Obituaries

Mrs. Dyer

Mrs. Sandra Gail Dyer, age 71, of Cedartown, passed away on Thursday morning, March 23, 2017 at her residence with her family at her side.

Mrs. Dyer was born Sept. 24, 1945 in Cartersville, a daughter to the late H.A. James and Eva Martin James.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her nine brothers and one sister. She was retired from Shaw Industries of Cartersville.

Mrs. Dyer was a member of Miller’s Chapel Church of Cartersville.

She is survived by her loving family, her devoted husband, Mr. T.E. Dyer; her children, Felicia Neal, Mike Dyer and Michelle Harrison; her grandchildren, Crystal Dyer, Chris Cook, Kelley Rainey, Nikki Kemp, Whitney Hulsey, Haley East, Adrianna Harris and Laurie Harris; her great grandchildren, Gracie Dyer, Christopher Dyer, Kaylin Dyer, Bentley Howard, Branson East, Gannon Hulsey, Brylee Hulsey, Will Kemp, Chloe Kemp, Brooklyn Cook and Breanna Rainey; a number of nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Sandra Gail Dyer were conducted on Sunday afternoon, March 26, 2017 in the Chapel of the Owens Funeral Home in Cartersville, with the Rev. Josh James officiating.

Interment followed in the Sunset Memory Gardens of Cartersville.

The family received friends on Friday evening, March 24, 2017 at the Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home of Cedartown and then again on Saturday evening, March 25, 2017 at the Owens Funeral Home of Cartersville.

The following Gentlemen served as pallbearers: Mike Dyer, Keith James, Cody Hulsey, Bryce East, Chris Cook and Warren Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers included: Van Carter, Terry Teems, Terry Kemp, Brandon Bedford, Brad Land and Ryan Fincher.

Visit the memorial website at liteseyfh.com to extend personal condolences to the Dyer family and to sign the online guestbook.

The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home of Cedartown in cooperation with the Owens Funeral Home of Cartersville were in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Sandra Gail Dyer.

Mrs. Smith

Mrs. Hazel Joan McClure Smith, age 85, a long- time resident of Aragon, Georgia, passed away after a brief illness at her home on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

She was born Dec. 8, 1931 in Huntsville, Ala., daughter of the late Grady McClure and the late Rose Patterson McClure.

She moved with her family to Aragon in 1940. Mrs. Smith attended Aragon School and graduated from Rockmart High School in 1950. She obtained her cosmetology license after graduation and worked alongside her sister, Wilma McClure Williams Hester. She married William “Trudy” Smith on April 12, 1952 and had two children.

She retired from Murata Erie after 19 years of service having worked in quality control. Mrs. Smith was a faithful member of the Aragon United Methodist Church where she was a member of the choir and UMW. She loved spending time with family and friends and was always ready to “ride to Rome”. She doted on her only granddaughter, Victoria “Tori” Smith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William “Trudy” Smith on Oct. 22, 2006; a brother, Houston McClure; and two sisters, Wilma McClure Williams Hester and Lucille McClure Smith Reynolds.

Survivors included a daughter, Rosanne Smith of Aragon; son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Karen Smith and granddaughter, Victoria Rose “Tori” Smith all of Cartersville; and two special greatgreat-great-grand-nieces, Aubrey and Jamie Stegall; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survived.

Funeral services for Mrs. Smith were held on Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Freeman Harris Funeral Home with Rev. James Hannah officiating. Interment services followed in the family lot of the Aragon Cemetery.

The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Phil Williams, Keith Ledford, Darrell Smith, Mike Smith, Bob Williams and Brian Smith.

Please visit www.freemanharrisfunerals.com to extend personal condolences to the family by signing the online guestbook.

Freeman Harris Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral services for Mrs. Hazel McClure Smith.

Little Miss Brynn Ayers

Little Miss Brynn Elizabeth Ayers, infant daughter of Lee and Henzlee Ayers, passed away on Thursday morning, March 23, 2017.

Little Miss Brynn is survived by her father and mother, Lee Ayers and Henzlee Z. Ayers; her brother, Bryson Ayers; grandparents, Tom Ayers and Carol C. Ayers and Paige S. Robinson and Marty Robinson and great grandmother, Dorothy Cambron.

A number of other relatives also survive.

A private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

For personal condolences and to sign the on line guestbook, please visit our website at liteseyfh.com.

