Ford-Stewart Funeral Home

Sharon Harper, 75, of Morrow, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Wanda Vest, and her brother, Dennis Vest. A dedicated professional, Sharon worked as a telephone operator with Verizon until her retirement. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, where she joyfully sang in the choir for many years. Sharon also found great fulfillment in volunteering with The ROC, a community outreach organization. Sharon will be deeply missed by her loving husband, William "Bud" Harper; her siblings, Sheila (Peter) Anderson and Mike (Paula) Vest; her nieces, Hannah (Lee) Roberts, Kayce (Brett)...

Retired Sgt. Joseph Paul Connelly, of McDonough, passed away on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, to the late Joseph E. and Elizabeth Connelly. Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Ann Connelly. Joseph honorably served in the U.S. Army, where he demonstrated his dedication to his country during the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Dominican Republic Conflict. After his military service, he continued his commitment to public service by working with the Department of Defense. Joseph was of the Catholic faith and attended Salem Baptist Church, where he found spiritual guidance and community. He was a devoted grandfather, never missing an...

Mrs. Juanita Caldwell Ely, age 88, of Jonesboro, passed away on August 22, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Berta Caldwell; son, Anthony Ely Sr.; grandchildren, Chris Ely and Kelsey Ely. She is survived by her children, Diane Ely of Jonesboro, Gary (Annette) Ely of CA, Kevin Ely of Jonesboro; sister, Dorothy Pirkle of Rome; 7 grandchildren, several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. A Funeral Service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, August 29, 2024 in the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Willie E. Rhyne, age 76, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, August 14. A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Willie will be remembered for his deep faith and commitment to his church community. He was a 1965 Graduate of Mt. Holly High School in Mt. Holly, N.C. and was proud of leading the 1963 football team to the State Championship, a record that hasn't been broken since. Willie served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, 1969-1971 and was discharged with a rank of E4. He served on the Airport Ministry at Hartsfield International Airport for 15 years where he led countless soldiers to Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ruby Rhyne;...

Willie E. Rhyne, age 76, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, August 14. A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Willie will be remembered for his deep faith and commitment to his church community. He was a 1965 Graduate of Mt. Holly High School in Mt. Holly, N.C. and was proud of leading the 1963 football team to the State Championship, a record that hasn't been broken since. Willie served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War, 1969-1971 and was discharged with a rank of E4. He served on the Airport Ministry at Hartsfield International Airport for 15 years where he led countless soldiers to Christ. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ruby Rhyne;...

Mrs. Ellen Jackson, 85, of Rex, passed away on July 9, 2024. She was a devoted member of Sardis Baptist Church in Hartwell, GA. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, George and Lillie Jones, her husband Paul E. Jackson, Jr., and her siblings. She leaves behind a cherished legacy in her large circle of friends and close-knit family. Ellen is remembered with love by her children: David Wayne Jackson of Rex, Cathy Louise (James) Roberts of Rex, Karen Lee (Curtis) Lyles of Flovilla, and Kenneth (Teresa) Jackson of Anderson, SC. She is also survived by her brother, Lamar Jones of Valdosta, her grandchildren: Laura Roberts (Patrice) Parris, Lewis (Rachel) Roberts, Rhonda (Larry Phillips)...

Mrs. Samantha L. Melton, age 43, of Jonesboro, passed away on May 8, 2024. She was born in Stockbridge, GA on February 20, 1981. She was preceded in death by her father, Sam Horace Melton, Jr. and her grandparents, Wayne and Laura Seal. She is survived by her mother, Sharon Seal Melton; siblings, Tonya Leigh (Jeffrey) Halliday of Woodstock, Michael Hutchinson of Jonesboro; nephews, Jacob Halliday and Christian Halliday; great niece, Mia; aunt, Jenny (Boyd) Southern of TN; uncles, Jack (Barbara) Seal of MS, Mike (Kim) Seal of McDonough and extended family. A Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Neil Norman will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 1 PM in the Chapel of Ford-Stewart...

Mrs. Valerie Lee Knight, age 83, of Morrow, passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lawrence Knight, Jr.; parents, George Franklin and Cleo Capitola Shutley; brother, George F. "Butch" Shutley, Jr., and a nephew, Russell Smith. She is survived by her son, Joseph L. Knight, III, of Morrow; sisters, Nancy E Brown of Hiram, Jeanne Adams (David) Bolden of Gastonia, NC; nieces, Beverly Thompson, Eustaci Smith, Mandy Lemons, Julie McClure, Alana Jennings and extended family. A Funeral Service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, January 20, 2024 in the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home. Interment will be at Sherwood Memorial Park. The family...

