Obituaries

George Chapman, Jr.

Lebrone George Chapman, Jr., age 71, of Alabama, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 5, 2017 from a decline in health.

George was born on April 18, 1945 in Walker County to the late Lebrone George Chapman and Cleavie Riley Chapman. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Angie Lavonne Chapman and son, Bryan Lebrone Chapman. George retired from Rome News Tribune. He served four years in the United States Marines. He enjoyed spending time with his family and taking vacations to the mountains.

George is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Holden Chapman of Cedar Bluff, Ala.; children, Patricia Dell Chapman and fiancé, Eli Dutton of Cedar Bluff, Ala., Yvonne Marie Scott and her husband, Roger Scott of Plainville, Mary Ann Rayburn and her husband, Geoffrey Rayburn of Plainville; brother, David Brown of Summerville; and his ex- wife, Annie Ruth Chapman of Plainville. He loved his grandchildren and great- grandchildren very much.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 12 p. m. from chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Dutch Scott and Geoffrey Rayburn officiating. Interment will follow in Haven of Rest Memorial Park.

Pallbearers serving will be Wayne Holden, Jeff Carroll, Zachary Burgess, Eli Dutton, Brandon Hindmon, Junior Ward and Scott Carroll.

The family received friends on Tuesday evening from 4 until 8 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Lebrone George Chapman, Jr.

Sandra Wilson

Mrs. Sandra Payne Anderson Wilson, 70, of Ranger, passed away on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017 at her home, after a battle with cancer. She was born in Gordon County on March 25, 1946, and was preceded in death by her grandparents, Vess and Laura Reese; her mother, Pauline Reece Payne; and a grandchild, John Paul Anderson.

Prior to her illness, Sandra was an administrative assistant with the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office- Patrol Division, for many years.

Survivors include her husband, Jackie Charles Wilson; her children, James Rex Anderson and Crystal LaSan Dixon of Calhoun, Bridget Wilson Muse and Jason Charles Wilson of Ranger, and Rhonda Wilson Rogers of Dalton; a brother, Robert Taylor Payne; and a special uncle, Loyd Reece, both of Ranger. Eleven grandchildren and nine great- grandchildren also survive.

Services to honor the life of Mrs. Sandra Payne Anderson Wilson were held Sunday, Feb. 5 at 2 p. m. from Heritage Baptist Church, 345 Curtis Parkway, Calhoun, GA 30701. Sammy Allen, Seth Bunch, and Shane Parrott officiated. Interment followed in Wilson Cemetery, 554 T. Johnson Road, Ranger, GA 30734. Pallbearers were grandsons and included Richie Anderson, Heath Anderson, Josh Dixon, Daniel Dowdy, Dewayne Dowdy, and Preston Rogers. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Gordon County Sheriff’s Office.

The Wilson family received friends at Heritage Baptist Church on Saturday, Feb. 4 from 4 until 8 p. m..

Condolences may be left at www. maxbrannonandsons.com. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Sandra Payne Anderson Wilson are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.

Sammy Kinsey

Mr. Sammy Joe Kinsey, age 70, of Adairsville, died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017 at his home, following several years of declining health. He was born in Gordon County on Dec. 4, 1945, son of the late Joe Kinsey and the late Lillian Rogers Greeson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Larry Kinsey, and his stepfather, Vernon Greeson.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Ann McClung Kinsey; his daughters and son- in- law, Kim and Russell Bryant of Sugar Valley, and Brandy Coker; a son, Michael Burnett and his wife Lisa; a brother, Jackie Kinsey of Dalton; and a nephew, Ashley and Stephanie Kinsey. Ten grandchildren and fourteen great- grandchildren also survive.

Services to honor the life of Mr. Sammy Joe Kinsey were held Sunday, Feb. 5 at 4 p.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, with Rev Eddie Brannon officiating. Interment followed in Fain Cemetery. Pallbearers serving included Ashley Kinsey, Russell Bryant, Gaston Martin. Kenneth Moorehead, B.H. Williams, and Lamar Moorehead.

The Kinsey family received friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 3 p.m. until the service hour.

Condolences may be left at www. maxbrannonandsons.com. Funeral arrangements for Mr. Sammy Joe Kinsey are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.

Lisa Velon

Mrs. Lisa Nichols Velon, 52, of Calhoun, died Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017. She was born in Wilmington, Ohio on April 12, 1964, daughter of Donna McCloskey Nichols and the late Lavern Nichols.

Lisa loved her family and cherished the time she spent with them. She adored her first grandchild, Eli. Lisa loved the outdoors especially all kinds of flowers and birds, she loved the beach as well as the mountains, particularly the Smokies. When ill health forced her to retire, she was employed with PigglyWiggly in Calhoun as the Deli/Bakery Manager and prior to that, with Mohawk Industries for several years.

