Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel and Crematory

Ronald Craig "Ron" Barton, age 74, of Rome, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at his residence. Ron was born in Rome, Georgia on November 22, 1947, son of the late Harold Lloyd "Judge" Barton and the late Frances Eloise Kerns Barton. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army where he served during the Vietnam War and was 100% disabled from his time of service. Ron sold cars for many years and retired from Greater Community Bank as a Loan Officer. He was considered by many as a Blue-Collar Banker because he gave people chances when no one else would. Everyone that knew Ron loved him because with him what you saw was what you got. He was the last of the "Possum Republic" that hung out...

Kim Durall, age 58, was freed from her battle with brain cancer on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, while surrounded by her loving family. Kim was born in El Paso, Texas on March 28, 1964, daughter of Sharon Elaine Patterson Brown and the late Thomas Olan Brown. She moved to New Mexico for a short time, and her and her family moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1972, where she met her husband, Jim, in 1980. In 1985, they moved to Rome, Georgia where they have spent the past 37 years, and built a beautiful life. Kim is survived by her husband of 37 years, James Robert "Jim" Durall, Jr.; three children, Cory Robert Durall (Stephanie), Allie Durall Riddle (Trice), and Thomas Charles Durall; her...

Eddie Routledge McEarchern, age 79, of Shannon, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022, at a local hospital. Eddie was born in Rome, Georgia, on September 13, 1942, son of the late Thomas Jefferson McEarchern and the late Mary Hedgpeth McEarchern. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Catherine Rose Smith; by a son-in-law, Rickey Bailey; and by a brother, Thomas Wayne McEarchern. Eddie was a good and kind Christian man who loved God, his church, and his family. He was a hard-working husband and father who enjoyed providing for his "Junebug" and girls. He will be greatly missed and leaves a tremendous void in all of our lives. Eddie leaves behind his wife of 61 years,...

Mrs. Gail Shankles Massingill, age 87, of Rome, Ga, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 2, 2022, surrounded by family at a local hospital. Gail was born in Ft. Payne, AL, on January 26, 1935, daughter of the late Reuben Shankles and the late Lonnie Mae McMahan Shankles. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles F. "Bunt" Massingill, and 2 sisters, Peggy Witt and Carol Ann Gentry. Gail was a graduate of Kirkman High School in Chattanooga, TN. She worked as a construction administrator for the Tennessee Valley Authority for decades. After the passing of her husband and mother, Gail left her life in Rossville to build a life with her children and granddaughter...

Mrs. Norma Jean Ward Tarrago, age 85, of Rome, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Norma was born in Middletown, Ohio on April 4, 1937, daughter of the late Milburn Furman Ward and the late Pearl Ethlan Chasteen Ward. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, James Leroy Ward, and Harry Thomas Ward. Norma worked for Scott Equipment Company as a bookkeeper for 31 years. Norma was a devoted mother, and grandmother. She loved her family and will be missed by all. Survivors include her daughter, Donna Trammell; sons, Terry Trammell (Sandy), Michael Trammell; sister, Marjorie Ann Ward Dill; 2 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on...

Mr. John Alton Owens, age 87, of Rome, passed away Saturday, August 27, 2022, in a hospice center in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Mr. Owens was born in Floyd County, Georgia, on March 4, 1935, son of the late John Coen Owens and the late Daisy Beall Owens. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Selman Owens, to whom he was married on August 21, 1954. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Coen Owens and James Loyd Owens, and his sister, Ree Owens Milton. Mr. Owens was a 1953 graduate of Armuchee High School and held degrees from Shorter College and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He retired in 1991 from the Floyd County School System following 30 years of...

Mr. Thomas Newton Mitchell, age 70, of Rome, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Thomas was born in Rome, Georgia on September 22, 1951, son of the late Willie Newton Mitchell and the late Sara Ruth Dunaway Mitchell. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Betty Grigsby, and a niece, Angela Worsham. He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. He loved his family and will be missed by all. Survivors include his daughter; April Perry; granddaughters; Jacie Perry and Lilly Perry; sister; Sara Ann Lynch (Larry); niece, Lori Cooper (David); special friend and companion, Paulette Brown; many great nieces, great nephews, and special cousins. Graveside service will be...