The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements for Little Miss Brynn Elizabeth Ayers.

Mr. Fergason

Mr. E. C. “Sonny” Fergason, age 88, of Rockmart, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Polk Medical Center in Cedartown, GA.

He was born in Madison Station, Ala., on Jan. 14, 1929 a son of the late Eff C. Fergason and Mamie Lee Bullard Fergason.

Mr. Fergason had been a resident of Rockmart since 1975 following his retirement from the United States Air Force.

He was a veteran of over thirty years in the Air Force and had served during World War II, Korea and Vietnam.

Mr. Fergason was an indepent owner/ operator for the Lance Cracker Company for a number of years. He was a member of the Flint Hill Baptist Church, a classic car enthusiast and a regular of the Old Rascals Group at Bojangles.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Mary Fergason and by seven brothers and sisters.

Survivors include his wife, Gail Fergason, Rockmart; brother, Pierce Fergason, Orlando, Fla., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at the Valhalla Funeral Home in Bessemer, Ala., on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Interment followed in the Valhalla Cemetery with Military Honors.

The Alvis Miller and son Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements.

Mrs. Meadows

Mrs. Cindy Ann Short Meadows, age 54 of Cedartown, passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2017.

She was born on August 27, 1962 in Yuma, Ariz.

Mrs. Meadows was a member of Second Baptist Church of Cedartown.

Mrs. Meadows is survived by her mother, Sara Joyce Shaw White; sons, Mitchell Meadows and Kyle Meadows (Brittany) and grandchildren, Cody Meadows and Jacob Meadows.

Mrs. Meadows is preceded in death by her father, William Floyd Short; husband, Frankie Meadows and brother, Hershel Dwayne Short.

The funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cindy Ann Short Meadows were conducted on Friday, March 24, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Gammage Funeral Home with Rev. Earl Partain officiating.

Interment followed in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jimmy Russell officiating.

The family of Mrs. Meadows received family and friends on Thursday evening, March 23, 2017, at the Gammage Funeral Home.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Russ Shaw, Willie Short, Bill Short, Doug Blake, Brandon Short and Dustan Short.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home handled the arrangements for Mrs. Cindy Ann Short Meadows.

Mr. Bobby W. Hardinger, age 69, of Cedartown, passed away Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in a Rome medical center.

He was born in DeKalb County, Ala., on Jan. 7, 1948, a son of the late Russell Hardinger and Florence Pope Hardinger.

Mr. Hardinger had lived the greater part of his life in Alabama before moving to Polk County in July 1990. He was a member of World View Baptist Church in Cedartown and loved his family and fishing.

Mr. Hardinger was a veteran of the United States Air Force and a member of the Rockmart Lodge #97 F & AM.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Diane Hardinger.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Hardinger of Cedartown to whom he was married on Jan. 13, 2001; a daughter, Crisshan Drummond of Cedartown; three sons: Drew Hardinger of Huntsville, Ala., Seth Hardinger of Montgomery, Ala., and Zane Hardinger of Ft. Payne, Ala.; eleven grandchildren; two sisters: Doris Cochran of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Maxine Owens of Cedartown; one brother: Tommy Hardinger of Simi Valley Calif.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Hardinger were held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 2 p.m. at World View Baptist Church in Cedartown, with Rev. Doyle Kelly officiating.

The Honor Guard of Brewster- Cleveland Post # 86 of the American Legion provided military rites and the West Georgia Memorial Masonic Club delivered Masonic Rites.

All brother Masons served as honorary pallbearers.

The family received friends on Friday, March 24, 2017 at the Smith and Miller Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Heyman Hospice or the charity of your choice in memory of Mr. Hardinger.

The Smith and Miller Funeral Home of Cedartown was honored to serve the family of Mr. Bobby W. Hardinger.

Mrs. Lornette Cynthia Branche, age 62, of Rockmart, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017.

She was born in Barrouallie, Saint Vincent Island, a daughter of Duncan N. Branche and Margaret John Branche.

Mrs. Branche moved to Georgia in 1995 from Florida, and had made Rockmart her home for the past eight years. She had a love for gardening, loved to cook, sew, read and write. Mrs. Branche was of the Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her father, Duncan Branche; and sister, Maria Charles.

