Mr. Michael Garrett age 52 of Shake Rag Rd. Hiawassee passed away peacefully on Saturday April 21, 2018 in the North East GA Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Garrett was born on Jan. 20, 1966 in Towns County, the son of Judy Henderson Garrett and the late Joel Garrett. He was a native and lifelong resident of Towns County. Michael loved the mountains and nature and enjoyed working. He was a loving father, son and grandfather. He cherished his family. Michael was  of the Church of God faith.

Surviving Michael are his mother, Judy Henderson Garrett of Hiawassee,  one daughter, Crystal Bitt of Hiawassee, one son, Luke Garrett of Hiawassee, five grandchildren, Desaree, Jasmine and Dominick Britt, Hyatt and Quest Moody, several aunts, uncles, cousins, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers if you wish, donations may be made to help defray expenses in Michael’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 Hall Davis age 82 of Blairsville passed away on Tuesday April 17, 2018 in the Chatuge Nursing Home following an extended illness. Mr. Davis was born on Feb. 10, 1935 in Celina, TN., the son of the late Landon Davis and the late Erie Scott Davis. James was a  resident of Union County since 1962. He loved hunting, fishing and mowing grass. He was a loving father, brother, grandfather and great grandfather. Mr. Davis was of the Church of Christ faith.

Surviving Mr. Davis are a special friend, Amalea  Owenby of Blairsville, three daughters and one son in law, Sue Hughes of Blairsville, Barbara and Mitchell Vaughn of Paneta, IN., Kathy Davis of Celina, TN., one son, James Davis Jr. of Celina, two brothers and one sister in law, Martin and Sue Davis of Clarksville, GA., Alton Davis of Allgood, TN., one sister and brother in law, Carolyn and Glenn Picklesimer of Blairsville, six grandchildren, Sonya Davis, Jennifer Hughes, Steven Spears,  Dustin Spears, Angela Spears and Shane Ledbetter, six great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday April 19, 2018 at 4:00 pm from the Ray Williams cemetery in Celina, TN. with Brother Martin Davis officiating. The family will meet with friends at the Mountain View Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 5-8:00 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.mountainviewfuenralhome.com

Joseph A Bartlett better known as Joe died peacefully at home on April 3^rd, 2018 in Blairsville GA at the age of 56 after admirably combating a prolonged illness.

Joe is survived by his mother, Alma Deacon of Astor Florida and his wife Lynn Bartlett of Blairsville, GA (formerly of Largo, FL), brother and sister in law Steve and Donna Bartlett of Astor Fl. He is also survived by his 3 step-sons Bill & Alicia Robinson of Pinellas Park, FL, Jamie & Scarlett Robinson of Largo, FL and Jay Robinson of Champaign, IL. He also is survived by 7 grandchildren, Tyler, Savannah, Grace, Will, Jacob, Abby, Avery and 2 nieces Crissi & Dale Kolomaznik, and Erika Geier. He cherished his sons and grandchildren with all his heart, He felt so blessed that they were in his life.

Joe was born on June 22, 1961 in Columbus, OH to Alma and Keith Bartlett and moved with the family to Florida as a young child. Joe and Lynn were married for 33 years. He was a loving husband and a wonderful stepfather. He also served with the Florida Army National Guard at Camp Blanding, Florida for four years and was honorably discharged. Joe was an avid pool player while in Largo and could run the table with the best of them.

A celebration of life service will be held at a later date in Largo, FL. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to Homestead Hospice in Blairsville, GA in Mr. Bartlett’s name. The family would like to thank Homestead Hospice, especially his nurse Lisa and the wonderful volunteers and aides for their dedication and caring.

