Herbert Joseph Teague

February 04, 1942 – June 03, 2019

Mr. Herbert Joseph Teague, age 77 of Blairsville passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2019 surrounded by his loved ones.

Herb was born in Union County to the late Joe & Alean Teague. He loved his Lord and always looked forward to the many special days at church. He was a devoted member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he was the Sunday School Teacher.

Herb was a loving and caring Dad and Papaw. He loved to play the guitar, spending time with his friends at the car shows, and riding his lawn mower with Jackson & Sydney.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alean Teague; his loving daughter, Mrs. Stephanie Teague Sharrock; sisters, Thelma Truitt & Frances Lee; along with his brother, Harold Teague.

Surviving Mr. Teague is his best friend and loving wife, Joyce; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Kelly Teague of Blairsville; two brothers, Randall and Judy Teague and Robert and Mary Teague; His very special grandchildren, Sydney Sharrock of Canton, GA; Jackson & Adalynn Teague of Blairsville. There are many relatives, along with nieces and nephews that were so loved by Herbert.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday June 6, 2019 at 11:00am from the Mountain View Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Jones & Rev. William Kerr officiating. A eulogy will be given by Herbert’s son Joe. Special music will be presented by Jimmy & Judy Thompson, Angie Burrell, and Will Potts. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers; Joe Teague, Ricky Hughes, Bobby Warren, Bart Hoibraten, McCoy Walker, and Charles Baugh. The following gentleman will also serve as honorary pallbearers; Tim Jones, Will Potts, Roy Fortenberry and Gerald Potts. Interment will follow in the Union Memory Gardens Cemetery with Military Honors being conducted by the North Georgia Honor Guard. Flowers are accepted but if you wish, the family requests that donations be made to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. The family will meet with friends on Wednesday evening from 6:00pm-9:00pm

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

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Hotrum

October 26, 1957 – May 30, 2019

Ms. Deborah “Debbie” Ann Hotrum age 61 of Foggy Meadow Drive Blairsville passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family at her home on Thursday May 30, 2019 following an extended illness. Debbie was born on October 26, 1957 in Plainwell, MI. Up until she became ill she was employed with the Union County Pet Hospital. She had a passion for animals. She loved them all. She was a loving and caring daughter, companion sister and aunt. Debbie was of the Protestant faith.

Surviving Ms. Hotrum are her parents, JoAnn and Gene Strickland of Blairsville, family, Crystal Winch of Blairsville, three daughters, Becky Sykes of Orlando, FL., Kelly Florer and Ciara Florer of Zephyr Hills, FL., one sister, Pattie Wagner of Zephyr Hills, three brothers and one sister in law, Michael Hotrum of Zephyr Hills, Michael and Brenda Strickland of Tampa, Andy Strickland of Macon, GA., nieces and nephews, Cory Hotrum, Joshua and Kayla Wagner, Brant and Paxton Strickland, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday June 6, 2019 at 1:00 pm from the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Mike Cloud officiating. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Union County Humane Society in Debbie’s memory. The family will meet with friends following the services at the church.

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

William “Bill” H. Berg

June 22, 1939 – May 24, 2019

William “Bill” H. Berg passed away peacefully Friday May 24th, 2019 at home with his wife by his side following an extended illness. Bill was born in Detroit Michigan June 22, 1939, the son of the late Hubert Berg and mother Marion Berg. Bill was preceded in death by his brother Richard (Patty) Berg of Sarasota, FL.

Bill is survived by Michelle, loving wife and best friend of 32 years, son William H. (Rhonda) Berg of Ft. Wayne, In., daughters Jamie S. (Gary) Hall of South Bend, In. and Susan E. Thomas of Fort Wayne, In, 5 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews; a host of his golfing, church family, relatives and friends also survive.

Bill moved to Ft. Wayne, In. in 1948 where he began his golfing career working at many Municipal Parks and doing what he loved-playing golf along with his gift of teaching and helping people who also loved the game. Bill joined the PGA of America in 1959 where it all started playing on tour around the United States. Traveling and playing golf was Bill’s desire and what he loved and he was an excellent player even beating Arnold Palmer by one stroke in an exhibition game at Cedar Creek Golf Club in Indiana – a highlight for Bill. Later in Bill’s career he was operational manager for ten golf courses in Florida, New York, Oklahoma, Phoenix and Pennsylvania.

