Obituaries

Local Obituaries

William Todd Benton

William Todd Benton

Nov 9, 2025

William Todd Benton, age 65, of Mount Airy, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, dedication, and commitment. He was born on January 17, 1960, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina. As a respected Lighting Technician for the Georgia Department of Transportation, Todd took pride in his work, demonstrating a remarkable work ethic that earned...

Rodney Neil Herrin

Rodney Neil Herrin

Nov 8, 2025

Rodney Neil Herrin, age 64, of Cornelia, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and service. Rodney was born on August 22, 1961, to the late Jesse P. and Evelyn Cochran Herrin.  He was a lifelong resident of Habersham County, Georgia, growing up in Cornelia...

Martha Wilson Heaton

Martha Wilson Heaton

Nov 7, 2025

Martha Wilson Heaton, age 89, of Demorest, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, November 7, 2025. 

Born on February 12, 1936, in Demorest, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late George and Susie Dean Wilson. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A true homemaker in every sense, she...

Infant Thomas Lee Kinsey

Infant Thomas Lee Kinsey

Nov 5, 2025

Infant Thomas Lee Kinsey, age 4 months, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. Born in Gainesville, Georgia, on June 20, 2025, he was the beloved son of Brentlee Gage Kinsey and Devin Elizabeth Kinsey of Toccoa, Georgia.

Thomas was a happy little boy whose bright smile and gentle spirit brought joy and light to everyone...

Jackie R.B. Thompson

Jackie R.B. Thompson

Nov 4, 2025

Jackie R.B. Thompson, 72, of Demorest, passed away on Tuesday, November 4th, 2025, peacefully surrounded by family. Born on April 2, 1953, Jackie was the oldest child of the late R.B. Thompson and Geneva Shirley. He was a man of Holiness Faith, steadfast values, and a deep, abiding love for his family and friends.

Jackie was known for his big heart,...

William Willard "Rooster" Purdy

William Willard "Rooster" Purdy

Nov 4, 2025

William Willard "Rooster" Purdy, age 88, of Lula, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Born on May 3, 1937, in Habersham County, he was a son of the late Willie Braxton and Monteen Roberts Purdy. Willard was a U.S. Air Force veteran and was retired from Bennett Flooring Company. He was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to his parents, he...

Leoner Dill Butler

Leoner Dill Butler

Nov 4, 2025

Leoner Dill Butler, age 91, of Mt. Airy, passed away on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Born on April 16, 1934, in Mt. Airy, she was a daughter of the late Herschel and Estelle Mote Dill. Leoner was retired from Mt. Vernon Mills. She enjoyed her animals and her flowers, listening to music and singing karaoke. She was of the Baptist faith.

In...

Jerry Dell Ivester

Jerry Dell Ivester

Nov 3, 2025

Jerry Dell Ivester, age 70, of Demorest, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, November 3, 2025, following an extended illness.

Born in Toccoa, Georgia, on July 9, 1955, Jerry was the beloved son of the late John Alford “Dutch” Ivester and Dorothy Louise Garrett Ivester. A proud member of the Habersham Central High School Class of 1973,...

George Eric Brock

George Eric Brock

Nov 3, 2025

George Eric Brock, age 64, of Lula, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025.

Born on January 4, 1961, in Commerce, he was a son of the late Ezra Berry Brock, Sr. and Bobbie Sue Nunnally Brock. George worked for Cain Ford for some time, and in his spare time enjoyed fishing and playing pool. He was of the Baptist faith.

In...

Florence Jacqueline "Jackie" Knight Eastham

Florence Jacqueline "Jackie" Knight Eastham

Nov 2, 2025

Florence Jacqueline "Jackie" Knight Eastham, age 92, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

Jackie was born in the beautiful Northeast Georgia mountains, on November 7, 1932, to the late Floyd S. and Eula Gibbs Knight. She was one of 11 siblings holding the middle position. She married her best friend, Frederick L. Eastham, who was an Army officer and...