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. June Jasper Stephens, age 96, of Red Maple Lane, in Blairsville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 28, 2018 in the Union County Nursing Home. Mr. Stephens was born on Feb. 27, 1922 in Union County, the son of the late Samuel Stephens and the late Mollie Franks Stephens. He was a native and lifelong resident of Union County. Mr. Stephens was a veteran of the US Army of WWII and in distinguished service earned metals such as the Purple Heart and the Silver Star. He served under General Patton’s 3^rd Army, 90^th Infantry Division, 357^th Regiment, 3^rd Battalion, and in F Company. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy, D-Day +2, and went on to fight in the Battle of the Bulge, where he was then wounded and then earned the Purple Heart. He recovered and returned to fight with his unit until the end of the war. He was a friend to many and was loved by all who knew him. June was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, loved bird watching in his later years, but mostly loved seeing his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren visit. He spent his last year in the Union County Nursing Home surrounded by friends, staff and family whom he adored and was often referred to as the “Social Director” because he had a smile and a hug waiting for those who came in the doors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Henson Stephens in 2012, two brothers, Edward and Oliver Stephens, three sisters, Wilma Patterson, Carry Reynolds and Velma Poteete. Mr. Stephens was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Stephens are two sons and one daughter in law, Tommy Stephens and his fiancée, Ty Mukerazhizha of Flowery Branch, GA., David and Laura Stephens of Gainesville, one daughter and son in law, Diane and Jim Harris of Braselton, GA., six grandchildren, Derek and Chelsea Stephens, Dana and William Craig, Leigh Anne Stephens, Jake Stephens, Leslie and Mike Vincent, Spike and Megan Harris, seven great grandchildren, Sawyer, Sola, Jack,  Drew, Charlie, Henry and Brantley, and many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Friday March 30, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev. Chris Rumfelt officiating. Special music will be also be presented by Rev. Rumfelt. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers: Jerry Patterson, Jake Stephens, Derek Stephens, William Craig, David Patterson, Rick Patterson and Steve Patterson. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery where he will rest by his beloved wife Sue. Military Honors will be presented by the North GA Honor Guard. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Friday from 1:00pm -2:00 pm.  Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Union County Humane Society Mountain Shelter or to the Union County Nursing Home Activities’ Department in loving memory of Mr. June Stephens.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Mrs. Patricia Ann (Coker)Thomas, age 67, of Woodstock, Georgia, who passed away after fighting multiple courageous battles with cancer on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

Patricia was born September 18, 1950 in Gainesville, Georgia to Floyd & Thelma (Thomas) Coker. She had attended Young Harris College and North Georgia College in preparation of her 27 year career in education. She spent her career teaching children at Ballground Elementary. Even in the classroom Patricia demonstrated her faith, quietly taking less fortunate children “under her wing”; offering them clothing, a support system, and hope for the future.

Patricia passionately loved her family. She was known to always have a smile on her face and a positive disposition. Those closest to her recall her often surprising and quick sense of humor that complimented her husband’s well as they both brought light to most conversations. Proving that love is a verb, even after 45 years of marriage, Wiley and Patricia would banter and flirt with one another like newlyweds.

Patricia adored being a mother, and especially a grandmother. There was nothing better to her than having all of her family at home. They will cherish memories of Thanksgiving and Easter feasts complete with “Gigi’s” biscuits (and the battle for the last one!).

Patricia’s nurturing extended even to nature and the outdoors. She was gifted with a “green-thumb” and was an avid bird watcher with countless feeders scattered throughout her property.

Patricia was a devout Christian. She was not proud in her faith. Her worship was not in a facility, but in her home and with her family. Patricia’s faith was unwavering, when faced with all of life’s challenges her love for the Lord was her strength. She believed the Lord had been so good to her.

Patricia will be warmly remembered by all who knew her, but especially missed by her family: devoted husband of 45 years, Wiley P. Thomas; daughter and son-in-law, Monica and Chris Frazier, and daughter and son-in-law, Joy and Eric Orme; sister: Jerri Brown; brothers, Alvin Coker, W.A. Coker, Bonnell Coker, Floyd Coker Jr., and Robert Coker; five grandchildren: Jacob Orme, Samuel Orme, Maxwel Orme, Heath Orme, and Liam Frazier.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, March 30, 2018 at 1:00 p.m., to be held in the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville, with Rev. Bruce Still and Rev. Ken Zollinger officiating. Burial will be in Choestoe Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville on Thursday evening, March 29th, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

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

The Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville announces Memorial Services for John Charles Gurley, age 89 of Blairsville who passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.

