Obituaries

Local Obituaries

John J. Butler, Jr.

John J. Butler, Jr.

Oct 14, 2025

John J. Butler, Jr., affectionately known as “Big John,” passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born on August 5, 1957, John grew up in Habersham County, where his love for football first took root. His mother’s unmistakable cheers from the stands were a testament to her pride in her undeniable favorite child.

John’s athletic talent...

Dwight Ira Gailey

Dwight Ira Gailey

Oct 14, 2025

Dwight Ira Gailey, age 84, of Homer, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

Born on February 10, 1941, in Homer, he was a son of the late Fay and Iris Chambers Gailey. Dwight was retired from Banks County Road Department, and was also a cattle and hay farmer, who enjoyed fishing in his spare time. He was a member of...

James Roberts Carson

James Roberts Carson

Oct 14, 2025

James Roberts Carson, age 74, of Seneca, South Carolina, passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

At his birth, his parents resided in the Habersham Mills community of Habersham County. He attended Habersham Mills elementary school and graduated from North Habersham High School in 1969. After graduation, he continued his education at Young Harris College and completed his degree in education...

Maxine Johnson Crump

Maxine Johnson Crump

Oct 10, 2025

Maxine Johnson Crump, a beloved matriarch and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on February 23, 1934, Maxine lived a life filled with passion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to her family and interests.

Maxine was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Crump, and her daughter, Barbara Sue Crump...

Charlotte Sullivan Meister

Charlotte Sullivan Meister

Oct 9, 2025

Charlotte Sullivan Meister, age 94, of Cornelia, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Born on April 29, 1931, in Tallulah Falls, she was a daughter of the late Choice Felton and Reba Teague Sullivan. Charlotte will be remembered by many for her long and dedicated career at Johnson & Johnson, where she began working in 1954 and continued until her...

Patsy Inez Brewer

Patsy Inez Brewer

Oct 9, 2025

Patsy Inez Brewer, age 87, of Cornelia, passed into the arms of her Savior on Thursday, October 9, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on March 16, 1938, in Clarkesville, Patsy was a gentle, bright light to everyone who knew her. She spent most of her life in Cornelia, where she created a home filled with warmth, love, and the scent...

Judith "Judy" Lynn Chosewood Maney

Judith "Judy" Lynn Chosewood Maney

Oct 8, 2025

Judith "Judy" Lynn Chosewood Maney, age 72, of Alto, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Born on May 7, 1953, in Demorest, she was a daughter of the late Paul Lamar Chosewood and Betty Frances Stewart Mote. Judy was employed with area convenience stores and was of the Baptist faith. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them....

Wanda Mary Meeks Chitwood

Wanda Mary Meeks Chitwood

Oct 8, 2025

Wanda Mary Meeks Chitwood, age 85, of Baldwin, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

Born on November 4, 1939, in Lula, she was a daughter of the late Darnell and Lola Spivey Meeks. Wanda was a homemaker and was of the Holiness faith. She enjoyed spending time outdoors.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband,...

Melvin King

Melvin King

Oct 7, 2025

Melvin King, age 85, of Cornelia, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, due to acute respiratory distress syndrome following pneumonia.

Born on August 20, 1940, at home in Alto, he was the first son of the late Frank and Annie Mae King. Melvin was employed early in the Produce business with Piggly Wiggly and Colonial grocery stores. Later, he was...

Margaret Ann Rushing Luther

Margaret Ann Rushing Luther

Oct 3, 2025

Margaret Ann Rushing Luther, 94, of Lula, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, at Florence Hand Home in LaGrange, GA.

She was born in Lula, GA to Noah and Kate Rushing. Her father worked in road construction and Margaret moved across the state with her family several times, collecting lively stories at every turn. Margaret was a feisty and...

Dorothy Mae Purdy Kimbrell

Dorothy Mae Purdy Kimbrell

Oct 1, 2025

Dorothy Mae Purdy Kimbrell, age 89, of Cornelia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at her home.

Born on January 11, 1936, she leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Known for her feisty and sassy spirit, Dorothy was a beacon of joy, beloved by all who knew her.

A devoted family member, she cherished the time...

Brenda Kay Stoker Duston

Brenda Kay Stoker Duston

Sep 29, 2025

Brenda Kay Stoker Duston, age 59, of Cornelia, passed away on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Born on September 2, 1966, in Monticello, Kentucky, she was the daughter of the late Alan R. and Bonnie Mae Criswell Stoker. Brenda loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially with her granddaughter, Ali. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, camping and...

Norma Linda Irvin

Norma Linda Irvin

Sep 28, 2025

Norma Linda Irvin, age 83, of Cornelia, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Born on April 27, 1942, in Cornelia, she was the daughter of the late Harold Lee and Norma Evelyn Locke Irvin. Linda was employed for a number of years with Habersham County Schools. She was a bird watcher and an artist, who particularly enjoyed painting. Linda especially...

Wanda Alexander London

Wanda Alexander London

Sep 28, 2025

Wanda Alexander London, age 77, of Cornelia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025.

Born on March 5, 1948, she was a daughter of the late Laymon "Brother" Alexander and Eva Mae Stephens Alexander. Wanda dedicated five decades of her life to a fulfilling career as a nurse. She had a genuine passion for caring for her patients and cherished...

Hermila Mora Ramirez

Hermila Mora Ramirez

Sep 27, 2025

Hermila Mora Ramirez, age 73, of Cornelia, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Born on May 28, 1952, in Mexico, she was a daughter of the late Salvador Mora Vallejo and Celia Ramirez Lopez. Hermila was a homemaker. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and in her spare time, could be found in her kitchen, cooking, or out working...

Marie Paulette Brabbs Peck

Marie Paulette Brabbs Peck

Sep 27, 2025

Marie Paulette Brabbs Peck, age 66, of Cornelia, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Born on February 22, 1959, in Flint, Michigan, Marie was a radiant light in the lives of all who knew her. A devoted Christian, she carried her faith with grace and compassion throughout her life.

Marie was the proud owner of Sugar Glider Joy, where she combined...

Joyce Ann Nelms Higgins

Joyce Ann Nelms Higgins

Sep 27, 2025

Joyce Ann Nelms Higgins, age 69, of Demorest, passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2025.

Born on December 10, 1955, in Demorest, she was a daughter of the late Bob Nelms and Maggie Collins Nelms. Joyce enjoyed knitting and was especially fond of her dogs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Marlon Higgins.

Survivors include...

Carl L. Shoemake

Carl L. Shoemake

Sep 26, 2025

Carl L. Shoemake, age 88, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025. Born on February 26, 1937, in Memphis Tennessee he was a devoted husband to Faye Shoemake and a loving father to Dale, David and Daryl.

Dad was hard-working and dedicated and served his country in the Air Force for 20 years. He spent another 20 years working for United...

Joyce Morris Webb

Joyce Morris Webb

Sep 26, 2025

Joyce Morris Webb, age 92, of Clarkesville, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Born on February 7, 1933, she dedicated over thirty years of her professional life to Ethicon, where her commitment and hard work earned her a well-respected reputation. Following her retirement, she continued her path of service as an administrative assistant to the President of Piedmont College.

Joyce...

James Harold Rudeseal, Jr.

James Harold Rudeseal, Jr.

Sep 21, 2025

James Harold Rudeseal, Jr., age 64, of Dahlonega, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Born on March 6, 1961, in Homerville, Georgia, he was a son of Josephine Rudeseal and the late James H. "Mullet" Rudeseal, Sr.  James was employed with Panduit for some time.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Christopher Rudeseal.

In addition...