Bernstein Funeral Home

Richard Howell Marbut, 82, of Athens, passed away Thursday, May 26, 2022. A native Athenian, Mr. Marbut was a son of the late Howell Diamond Marbut and Ola Glynn Bishop Marbut. He was a graduate of Athens High School, attended the University of Georgia and served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Mr. Marbut began working with his father at Marbut Business Machines and later worked at C&S Bank before pursuing a career in real estate at Metro Realty. He was a member of the Board of Trustees at Athens Academy. Survivors include wife, Sara Alice Little Marbut of Athens; children, Laurie Petrill (Kevin) of Marietta and Richard David Marbut of Bishop; brothers, William Thomas Marbut (Kathy) of...

Laura Jackson Wilson, age 96, passed away on May 23, 2022, at Manor Lake Assisted Living. A native of Wilkes County, GA, she was the daughter of the late John Howard and Eunice Tabor Jackson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Hubert E. Wilson; her daughter, Geri Wilson Austin; and her brother, Howard Tabor Jackson, (Jean). Mrs. Wilson was a graduate of Wilkes County High School, Tignall, GA; Anderson College; and Crawford W. Long Hospital School of Nursing. Mrs. Wilson enjoyed many years of active service in her nursing career. She had experience in acute care nursing and in Public Health, but her greatest interest was in surgery. She retired from St. Mary's Hospital...

Catherine Eileen Brown Bowden, 63, of Danielsville, passed away Monday, May 16, 2022, at St. Mary's Hospice House. Born in Augusta, Cathy was a daughter of Veron Brown and Faye Trotter. She was the most loving, caring person that her husband, Roy, has experienced. She had a positive personality and outlook on life, friends and loved ones. Cathy cared deeply for all members of her family. She gave a lot to each and every one she was close to and her many friends and she will be greatly missed. Cathy was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and enjoyed Facebook. Survivors in addition to her husband, Roy Little Bowden III, and mother, Faye Trotter, include siblings, Chuck Brown, Craig Brown, Cheri...

William Charles "Chad" Kimbrough, age 37, passed away on May 12, 2022. Chad graduated from Athens Academy where he was an outstanding athlete and excelled in all sports, especially basketball. He is remembered for his quick wit, love and compassion for all. He attended the University of Georgia where he majored in Public Relations in the Grady School of Journalism and was an exceptional writer. Chad was also a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity. After graduation, Chad worked at Kimbrough Law for five years, specializing in veteran's benefits for those in need. His desire to help people was always a driving force in his work. Chad was deeply loved by his parents, Sheryl and William H. "Kim"...

Gene Guthrie Weeks, 83, retired Clarke County School District teacher and active community member, passed away on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at her residence, surrounded by her children. Weeks was born May 18, 1938, in Austin, Texas and spent formative years in Evanston, Illinois, before returning to Texas and her father's alma mater to attend Baylor University, graduating in 1960 with a B.A. in Drama and Education. After graduation, she returned to Evanston to begin her teaching career. While attending a Christmas party in Austin, Texas, at the home of her godmother, she met Julien Devereux Weeks. Finding a reason to spend the following summer in Austin, where Dev was finishing law school,...

Gwendolyn Elizabeth Walton Holmes was born on February 5, 1929 to the late Olin Vivian and Thelma Green Walton. She was also preceded in death by three children: Robert Carroll Holmes, Steven Paul Holmes, and Deborah Holmes Seerley; and a grandson, Robert Matthew Tyner. She is survived by her husband of 75 years, Paul Carroll Holmes; daughter Mary Beth Holmes Tyner (Ty), grandchildren: Jennifer Tyner Aspinwall, Alex Holmes (Jennifer), Erin Abel (Trent), Spencer Holmes (Maggie), and Bobby Holmes, as well as ten (10) great-grandchildren. Gwen was a life-long member of Young Harris Memorial Methodist Church. She loved the church and lived out her faith with much service to the Methodist...

The family of Dr. Joseph W. Berry wishes to let his friends and acquaintances know of his death on April 26, 2022 in Athens, GA at Saint Mary's Hospice House. Dr. Berry was born on July 31, 1941 to Ruth Russell Berry and Joseph W. (Bill) Berry in Atlanta, GA, both deceased. Joe graduated from Georgia Tech and kept a low profile living in dawg country. He was a life-long learner, receiving a certificate in Spiritual Formation that he completed with his wife Mary at Columbia seminary. Later in the last years of his life, Joe went back to complete a certificate in Spiritual Direction, again at the seminary. Joe was preceded in death by his son, Joseph W. Berry, Ill. Joe is survived by his...