Earl Junior Arrowood

Earl Junior Arrowood

Nov 2, 2025

Earl Junior Arrowood, beloved father who was a blessing to his family and will be missed deeply, age 77, of Cornelia, entered into rest on Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born on August 8, 1948, in Cleveland, to the late Clyde Arrowood and Ethel Pauline Nation Arrowood Freeman.

Earl will be remembered for his generous heart, strong will, and unwavering...

Benjamin "Benny" Reed Hewatt

Benjamin "Benny" Reed Hewatt

Nov 1, 2025

Benjamin "Benny" Reed Hewatt, a beloved member of his family and community, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the age of 57. Born on September 23, 1968, Benny touched the lives of many through his warmth, love for music, and he enjoyed fishing.

Benny held the roles of father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Samatha Hewatt;...

Rex Burch

Rex Burch

Nov 1, 2025

Rex Burch, born in Hiawassee, Georgia, on November 5, 1939, to Paul and Azilee Burch, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was a dedicated member of the American Legion, where he served as treasurer.

Rex was a man who found peace in...

Ella Faye Brown Dotson

Ella Faye Brown Dotson

Oct 31, 2025

Ella Faye Brown Dotson, age 88 of Demorest, Georgia went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, October 31, 2025. 

Born on November 25, 1936, in Towns County, Georgia, Faye's life was a tapestry woven with love, faith, and creativity. She was a daughter of the late Vaughn & Etna Williamson Brown.

As a dedicated homemaker, Faye poured her...

Charles Edwin Hazle

Charles Edwin Hazle

Oct 30, 2025

Charles "Chuck" Edwin Hazle passed away peacefully at the age of 89 on Thursday, October 30, 2025, at his home in Hollywood, Georgia. He was born on July 8, 1936, in Romeo, Michigan. Chuck was a devoted family man and a cherished member of his community, who made a lasting impact throughout his long life.

For over 30 years, he served...

Ronald R. "Bones" Loudermilk

Ronald R. "Bones" Loudermilk

Oct 26, 2025

Ronald R. "Bones" Loudermilk, age 70, of Mt. Airy, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

Born on July 24, 1955, in Clarkesville, he was a son of the late Virgil Marlow and Polly Keller Loudermilk. Bones was a self-employed mechanic for many years. He enjoyed his work and also enjoyed racing and dancing. While he might sometimes entertain others by...

Bruce Farrell Beckner

Bruce Farrell Beckner

Oct 23, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Farrell Beckner who went home to be with the Lord on October 23, 2025. He was born on February 17, 1955, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Richard R. Beckner and Constance Steiger.

He grew up in Brookfield, Connecticut, where he attended Brookfield High School before continuing his education at...

Colleen Banks Hudson

Colleen Banks Hudson

Oct 19, 2025

Colleen Banks Hudson, age 96, of Demorest, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Born on December 2, 1928, in Cleveland, she was the daughter of the late William “Willie” Richard and Zadie Mae Shelnut Banks. Colleen was retired from Clarkesville Mill, was a seamstress who did alterations, and also worked in several area restaurants over the years. She was known...

Joseph Andrew Reed

Joseph Andrew Reed

Oct 19, 2025

Joseph Andrew Reed, age 46, of Mt. Airy, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

Andrew was born on April 12, 1979, in Toccoa, but was raised in Cornelia and in the Methodist faith. He later became a member of Cornelia United Methodist Church. He was employed with Home Depot, and in his spare time, he enjoyed Braves baseball and UGA...

Terry Lynn Thomas

Terry Lynn Thomas

Oct 16, 2025

Terry Lynn Thomas, age 58, of Maysville, passed away on Thursday, October 16, 2025. Born on February 20, 1967, in Demorest, Georgia, Terry was known for his warmth, kindness, and dedication, particularly to his family and his church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eloise Thomas and Barbara Armour, and his brother, Tony Thomas.

Terry is survived by his sons,...