Eddie Chester: Obituary
Obituaries January 15, 2019
Eddie Chester
Born April 27, 1959 to the late Coy and Vivian Chester, Eddie was a native of Dawson County but had lived in Lumpkin County for the past 35 years. A graduate of Dawson County High School, Eddie was an accomplished artist specializing in pencil sketching and painting. He also worked many years as a painting contractor. A loving husband, daddy, Pop, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, he was a member of the Harbor Worship Center. Mr. Chester was also preceded in death by a daughter, Amanda Chester.
Surviving are his wife, Robin Chester, Dawsonville; daughters and sons in law, Tammy Lynn Chester and Adam Sullens, Dahlonega, Becky Chester, Dahlonega, Levi Chester, Dahlonega, Misty and David Kobor, Dawsonville, Michelle and Jason Nall, Dawsonville, Micheal and Christy Castleberry, Dawsonville; eleven grandchildren; sisters and brothers in law, Joann Harrison, Braselton, Wanda and Scott Clayton, Dahlonega, Paulette and Jimmy Gee, Dawsonville, Donna and Johnny Thomas, Dawsonville; brothers and sister in law, L. D. and Brenda Chester, Dahlonega, Kenny Chester, McKee, KY; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Sunday January 6, 2019 at 5 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Sandy Reece and Rev. Russell Burt will officiate.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 2 until 8 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to assist with final expenses.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Nicole Parker: Obituary
Obituaries December 3, 2018
August 17, 1978 – November 29, 2018
Nicole Parker, age 40 of Cleveland, passed away Thursday, November 29, 2018.
Ms. Parker was born August 17, 1978 in White County to James and Shirley Sullens.
Survivors include her parents, James and Shirley Sullens, Dahlonega; brother and sister-in-law, Lewis and Patty Sullens, Dahlonega; brother, David Sullens, Dahlonega.
No services are planned.
To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.
Jason V. Waters: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Jason V. Waters, 42, of Dahlonega, formerly of Dawsonville passed away Sunday November 18, 2018.
Jason was born March 7, 1976 to the late James and Betty Waters. He worked in residential construction and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. Mr. Waters was a member of Antioch Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Kimberly Waters; children, Davidson Waters, Harley Waters, Victoria Waters, J. W. Waters, Christina Henry, Steven Henry, Danny Beavers, Hailey Barrett; sisters and brother in law, Shirley and Tim Davis, Debra McCook, Pam Williams, Connie Barrett; brother, Ricky Waters; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Friday November 23, 2018 at 5 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jason Hamby and Rev. Rodney Pilcher will officiate.
The family will receive friends Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to assist with final expenses.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Johnny L. Holtzclaw: Obituary
Obituaries November 26, 2018
Johnny L. Holtzclaw, 63, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday November 8, 2018 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a period of declining health.
Born June 8, 1955 to the late Lester and Marcell Holtzclaw, he had been a resident of Dawsonville for over 30 years after spending a large part of his life in Forsyth County. Johnny worked as a carpenter and for many years was employed by the Wallace family at Country Cupboard Food Stores where he worked as a maintenance tech and held many certifications. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he was lovingly known as “Papa J”.
Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Vama Holtzclaw of Dawsonville; children, Johnny Holtzclaw, Adam Holtzclaw, Tony and Elisha Holtzclaw, all of Dawsonville, Shana and Pio Carreras of Nevada; sisters and brothers in law, Wansley and W.C. Parker of Cleveland, Alice and Mark West of Canton, Dorothy and Gerry Sullivan of Cumming, Janice Holtzclaw of Villa Rica, Tammie Hildebrant of Dawsonville; brothers and sister in law, Ray Holtzclaw, Michael and Sandy Holtzclaw, all of Dawsonville; grandchildren, Samantha, Cynthia, Kevin, Kailyn, Kyler, Danielle, Karlee, Kristen, Aiden, Zacchaeus, Josiah, Cheyenne, Perry, Rebekah, Parker, Mackennah; great-grandchildren, Brailyn, Avia, Emberly, Jailyn, Ariana; a number of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Sunday November 11, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Brody Hughes, Rev. John Nash and Rev. Tony Holtzclaw will officiate. Interment will follow in Coal Mountain Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday November 10 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611, www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org or to help offset final expenses.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Joshua C. “Josh” Jones: Obituary
Obituaries November 7, 2018
Joshua C. “Josh” Jones, 36, of Dawsonville passed away suddenly on Saturday October 27, 2018.
Josh was born May 7, 1982 and was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.
Surviving is the mother of his sons, Jennifer Nicole Ross. He was a very devoted father to his sons, Aiden Jones, Xander Jones; and is also survived by his parents, J. C. and Nora Jones, Dawsonville; brother, Matthew Jones; and his fiancé, Mary Anne Watson, all of Dawsonville.