She leaves behind her husband, Mike Velon; her son and daughter- in- law, Colin and Jessica Nichols of Calhoun; her daughter, Colleen Nichols of Calhoun; her mother, Donna McCloskey Nichols of Calhoun; her sisters and brothersin- law, Alice and Mike Reece of Sugar Valley, and Kim and Stacy Alred of Plainville; and her grandson, Eli Nichols of Calhoun and she was going to be blessed with another grandchild to be born in July.

Services to honor the life of Mrs. Lisa Nichols Velon were held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 1 p. m. from Sugar Valley Baptist Church, with Rev. Mitch Phillips officiating. The eulogy was given by Cassie Reece Mazloom. Interment followed in the Sugar Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers serving included Mike Reece, Jimmy Reece, Kaleb Harris, Lee Simerly, Brian Harris, and Brandon Banks. Honorary pallbearers were Spencer Brown, Charles Godfrey, and Joe Baldwin.

The family received friends at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 3 between the hours of 5 and 8 p.m.

Condolences may be left at www. maxbrannonandsons.com. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Lisa Nichols Velon are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.

Trammell Whitfield

Trammell Howard Whitfield, age 85, of Calhoun, passed away peacefully at home Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, after several months of declining health.

Trammell was born March 7, 1931 in Gordon County to the late Ottis and Cleo Pendley Whitfield. He attended Red Bud High School, and in 1951 enlisted in the United States Army, where he was stationed in Berlin, Germany during the Korean War. After the army, Trammell was employed by the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, until his retirement in September, 1993 with over 40 years of service. He was a member of Belmont Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and one sister.

Trammell is survived by his wife of over 66 years, Betty Lewis Whitfield; children Diane ( Steve) Robbins, Terry Whitfield, Susan ( Travis) Queen, all of Calhoun, Gail ( Don) Fortenberry of Cartersville, and Cynthia ( Tom) Proffitt of Bradenton, Fla.; grandchildren, Ashley Whitfield Caylor, Alex Fortenberry, Sarah ( John Scott) Husser, Nicholas Robbins, Colin Thomsen, Lauren Thomsen, Whit Queen and step- granddaughter Katee Queen; greatgrandchildren Brooks Caylor, Helen Husser, and Jack Husser; brother, Kenneth Whitfield of Fla.

Visitation was Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 from 2- 4 p.m. at Belmont Baptist Church. The Funeral Service was conducted Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 at 11 a. m. at Belmont Baptist Church; interment followed at Fain Cemetery. The Reverends John Allen, Stephen Williams, and Eddie Brannon officiated.

Pallbearers were Alex Fortenberry, Don Fortenberry, John Scott Husser, Tom Proffitt, Travis Queen, Nicholas Robbins and Steve Robbins.

Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Guenter Schmitz

Mr. Guenter Schmitz, 70, of Calhoun, died Friday, Feb. 3, 2017. He was born in Sankt Margarethen, Germany on Feb. 16, 1946, son of the late Gerhard Schmitz and Elli Schroeder Schmitz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Arnold Ervin Hudgins and a daughter, Connie Diane Hudgins.

He is survived by his wife, Wilma Rogers Schmitz; daughters, Vickie Hudgins Long, Melinda Caldwell Lancaster, and Christy Schmitz Olivares and her husband Juan; a daughter- in- law, Sherry Hudgins; a brother, Heinz Schmitz; a cousin, Ernie; grandchildren, Casie Fisher, Mario and Shana Porras, Yvette and Doug Pike, Chris Gentry, Holley and T. J. Maddox, Heath Hudgins, Cory and Brianna James, Keenan Schmitz, Jacqulion Acevedo, Abrianna Dominguez, Ivan Martinez, and Araceli Martinez; great- grandchildren, Austin, Addisyn, Aiden, Eli, Aurora, Kylie, Addy, Ezra, Miranda, Carter, Colton, Joseph, and Imani; and two nieces, Betina and Tonia.

The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 2 p. m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, with Dr. James Shope officiating. Interment will follow at Damascus Baptist Church Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

The Schmitz family received friends on Monday, Feb. 6 and Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 6 until 8 p. m.

Condolences may be left online at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.

Rosie Eldridge

Rosie Lee Eldridge, age 72, of Calhoun, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 surrounded by her loving family at Redmond Regional Hospital.

Rosie was born on March 17, 1944 in Bledsoe, Ky. to the late Chester Ward and Catherine Morgan. Due to the passing of her biological parents at a very young age, Rosie was lovingly cared for by George and Ethel Ward. Rosie was a homemaker caring for her children. She was of the Pentecostal Faith. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her loving husband, Baxter C. Eldridge; one brother, Virgil Ward and sister, Nora Lee Hensley.