Alfred David Searles, 91, of Rome, Georgia, went to his eternal heavenly home on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Mr. Searles was born in Chattooga County on June 7, 1931, son of the late David Washington Searles and late Hattie Mae McGraw Searles. He was preceded in death by his wives, Jimmie Koonce Searles (1956-1997) and Bonnie Faye Searles (2000-2019); son, Alfred "David" Searles, Jr.; brother, Roy Searles; sisters, Lorena Mitchell Crouch, Gladys Ivy, Annie Sue Dobson, and Vivian Lewis. Alfred is survived by his daughters, Phyllis Searles and Allison Searles Whiten (Charlie); grandchildren, Jonathan (Kara) Hicks,...

Carolyn Patricia McGhee died peacefully at her home in Armuchee, Georgia on Wednesday, August 17, 2022, surrounded by her beloved family and her pet Pekingese dog Anna. Pat was born on November 19, 1940. She was preceded in death by her parents Felton Dillon Duffey and Rossie Clanton Duffey, her brother Felton, and sister-in-law, Sheila Duffy. Pat was married to Horace "Mac" McGhee on August 2, 1958. He lovingly referred to her as "Duff." Mac passed away on April 2, 2020. In her younger years, Pat was trained as a hairdresser. Later, she and Mac owned and operated the Saga Motel in Rome, Georgia, for fourteen years. A strong Christian faith carried her through the many difficulties of...

Mr. Ronald Hudson Cole, age 80, of Rome, GA, passed away on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at his residence. Mr. Cole was born in Lake City, FL, on April 10, 1942, son of the late Dewey Washington Cole and the late Roberta Selby Cole. He was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Rachel Lynn Cole. Mr. Cole was a veteran of the Army National Guard. He received his B.A. from Stetson University and went on to obtain his Juris-Doctorate from the University of Florida. He practiced law for over 25 years, starting with Trust Company bank, where he was in estate and will planning, before moving to private practice with the Brannon & Brown Law firm. Mr. Cole was an avid motorcycle rider...

Mr. Ronnie Ray Jennings, age 69, of Rome, GA, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2022, at a local hospital. Ronnie Ray Jennings was born in Rome, GA on July 19, 1953, son of the late William Frank Jennings and the late Eva Sylvia Sauceda. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie Gene Jennings, and by his sister, Alma Jennings McRae. Mr. Jennings grew up in San Antonio, TX. He moved to Rome, GA during his high school years. Mr. Jennings attended West Rome High School and graduated from Coosa Valley Technical School in 1974. He worked at Profile Extrusion Company for 34 years until he retired in 2010. Mr. Jennings was a U.S. Army veteran. He was passionate about World History,...

Mrs. Geraldine Johnston Rush, age 92, of Rome, GA, passed away on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at a local hospital. Mrs. Rush was born in Floyd County, GA, on June 7, 1930, daughter of the late Fred Johnston and the late Azzie Lee Barnes Johnston. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Lindsey Meddie Rush, by her brother, Raymond Johnston, and by 3 sisters, Frances Johnston, Mildred Youngblood and Margaret Eddy. Mrs. Rush was a graduate of Rome Girls High School. Prior to her retirement, she worked for Piggly Wiggly for over 40 years where she worked her way up from the Deli/Bakery to becoming Office manager. Mrs. Rush loved her family dearly and would host Sunday lunches twice a...

Ralph Wendall Beck has left the building. On Saturday, July 30, 2022, he clocked out, cashed in his chips, exited stage left, slipped out the back Jack, made like a tree and got out of here, went to get a pack of cigarettes, and gone to attend The Great Gig in The Sky. And I guess that we're all thinking he did it to avoid watching anyone other than Coach K on the sidelines of a Duke basketball game. To be honest, we thought Wendall couldn't die. Goodness knows, the Grim Reaper tried. He has been dicing with death for his entire life, but always ended up peeling off for a victory lap in one of his sports cars. The screwdriver up the nose couldn't kill Wendall. Neither could the drill in...

Mrs. Birdie Emma Smith Inglett, age 92, of Rome, Georgia, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022. Mrs. Inglett was born in Floyd County, Georgia, on December 7, 1929, daughter of the late John Wesley Smith Jr. and the late Birdie Estelle Nichols Smith. She was also preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Inglett; sisters, Mattie (Charles) Fitzpatrick, Johnnie (Buddy) Curry, Bonnie (Max) Glenn, Joyce (Dallas) Kerce; brothers, Wesley (Glenese) Smith, Ellis Smith, Roy Smith; and one special aunt Eula Walker. Mrs. Inglett graduated from McHenry High School in 1947 and began work at Pepperell Manufacturing in Lindale. In 1967 the Inglett's moved to Cobb County and soon after...