Mr. Gurley was born on September 6, 1928 in Tarrant City, AL to the late John Wallace & Theresa Marquette Harrell Gurley. A member of Coosa United Methodist Church, John was a man of many talents. He enjoyed building furniture and repairing old cars, or anything that was broken. Along with his mechanical abilities, he loved to sing and fish. Mr. Gurley was also gifted at grilling on his Big Green Egg, which he so enjoyed doing for his family.
John will me remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: Wife, Virginia Rippey “Ginny” Gurley of the home; Children, Terri Williams (Chris) of Nashville, TN, Mike Gurley (Lisa) of Blairsville, GA, Julie Marshall (Nick) of Florida; Brother, Allan Gurley of Florida; Grandchildren, Christina Herman and Nikki Gurley; Great-Grandchild, Olivia Hermand.

Memorial Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. at Coosa United Methodist Church with Rev. Roy Watkins and Rev. Jim Aikens officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 a.m. until the service begins. Military Honors will be provided by the North Georgia Honor Guard.

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to your choice of: Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter, 129 Bowling Gap Circle, Blairsville, GA 30512; or to Coosa United Methodist Church, 767 Mulkey Gap Road, Blairsville, GA 30512.

Mr. James R. (Jimmy) Channell of Greensboro, Ga. passed away on Sunday March 18, 2018 at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital. He was born on October 20, 1942 to the late Ernest and Henrietta Channell. He loved his dogs, classic cars and being with family. He worked at the family business Channell Hardware until 1989, and then at Hallman Wood Products from which he retired. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Greensboro, Ga.                                                         Surviving Mr. Channell are sister and brother in law Janet and George Stapleton of Blairsville Ga. sister’s Judy Miller of Piedmont S.C. and Jackie Channell of Decatur Ga., four nieces and nephews Bud Miller of Statesboro Ga., Hayley Miller of Piedmont S.C. ,Brandon and Megan Stapleton of Blairsville Ga., Blair Stapleton Of Lafayette La.,  also one great niece, Brennan Stapleton and one great nephew, Jenson Stapleton.
A Graveside service will be held on Saturday March 31 at 1:00 at the Greensboro City Cemetery with the Rev. Wayne Usry officiating . Family will meet with friends after the service.

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

Mrs. Elizabeth Dowd Warner, age 71, of Sharewood Forest, Morganton, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Thursday, March 15, 2018, in the North East GA Medical Center following an extended illness. Mrs. Warner was born on Jan. 15, 1947 in Norfolk, VA., the daughter of the late James Daniel Dowd and the late Donna Leta Hilton Dowd. Liz and her husband worked together for many years at their business which they owned and operated, Warner Soil and Geological Services. They loved traveling and traveled throughout the world together. She was always very active in her church and loved singing in the choir. She was also a member of Bosom Buddies, a support group for women with breast cancer and lymphedema. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, sister and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents and also three brothers, James Daniel Jr., Robert and Richard Dowd. Mrs. Warner was a member of the First Baptist Church of Blairsville.

Surviving Mrs. Warner are loving husband and best friend of forty four years, Joel Warner of Morganton, one daughter and son-in-law, April and Geoff Leighly of Tampa, FL., one sister and brother-in-law, Linda and William Vivian of Ormond Beach, FL., two grandchildren, Olivia and Lucas Leighly, a host of her church family, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 24, 2018 at 10:00 am from Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville with Dr. Fred Lodge officiating. Special music will be presented by Tim Passmore, the Smith boys and Lydia Long. Interment will follow on Monday March 26, 2018 at 11:00 am from the GA National Cemetery. Flowers are accepted, or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice in Mrs. Warner’s memory. The family will meet with friends on Friday at Mountain View Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00pm.