A celebration of Josh’s life will be held Friday November 2, 2018 at 4 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Mike Owens will officiate.
The family will receive friends Friday beginning at 2 o’clock.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the funeral home to assist with final expenses.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Winifred “Winnie” Estelle Stagl: Obituary
Obituaries October 16, 2018
Winifred “Winnie” Estelle Stagl, 97, of Cumming, GA passed away on Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Gracemont Assisted Living. Born in Boston, MA on July 9, 1921 to Roy and Evelyn (Brown) McDonald, She lived in Newton, MA during her youth and attended Chandler Secretarial School in Boston. She enlisted in the Navy as a WAVE during WWII, serving in the secretarial pool, at Great Lakes, IL. After marriage to Frank Michael Stagl she lived in Dix Hills, NY where she raised her family. She served as a Brownie leader and on the West Suffolk Girl Scout Council (Long Island) and was involved in the PTA. She was a legal secretary for William Ahern Agency, Kings Park, NY and retired from Toaz, Buck, Meyers Agency in Huntington, NY. In retirement she volunteered at the local food bank and at the V.A. Hospital in Northport, N.Y. She was a member of the Dix Hills Historical Society, a long time member of Central Presbyterian Church in Huntington, NY and attended The Presbyterian Church of Sweet Hollow in Melville, NY. She enjoyed golf, theater, concerts and museums. Her passion for travel took her to many countries around the world. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Michael Stagl, grandaughter, Andrea Leonhardt, and 3 siblings. Surviving are her children, Dianne (William) Leonhardt of Dawsonville, GA, Kathryn Stagl of Emmaus, PA, Peter Stagl of Morris Plains, NJ, and Sharon (John) Doherty of Huntington Beach, CA, sister, Virginia McNiff of Wayland, MA, grandchildren, Stacey (Andrew Garbos) Leonhardt, William (Amy) Leonhardt Jr., Marc (Andrew Uriarte) Parees, Ben Parees, Jaime (Gilad) Jacobs, Danielle (MaryAnn) Santana, Carly Stagl and 5 great grandchildren. Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville is in charge of the arrangements. She will be interred at Long Island National Cemetery in Melville, NY. A graveside service will be held at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation 8010 Roswell Road Suite 120 Atlanta, GA 30350. www.myturningpoint.org. Or The Presbyterian Church of Sweet Hollow 95 Old Country Road Melville, NY 11747.
Condolences may be left at www.beardenfuneralhome.com
Rev. Franklin C. “Frank” Whitmire: Obituary
Obituaries October 9, 2018
Rev. Franklin C. “Frank” Whitmire, 76, of Dawsonville passed away Saturday October 6, 2018 at Northside Forsyth Hospital.
Born May 4, 1942 in Forsyth County to the late Kermit and Ivy Whitmire, he had lived in Dawson County for the past 11 years having moved from Marietta. Rev. Whitmire was ordained into the ministry in 1980 and served as Pastor of DeFoor Avenue Baptist Church until 1997. He served as Principal of University Baptist Church Christian School for 2 years and has served as the Associate Pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church since 1999. He was also a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church and enjoyed antique automobiles.
Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Paulette Whitmire, Dawsonville; sons and daughters in law, Frank, Jr. and Yvette Whitmire, Dawsonville, Jeff and Amanda Whitmire, Woodstock; grandchildren, Annie and Andrew Laird, Tim Whitmire, Gracie Whitmire, Robin Whitmire, Kenny Whitmire and Tess Whitmire.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday October 9, 2018 at 3 o’clock at Lighthouse Baptist Church with the remains placed in state at 2 o’clock. Rev. Charles Blackstock will officiate. Interment will follow in Sawnee View Gardens.
The family will receive friends Monday from 4 until 8 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Gideons International, P. O. Box 174, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Johnnie Nell Cothran: Obituary
Obituaries October 3, 2018
Johnnie Nell Cothran, 98, of Dawsonville passed away Sunday September 30, 2018 at The Oaks at Limestone following a period of declining health.
Born May 6, 1920 in Hall County to the late Ode and Oma Elliott, she lived most of her life in Dawson County. Mrs. Cothran was employed at Sweet Orr for over 30 years and also worked at the café located beside the Sweet Orr plant. She loved keeping up all her family and was the oldest member of Harmony Baptist Church. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Cothran; son, Robert Cothran; and several sisters and brothers.
Surviving are her children, Mildred Jeanette Cothran Rider, Dahlonega, Loyll Cothran, Dawsonville; grandchildren, Lisa Miller, Kathy Duff, April Anderson; great granddaughter, Megan Etheridge; brother, Clay Dean Elliott, Gainesville; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday October 3, 2018 at 2 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Franklin Grant and Rev. Tony Holtzclaw will officiate. Interment will follow in the Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 4 until 8 at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Douglas E. “Doug” Darlow: Obituary
Obituaries October 3, 2018
Douglas E. “Doug” Darlow, Sr., 73, of Dawsonville passed away Sunday September 23, 2018 at Seasons Hospice following a period of declining health.