Survivors include her three children: Xavier Jack, Rockmart, Erica Miller, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Jay Jack, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; seven grandchildren; mother, Margaret Charles; sisters: Margaret Noel, Dearine Charles, Lee Branche, Sharon Branche, Beverly Branche, Susette Branche and Donna Branche; brothers: Odgen John, Talbut Charles, Ruben Charles, Thomas Charles, Kevin Charles, Foster Branche and George Branche.

Funeral services were held Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Smith and Miller Funeral Home.

Interment followed in the Northview Cemetery of Cedartown.

The family received friends Saturday morning, March 25 prior to the funeral hour at the funeral home.

The Smith and Miller Funeral Home of Cedartown is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Lornette Cynthia Branche.

Mrs. Weaver

Mrs. Dorothy Jean Weaver, age 83, of Rockmart, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2017 in a Rome medical center.

She was born in Rockmart on July 27, 1933 a daughter of the late Robert Lewis Clark and Bessie Mae Jackson Clark.

Mrs. Weaver had lived all of her life in Rockmart where she was a member of the Morning View Baptist Church. She had been employed by the Goodyear Mill, Integrated Mills and Cartersville Spinning prior to her retirement.

Mrs. Weaver loved to go to church, spend time with her family, take trips to the mountains and work in the garden.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by two sisters: Shirley Tucker and Vera Jo Birdsong and by three brothers: Robert Leroy Clark, Curtis Lewis Clark and Tom Watson Clark.

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Thomas Junior Weaver to whom she was married on Nov. 12, 1954; three daughters: Debbie Hulsey (Ricky), Patsy Jarvis (John) and Brenda Lester (Donald) all of Rockmart; five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 24, 2017 at 2:00 pm in the Morning View Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Hulsey, Rev. Bobby McDowell and Rev. Donald Lester officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery with Rev. Ricky Hulsey officiating.

Active pallbearers included: Thomas Lester, Justin Lester, Devon Hopkins, Cody Hopkins, Jacob O’Neal, Zachary O’Neal and Edwin Jarrell. Honorary pallbearers were: Dakota O.Neal, John Jarvis, Kenneth Lester, Tommy Clark, Gary Clark, Ricky Clark and Jason Hulsey.

The Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Mrs. Dorothy Jean Weaver.

Mr. David Franklin Wisniewski, age 55, of Aragon, passed away Monday, March 20, 2017 in a Rome medical center following a brief illness.

He was born in Temple, Texas on Nov. 8, 1961.

Mr. Wisniewski had been a resident of Aragon since 1993 moving here from Texas. He was employed by Trinity Rail in Cartersville.

He enjoyed fishing, boating, cooking outside and working around the house remodeling or working in the yard. He also enjoyed reading and watching television.

Mr. Wisniewski was preceded in death by a son, David Ryan Wisniewski.

Survivors include his wife, Vikki Wisniewski of Aragon to whom he was married on Aug. 15, 1987; daughter, Britanya Womack, Aragon; two granddaughters: Allison Womack and Makayla Plemons; mother and father: Lloyd and Deloris Ellason, Temple, Texas ; two brothers: Dean Castillo and Ricky Ellason both of Temple, Texas and grandmother, Fern Norman, Temple, Texas.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 4 p.m. in the chapel of the Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home with Rev. Anthony Osborne officiating.

The Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Mr. David Franklin Wisniewski.

Mrs. Ellis

Mrs. Donna M. Ellis, age 83, of Rockmart, passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017 in a Rome nursing center.

She was born in Akron, Ohio on May 11, 1933 a daughter of the late William C. Tisen and Mary Vanosdale Tisen.

Mrs. Ellis had been a resident of Rockmart since 1968 moving here from Akron. She was a member of the Rockmart First United Methodist Church and for a number of years owned and operated the Donna Ellis School of Dance.

Mrs. Ellis was instrumental in choreographing the City of Rockmart Bicentennial Celebration in 1976. She enjoyed spending time fishing with her family, especially trips to Canada on fishing outings.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Charles E. (Chuck) Ellis on February 11, 2015 and by a brother, William C. Tisen Jr..