After retirement, Bill and Michelle moved to Blairsville, Ga in 2004, still having his hands in the golf industry working as General Manager/PGA pro at Butternut Creek along with teaching golf at Old Union Golf Club and Mountain Harbour in Hayesville, NC.

Many students and friends will surely miss his teaching, his thumbs up and his high fives, and how he helped them play-his passion.

Along with golf, Bill’s winter sport was watching Hockey and his team, the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was very involved in starting junior hockey in Ft. Wayne, In.

Bill loved his Lord and his praise and worship time with church family at House of Prayer Church where you could hear him say loudly AMEN!

A celebration of life will be held Sunday June 2nd at 2:00 House of Prayer Church, Blairsville, Ga., with Rev. Jerry Helton officiating the service. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the House of Prayer Church in memory of Bill Berg. High Five my Love!

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

Eloise Helton

March 25, 1944 – May 18, 2019

Eloise Helton, 75, of Blairsville, Georgia died unexpectedly May 18, 2019, at Kennestone Hospital surrounded by family. She was born March 25, 1944 in Statenville, GA to the late Eddie and Mamie DeLoach Maine. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She loved the great outdoors, camping, fishing and working in her flower gardens. She was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and never met a stranger.

Mrs. Helton is survived by her husband of 57 years Frank Helton; son Jessie Helton and fiancé Brandy Lloyd of Blairsville, GA; Her nine grandchildren, Chance Maine, Brandy Maine, Eric and Jessica Bolesta, Casey and Dennis Herndon, Matthew and Cristina Helton, Christopher and Logan Helton, Taylor and Jimmy Jones, Emily and Jayson Griffis, Kayla Helton, Riley Lloyd, Hunter Lloyd and numerous great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters Gail and Gerald Fussell of Valdosta, Bonnie and Kenneth Lowery of Cartersville, Sandy and Frank Reifel of Blue Ridge, Janet and Allen McDowell of Blue Ridge, Margie and Bucky Davis of Lakeland and her brother Bobby Maine of Acworth. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her two sons Tony Maine and Spencer Helton, her sister and brother-in-law Frances and Cecil Jarrard, her sister and brother-in-law Jean and Wayne Davis and her brother and sister-in-law Edward and Gail Maine.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Helton will be held at 2pm on Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Sardis Baptist Church with pastor Joey Castleberry officiating. Burial will follow at Carter Cemetery. The family will receive friends for the viewing at 1 pm prior to the service.

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

Patricia Petitpierre Larrick Bell

November 5, 1926 – February 24, 2019

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces funeral services for Mrs. Patricia “Pat” Bell, of Blairsville, who went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, February 24th, 2019.

Mrs. Bell was born in Richmond, Virginia, a daughter of the late Jonah Lupton Larrick and the late Berthe Marthe Petitpierre Larrick. In the past, Pat had worked for NCR- National Cash Register, and also worked in real estate with her business partner and best friend of over 40 years, Vee Laffoon. She loved teaching 2-3 year old children in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, and will be remembered as always having her Bible by her recliner. Pat was a member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville, and she believed in the power of prayer, and would try to pray for everyone on the prayer list. Pat enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing piano, reading books, writing poems, and loved the challenge of those 1000 piece puzzles! When the children were younger, Pat had sewed mother/daughter dresses and elaborate Halloween costumes. She enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, and traveled across the United States with her grandchildren in tow going to shows. Pat had been preceded in death by her husband, James D. Bell, who passed away on April 4th, 2008. They were married on May 1, 1948, blessed by almost 60 years of marriage.