Born in Miami, Florida, Mr. Darlow had lived in Dawson County since 1999 having moved from Crabapple. Doug retired as a sergeant with the Dekalb County Police Department after 27 years of service. Following his service with the police department he served as a captain in the Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office and then was assigned to NATO for the Kosovo Campaign. A U.S. Army veteran of Viet Nam, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Mr. Darlow was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Pauline and Lewis Cushon; his father, Albert Edward Darlow, Jr.; and his dog, Cybil.
Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Marcia “Marsha” Darlow, Dawsonville; children, John and Alyssa Darlow, Dawsonville, Kandi and Mark Weaver, Dawsonville, Kirsten and Jake Parker, Loganville, Doug Edward Darlow, Jr., Canton; grandchildren, Bethany and Mark Russell, Jonathan Darlow, Jacob Parker, Carrick Parker, Jack Darlow and Evelyn Elledge, Sam Darlow, Madeline Darlow, Abagail Darlow; great grandchildren, Cora Harper Russell, Jaxson Douglas Russell, Isabella Brooklyn Darlow; sister and brother in law, Martha and Lowell Howard, Dahlonega; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Thursday September 27, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery. Pastor Ricky Stepp will officiate.
The family will receive friends Thursday after 3 p.m. at the Darlow residence.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Atlanta Cancer Care, 5670 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, Suite 1100, Atlanta, GA 30342 or to Seasons Hospice, 8013 Majors Road, Cumming, GA 30041.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
John Barnett: Obituary
Obituaries August 10, 2018
John Barnett, 67, of Dawsonville, GA passed away at his residence on Tuesday, August 7, 2018. He was a member of Grace Chapel Church of Christ, Cumming, GA. John loved God and serving people in anyway he could. He was an avid antique collector and restorer of old furniture.
He is preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Paul Barnett; sister, Linda Skipworth; and brother, Mickey Barnett.
John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Bonnie Barnett of Dawsonville, GA; sons and daughters in law, Richard and Nancy Barnett of Rapidan, VA, Justin and Lynn Barnett of Dawsonville, GA, Kenyon and Melissa Barnett of High Point, NC; mother, Ruth Barnett of Dawsonville, GA; sisters, Sherry Garner of Florence, AL, Charlene McDaniels of Braselton, GA; grandchildren, George, Amelia, Chloe, Cooper, Jaxen, Georgia, Will, Ashlyn, and Elle; and numerous other relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Chapel, Cumming, GA, with Rodney Plunket, Callie Plunket-Brewton, and Paul Huyghebaert officiating.
The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in memory of John to the Caring Ministry of York, PA at www.caringministry.com.
Condolences may be left at www.beardenfuneralhome.com
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA
Bobby E. “Bob” Dills: Obituary
Obituaries August 6, 2018
Bobby E. “Bob” Dills, 83, of Dawsonville passed away Tuesday August 3, 2018 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following a period of declining health.
Born February 15, 1935 to the late Mack and Essie Dills, he had lived in Dawson County since 2002 having moved from Winder. Mr. Dills worked in commercial construction for over 45 years. He was a U. S. Navy veteran of the Korean Conflict and enjoyed fishing, woodworking and spending time with his family. A member of the Duluth Church of God, he was also preceded in death by his brothers, Frank Dills, Barney Dills; sister, Louise Sprinler; and a sister in law, Norine Dills.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Judy Dills, Dawsonville; daughters and son in law, Sabrina and Stanley Samuel, Norcross, Heather Dills, Royston; stepchildren, David and Janice Picklesimer, Cumming, Brenda and Tim Phillips, Maryland; grandchildren, Tyler McFarland, Trey McFarland, Jessi Samuel, John Samuel, Taylor Picklesimer, Madison Picklesimer, Jessica Garrett, Abigail Phillips; great granddaughter, Karsyn Garrett; brothers and sisters in law, Mary Dills, Lancaster, PA, Jerry and Inez Dills, Winder, Douglas Dills, Monroe, David and Louetta Dills, Franklin, NC, Joe and Sue Dills, Roanoke Rapids, NC; and a number of other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Sunday August 5, 2018 at 3 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. L. C. Bennett and Rev. Todd Skinner will officiate. Interment will follow in the Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday from 3 until 8 at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA
Burnett “Barry” Watkins: Obituary
Obituaries August 2, 2018
Burnett “Barry” Watkins, 83, of Dawsonville passed away Monday July 30, 2018 at Northeast Georgia Medical Center following an extended illness.
