Elmer’s friends, caregivers, and Yvonne’s Bible study family for their loving support and compassion in caring for him and his family.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

Mrs. Eleanor Jean Dobson, age 78, of Blairsville, GA passed away on Monday, July 16, 2018. She was born on January 15, 1940 in Atlanta, GA to the late Lefton & Theresa Tyree Pucket.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11:00am from the First United Methodist Church of Union County. The family will receive friends from 10:00am until the service hour at the church.
Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving in charge of the arrangements.

Mr. Larry Junior Bowers age 63 of Indian Ridge Blairsville passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 20, 2018 in the Erlanger Hospital following a brief illness. Mr. Bowers was born on Feb. 26, 1955 in Murphy, NC., the son of the late Ernest Edgar Bowers and the late Mildred Alline Ashley Bowers. Larry loved riding motorcycles and fishing in his spare time. He was a loving father, brother and uncle. He enjoyed being outdoors and spending time with his family. Larry was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Bowers are one daughter and son in law, Saliena and Jason Guzman of Sandy Springs, GA., one sister and brother in law, Maggie and David Toney of Murphy, two brothers and one sister in law, James Bowers of Georgia, Richard and Sandy Bowers of Dalton, GA.., several nieces, nephews, 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 help defray expenses in memory of Mr. Bowers.

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

Mr. William “Billy” Nelson Poteete age 82 of Poteete Creek Rd. Blairsville passed away on Thursday June 7, 2018 in the North East GA Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Poteete was born on August 20, 1935 in Union County, the son of the late Ulius Poteete and the late Ina Mae Davenport Poteete. He was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Billy was a very patriotic Amercian and loved his country. He was drafted and served two years in the US Army and then was recalled during the Berlin Crisis. Billy and his wife Barbara owned and operated Poteete’s General  Store for over thirty years. He drove a School Bus for the Union County School System for over thirty five years and also served as Chief for Station # 4 Volunteer Fire Department for over nineteen years. He was a member of Dooly Masonic Lodge #367 F&AM. Billy was a loving husband, father, brother and grandfather. In his spare time he enjoyed farming and raising cattle. He was preceded in death by his parents and also a son, Marty Poteete in 1998, a sister, Judy Brackett and a brother in law, Glen Davenport. Billy was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Surviving Mr. Poteete are his loving wife and best friend of sixty years, Barbara Davenport Poteete of Blairsville, three sons and two  daughters in law, Larry and Stacey Poteete of Blairsville, Terry and LuAnn Poteete of Lilburn, GA., Jim Poteete ofBlairsville, three brothers and two sisters in law, Wallace Poteete of Las Vegas, NV., Bobby and Sharon Poteete of Blairsville, Jimmy and Cathy Poteete of Houston, TX., three sisters and one brother in law, Betty Davenport of Blairsville, Shirley and Butch Garrett of Blairsville, Barbara Poteete of Blairsville, six grandchildren, Kristen Poteete, Justin and Laura Duncan, Matthew and Emily Poteete, Brandon and Hannah Poteete, Erin and Dustin Garlin and Braden Poteete, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday June 10, 2018 at 4:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Larry Weaver officiating. Special music will be presented by Martha Davenport. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Doug Byers, Robert Poteete, Ricky Davenport, Matthew Poteete, Justin Duncan, and Josh Spiva. Serving as honorary Pallbearers will be Brandon Poteete, Barry Garrett and Stanley Garrett. Military Honors will be conducted by the North GA Honor Guard and Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Dooly Masonic Lodge #367. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund or to Station #4 Volunteer Fire Department in Billy’s memory. Interment will follow in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday 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

Mr. Herbert “Cecil” A. Collins age 89 of Dallas Hwy Marietta, GA. formerly of Blairsville passed away peacefully on Wednesday May 23, 2018 in the North East GA. Medical Center following a brief illness. Mr. Collins was born on July 16, 1928 in Blairsville, GA., the son of the late Edwin Paul Collins and the late Lois Murl Plott Collins. Cecil was a veteran of the US Army of the Korean War. He retired from Lockheed with over thirty five years of service. He started the first Republican Party Chapter in Cobb County and was instrumental in the election of President Ronald Regan. He enjoyed gardening and wood working and watching the Atlanta Braves. He was a loving father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. Cecil was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Joan Everett Collins in 2016 and a brother, Clinton David “Slick” Collins in 2011. Mr. Collins was a member of Old Union Baptist Church.

Surviving Mr. Collins are one son and daughter in law, Stanley and Sharon Collins of Elizabethtown, KY., one daughter and son in law, Diane and David Jessup of Blue Ridge, one brother and sister in law, Clarence and Barbara Collins of Young Harris, three grandchildren, Lindsay Breedlove, Andrew Breedlove, Terry and Whitney Breedlove, three great grandchildren, Brooklynn, Tucker and Avery Breedlove, several nieces, nephews, cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Monday May 28, 2018 at 11:00 am from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Jimmy Rogers officiating. Special music will be presented by Lora Fox. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Terry and Andrew Breedlove, Britt Stilwell, Wayne, Stacy and Barry Collins. Interment will follow in the Old Union Baptist Church Cemetery where he will rest next to his beloved wife, Betty. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Old Union Baptist Church in memory of Mr. Collins. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 3-6:00 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

Mrs. Mary Clarinda Hodges Dell, Age 82, of Mineral Bluff, Georgia, went home to Heaven on May 16, 2018.

Mary was born in Miami, Florida on May 1, 1936, to the late T.K. and Ada Hodges. She married her High school sweetheart, the late Raymond A. Dell, on April 9, 1955 . They made a life in N. Miami Beach, Florida, and had four children, Ray Kennedy Dell (Kenny), Helen Elaine Dell Miller (Sissy), Mark Steven Dell, and Mary Lynn Dell Gaston. She was a wonderful wife and mother. She made everyone’s life beautiful from just knowing her. She loved the oceans, she loved animals, she loved people, she loved drawing and painting, she liked to do ceramics, And she loved to take long walks in the woods. She was known for her kind and loving heart and just a wonderful personality that could light up anyone’s life.
Mary also leaves behind 17 Grand Children, 40 Great Grand Children, And 2 Great, Great, Grand Children.

We Love you Mom and you will be missed, but will never be forgotten.
No services are planned at this time.

Mrs. Pat Howell Phillips age 77 of Hillsyde Drive Blairsville passed away peacefully on Tuesday May 8,
2018 in the Union General Hospital following a brief illness. Mrs. Phillips was born on March 14, 1941 in
Lubbock, TX., the daughter of the late J.D. Howell and the late Alma Inez Parker Howell. Pat was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She cherished her three dogs, Precious, Bow and Dixie. Pat’s family was her life and will be greatly missed by them and all who knew her. Pat was of the Church of Christ faith.

Surviving Mrs. Phillips are loving husband and best friend of forty one years, Ronald Dever Phillips of Blairsville, one daughter, Tammy Harris of Blairsville, one son and daughter in law, Jay and Lisa Harris of Dallas, GA., one step daughter and son in law Evie and Jeff Grose of Cocoa, FL., one brother, Gary Howell of Oklahoma City, OK., two grandchildren, Kaylee Copeland and Kyle Saess, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Friday May 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. from the Mountain View Chapel
with Rev. Jerry Helton officiating. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may
be made to the specialolympics.org in memory of Mrs. Phillips. The family will meet with friends
following the services 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