Mrs. Carter
Mrs. Martha Elizabeth “Mrs. Libby” Carter, age 91, of Cedartown, passed away Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018.
She was born on Nov. 9, 1926 a daughter of the late Lark and Dovie Dingler.
Mrs. Carter was a longtime member of Pine Bower Baptist Church where she was known as, “Mrs. Libby.”
She enjoyed teaching Sunday School for the Kindergarten and Nursery classes.
In her spare time Mrs. Carter enjoyed bowling, watching Atlanta Braves baseball and spoiling all of the grandchildren that called her ”Granny.”
Mrs. Carter retired from Jockey International after severing for 30 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jimmie Carter; sisters, Ollie Floyd Gladden, Sara Gladden and Joy Garner; brother, Charles Dingler and son in law Dale Burkhalter.
Survivors include daughters: Peggy McGee (Scott) and Debbie Burkhalter; son, David Carter (Sheila); grandchildren: Karen Heath (Brian), Laura Corn (Larry Gosdin), Cassie Bohannon (Chris), Brian Carter (Amy), Corey Carter (Ana) and Michael McGee (Rachel); 16 great-grandchildren; 2 greatgreat-grandchildren; brother, Lark A. Dingler Jr. and sister, Ann Nichols. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services were held Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 at 4 p.m. in the chapel of Smith and Miller Funeral Home with Rev. Joe Bates and Rev. Chuck Garner officiating.
Interment followed in Polk Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers included: Brian Carter, Corey Carter, Michael McGee, Justin Dutton, Austin Alred, Tyler Gosdin and Andrew Clark
The family received friends Saturday afternoon prior to the service hour at the Smith and Miller Funeral Home.
The Smith and Miller Funeral Home of Cedartown was honored to serve the family of Mrs. Martha Elizabeth (Mrs. Libby) Carter.
Mrs. McDowell
Mrs. Barbara McDowell, age 71, of Aragon, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018 following a brief illness.
She was born in Gadsden, Ala., on Dec. 6, 1946 a daughter of the late Carl Wilson and May Hubbard Wilson.
Mrs. McDowell and her family had lived in the Dallas area for twenty years before moving to Aragon where they had made their home for the past twenty five years.
She was a member of the Springdale Baptist Church for 48 years.
Mrs. McDowell loved to knit, take trips to the beach and spend time with her grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband of nearly 52 years, Joe McDowell to whom she was married on Nov. 12, 1966; four children: Corey McDowell (Jacqueline), Rockmart, Jeffrey McDowell (Shannon), Dallas, Shannon Gallagher (Jeff), Dallas and Brian McDowell, Aragon; eleven grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 at 11 a.m. in the Springdale Baptist Church with Rev. Bobby McDowell and Rev. Sam Leggett officiating.
Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers included: Billy Chandler, Charlie Wade, Dakota McDowell, Jody Allen, Austin Allen and Larry Fennell.
The family received friends Thursday evening, Aug. 23, 2018 at the Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home.
Flowers are accepted, or those desiring may make contributions to the funeral home to assist with funeral expenses.
The Alvis Miller and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements for the funeral of Mrs. Barbara McDowell.
Mr. Moon
Mr. Horace W. Moon, age 87 of Rockmart passed away Tuesday morning, Aug. 21, 2018.
Mr. Moon was born Nov. 4, 1930 in Paulding County, son of the late Marion B. Moon and the late Nettie Brown Moon.
He was a 1949 graduate of Dallas High School and retired at the age of 56 from General Motors Corporation with 32 years of service having worked in the material department.
Mr. Moon served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was a true patriot and passionate about the military and loved flying the US Flag in his yard.
He was a former member and deacon of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Riverdale and was presently an active member of the First Baptist Church of Rockmart where he enjoyed the Golden Age Group.
Mr. Moon loved the outdoors and was a trail ranger for the Silver Comet Trail. Since retirement, he has been in all 50 states, plus the following countries: England, Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Israel, Mexico and Canada.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Cheryl Moon; sister, Maggie King; and three brothers, Marvin Moon, J. C. Moon and Charles Moon.
Survivors included his wife of 63 years, Imogene “Jean” Norris Moon of Rockmart; daughter and son-in-law, Pat and Mark Lusted of Niskayuna, N.Y..; son, Joe Moon of Snellville; sister, Rosie Faye Moon of Rockmart; two grandsons, Ethan Lusted of Niskayuna, N.Y. and Captain Kevin Lusted and his wife Christine of Columbus; nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Moon were held on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the First Baptist Church of Rockmart with Rev. Jason Odom officiating.
Eulogies were given by Mr. Dan Casey, Mr. Ethan Lusted, Mr. Kevin Lusted and Miss Erin Miller.