On April 24th, surrounded by her loving family, my dear wife Linda Melissa Bennett, went to plan new adventures in heaven with her best friend, Susan. Linda was a major force in the lives of all who knew her, especially her family. She believed in having a strong family and helping those less fortunate than herself. Born August 8, 1946, Linda met her husband, George Bennett, in high school and they have been together ever since. They graduated from the University of Georgia on the same day in 1967 and began their life journey a month later, September 9th when they were married. They soon left for their first assignment in the Air Force at Keesler, Air Force Base, Mississippi. They then...

James E. Wallace, 74, died April 24, 2022, at his home in Athens surrounded by friends and family. The family will receive friends Thursday, April 28, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Bernstein Funeral Home. Services will be private. James, known as "Jim", was born April 28, 1948, in Bangor, ME, to parents Ruth and "Whitey" Wallace. He spent his early years in Bangor and his love for the area, the lobster and fresh seafood, the coastal towns, Frank's Bakery, and for his mom, Ruthie, never waned before moving to Athens to attend the University of Georgia on a golf scholarship. After golf at UGA, Jim had a successful career in the insurance industry and then developed a love for...

Robert "Bob" Erwin Beck, 77, passed away Friday, April 22, 2022 in Mesun Hospice. Bob was born in Hannibal, Missouri on June 20, 1944 to the late Edwin G. and Beatrice Beck and moved to Athens, with his family when he was two years old. He graduated from Athens High School and went on to receive his bachelor of science in Chemistry from the University of Georgia. After college, he was drafted into the United States Army. Bob retired from AT&T after many years of service and was of the Presbyterian faith. He loved the outdoors and camping. Bob is survived by his siblings, Virginia Morton and her husband, Dave, of Washington; Thomas Beck and his wife, Donna of Duluth; and Theodore "Ted"...

Betty Lambert died April 18, 2022 at The Hampton House. A Georgia native, she resided in Athens, GA. She was born in 1931 and was the only daughter of Polly Ward Meeks and Roy Kenneth Meeks. She is survived by an only daughter Cynthia Louise Witte of Katy, Texas. She was a member of Beech Haven Baptist Church. Bernstein Funeral Home is handling the arrangements

John Faris (Jack) Munnell, VMD, PhD, passed away on Monday, April 18th after a long and happy life. Jack was born in Canonsburg, PA and grew up in Washington, PA, where he was a scholar and an accomplished athlete, lettering in baseball, football, and basketball in high school. He attended Washington and Jefferson College (W&J) on a basketball scholarship and was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, graduating in 1952. While at W&J, he worked on the farm of Zabina Weed. Mrs. Weed told Jack that if he stayed and worked on the farm while completing his W&J education, she would provide the financial support he needed to go on to veterinary school. He accepted her generous...

Clarence Millard "Sonny" Browning, 74, of Watkinsville, died April 17, 2022. Mr. Browning was a son of the late Horace M. Browning and Lillie Ruth Strickland Browning. He was a member of Briarwood Baptist Church and retired from NCR Corporation after 34 years. He also served 12 years with the Oconee County Volunteer Fire Department and was the Fire Chief for 2 years. After retirement, he worked as Bailiff/Chief Bailiff for Oconee County Superior Court. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Patricia Browning. Survivors include his wife, Harriette Moon Browning; one son, David (Crystal) Browning; and one daughter, Terri (Marc) Hughes. He is also survived by his four loving...

Beverly Truitt, 80, died peacefully on April 12, 2022, in Athens. A native of Lincolnton, GA, she was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander Wellington Burch , Jr. and Mary Ester Edmunds Burch, her beloved husband, Wylie and her son, Todd. Beverly is survived by her devoted siblings, Wellington Burch and Caroline Thornton (Gene), daughter, Tara Truitt, four grandchildren, Nikki Sharp (Hobie), Nigel, Fiona and Liam Wilkes and two great grandchildren, Carolyn and Ethan Sharp. Beverly was a member of Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was a nursery school teacher, known as Miss Bea, for over 20 years at Miss Jan's nursery and was a...

