Ford-Stewart Funeral Home

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...

Mr. Robert Francis Connell, Sr., age 89 of Jonesboro, GA formerly of Weirton, WV was ushered into Heaven on March 20, 2023. Mr. Connell was in the U.S. Navy from 1951 until 1955, serving on the USS Ticonderoga during the Korean War. He was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, serving as a Scout Leader for many years. Mr. Connell was an avid hunter and loved the mountains. He was a longtime member of Finley United Methodist Church in Steubenville, OH., the American Legion, and retired from the Weirton Steel Company in Weirton, WV with 40 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents: James E., Sr. and Edith Josephine Connell, siblings: James "Sonny" Connell, Jr., Dorothy...

Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Blalock Sligh age 86 of Suches, formerly of Jonesboro, passed away January 31, 2023, after a brief illness. Mrs. Sligh was a 1954 graduate of Jonesboro Senior High, where she was a homecoming queen, a Campus Beauty Queen, a cheerleader, a member of the band, and a yearbook art editor. After graduating from high school she worked for Delta Airlines, where she was crowned Golden Crown Queen (the very first Miss Delta Airlines) in 1955. In 1956 she married her high school sweetheart, George Sligh. Although that marriage ended in divorce, she continued to love and remain close to her Sligh family throughout her life?especially her sister-in-law, Marsha Sligh Chambers....

Mrs. Daphne Virginia Bartlett, age 87 of Jonesboro passed away January 16, 2023. Mrs. Bartlett was preceded in death by her husband: Lawrence "Pete" Bartlett. She is survived by her children: Claudia (Art) McGahee of Locust Grove, Larry (Wanda) Bartlett of Jonesboro/Monticello, Barry (Cheryl) Bartlett of Jackson, Robin Madulka of Jonesboro and Greg (Cathy) Bartlett of Jackson, siblings: Claude "Junior" Shadix, Inez "Kay" Maiocchi, Edward Gregory, Robert Gregory, Elizabeth Fuller and Donna Lanning, 14 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and extended family members. A Memorial Service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023...

Mr. E. Irving Swaney, age 94 of McDonough passed away January 16, 2023. Mr. Swaney was preceded in death by his wife: Mary Josephine Swaney. He is survived by his children: Jill S. Hardy of Stockbridge, Donald (Lynne) Swaney of Loganville and Jennifer White of McDonough, grandchildren: Brandon Hardy, Kristen (Nathan) Melton, Ben (Simcha) Swaney, Tim (Jessa) Swaney, Katie (Tyler) Virkstis and Jamie (Paul) Hagerty, great-grandchildren: Madison Shaw, Ayden Hardy, Grace Hardy, Crosby Swaney and Lily Virkstis. A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Forest Park Cemetery, Main Street, Forest Park, GA. with Pastor Scott Miller officiating. In lieu of flowers, the...

Mr. James "Mannon" Bolmon, age 90 of McDonough passed away December 28, 2022. Mr. Bolmon was a longtime member of First Christian Church Jonesboro where he was a member of the Seekers Sunday School Class, a member of Jonesboro Masonic Lodge, a Shriner and served in the U.S. Army. He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert Lee and Arvie (Turner) Bolmon and brother: Bennie Bolmon. Surviving are his wife: Pete Bolmon, daughters: Pat (Craig) Anderson of Locust Grove and Pam (Rob) Prator of Jackson, brother: Johnny (Cheryl) Bolmon, sisters: Pauline "Bood" Morgan of Toccoa and Bobbie Jean (Kenneth) Carter of Statham, grandchildren: Casey (Andrew) Brunnert, Taylor (Rhett) Harper, Baylee...

Mr. Bobby Ray Murphy age 66 of Stockbridge passed away December 28, 2022. Mr. Murphy was preceded in death by his father: Elmer Burch Murphy and mother and step father: Angie and Charles Rathel. He is survived by his loving wife: Sheryl Murphy; children: Brandy (Kenneth) Ivey of Newnan, Randall Page of Dunkin, OK, Robert Higginbotham, III of Stockbridge, and Jessica Murphy of Stockbridge; brothers: Gary Murphy of WA and Barry (Melissa) Murphy of Brooks; sisters: Carolyn Parker of Grapeland, TX and Robin (David) James of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren: Terry Manning, Joesph Manning, Brailea Page, Kendall Page, Ginger Higginbotham, Robert Higginbotham, IV; and many nieces, nephews and...

Mr. Bobby Ray Murphy age 66 of Stockbridge passed away December 28, 2022. Mr. Murphy was preceded in death by his father: Elmer Burch Murphy and mother and step father: Angie and Charles Rathel. He is survived by his loving wife: Sheryl Murphy; children: Brandy (Kenneth) Ivey of Newnan, Randall Page of Dunkin, OK, Robert Higginbotham, III of Stockbridge, and Jessica Murphy of Stockbridge; brothers: Gary Murphy of WA and Barry (Melissa) Murphy of Brooks; sisters: Carolyn Parker of Grapeland, TX and Robin (David) James of Tallahassee, FL; grandchildren: Terry Manning, Joesph Manning, Brailea Page, Kendall Page, Ginger Higginbotham, Robert Higginbotham, IV; and many nieces, nephews and...

Mrs. Norma Fidelis White age 87 of Griffin passed away December 11, 2022. Mrs. White was a member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church and formerly attended Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Highlands, NC. She served on the Board of Directors of Southern Regional Hospital and volunteered with The Clayton County Battered Women's Organization. She was the owner of Martino-White Printing, Inc. She was preceded in death by her husband: Johnny C. White; daughter: Teresa Lynn White-Evans and her siblings: Marguerite Matthews, Robert Strobel and Rebecca Schelnick. She is survived by her children: Kim (Ted) Greene of Fayetteville, Mark E. White of Griffin, Diane M. Green of McDonough...

Mr. Charles "Ray" Hinson, age 100 of Griffin passed away November 16, 2022. Mr. Hinson was preceded in death by his father and step-mother: Otis and Vera Hinson, mother: Ellen Donaldson, wife: Helen Marie Hinson, son: David Hinson and his siblings: Charlie and Minnie. He retired from the U.S. Army with 22 years of service, and was the owner of Decatur Lock and Key. He is survived by his children: Ron (Pat) Hinson of Covington, Marsha (George) Griffith of Griffin and Carl (Pamela) Hinson of Stockbridge, 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, November 20, 2022 at the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home. Interment will...

Mrs. Gail S. Joyner age 79 of Stockbridge passed away October 7, 2022. Mrs. Joyner was preceded in death by her husband: Olin Byrd Joyner, Jr. and son: Michael Joyner. She is survived by her children Karen (Greg) Holbert of OH, Butch (Joyce) Joyner of Jonesboro, Keith (Penny) Joyner of Stockbridge; brothers: George L. (Libby) Sweatman of SC and Horace 'Nicky' E. (Debbie) Sweatman Jr. of SC; grandchildren: Kimberly Joyner, Crystal Joyner, Steven (Helen) Maxwell, Ethan Joyner, Katherine (Kale) Barney; great grandchildren: Shilo Adams, Steven Adams, Charlize Barney, Jonathan Barney, Adrian Barney. No services are planned at this time. Ford-Stewart Funeral Home, Inc., Jonesboro/Stockbridge...