Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East

Louise H. Turner passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. She was born, September 25, 1942, in Cairo, GA to the late Talmadge Alvin and Myrtle Butler Hartley She will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Her fun, but no-nonsense spirit, brought joy to her family and friends. She cherished Christ's faithful love and demonstrated it with a gentle empathy. She participated in the community as a member of The Christian Women's Club and Prince Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, GA. She enjoyed teaching children, whether her own children or grandchildren, or children in Sunday School; with imagination and organization, she created a fun learning...

HARE, Dudley Bryan, age 85, born September 10, 1938 to Henry Dudley and Clara Godwin Hare in Selma, Alabama, passed away November 15, 2023 in Athens, Georgia. Bryan grew up in the small Alabama community of Braggs, attending a two-room school house. He attended Hayneville High School, graduating as the salutatorian of a class of sixteen students in 1956. The first member of his family to attend college, he attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1960 in the first class of the redesignated Auburn University. There he participated in compulsory swim lessons, served as junior usher at Auburn's First Christian Church, majored in business administration and always managed--as...

HARE, Dudley Bryan, age 85, born September 10, 1938 to Henry Dudley and Clara Godwin Hare in Selma, Alabama, passed away November 15, 2023 in Athens, Georgia. Bryan grew up in the small Alabama community of Braggs, attending a two-room school house. He attended Hayneville High School, graduating as the salutatorian of a class of sixteen students in 1956. The first member of his family to attend college, he attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute, graduating in 1960 in the first class of the redesignated Auburn University. There he participated in compulsory swim lessons, served as junior usher at Auburn's First Christian Church, majored in business administration and always managed--as...

Gordon "Yogi" Kyle Collins, age 67 of Watkinsville, Georgia passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023. Born in Athens, Georgia on August 24, 1956, Yogi was the son of the late Thomas Lawrence Collins Jr. and Francis H. Collins. In addition to his parents, Yogi was preceded in death by his sister Margaret (Maggie) Collins and niece Christy. He is survived by his wife Joanna M. Collins; sons Nathan, Joel (Christina), and Jacob Collins, daughter Sarah Kate Stone (Guthrie); grandchildren Ava and Dean Collins, and Guthrie, Scarlett and Dorothy Stone; brother Thomas Lawrence Collins III (Margaret); great nieces Kathryn and Chelsea Collins, and Nicole Bahnsen; and step-great nieces Pam and...

Lucy Marie Lotito-Giordano, age 100, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2023 in Bishop, Georgia. Lucy was born on January 31, 1923, and grew up in East Syracuse, NY where he family owned and operated "Lotito's" neighborhood store and gas station. She was predeceased by siblings Victor, (Mary) Rose, Elizabeth, Anthony, Angeline Manzari; John, Frank, Mary and August Lotito, as well as her beloved husband of 58 years, Dominic. They enjoyed life by spending time with their family and traveling together through his work at Carrier International Corporation. They lived abroad for several years. Lucy was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She raised and is survived by...

Leslie Todd Randall was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He left this world suddenly on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023. Todd was born to Jean and Jere Randall on Dec. 4, 1961 in Atlanta, GA. He was the youngest of two brothers: Tony and Tim Randall. After attending Georgia State University, he served in the United States Navy as a diver and was a proud veteran. Growing up in Atlanta, this is where Todd ultimately found his wife, Elizabeth Randall, of 33 years. Together they had three children: Lindsey, Logan and Lesley Randall. He also had two grandchildren: Kolton and Knox Standridge. More than anything, Todd loved his family. Anyone will say it is all he ever talked...

Virginia Macagnoni, born December 4, 1927 in New Orleans, LA, died peacefully on September 22, 2023, in Athens, GA. The daughter of Sheda and Mary Macagnoni and sister of Sheda Macagnoni, Jr., all now deceased, Virginia cherished the loving family created by her parents, with values that shaped and sustained her all her life. Virginia remained in New Orleans to earn her bachelor's degree from H. Sophie Newcomb Memorial College and completed a doctoral degree from Florida State University in 1959. Her passion for the development of leadership, educational policy and curriculum led her to travel and teach in many parts of the world, particularly in South America. She worked with the United...