Interment services followed in the family lot of Rockmart Memorial Gardens with Brown-Wright American Legion Post 12 Honor Guard in charge of military graveside rites.
The following gentlemen served as pallbearers: Ethan Lusted, Kevin Lusted, Devin Clark, Ryan Miller, Roy Cagle, John Layfield and Josh Mathis.
Honorary escorts were members of the Golden Age Group.
Memorial donations may be made to the Golden Age Group or the charity of your choice and that you pay it forward by taking time to help someone in need of assistance.
P l e a s e v i s i t w w w . freemanharrisfunerals.com to extend personal condolences to the family by signing the online guestbook.
Freeman Harris Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral service for Mr. Horace W. Moon.
Mrs. Hardin
Mrs. Barbara Jean Hardin, age 85, of Cedartown, passed away Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.
She was born on April 20, 1933 a daughter of Henry and Cora Holtzclaw Spratling.
Mrs. Hardin was a member of the Morning View Baptist Church and the Ladies Sunday School Class.
She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, watching westerns, attending gospel singings and spending time with her family.
Mrs. Hardin had worked for a number of years as a seamstress with the Owen’s King Mens Clothing Store of Rome.
She was preceded in death by her husband’s Fred Boling and Robert Hardin; father, Henry Spratling; mother, Cora Boozer; sons: Jerry Boling and Robert A. Hardin; sister, Beatrice Howell and brothers: Bobby Spratling and Al Spratling.
Survivors include daughters: Cathy Garrett (Herman); Nancy Highfield (Butch), Deneen Hardin; sons: Randy Boling (Sylvia) and Kenneth Hardin; 19 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren: sister, Glenda Malone; brothers: Ricky Shedd, Ronnie Shedd and Kenneth Shedd. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Morning View Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Hulsey officiating along with Randy Boling and Ricky Shedd delivering eulogies.
Interment followed in the Northview Cemetery.
Pallbearers included: Johnny Moats, Kevin Highfield, Kevin Mason, Timmy Garrett, David Parsons, Bradley Boling and Robbie Pyles.
Cody Hardin served as an honorary pallbearer.
The family received friends Thursday evening, Aug. 23, 2018 at the Smith and Miller Funeral Home.
The Smith and Miller Funeral Home of Cedartown was honored to serve the family of Mrs. Barbara Jean Hardin.
Mrs. Privett
Mrs. Mary Atkins Privett, age 90, of Cedartown, passed away on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.
She was born on June 9, 1928 in Cedartown, the daughter of the late General Atkins and Ethel Allen Atkins.
Mrs. Privett is survived by her daughters, Shirley Frady, Liz Hilterman, Barbara Sanford and Betty Ricks (William); son, James “Buddy” Privett Jr. (Betty Ann); sister, Myrtle Shaw; 13 grandchildren, 25 greatgrandchildren; 4 great-greatgrandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Privett was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Rev. James Ivy Privett Sr.; and brothers, David Atkins, Chester Atkins, and William Atkins.
The funeral arrangements for Mrs. Mary A. Privett were held on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Gammage Funeral Home with Rev. Barry McCollough officiating.
Interment followed in the Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family of Mrs. Privett received family and friends on Tuesday evening, Aug. 21, 2018 at the Gammage Funeral Home.
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 Mrs. Mary Atkins Privett.
Mrs. Watson
Mrs. Virginia D. White Watson, age 71 of Cedartown, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018.
She was born on Feb. 17, 1947 in Aragon, the daughter of the late B.F. White and the late Mary Ruth Byrd White.
Mrs. Watson worked in the medical field as a CNA for many years. She had been attending Prospect Baptist Church.
Mrs. Virginia Watson is survived by her loving family, her husband, Jack Watson; daughter, Shirley Martinez; brother, Arthur White; sisters, Ramanda White, Rose Bell, Jimmie Fowler and Gloria Jarrett; her grandchildren, Adam Shipman, Lonnie Floyd, Kayla Reyes and Selena Martinez and five great grandchildren.
A number of nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
The Funeral service for Mrs. Virginia White Watson was conducted on Wednesday morning, Aug. 22, 2018 at 11 a.m. from the Chapel of the Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan Fortner, Rev. Paul Holbrook and Rev. Raymond Ballew officiating.
Interment followed in the New Harmony Cemetery.
The family received friends on Tuesday evening, Aug. 21, 2018 at the Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home.
The following served as pallbearers: Adam Shipman, Lonnie Floyd, James White, Joseph White, Lamar White and Arthur White Jr.
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. Virginia White Watson.
7KH QXPEHU ¿QDOO\ VHWWOHG RQ WKUHH FDQGLdates in a race for a Polk County Commission seat up for a November vote.