Pat will be greatly missed by all who knew her, and her memory will be especially treasured by her loving family members: son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Brenda Bell, of Stuart, Florida; daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Ricky Allen of Blairsville; granddaughter, Casey Williams, of Coral Springs, Florida; granddaughter and her husband, Rebecca and Seth Fortenberry of Cornelia, Georgia; granddaughter and her husband, Dana and Jay Hommerbocker, of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and great grandchildren, Jayla Hommerbocker and Alec Fortenberry. Many friends and other relatives also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday, February 27th, 2019, at 11 am, from the Chapel of Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville, with Pastor Fred Lodge officiating. Special music will be presented by Minister of Music Ed Lawrie. The following gentlemen were asked to serve as pallbearers: Jay Hommerbocker, Jim Brown, Doug Davenport, Glen McCullers, Ken Hatley, and Dave Garcia. Interment will follow in Union Memory Gardens Cemetery. The family will gather with friends on Tuesday evening, from 5 until 8 p.m at the funeral home.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Patricia Bell, of Blairsville. Please sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

Marie Elaine Fortenberry

February 08, 1949 – March 03, 2019

Mrs. Marie Elaine Fortenberry age 70 of Cardinal Rd. Calhoun, GA formerly of Blairsville passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Sunday March 3, 2019 in the Kindred Hospital in Rome following an extended illness. Mrs. Fortenberry was born on February 8, 1949 in Morganton, GA., the daughter of the late Rev. Vernon Davenport and the late Ellv Elsie Newman Davenport. Marie loved growing flowers, camping, fishing and spending time with her family who she loved dearly. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents and also her son, Mike Gilreath, a sister, Anita Olmos, a brother, Jackie Davenport and a brother in law, Louis Henderson. Marie was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Fortenberry are her loving husband and best friend of forty three years, Bruce Fortenberry of Calhoun, two daughters and sons in law, Angie and Jeff Dodd of Calhoun, Dora and Berry Floyd of Calhoun, one son and daughter in law, Nick and April Fortenberry of Adairsville, three sisters and two brothers in law, Betty Henderson, Doris and Roy Hefner all of Blairsville, Shirley and Wayne Aldridge of Cleveland, GA., six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Destiny, Jordan, Avery, Garrison and Bayleigh, several nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesaday March 6, 2019 at 1:00 pm from the Mountain View Chapel with Pastor Ray Potts officiating. Special music will be presented by the Faith Singers. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Jeff Fortenberry, Donnie Fortenberry, Jonathan Fortenberry, Casey Henderson, Isaac Stokes, Avery Dodd and Garrison Baumgardner. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in Marie’s memory. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home on Tuesday 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.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Thomas “Tom” Taylor Sneddon II

October 23, 1946 – February 24, 2019

Mr. Thomas “Tom” Taylor Sneddon II age 72 of White Oak Flats Rd. Blairsville passed away peacefully on Sunday February 24, 2019 in the Union General Hospital following a two and half year battle with ALS. Thomas was born on October 23, 1946 in Salt Lake City Utah, the son of the late Thomas Taylor Sneddon Sr and the late Katharine French Sneddon. He was a veteran of the US Army of the Vietnam War. Tom enjoyed restoring antique cars in his garage named the Busted Knuckle Garage. He was an avid Golfer and was a longtime member of the Butternut Creek Golf Course. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and also a sister, Jane Ramsburg. Tom was of the Presbyterian faith.

Surviving Mr. Sneddon are his loving wife of thirty three years, Medora MacKinnon of Blairsville, one son and daughter in law, Thomas and Heather Sneddon III of Frederick, MD., one grandson, Thomas Sneddon IV, close friends of thirty years, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, three nephews, one niece, several great nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 16, 2019 at 11:00 am from the Mountain Presbyterian Church with Pastor Travis Adams officiating. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the ALS Foundation of Georgia or to Castoff Critters of Blairsville in memory of Mr. Sneddon. The family will meet with friends following the services at the church.

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

Savannah Ann Hill

June 05, 1930 – February 08, 2019

Mrs. Savannah Ann Hill age 88 of Scona Lane Blairsville passed away peacefully with her husband and other loving family members by her side on Friday February 8, 2019 in the Union General Hospital following an extended illness. Mrs. Hill was born on June 5, 1930 in Luthersville, GA., the daughter of the late Marvin Cohen and the late Annie York Cohen. Mrs. Hill loved music and sang in her church choir and was a very avid Dulcimer player. She and her husband traveled extensively in their RV all over the Western United States and in her senior years she even enjoyed tent camping. She was preceded in death by her parents and also a brother, W.H. Cohen and a sister, Madelyn Scott. Mrs. Hill was a member of Choestoe Baptist Church.