Born June 29, 1935 to the late BJ and Lucille Watkins, Mr. Watkins had been a resident of Dawson County for 20 years. He worked at Lockheed for over 40 years until his retirement. He enjoyed square dancing and attended Lighthouse Baptist Church in Dawsonville.
Surviving are his wife, Dot Williams of Dawsonville; children, Joy and Dennis Johnson of Dublin, Burnett Watkins Jr. of California, Melanie and Charles McCollum of McDonough; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other relatives.
Memorial services will be held Monday August 13, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Georgia National Cemetery. Dr. Charles Blackstock will officiate.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Media Ministry at Lighthouse Baptist Church, 329 Harmony Church Road, Dawsonville, GA 30534.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Wayne Thomas: Obituary
Obituaries August 2, 2018
Wayne Thomas, 82, of Dawsonville passed away Friday July 27, 2018 following a sudden illness.
Mr. Thomas was born December 17, 1935 and raised in Robertsdale, Alabama. He was the son of a Baptist minister and of Baptist faith. Previously of Lilburn, he had been a resident of Dawson County for over ten years. A graduate of Auburn University, Wayne was an avid Auburn Tigers football fan and retired after 35 years of service as a civil engineer for the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration. A kind and gentle man, he was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who always had a smile. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Rosa Lee Thomas and a brother, Donald Thomas.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Helen Thomas of Dawsonville; daughters and sons in law, Sue and George Thomason of Alabama, Debbie Barnaby of Dawsonville, Lisa Powell of Dawsonville, Tricia and Mark Barber of Cumming; sister, Joyce Calloway of Alabama, sisters in law, Pearl White of Florida, Jo Ellen and Gerald Bowie of West Point, Georgia; 6 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; other relatives.
Memorial services will be held Saturday August 11, 2018 at 11 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Mike Owens will officiate.
The family will receive friends Saturday August 11, 2018 from 10 a.m. until 11 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to brightfocus.org (macular degeneration research).
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Edwin Waters: Obituary
Obituaries July 11, 2018
Edwin Waters, 57, of Dawsonville passed away Saturday July 7, 2018 at his residence following a period of declining health.
Edwin was born April 15, 1961 to the late Elmer and Ann Waters. He was a lifelong resident of Dawson County. A simple man, he was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed his grandchildren most of all. He is also preceded in death by a son, Stephen Waters.
Surviving are his son and daughter in law, Derek and Megan Waters, Dawsonville; grandchildren, Kyleigh, Harley and Hudson; sisters, Virginia Orr, Florida, Barbara Waters, Dawsonville; former wife, Darlene Waters, Dawsonville; other relatives.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday July 11, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Brody Hughes will officiate. Interment will follow in New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12 noon until the hour of service.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
Houston LaGuinn Miers, Sr: Obituary
Obituaries July 11, 2018
Houston LaGuinn Miers, Sr, 88 of Dawsonville, GA passed away peacefully on Friday, July 6, 2018 at Gold City Convalescent Center, Dahlonega, GA with his family by his side. He was one of the premier Square Dance Caller’s and teachers in the Southeast for 45 years. He was a 32 Degree Mason, Shriner and Jester. Houston was an avid stain glass designer, and spent most of his life as a Master Printer.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beverly Bryant Miers of Dawsonville, GA; children, Teresa Pruitt Nichols of Lawrenceville, GA, Houston L. Miers, Jr, of Gainesville, GA, Emily Sharon Summers of Jasper, GA; grandchildren, Dennis, Matthew, Ethan, and Carly; and six great grandchildren.
A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, July 9, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, GA.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Houston’s memory to the Shriner’s Hospital For Children (wwwshrinershospitalforchildren.org)
Condolences may be left online at www.beardenfuneralhome.com
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA
Mary Joan Shirley: Obituary
Obituaries June 29, 2018
Mary Joan Shirley, 80, of Forsyth County passed away Monday June 25, 2018 at her residence following an extended illness.
Mrs. Shirley was born March 26, 1938 to the late Hubert and Thelma Holloway. Previously of Dahlonega, she had been a resident of Forsyth County for the past ten years. She and her husband had been faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for their entire married life. A loving mother and grandmother, she enjoyed many things including arts and crafts and traveling.
Surviving are her husband of over 60 years, Richard Shirley of Forsyth County; sons and daughters in law, David and Christy Shirley of Missouri, John and Oksana Shirley of Forsyth County; daughters and sons in law, Brenda and Robert Weischedel of Dahlonega, Jennifer and Jeff Meddaugh of Forsyth County; numerous grandchildren and other relatives.
Graveside services will be held Thursday June 28, 2018 at 12 noon at Dawsonville Memorial Gardens with Bishop Michael Wall officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the hour of service.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.
Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.