This year’s special election to determine who ZLOO ¿OO RXW WKH UHVW RI WKH WHUP IRU WKH VHDW FXUrently held by District 3 Commissioner Hal Floyd will feature a former commissioner, a former Rockmart council member, and a newcomer looking to get their feet wet in local politics.
Former commissioner Larry Reynolds – who served a single term starting in 2009 – will look to get back onto the board as he runs again for a District 3 seat. He previously held it before former Commissioner Stefanie Drake Burford won it out in 2012, and again in 2016.
Reynolds also previously sought the seat left open when the board appointed Floyd as a replacement for Burford after she resigned LQ +H TXDOL¿HG RQ 7XHVGD\ IRU WKH VHDW
He is a U.S. Navy veteran who served after graduating from Rockmart High School until January 1965, went to work at 21 at Ford Motor Company’s Atlanta assembly plant for 40 years, and has been retired for more than 20 years.
He said he’s not going into the race with any particular agenda in mind, but only seeks to serve the people of Polk County. He did say when asked the budget priorities need to be set with the idea of funding the most critical areas – like public safety – before others when it comes to accounting for annual expenditures.
“They need to fully fund areas where they need to be before looking at other spending,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds faces a challenger in Jerilyn Purdy, who decided after an Aug. 21 budget work session for the Polk County Commission that she would sign up to run this morning.
She said after several phone calls from people offering their support, she decided it was time to step up and seek to do her part to help the county by running for the seat.
Purdy said she’s looking to get more involved than she has been in past years with the goingson in the county.
“During LEAD Polk last year, I learned a lot of things I wasn’t aware of was happening,” she said. “I feel like that if you can’t stand up and make a difference, then sit down and shut up.”
Purdy hopes if elected to begin tackling the immediate issue of what is happening with the county’s budget.
7KH RI¿FH PDQJHU RI WKH &KLFN ¿O $ LQ 5RFNmart, Purdy said she wants to remain as transSDUHQW DV SRVVLEOH +HU ¿UVW VWHS WRZDUG GRLQJ so was resigning from a part-time position she held with the City of Rockmart working at the 6LOYHU &RPHW 7UDLOKHDG RI¿FH QH[W WR 6HDERUQ Jones Park on the weekends.
“If something comes up, I’m going to take care of it,” she said.
Purdy said of all things, she’s passionate about making sure that Cedartown, Rockmart and Polk County move forward together in the years to come in a positive direction.
“I want Polk County to be something that my kids and my grandkids can be proud of,” she said. “If I can do one little thing now that has a domino effect to cause then, then I’ve accomplished something.”
Purdy is the mother of two sons, one of which is currently attending the University of Georgia.
A latecomer to the race during qualifying that ended last Wednesday for the seat was former Rockmart City Council member Ray Carter.
He is a native of Cedartown, and served on Rockmart’s council from 2002 until 2011. Carter also works for IBM currently, but has consulted and worked with a variety of international corporations, government departments and agencies and more during his long career.
Carter currently serves as a Development Authority of Polk County board member.
“I decided to seek this Polk County Commission seat in the hope that I could bring my talents as an accomplished business professional and my experience as a previously HOHFWHG RI¿FLDO WR WKH WDEOH IRU 3RON &RXQW\ DV we continue to tackle many issues for today and our future,” Carter said by email. “I believe my community spirit, innovative thinking and thorough approach to the governmental policy SURFHVV PDNHV PH XQLTXHO\ TXDOL¿HG IRU WKH position. I look forward to the opportunity to serve all the citizens of Polk County, and pledge to work closely with my fellow commissioners to ensure we have sound policies, D WDOHQWHG ZRUNIRUFH DQG D ¿VFDOO\ FRQVHUYDtive approach in place. Working closely with our cities, I know Polk County is well positioned for excellent economic growth, with new industry, business and residents coming our way.”
Though from Cedartown, he calls Rockmart home with his wife Nina (maiden name Bray) and have three adult children together, Lorri, Meagan and Nicholas.
He’s also an avid outdoorsman and golfer. Voters will get to decide between the trio on the Nov. 6 ballot for the midterm elections, which also features a race between Commissioner Jennifer Hulsey and democratic challenger Ricky Clark.
Commissioner Hal Floyd, who will replace Marshelle Thaxton in District 3, is running in November unopposed along with forthcoming new commissioner Gary Martin, who is taking over the seat currently held by Jose Iglesias.
The public will get a chance to hear from candidates who choose to take part in the Polk County Chamber of Commerce’s Political Forum, organized by the government affairs committee, coming up on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018 at 6 p.m. ahead of the election.
More details on the Chamber’s forthcoming event will be provided as soon as they are available. For more on qualifying to vote in the upcoming election in November, contact the %RDUG RI (OHFWLRQV DW WR ¿QG RXW how, or go online to sos.ga.gov.