Survivors include a daughter, Kim Ellis, Rockmart; sons: Jeff Ellis (Ginger), Rockmart and Gregg Ellis, Rome; sister, Martha Comeriato, Charlotte, NC; four grandchildren: Jennifer Ellis, Matt Ellis, Carson Ellis and Patric Hulsey; six great grandchildren: Austin, Drew and Wesley Ragsdale, Braydon and Grayson Ellis and Dawson Hulsey; one great great granddaughter, Adalynn Roseanna Ragsdale.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, March 22. 2017 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home with Rev. Levi Wyatt officiating. Interment followed in the Rose Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers included: Matt Ellis, Austin Ragsdale, Drew Ragsdale, Wesley Ragsdale, Patric Hulsey and Perry Hulsey. Braydon and Grayson Ellis served as honorary pallbearers.

The Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Mrs. Donna M. Ellis.

Mrs. Payton

Mrs. Barbara S. Payton, age 73, of Cedartown, passed away on March 19, 2017 following an extended illness.

In accordance with her wishes, she was cremated.

A Graveside and Interment service was conducted on Friday afternoon, March 24, 2017 in the family lot of the New Harmony Cemetery.

Visit the memorial website at www.liteseyfh.com to extend personal condolences to the family and to sign the online guestbook.

A more in depth obituary will be forthcoming.

The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Barbara S. Payton.

Mr. Coffman

Mr. James Marvin Coffman Sr., 87, of Bremen passed away Sunday, March 19, 2017 at his residence.

He was born in Rome, Georgia, April 3, 1929, son of the late Roy H. Coffman and Annie Akin Coffman.

Mr. Coffman retired from General Motors where he was a welder for 35 ½ years.

He was a Baptist by Faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Brown Coffman; a son, Conway Coffman; two great grandchildren; t hree sisters, Margie Knowles, Beulah Gabriel, Christine Meers and five brothers, William Coffman, Arval Coffman, Odell Coffman, Mayo Coffman and Luther Coffman.

Survivors include his sons, James M. Coffman Jr. of Bremen, Keith and Jayanna Coffman of Temple; a daughter-in-law, Sheila Coffman of Bowdon; a sister, Betty Pearson of Snellville; two brothers, Ivey and Betty Coffman of Dallas, Pete and Sue Coffman of Trion; twenty two grandchildren and twenty three great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6:00 until 9:00 PM.

Services will be Thursday, March 23 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Hightower Funeral Home with Rev. Mason Bushand Reverend Richard Brannon officiating.

Music will be furnished by Josh Worthy.

D. J. Coffman, Chris Coffman, Terry Coffman, Austin Layhue, Christopher Britt and Jeremy Britt served as pallbearers. Interment followed in Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Share thoughts and memories in the guestbook on the website at www.hightowerfuneralhome.com.

Hightower Funeral Home of Bremen was in charge of the arrangements for Mr. James Marvin Coffman Sr.

Mrs. Radford

Mrs. Barbara Jane Mitchell Radford, age 83, of Cedartown, passed away on Saturday morning, March 18, 2017 following a brief illness.

She was born on June 28, 1933 in Marietta, a daughter of the late Hoke Mitchell and the late Beulah Sauls Mitchell.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by six siblings and a son, Stan Radford.

Mrs. Radford was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church.

She is survived by her loving family, her husband, to whom she was married to for sixty six years, Carl Radford; her son, Charles Radford and Cynthia; her daughter, Lee Ann George and Jeff; her brother, Richard Mitchell; her sisters, Joyce Bettis, Lynne Vandyke and Dot Stafford; her grandchildren, Jason Miles Radford, Stephanie M. Radford, Jennifer S. Garrett, Mariah J. Townsend and Miranda L. Morris; eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

The Memorial Service for Barbara Mitchell Radford was conducted on Monday evening, March 20, 2017 at 7 p.m. from the Chapel of the Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home with Rev. Stan Smith officiating.

The Family received friends on Monday afternoon, March 20, 2017 at the Litesey Funeral Home.

Mrs. Radford was cremated following the Memorial Service.

The Family has respectfully requested that flowers please be omitted and memorial contributions be made to either; Heyman Hospice Care of Rome, P.O. Box 163, Rome, Ga., 30162 or to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, Texas, 752840692 in Mrs. Radford’s memory.

For personal condolences and to sign the online guestbook, please visit liteseyfh.com.

The Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Barbara Jane Mitchell Radford.

Ms. Reed

Ms. Evelyn Carol Reed, age 74 of Cedartown, passed away on Saturday, March 18, 2017.