Surviving Mrs. Hill are her loving husband of twenty one years, John O. Hill of Blairsville, two sons and one daughter in law, Brian Oliver, Kenneth and Rhonda Oliver all of Luthersville, GA., one sister and brother in in law, Marybeth and Raymond Davenport of Luthersville, eight grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, a host of her church family, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Monday February 11, 2019 at 1:00 pm from the Choestoe Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Zollinger officiating. Special music will be presented by the Choestoe Baptist Church Choir. Interment will follow on Tuesday in the Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Rocky Mt., GA. In lieu of flowers if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to the Choestoe Baptist Church Building Fund in memory of Mrs. Hill. The family will meet with friends on Monday at the Choestoe Church from 11:30-1:00 pm.

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

Norma Jean Norris

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville announces the death and services for Mrs. Norma Jean Norris, age 89, of Blairsville, who passed away Tuesday, February 5th, 2019, in Union County Nursing Home in Blairsville.

Mrs. Norris was a native of Ohio, a daughter of the late John W. Hart and the late Dorothy Marie Penrod Hart. Mrs. Norris was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Norris. She moved to Blairsville in 2012 and was a member of First Baptist Church of Blairsville.

Surviving Mrs. Norris are her loving family members: daughter and son-in-law, Judi and Bob Rinehart of Blairsville; son, Jerry L. White, of Ohio; granddaughter, Laurie (Mike) Justice; granddaughter, Stefanie (Don) Harris, both of Ohio; granddaughter, Karen (John) Pirie, of Blairsville; grandson, Rodney Rinehart, of Texas; and granddaughter, Susan (Jeff) Hildreth, of Texas; step-daughter, Anita Freshly, and half-sister, Becky Nickols, both of Ohio; great granddaughters: Danielle Barker, Dori Spence, and Sara Semmler; great grandsons: Nick Justice, Justin Nutter, Zack Nutter, Jackson Pirie, and Joshua Pirie; numerous great great grandchildren and other relatives also survive.

In Blairsville, there will be visitation held on Wednesday, February 6th, 2019, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Cochran Funeral Home in Blairsville. Further arrangements will be held in Ohio, with Dwayne R. Spence Funeral Home in charge.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.

Cochran Funeral Home and Crematory of Blairsville is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Norma Jean Norris. Please sign the online guest registry at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.

James “Jimmy” Asbury Carter III

March 27, 1941 – January 28, 2019

James “Jimmy” Asbury Carter III of Morganton, GA, age 77, was called home to heaven to meet his Savior on January 28, 2019.

Jimmy was born in Miami, FL on March 27, 1941. His late father, James Asbury Carter, Jr., and his late grandfather, James “Berry” Asbury Carter, owned and operated Carter Produce in Miami for many years. His late mother, Naomi Jane Schleucher, was the daughter of missionaries who founded the Miami Rescue Mission in 1922. It is still in operation today.

Jimmy graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1959 and attended University of Miami. In his freshman year, he went on a blind date and met Beverly Eloise Barkett, the love of his life, They married in 1962. Jimmy transferred to Florida State University where he earned a B.A. in History in 1964, a M.A. in History in 1965, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education in 1969. Beverly and Jimmy had two daughters while living in North Florida, Samantha and Annabelle.They relocated to Virginia and then to Central Florida before going to New Orleans, LA in 1979, where he earned a Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Studies at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1981, he took his family back to Miami where he served as a minister and pastor of a Southern Baptist Church.

Jimmy and Beverly bought a home in Blairsville, GA in 1999, seeking a simpler lifestyle in the mountains. He was a faithful member of Temple Baptist Church in Morganton, where he sang in the choir and often wrote and performed solo pieces. He was active in the Mens’ Brotherhood Breakfast, Sunday School, Church Cafe and Outreach Program.