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. Roberto De Zayas Garcia, age 95, of Blairsville, Georgia, previously from Miami, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 9, 2018, at Union General Hospital. Roberto was born on August 27, 1922, in Holguin, Cuba to the late Roberto and Orfelina De Zayas. He retired overseeing all development projects in Bolivia and Nicaragua for Inter American Development Bank.  Prior to leaving Cuba, he served as comptroller for Banco Agricola e Industrial in Havana, Cuba.  Roberto dedicated his life to his family. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Roberto was a kind and outgoing man who always had a smile for everyone. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delia Pallas De Zayas in 1999. Roberto was of the Catholic faith.

Roberto is survived and lovingly remembered by his three sons and daughters-in-law, Ben and Patricia De Zayas, Alex and Michele De Zayas, and Robert and Barbara De Zayas; his sister, Leonor Gomez; his seven grandchildren and their spouses, Monica De Zayas; Alex De Zayas and wife, Emoe; Christy Jurado and husband, Salvi; Bryan De Zayas and wife, Jennifer; Ben De Zayas and wife, Melissa; Mitch De Zayas; and Robert De Zayas, Jr.; twelve great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

A visitation was held on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at the Memorial Plan Funeral Home in Hialeah, FL, with a graveside service at the Miami Memorial Park Cemetery. The following loved ones served as pallbearers: Ben N. De Zayas, Alex De Zayas, Alex De Zayas Jr., Bryan De Zayas, Ben R. De Zayas, Mitch De Zayas, Carlos Hernandez, Gabriel Hernandez, Bryan De Zayas, Jr., Daniel De Zayas, and Amanda Gonzalez. Donations may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America in memory of Mr. Roberto De Zayas Garcia.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville assisted with the arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Raper, Gertrude Thomas passed away at home surrounded by the family she loved unconditionally and who returned that love and devotion on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at the age of 99.

Gertrude was born on June 22, 1918 in the Dooley community of Union County.  She is preceded in death by her parents, John B. and Mary Jane Rogers Thomas; her husband, Arthur William Raper; two sons Hubert and Marvin Raper; her great granddaughter, Alexandra Blackwell; her sisters, Adele Potts, Oply Botts, and Juanita Nichols; her brothers, Guy and Theodore Thomas; her daughter-in-law, Martha Hensley Raper; her son-in-law, Eugene Fair; her granddaughter-in-law Lisa Timpson Fair; and her great grandson-in-law Andrew Ethridge.

She is survived by her son, Hoyt Raper; her daughters LaVaughn Fair and Verniece “Tootsie” (Joe) Kilpatrick; her daughters-in-law Dorothy Oliver Raper and Terry Gibson Raper; her grandchildren, Terry (Jill) Fair, Lisa F. Sledge, Jennifer F. (Maynard) Cain, Julie Raper, Michael (Stacy) Raper, Kim K. (Richard) Blackwell, Erin K. (Marcel) Barré, Tara R. (Derek) Sena, Chris (Tonya) Raper and Nathan Raper;  great grandchildren Kristin F. Ethridge; Rachel and Ashley Fair; Misty Creason; Nicole and Joshua Kidd; Meagan Cain; Kaley, Michael W. and Zachary Raper; Grayson Blackwell; Katherine, Benjamin, Madeleine and William Barré; Maci and Erica Sena; and George Raper; great-great grandsons Kyle and Matt Kerchofer; her sister-in-law Gladys Thomas and many special nieces and nephews.

Gertrude had a sharp wit, great sense of humor, strong work ethic and a warm personality that endeared her to all.  Her great legacy will be her love for family.  As a true Southern matriarch she was fiercely proud and protective, always keeping them close and being present for them.  Her happiest moments were spent with a house full of children and grandchildren and it always included huge meals she prepared from her garden.  She, also, loved being with friends and neighbors.

Her primary job was raising 5 children; which, she did with great skill.  Along with that she worked as a “Rosie” the riveter for Bell Bomber during WWII; a merchant, baker and seamstress.  She was known for her beautiful handmade quilts which she sold to supplement her income.