She is survived by three sons, Tommy D. Eldridge of Adairsville, Richard W. Eldridge of Calhoun and Charles F. Eldridge of Calhoun; one daughter, Amy Eldridge of Calhoun; five brothers, Eugene Ward of London, Ky., Ernest Ward of London, Ky., Ray Ward of London, Ky., Bobby Ward of Indiana and Clay Ward also of Indiana; three sisters, Jessie Mae Ward of Hampton, Va., Vickie Jarvis of Indiana and Geneva Wampler also of Indiana; five grandchildren, Miranda Watson, Breanna Barfield, Alyssa Eldridge, Holly Ledbetter and Cassie Eldridge; two greatgrandchildren, Jaden Watson and Hank Barfield; she is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service were conducted Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017 at 11 a. m. from the chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Waymon Howard officiating. Burial followed in Fain Cemetery. Pallbearers serving were Tommy Eldridge, Kyle Barfield, Coty Ledbetter, Carlos Caudill, Charles Eldridge and Richard Eldridge.

The family received friends Monday, Feb. 6, 2017 from 5 until 8 p. m. at Thomas Funeral Home.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Rosie Lee Eldridge.

Johnny Fairbanks, Jr.

Mr. Johnny Albert Fairbanks Jr., age 53, of Fairmount, passed away Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. Johnny was born March 4, 1963 in Athens, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Brown Sansing; brothers, Hilary, Billie and Bobby Wint. Johnny was employed at Shaw Industries. Johnny loved the outdoors, his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Fairbanks, of the residence; son, Chris Fairbanks; daughter, Lisa Fairbanks, both of Fairmount; father and step- mother, Johnny Fairbanks, Sr. and Sheila Fairbanks of Decatur, Tenn.; brothers and sister- in- law, Freddie Wint of West Virginia, David and Terri Wint of Oklahoma City, Okla., Henry Wint of Calhoun, Eddie Wint of Lafayette; sisters and brothers- in- law, Patricia and Johnny Smith, Sue Johnson and Terry Poarch of Lafayette, Bonnie Jackson of Resaca; grandchildren, John Bryson Brannon, Kayla Fairbanks, Brendlee Susan Fairbanks, Samuel Lance Edmonds, Hunter Gage Edmonds, Willow Grace Fairbanks, Christopher John Fairbanks Jr., several nieces and nephews.

Service to celebrate the life of Mr. Johnny Albert Fairbanks Jr. will be held Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017 at 2 p. m. from Ponders Calhoun Chapel with Reverend Lake Walker and Reverend Gene Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Crane Eater Cemetery with Rusty Robertson, Hilary Robertson, Cameron Poarch, Nevin Gentry, Charles Mabry and Jerry Collins serving as pallbearers. Terry Collins, Joey Martin and Tim Outlaw will be honorary pallbearers. The family received friends at the funeral home from 5 until 9 p. m. on Tuesday.

Marie Dixon

Clara Marie Dixon passed away on Feb. 5, 2017 at Gordon Hospital, Calhoun. Her death was eased by the care from her children, hospital staff and Tapestry Hospice nurses.

She is survived by her four children, Ann Martie and her husband, Don, of Calhoun, Jane Phillips of Athens, Tenn., Steve Dixon and his wife, Vicki, of Arlington, Texas, and Susan Speece and her husband, Mark, of McMinnville, Ore.; five grandchildren, David Phillips and his wife, Kate, Benjamin Phillips and his wife, Kim, Zachary Speece, Alyssa Speece and Lauren Dixon; four great- grandchildren, Kieron Phillips, Nora Phil1ips, Brody Phi11ips and Finian Phillips.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Perry Richard Dixon, to whom she was married 49 years, nine months; her parents, Alva Rohrer McCalla and Katie Edith Huber McCalla; four sisters, Anna Johns, Lillian Sloan, Martha Gross and June Shick; son- in- law, Jesse Phillips; and grandson, Peter Speece.

“Marie” was born on Sept. 12, 1931 on a farm near Lewistown, Ohio. She went to the same school in Lewistown for twelve years. In 1951, she married Perry, who was in the U. S. Air Force. During his 21 year military career, they raised their four children while he was stationed at many bases throughout the U.S. Meanwhile, she went to college part time and got her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Texas at El Paso and later earned a master’s degree in education from Georgia State University. After Perry retired from the Air Force, they moved to Georgia. After the oldest three children were grown they moved back to Ohio to take care of elderly family. They returned to Georgia after Marie retired from teaching. When they came to Calhoun in 1995, they became members of Calhoun First Methodist Church. She was the president of the United Methodist Women for many years. In 1996, she founded the Scrappy Quilters Guild and served also as president many times over the next 20 years. Along with her husband Perry, until his death in 2001, she volunteered for SOWERs (Servants on Wheels Ever Ready), Emmaus Walks and Kairos Prison

Ministry. They would spend their winters in their travel trailer in warmer c1imates such as Arizona and Florida while working with SOWERs.

