Local Obituaries
Janie Sellers Merck
Jan 5, 2026
Janie Sellers Merck, age 82, of Dahlonega, Georgia, formerly of Cleveland, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, January 5, 2026, surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived and deeply loved.
Born on January 10, 1943, in Habersham County, Janie was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas Roosevelt Sellers and Lizzie Mae Owens...
Patricia Lee White Hallowell
Jan 1, 2026
Patricia "Patti" Lee White Hallowell, age 88, of Demorest, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on August 3, 1937, to the late Jules Wexler White and Ruth Bolton White, who instilled in her a strong sense of grace, curiosity, and devotion to others—qualities that defined...
Claudette Bonds Griffin
Jan 1, 2026
Claudette Bonds Griffin, age 88, of Hiawassee and Baldwin/Cornelia, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, January 1, 2026, following an extended illness.
A woman of deep faith, gentle strength, and unwavering love, Claudette leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, and music that will forever echo in the hearts of those who...
Christopher Lewis Sisk
Jan 1, 2026
Christopher Lewis Sisk, age 43, of Demorest, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Christopher was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend whose life was defined by hard work, loyalty, and love. He was employed with Kendall Vegetation Services for over 25 years, where he built a reputation for...
Ruby Lee Tankersley Murphy
Dec 26, 2025
Ruby Lee Tankersley Murphy, age 73, of Toccoa, passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025.
Born on March 24, 1952, in Atlanta, she was a daughter of the late James Tankersley and Jeanette Ballew Tankersley. Ruby was employed with Fulton County, for over 20 years, as a Personal Property Appraiser. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them, cooking...
Cathy Williams Hough
Dec 25, 2025
Cathy Williams Hough, born on August 6, 1961, in Habersham County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, at CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family.
Cathy was known for her dedicated career as a Pharmacy Technician, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, Georgia and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Mooresville, NC. where she...
Joseph G. "Joby" McGahee, Jr.
Dec 25, 2025
It is with profound sadness and grief that the family of Joseph G. “Joby” McGahee, Jr. announces his sudden passing on Christmas Day, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Joby was born on August 4, 1948, at Walker Clinic—formerly known as the Charm House—to Joseph G. McGahee, Sr. and Mardelle Shirley McGahee. He was a Boy Scout with Troop 24 in...
Ronnie Dewey Cantrell
Dec 25, 2025
Ronnie Dewey Cantrell, age 81, of Alto, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 25, 2025, following an extended illness.
Born on October 24, 1944, in Alto, Georgia, Ronnie was the son of the late J.C. Cantrell and Georgia Lou Stephens Cantrell. A lifelong resident of the community he loved, Ronnie was well known as the owner...
Kathryn Kimbrell Rider
Dec 20, 2025
Kathryn Kimbrell Rider, age 93, of Cornelia, Georgia, went home peacefully to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
Born on February 11, 1932, in Mount Airy, Georgia, Kathryn was the second of ten children born to the late Tom and Bonnie Pitts Kimbrell. From an early age, she learned the values of faith, hard work, and devotion to...
Willene Roberts Edwards Beck
Dec 19, 2025
Willene Roberts Edwards Beck, 88, of Demorest, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025.
Born in White County on May 29, 1937 to Joe and Lecy (Eller) Roberts, Willene grew up in the Lynch Mountain area of the Sautee Valley. After marrying Corbett Edwards, she moved to Habersham County. After Edwards’ passing, she moved to Dawsonville and later married Tom Beck.
Willene...
Mary Louise Cunningham Brady
Dec 18, 2025
Mary Louise Cunningham Brady, age 81, of Clarkesville, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 18, 2025. A woman of steadfast faith, quiet strength, and generous love, Louise’s life was a beautiful testimony of service to God, family, and community.
Born in Banks County, Georgia on July 14, 1944, she was the beloved daughter...
Leonid "Leon" Tur
Dec 16, 2025
Leonid "Leon" Tur, age 77, of Cornelia, passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025.
Born on April 9, 1948, in Munich, Germany, he was a son of the late Michael and Anna Aksiutschenko Tur. Leon was retired from Georgia Chair Company. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, Georgia Bulldogs football, and NASCAR racing. However, his love was for his...
Anthony Eugene "Tony" Crane
Dec 15, 2025
Anthony Eugene “Tony” Crane, age 67, of Clarkesville, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 15, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on November 3, 1958, in Mecklenburg, North Carolina, Tony was the beloved son of the late Marvin Ellis “Tookie” Crane and Doris Burgess Crane. He was a proud graduate of Habersham Central...
Ricky Ray Taylor
Dec 13, 2025
Ricky Ray Taylor, age 65 of Demorest, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
Born on August 3, 1960, in Demorest, he was a son of the late Kenneth Ray and Margie Marie York Taylor. Ricky was employed as a foreman with McAllister Utilities. Being outdoors was in his nature, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing,...
Charlene Kippen Hunt Erwin
Dec 13, 2025
Charlene Kippen Hunt Erwin, age 68, of Mount Airy, Georgia, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 13, 2025.
Born on January 31, 1957, Charlene lived a life overflowing with joy, faith, and unconditional love.
The joy of the Lord radiated from Charlene at all times. She had a rare and beautiful gift—the ability to find happiness in...
(Courtesy Announcement) Muarl Ferguson Davis
Dec 11, 2025
Mrs. Muarl Ferguson Davis, age 81, of Jefferson, GA died Thursday, December 11, 2025. Mrs. Davis was born in Cornelia to the late Lee and Rinda Tomlin Ferguson. She was retired from Jefferson City Schools. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Davis; sons, Henry and Derrick Davis; sister, Elizabeth Burch; brothers,...
James Gilbert Bellotte, Jr.
Dec 10, 2025
James "Shorty" Gilbert Bellotte, Jr., age 71, of Lula, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. He was born on December 26, 1953, in Atlanta.
With a profound sense of honor and dedication, he served his country in the Navy, embodying the spirit of resilience and commitment that marked his life.
He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted...
Jackson Lee Strickland
Dec 10, 2025
Jackson Lee Strickland, 30, of Batesville, Georgia, passed away tragically on December 10, 2025.
Born on April 29, 1995, Jackson arrived in the world with a name chosen proudly and purposefully—and he spent his life living up to the strength and character it implied.
Jackson grew up with deep roots and a strong sense of family. He attended Lakeview Academy, where his...
Claudia Marie Byars Bell
Dec 10, 2025
Claudia Marie Byars Bell, age 73, of Cornelia, Georgia, took her heavenly flight home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
Born in Clinton, South Carolina on March 21, 1952, Claudia was the beloved daughter of the late James R. Byars, Sr. and the late Margaret Eugenia Barker Stankewich. She was also lovingly shaped by her aunt and uncle,...
James Cecil McFalls
Dec 9, 2025
James Cecil McFalls, age 66, of Royston, Georgia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
Born on May 13, 1959, in Clayton, Georgia, James was the beloved son of the late Ralph Randolph McFalls, Sr., and the late Kate Imogene Ramey Beck. James lived a life marked by hard work, kindness, and a love for the...
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