Gardening, canning, travel and reading were her favorite pastimes.  Widowed at age 51, she was able to travel with her adult children coast to coast and overseas but was always happy to return to her beloved mountains.  Each time she embarked on a trip, she would say, “Off on another adventure!”

Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev. Tony Black officiating. Special music will be presented by Kaley Raper. Pallbearers were grandsons Terry Fair, Michael Raper, Nathan Raper, Chris Raper, Michael W. Raper, Benjamin Barré, Zachary Raper and William Barré. Interment will follow in the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12-2:00 pm prior to the services.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bethany Cemetery Trust c/o Glenda Herndon, PO Box 1261, Blue Ridge, GA 30513.

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. Jessie Mae Cantrell age 95 of Johnny’s Drive Blairsville passed away peacefully on Saturday March 3, 2018 in the Union General Hospital following a period of declining health. Mrs. Cantrell was born on November 14, 1922 in Hiawassee, GA., the daughter of the late Charlie Ingram and the late Liza Thomas Ingram. She was a lifelong resident of Union County. Jessie loved sewing, quilting, gardening, being outdoors, watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her church and going to church singing’s. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Cantrell in 1999, three sisters, (her twin) Dorothy Cantrell , Gladys Stucker Ora Ingram, three brothers, Rufus, Carlos and Robert U. Ingram. Mrs. Cantrell was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Cantrell are two daughters and sons in law, Margie and William Totherow of Blairsville, Brenda and Clinton Patterson of Blairsville, three grandchildren, Gail and Mike Souther, Jamey and Chantel Patterson, Robby and Kim Patterson, six great grandchildren, Kelsey, Truett, Gavin, Emma and Sara Patterson, Mikala Souther, many other relative and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Monday March 5, 2018 at 2:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Young and Rev. Dwayne Patterson officiating. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Jamey Patterson, Robby Patterson, Truett Patterson, Gavin Patterson, Ray Ingram and Harold Ingram. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church cemetery where she will rest next to her beloved husband John. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family request that donations may be made to the Pleasant Grove Church Cemetery fund in memory of Mrs. Cantrell. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Sunday 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.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Mr. Arthur A. Mott, age 79, who was a retired manager for New Orleans Public Service, Louisiana Power and Light and Entergy died Tuesday August, 7, 2018 with his loving wife by his side at Union General Hospital. Mr. Mott was a native of New Orleans and resided in River Ridge, Louisiana and for the last 12 years in the mountains of Hiawassee, Georgia. He graduated from Warren Easton High School and Tulane University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

His professional career began as an officer in the United States Air Force where he served as base engineer for a major defense center in the Northeast. Later he joined the utility companies serving the Greater New Orleans area and retired as manager of customer service operations.

Mr. Mott was a registered Professional Electrical Engineer in the State of Louisiana and past president of the New Orleans Chapter of the Louisiana Engineering Society and of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning of Louisiana. In addition, he was active in a number of organizations including Toastmasters, Construction Industry Association, Mayors Advisory Board on Energy Management, Bromeliad Society and was a Pioneer in the Electrical Association of New Orleans.  In the last few years he was active in the Lake Forest Estates Home Owners Association, Tri State Radio Club, Towns County Board of Assessments, and was the current president of Tri State Gem and Mineral Society.

He is pre-deceased by his mother Katherine Sizkula Mott, his father Arthur Henry Mott and a son Adam Christopher Mott.  He is survived by his wife Doris Henry Mott, his children Arthur A. Mott, Jr. (Claire) and Eva Elizabeth Hughes and Doris’ children Cindy Rao (Paul), Huey Hinton (Lori) and Shirley Rogers. He is also survived by brother Norwood Mott, sister Katherine Mott Read and grandchildren Ethan (Jessica) Mott, Tyler Mott, Brittany Mott, Lindsay Kuhn (Billy), Jill Dupont, Paul Rao, Jr, Cathrine Rogers and 4 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the charity of your choice.

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