Mr. Johnny Leonard Wright, age 82, of Rome, GA, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022. Johnny was born in Gilmer County, GA on December 2, 1939, son of late Joseph C. Wright and the late Mollie Evans Wright. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Kermit Lee Wright, Rosie Wright Manning, Sidney Wright, Hubert Wright, Jasper Wright, and Joseph Wright. Johnny served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1965. He was a retired truck driver following over 50 years of employment. Johnny was a Master Mason. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and will be missed by all. Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Mildred Lucille Logan Wright; daughter,...

Mr. W. Lamar Cook, age 81, of Rome, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 15, 2022, in a skilled nursing facility in Huntsville, AL. Mr. Cook was born in Blakely, Georgia on August 9, 1940, son of the late Peyton H. Cook and late Winnette Daniels Cook. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Carolyn Adams and Angeline Barksdale. Mr. Cook graduated from Albany High School in 1958 and had a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Berry College. He worked at Central of Georgia Railroad in Albany, Georgia before moving to Rome and working at General Electric for 35 years. He was a deacon at New Armuchee Baptist Church. Mr. Cook loved working outside on his acreage in Big...

Mr. W. Lamar Cook, age 81, of Rome, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 15, 2022, in a skilled nursing facility in Huntsville, AL. Mr. Cook was born in Blakely, Georgia on August 9, 1940, son of the late Peyton H. Cook and late Winnette Daniels Cook. He was also preceded in death by his two sisters, Carolyn Adams and Angeline Barksdale. Mr. Cook graduated from Albany High School in 1958 and had a Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Berry College. He worked at Central of Georgia Railroad in Albany, Georgia before moving to Rome and working at General Electric for 35 years. He was a deacon at New Armuchee Baptist Church. Mr. Cook loved working outside on his...

Mrs. Susan Kay Wright Kirk, age 70, of Rome, Georgia, dearly departed on Friday, July15,2022. Susan was born in North Dakota, on August 2, 1951, daughter of the late Albert John Gernenz. Susan was a wonderful helpful wife leaving behind her husband; Joe Kirk, brother-in-law, Lex Youngman and friends so close they are considered sisters, Joy, Jenny, Cindy, and Kristi, along with hundreds of nurses, and students she loved, taught and so happy be a part of them all. Susan's legacy will be remembered forever. There will be no formal services for Susan. Henderson & Sons Funeral Home, North Chapel, has charge of the funeral arrangements

Mrs. Julianne Evans Weber Mathis, age 72, of Rome, GA, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 13, 2022. Julie was born in Shelbyville, Kentucky on November 8, 1949. She graduated from Waggener High School, in Louisville, Kentucky, class of 1967. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Murray, KY, where she earned many yearly awards as a youth for perfect attendance. She later attended Saint Matthews United Methodist Church, in St. Matthews, KY. She worked for various roofing companies in sales, contracting and estimations, until she started her own roofing company, making her the first female to own a roofing company in Georgia. Julie remarried to William E....

Armuchee, GA - Our wonderful mother, Shirley Pharr True, a beautiful woman in all ways whose spirit embraced her faith, family, and friends, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2022, in Rome, GA, surrounded by her family. She was always smiling and loving those around her with generous hospitality. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and all who knew her were drawn to her calm spirit and open heart. Born to William Pharr and Nell Ashburn in Atlanta on October 30, 1935, Shirley grew up in Decatur, GA. She married the love of her life, Donald, and together they had two children. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother and was the core of the family's lives as they moved,...

Armuchee, Georgia - Our wonderful mother, Shirley Pharr True, a beautiful woman in all ways whose spirit embraced her faith, family, and friends, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2022, in Rome, Georgia, surrounded by her family. She was always smiling and loving those around her with generous hospitality. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, and all who knew her were drawn to her calm spirit and open heart. Born to William Pharr and Nell Ashburn in Atlanta, Georgia on October 30, 1935, Shirley grew up in Decatur, Georgia. She married the love of her life, Donald, and together they had two children. Shirley was a devoted wife and mother and was the core of the family's...