Mrs. Nancy T. George, age 76 of Jonesboro passed away January 8, 2024. Mrs. George had been a member of First Baptist Church Jonesboro since 1976 and had taught Preschool there for 40 years. Mrs. George is preceded in death by her parents: Layton and Dorothy Truax. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Gilbert George, son: Gilbert "Gil" (Lisa) George of Jonesboro, brother: Richard "Dickey" Truax of FL., brother-in-law: Marion (Kathleen) George of NC, sisters-in-law: Elaine Shelton of FL., and Betty (John) Todd of Clarkesville, GA., grandchildren: Holli Ray, Tyler (Roger) Lindsey and Hannah (Trevor) Liguori, great-grandchildren: Hayden Ray, Kassi Sproles and Kolbi Sproles, several...

Mrs. Tawana Goss Tarno, age 64 of Morrow went home to be with her Lord on December 6, 2023. Tawana was the Executive Director of Calvary Refuge Homeless Shelter in Forest Park and a longtime member of First Baptist Church Jonesboro. She was preceded in death by her father: SFC (Ret) Thomas E. Goss, Jr. Tawana is survived by her husband of 43 years: Bradley J. Tarno, sons: J. Brock Tarno of Ellenwood and S. Caleb (Robin) Tarno of Locust Grove, daughter: Shalaine (Jacob) Roland of Peachtree City, mother: Gladys Goss of Woodbury, Ga., brothers: Lonnie (Pat) Goss of Smiths Station, AL., Tony (Carolyn) Goss of Alexander City, AL., and Bart (Wendy) Goss of Woodbury, GA., grandchildren: Cason Miles...

Thelma Pope Ward, age 87, of Jonesboro, Georgia passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at home. Thelma was born on March 28, 1936 in New York City to Thomas & Irene Pope. After graduating from Campbell High School in 1953 where she played basketball, she worked for State Farm Insurance in Hapeville, Georgia for 25+ years. Upon her retirement she enjoyed traveling, church activities, community involvement and spending time with her husband Frost and family. She was happily married to Alton Frost Ward for 53 years until his passing in 2010. She was an active member of the Jonesboro First Baptist Church. She will be deeply missed by her daughter and son-in-law Kathy & Keith...

Mrs. Mary Maxine Lewis, age 98, of Greenville, AL and later Jonesboro, GA passed away September 17, 2023. Mrs. Lewis was preceded in death by her parents: Wiley Curtis Page and Anna Vera Garner Page and her siblings: Ralph Page, Ouida Reid, and James Page. She is survived by her children: Patricia (John) Read of Jonesboro and Faren (Lisa) Lewis of Wetumpka, AL; grandchildren: Zachary (Ally) Lewis, Hunter (Courtney) Lewis and Charles (Sara) Read; step-grandchildren: Tori (Jake) Berkowitz and Ian Hollifield; great grandchildren: Harper Lewis, Holden Lewis, and Nolan Lewis; step-great grandchildren: Ruby Berkowitz and Lucy Berkowitz and many nieces, nephews and extended family. A memorial...

Mr. Harold Sims Cooley, age 89 of Jonesboro, Georgia passed away June 5, 2023. Harold was born July 26, 1933 to Gus and Bessie Mae Cooley. Affectionately known as "Bogie," he loved his family and cherished time spent together. Harold was always telling a joke. Whether it was the classic "snake in a peanut can" or one of his many other pranks or jokes, everyone who was lucky enough to be around Harold was sure to have a smile on their face and a good laugh during their time together. Like his brothers and sisters, Harold loved raw oysters, a Panama City, Florida staple. Mr. Cooley was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Bessie Mae Cooley, brothers, Earl Cooley and wife Margie, Glen...

CSM (Ret.) Tony Valencia age 87 of Jonesboro passed way on May 29, 2023. Mr. Valencia was retired from the U.S. Army as a Command Sergeant Major with 30 years of service and then also retired as a real estate broker. He was a member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic church, a member of Jonesboro VFW, American Legion Post 258 and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, hunting and being outdoors. He loved to cook, bake and travel the world. He was also a beekeeper and a member of the Bee Club. He was preceded in death by his loving wife: Clara A. Valencia and sister: Bernadita Valencia. He is survived by his children: Glenn A. Valencia and wife The Honorable Kathy Brown...