She was born on March 30, 1943 in Polk County, the daughter of the late Charles Preston Stephens and Leta Stanford.

She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Lillian Pearson; and brothers, John Stephens and James Stephens.

Ms. Reed is survived by her daughters, Johnnie Gail Hurley, Stephanie Sharlene Wright, and Carol Annette Reed; 3 granddaughters; 6 grandsons; 14 great granddaughters; 7 great grandsons; sister, Charlene Stephens Hobbs; brothers, Charles Preston Stephens Jr., Sammy Hobbs; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

In keeping with her wishes’ her body was cremated. The family will conduct a memorial service at a later date.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home handled the arrangements for Ms. Evelyn Carol Reed.

Mr. Shiflett

Mr. Dewayne Shiflett, age 50, of Rockmart, passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017 in a Rome medical center.

He was born in Rome, GA on April 23, 1966.

Mr. Shiflett had lived most of his life in Rockmart and was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed riding bicycles, watching television and listening to music.

He is survived by his mother, Mrs. Joan Moore, Rockmart and a number of aunts and uncles.

Mr. Shiflett was cremated and the family will have a memorial service at a later date.

The Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Dewayne C. Shiflett.

Mr. Watkins

Mr. Jason Dennis “J-Bird” Watkins, age 36 of Aragon passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017.

Mr. Watkins was born Sept. 2, 1980 in Rome, son of Linda Holcombe Childers and Maynon Eugene Childers.

He attended Rockmart High School, was a member of the 101 Church and was a passionate landscaper. He had a great love for hunting and music. Jason loved to play with kids and enjoyed making people laugh.

Survivors included his nine-yearold daughter, Braylee Grace Watkins of Rockmart; parents, Linda and Maynon Childers of Aragon; two sisters, Dawn Childers of Aragon and Heather Childers Frodge and her husband Brandon of Atlanta; three brothers, Brett Childers and his wife Celie of Taylorsville, Brion Watkins of Alabama and Heath Watkins of Cedartown; fiancé, Lindsey Kay Harris of Taylorsville; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survived.

Funeral services for Mr. Watkins were held on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in the chapel of the Freeman Harris Funeral Home with Pastor James Cordell officiating. Interment services followed in the family lot of Rockmart Memorial Gardens.

The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Labron Cason, Kevin Robinson, Casey Childers, Matt Campbell, Kenneth Akins and Andy Deems.

Honorary pallbearers were Brettly Sam Childers and Shannon Cook.

Please visit www.freemanharrisfunerals.com to extend personal condolences to the family by signing the online guestbook.

Freeman Harris Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral services for Mr. Jason Dennis “J-Bird” Watkins.

Mrs. Coker

Mrs. Brenda Fay Tucker Coker, age 70 of Rockmart, passed away Friday, March 17, 2017.

Mrs. Coker was born Aug. 13, 1946 in Rome, Georgia, daughter of the late Nancy Helen Odom Tucker and the late William M. Tucker. She was a member of the New Prospect Baptist Church and graduated from Piedmont High School, Class of 1964.

Prior to retirement, Mrs. Coker was employed with the Murata Corporation. She had a great love for family and the grandchildren were a special love.

She also enjoyed cooking, reading and crocheting. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Johnnie Lorraine Coker Riley in 2002; and a sister, Nadine Tucker Surrett.

Mrs. Coker is survived by her husband of 51 years, Mr. Johnny Coker of Rockmart; two daughters, Mrs. Jennifer Coker Bentley and her husband Adam of Rockmart and Mrs. Jaclyn Yvonne Coker Myrick and her husband Corey of Cedartown; six grandchildren, Zachary Parish, Michael Bentley, Megan Bentley, Faith Cheeks, Andrew Cheeks, and Braci Myrick; a nephew, Jeremy Tucker and his wife Debbie of Tallapoosa.

A memorial service was held in the chapel of the Freeman Harris Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday March 21, 2017 with Rev. Larry Davis and the Rev. Owen (Bud) Davis, Jr. officiating.

Those wishing to do so, may make memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Coker to: Heyman Hospice, 420 E. Second Ave., Rome, Ga 30161.

The following gentlemen served as honorary pallbearers: Larry Cole, Keith Cole, Danny Cole, Chris Cole, and Chad Cole.

Freeman Harris Funeral Home was in charge of the memorial services for Mrs. Brenda Fay Tucker Coker.