Beverly Truitt, 80, died peacefully on April 12, 2022, in Athens. A native of Lincolnton, GA, she was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander Wellington Burch , Jr. and Mary Ester Edmunds Burch, her beloved husband, Wylie and her son, Todd. Beverly is survived by her devoted siblings, Wellington Burch and Caroline Thornton (Gene), daughter, Tara Truitt, four grandchildren, Nikki Sharp (Hobie), Nigel, Fiona and Liam Wilkes and two great grandchildren, Carolyn and Ethan Sharp. Beverly was a member of Sherwood Baptist Church, in Albany, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was a nursery school teacher, known as Miss Bea, for over 20 years at Miss Jan's nursery and was a...

Robert Jacob "Jake" Pettee, age 44, passed away Monday, April 11, 2022. Jake was born in Atlanta and lived in Madison, before moving to Athens. While in Athens, he graduated from Athens Academy, in 1996, and went on to attend the University of Georgia and received an Associate's degree in Landscape Design from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, in Tifton. Jake was the former owner of Grassroots Landscape Company and was currently employed as a Field Manager with B. J. Reece's Orchards. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter, enjoyed shooting at his local gun range, and attended The Ridge Community Church, in Blue Ridge. His maternal grandparents, J. D. and Birdie Matthews, preceded...

Robert Jacob "Jake" Pettee, age 44, passed away Monday, April 11, 2022. Jake was born in Atlanta and lived in Madison, before moving to Athens. While in Athens, he graduated from Athens Academy, in 1996, and went on to attend the University of Georgia and received an Associate's degree in Landscape Design from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, in Tifton. Jake was the former owner of Grassroots Landscape Company and was currently employed as a Field Manager with B. J. Reece's Orchards. He was an avid fly fisherman and hunter, enjoyed shooting at his local gun range, and attended The Ridge Community Church, in Blue Ridge. His maternal grandparents, J. D. and Birdie Matthews, preceded...

Alma Catherine Murray White, 71, of Bogart, lovingly known to all as "Mama White," passed away Monday, April 11, 2022, after an extended illness. An Athens native, Mama White was a daughter of the late Elmer and Thelma Williamson Murray, a graduate of Athens High School and retired from Heritage Amusements. She was loved by her family and friends and had a heart of gold. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Myron White; and a sister, Janice Loraine Shelton. Survivors include sons, Shane White and James White, both of Oglethorpe County; brother, Kenneth Murray (Jean) of Monroe; sister, Pamela Smith (Ruffin) of Danielsville; two grandchildren, Justin...

Betty was born to Kathleen and Henry Davis in Athens, Georgia. She graduated from Athens High School and later, the University of Georgia. She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Education. In 1969, while working as a first-grade teacher in DeKalb County, she met and Married Roger Majchrzak. Throughout her lifetime, Betty worked as a teacher, secretary and office manager. Her employers loved her for sweet personality, dedication and loyalty. Betty and Roger moved throughout the country while raising their family. She made friends and beautiful memories in New Jersey, Southern California, Washington State and Arlington, TX. In the year 2000, Betty...

Janet Nidy Stratton, 87, passed away Monday, April 4, 2022, at Hope Memory Care in Dacula. A native of Iowa, Ms. Stratton was a daughter of the late Carl W. Nidy and Hazel Ferril Nidy. She retired as Director of Continuing Education for the University of Missouri in Kansas City after 20 years of service. A resident of Georgia since 2000, Ms. Stratton raised Arabian horses and rode until age 82. She especially enjoyed horseback riding in the North Georgia Mountains with her family and friends. Survivors include children: Steve Schmidt (Suzi), Andrew R. Schmidt (Shantelle), Charles R. Schmidt (Cindy) and Kathryn T. Schmidt; sister, Carol Johnston; six grandchildren: Jessica L. Knight, Kyle...

John Curtis Wheeler, Sr. age, 71, passed away Sunday, April 3, 2022 in Bountiful Hills Senior Living, in Commerce. John was born in Oconee County to the late Larry Delmar and Evie Manders Wheeler and attended Oconee County Schools, before graduating from Athens High School in 1968. He went on to attend Athens Technical College, receiving his certificate as a mechanic. John worked for 30 years with the Firestone Store in Athens and went on to work with Patton Brothers and University Tire, before retiring in 2011. John was an avid NASCAR fan, was a former member of the Athens Dart Association and was a member of Mars Hills Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in...