For 27 years, she taught school in various states including Tularosa Elementary in Tularosa, N. M., Hollydale Elementary in Marietta, Floyd Middle School in Mableton. Her last teaching position was at Indian Lake Middle School in Lewistown, Ohio, which was the very same school she had attended.

She was a lifelong Methodist, having been a member of several Methodist churches, inc1uding Lewistown United Methodist, Lewistown, Ohio, Grace United Methodist, Alamogordo, N. M. and Hol1ydale United Methodist, Marietta.

Marie and Perry loved to travel and passed on that same love to their children. She was proud to say that she had been to all fifty states, finally reaching A1aska in 2003 on a cruise with her children. Her most memorable trip was with Perry to the Holy Land.

Her passion was quilting. Over the years she made hundreds of quilts, giving most of them away to fami1y and friends. Many quilts were given to strangers as charity quilts. Although she was 85 years old, she was still eager to learn something new. Always the teacher, she wanted to pass that know1edge on. She will be missed by her family and friends who benefited from her instruction and good example.

Visitation will be held at the Thomas Funeral Home in Calhoun on Friday, Feb. 17 at 5 p. m. The next day, a memoria1 service will be held at 10 a. m. at Calhoun First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Habitat for Humanity of Gordon County at 809 Oothcalooga St., Calhoun, GA 30701.

Maxine King Mashburn

Maxine King Mashburn, age 85 of Calhoun, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at her residence.

Maxine was born on December 26, 1931 in Calhoun to the late Emmett King and Mary King. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Harold, and sister, Sara. She attended Mount Zion Baptist Church.

Maxine is survived by her three sons, Larry E. Mashburn and his wife, Anita of Dalton, Ricky L. Mashburn and his wife Linda of Calhoun, and Jerry Mashburn and his wife JoAnna of Calhoun; sisterin- law, Sara Mashburn of Calhoun; fifteen grandchildren, Emily Goldberg and her husband Philip, Haley Spring and her husband Joey, Gracey Mashburn, Clay Mashburn, Regan Black and her husband Richard, Josh Mashburn and his wife Heather, Ryan Mashburn, Hannah Mashburn, Jason Mashburn, Adrian Mashburn, Jasilyn Mashburn, Susanne Mashburn and Griffin Mashburn; and thirteen greatgrandchildren also survive.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, February 8 at 3 p.m. from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Nancy Garrison officiating. Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery with Josh Mashburn, Owen Lingerfelt, Richard Black, Ryan Mashburn, Clay Mashburn and Joey Spring serving as pallbearers.

The family received friends on Tuesday evening from 5 until 8 p. m. at Thomas Funeral Home.

You may leave the family online condolences at www. thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com.

Thomas Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for Maxine Mashburn of Dalton.

Sally Johnston

Mrs. Sally Chapman Johnston, 73, of Plainville, died Sunday, Feb. 5, 2017 at Redmond Regional Medical Center. She was born in Fall River, Mass. on Nov. 30, 1943, daughter of the late Sam and Sarah Sewell Chapman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, David Chapman; a sister, Ruthie Wright; a brother- inlaw, Ron Rohlfs; and a grandson, Brayden.

For many years, Sally worked in the tag office at the Gordon County Court House, and served as Mayor of Plainville. She was also involved in substitute teaching.

Survivors include her husband, Joe Lee Johnston; her sons and daughters- in- law, Tony and Fran Johnston, Michael Johnston, Ricky and Donna Johnston, Joey Johnston and Tommy Johnston; her daughter and son- in- law, Sarah and Stanton Williams; brothers and sisters- inlaw, Bobby and Susan Chapman, Sam “Butchy” and Lynn Chapman, and Ricky and Glenda Chapman; and sisters and brother- in- law, Mary and Hubert “Frog” Smith, Jeanie Mathis, and Susie Rohlfs. Grandchildren surviving are Bradley, Stephanie, Carolyn, Bradley, Elizabeth, Ashley, Baylon, Cole, Joseph, Sam, Wyatt, Colby, and Cheyenne. Many greatgrandchildren also survive.

A Memorial Service to honor the life of Mrs. Sally Chapman Johnston will be held Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5 p. m. until the service hour.

The family suggests memorial contributions in Sally’s name be made to the Gordon County Animal Shelter, 790 Harris Beamer Road, Calhoun, GA 30701.

Condolences may be left at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Sally Chapman Johnston are under the care and direction of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home of Calhoun.