Jimmy was a lifelong learner, being both formally educated and self-taught in many subjects. He loved animals and went to great lengths to help any who were neglected or injured. He was generous to a fault with people, feeding the homeless and giving money to those in need, though he was never a wealthy man. He will be missed most of all for his wacky sense of humor. In his final days in the hospital, he told jokes to the doctors and no one left his room without a smile. He used his last bits of strength to compliment the procession of caretakers, remembering all of their names and expressing his gratitude for their help.

Jimmy is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly Barkett Carter of Morganton, GA; daughter Samantha Lee Carter of Miami, FL; daughter Annabelle Lee Carter, son-in-law Peter H. Maguire, grandsons Robert Lee Seaborne Maguire and Joe William Dynamite Maguire of Wilmington, NC; sister Nancy Jane Carter of Atlanta, GA; brother John Carter and sister-in-law Judy Carter of Portland, OR; sister Georgia Carter Freeman of Catawba, NC; several nieces, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Condolences can be expressed online at CochranFuneralHomes.com. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Temple Baptist Church (please specify Music Ministry), P.O. Box 143, Blue Ridge, GA, 30513. A memorial service will be held at Temple Baptist Church in Morganton on Sunday, February 24th, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. Temple Baptist Church is located at 28 High Country Crossing, Morganton, Georgia, 30560, phone (706) 374-5096.

His ashes will be returned to Miami, the “Magic City” that he loved, and scattered in Biscayne Bay in a private family ceremony.

Arrangements entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.

James Billy Thornton

March 07, 1937 – February 03, 2019

Mr. James Billy Thornton age 81 of State Hwy 325 Blairsville passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Sunday February 3, 2019 following an extended illness. Mr. Thornton was born on March 7, 1937 in Jonesboro, GA., the son of the late W.A. Thornton and the late Berta Jones Thornton. He had made his home in Blairsville for the past forty years. James was an avid NASCAR fan, a diehard GA Tech and Atlanta Falcons fan. He loved sitting on his back porch watching the cows and the view of the mountains. He was a very loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished his whole family, they were his life. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie Thornton in 1977 and also a grandson, Braxton Kuykendall in 2014. James was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving Mr. Thornton are one daughter and son in law, Sandra and Jimmy Hardin of Blairsville, two sons and daughters in law, James Don and Mary Thornton of Blairsville, Robert Eddie and Sheila Thornton of Blairsville, four grandchildren, Shanowa and Danny Kuykendall, Shana and Ethan Kuykendall, A.J. Thornton, Brittany Thornton, four great grandchildren, Lathan, Eli and Zoey Kuykendall, many other relatives and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday February 6, 2019 at 11:00 am from the Mountain View Chapel with Rev. Randy Hughes officiating. Special music will be presented by Martha Davenport. The following gentleman will serve as pallbearers, Brian Davenport, Ricky Davenport, Mark Ramey, Michael Thomas, Jimmy Bell and Ronnie McDonald. Interment will follow in the Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery where he will rest next to his beloved wife Jackie. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, the family requests that donations may be made to Regency Hospice or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Mr. Thornton. The family will meet with friends at the funeral home 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 on line at www.mountainviewfuneralhome.com

Lia Gago Pita

August 18, 1939 – January 17, 2019

Lia Gago Pita, age 79 of Blairsville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 17, 2019 in Fannin County, Georgia following an extended illness. Mrs. Pita was born on August 18, 1939 in Havana, Cuba to the late Manuel Gago and Josefina Velasco Gago. She and her husband were residents of NY City and Miami, Fl. Mrs. Pita was the Asst. VP Branch Operations Mgr. For Sun Bank in Miami. Mrs. Pita was of the Catholic faith. She was also a resident of Union County for the past 21 years. Her hobbies included; taking care of dogs, watching movies, and following news & politics. Lia is preceded in death by a husband in 2007, Sergio Pita; and a daughter in 1985, Lia Pita.

Surviving Mrs. Pita are cousins Leonardo & Nilda Rodriguez of Miami, FL., Bob & Cindy Spaulding & family, and her special dog; Joubie.  Other cousins & friends also survive.

A memorial service will be held, contact Mountain View Funeral Home in Blairsville for details. The family will be accepting flowers, or a donation in Lia’s memory may be given to Humane Society’s Mountain Shelter of Union County.

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