CSM (Ret.) Tony Valencia age 87 of Jonesboro passed way on May 29, 2023. Mr. Valencia was retired from the U.S. Army as a Command Sergeant Major with 30 years of service and then also retired as a real estate broker. He was a member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic church, a member of Jonesboro VFW, American Legion Post 258 and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, hunting and being outdoors. He loved to cook, bake and travel the world. He was also a beekeeper and a member of the Bee Club. He was preceded in death by his loving wife: Clara A. Valencia and sister: Bernadita Valencia. He is survived by his children: Glenn A. Valencia and wife The Honorable Kathy Brown...

Mr. Johnny "John" Mack Clark was born September 21, 1935 in Douglas, GA to Minnie Belle and Theo Cottle Clark. John attended Florida State University on a music Scholarship where he played in the "Big 8" drum line for the Marching Chiefs. He later transferred to Georgia State University where he met his bride, Lucy. After college John began his career as an Independent Manufacturer's Rep for musical instrument companies. He enjoyed this career for over 30 years and made many lifetime friends in the process. John was a member of the local Atlanta Musicians Union since the late 1950's. As a professional drummer he played with the Guy Lombardo Band, the Glenn Miller Band and regularly...

Mr. William "Bill" Guettler, age 83 of Stockbridge passed away May 4, 2023. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 11, 2023 at St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church. The family will receive friends 10:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Thursday, prior to the service. Flowers will be accepted or those that desire may make a donation to: St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church, 591 Flint River Rd. Jonesboro, GA 30238 or to the Wounded Warriors Project, www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org, phone 855-448-3997 in Memory of Mr. William "Bill" Guettler.. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge 770-210-2700. www.fordstewartfuneralhome.com

Bob Collins, 71, of Atlanta, passed away on April 30, 2023. He joins his brothers (Sunny and Buddy), sister (Michelle), and parents Curtis and Vera Collins in their eternal home. Bob was born on August 23, 1951 and grew up in Atlanta, Georgia alongside his nine siblings. Immediately after attending Walter F. George High School, he and five of his brothers opened a produce company, Collins Brothers Produce, in 1970. Over time, the business expanded and he ran two other companies, Merrin Cravens and Gold Coast Brokerage as well. Bob worked in these businesses at Atlanta State Farmers Market for over 50 years. He was the consummate "produce man" and holds the eighth oldest produce license in...

JOY, Gayna Jones Died Friday April 7, at Piedmont Hospital, Fayetteville, Georgia "at peace and without fear" with her beloved husband of 49 years, Harry Joy, at her side. She was 77 years old. She is also survived by her sister Donna Riddick, her niece Whitney Graff and her two nephews, Kramer Riddick and Benjamin Riddick. She was predeceased in death by her mother, Edna Jones. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge 770-210-2700. www.fordstewartfuneralhome.com

Mr. Bobby Eldon Blevins age 88 of Jonesboro, GA passed away April 7, 2023. Mr. Blevins graduated from Harrah High School and served in the US Army for 15 years, US Navy 4 years, US Air Force for 12 years and 1 year in the US National Guard. He also served as a Clayton County Detective for 16 faithful years. He loved golf, and was a member of the Golf Association at Lake Spivey and served as a past treasurer of the Men's Senior Golf Group. He was an avid reader with a giving heart and loved to serve others. He was preceded in death by his parents: Scott Eldon and Grace Angela Blevins; wife: Andrea Elizabeth Blevins and 3 sisters: Carol Janet Grant, Betty Joann Gray and Karen Sue Reading. ...

Mr. Bryan Guard Leslie, age 80, of Jonesboro, passed away on April 3, 2023. Mr. Leslie grew up in the Kirkwood Community of Atlanta and graduated from Murphy High School. He was an active member of Jonesboro First United Methodist Church and a longtime member of the Church Choir. He loved to read and was active in plays and musicals at Henry County Players Community Group. He was in the Kiwanis Club, a Mason and loved the Georgia Bulldogs. Mr. Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, William T. and Nina Mae Leslie; and his wife Louise Leslie. He is survived by his daughter, Karen Leslie of Atlanta. A Funeral Service will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Jonesboro...