Barbara Summers Maxey (Barbara Inman), 80, of Colbert, passed away on Friday, September 22, 2023. Born in Athens, she was the daughter of the late James Bernard Summers, Sr. and Maggie Lynn McClain Summers. Barbara lived most of her life in Augusta and made numerous lifelong friends while there. She retired from Kinsella News Company. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Don Inman; her second husband, Richard Maxey and her brother, James Bernard Summers, Jr. Survivors include her son, Ricky Bruce; brother, Jimmy Summers; grandchildren, Ciarra Bruce, Carl LaRocque and Jason LaRocque; lifelong friend, Lillian Stenbridge and numerous nieces and...

Jean M. Hopkins, 86, of Athens, Ga, passed away on September 22, 2023. She was born on April 13, 1937 in Athens Ga, to the late Esque Alewine and Hester Alewine (Paul) Rechterman. Jean was the beloved wife of the late George Eugene Hopkins and loving mother of Ricky and Danny (Cindy) Hopkins. Jean will be remembered for her excellent southern cooking, which she used to express her love for her family. She delighted in preparing her family's favorite dishes during holidays and special occasions. Her culinary skills brought joy and warmth to countless gatherings. In addition to her sons, Jean is survived by her grandchildren Ashley (Josh) Stough, Peyton (Emily) Hopkins, and Rusty Estes, as...

William "Bill" Lowell Overman, 82, died September 18, 2023, surrounded with love and laughter, and was holding hands with family while we were singing, "What a Wonderful World" to him. A native of Waverly, Ohio, William was the son of the late Francis and Kathryn Overman and was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Maria (Dreiner) Overman and three brothers, Gordon, Dean and Joe Overman. Bill loved working on airplanes as his career, although he could have been a professional karaoke singer (move over Louis Armstrong!). His favorite place to perform was VFW Post 5159 in Bossier City, LA., where he and Eva spent many good years with lifelong friends. Even though we always accused him of...

James Donald Mashburn, 91, died August 22, 2023. Born in Barberton, OH, on January 18, 1932, Don was the son of the late Edgar William Mashburn and Edna Parham Mashburn. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Ruth Marlene Adams Mashburn, his brothers William "Ray" Mashburn, Earl D. Mashburn and sisters Betty Jean Mashburn and Dorothy Mashburn Williams. Survivors include three children, Karen (Kenny) Kilgore of Athens, GA, Jeanne' (Jim) Lee-Pearce of Buford, GA, Greg (Kim) Mashburn of Athens, GA; seven grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Forest Heights Baptist Church with Rev. Clay Crews of...

Grace Worley Gulley, 94, of Athens, died August 22, 2023. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Harold Gulley and Angela Ray, Skokie, IL, and several nieces and nephews. She was born August 7, 1929, in Franklin County, to James Iras Worley and Nettie Mealor Worley. After graduating from Banks County High School, she moved to Athens and worked in nursing and later as a hair stylist. She operated Grace's Beauty Shop on Commerce Road for many years. She married Edd Everett Gulley in September 1951; they had two sons, Paul Harvey and Harold Everett. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Athens. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her elder son, three sisters...

Susan Alister Bush (Applewhite) passed away on July 30, 2023 at age 68 in Athens, GA. Susan was born May 17, 1955 in Chattanooga, TN and attended Notre Dame High School, University of Minnesota - Duluth and USF in Tampa, FL. She is survived by her beloved husband, Jack; her three sons Christopher, David and Daniel; two brothers Chip and Brien; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service and reception will be held at St. James Methodist Church in Athens, GA at 2:30 PM on Sunday August 13 with reception to follow. Flowers may be sent to St. James, or gifts may be made to the church's missions fund. A more complete obituary is available at the Lord and Stephens web site,...

Dr. James (Jim) Vincent Shanni, MD, 58, of Watkinsville, GA, passed away on July 25. Jim was born on April 26, 1965, in Jersey City, NJ. After graduating from Crestwood High School in Roswell, GA, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Georgia State University and then received his MD from the Medical College of Georgia in 2000. He was a practicing Emergency Medicine physician for 23 years. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Julie, and their three amazing children, James Patrick (J.P.), 21; Nicholas, 19; and Jenna, 16. He also leaves his mother, Evelyn Shanni; his two sisters Pamela (John Cummings) and Alison (Matthew James); nieces Avery, Josephine and...

Melanie Jenkins Powers, 64, from Hull, Georgia passed away peacefully in the early morning on Thursday, July 20th, 2023. She was a beloved educator in Clarke County for many years and shared her love of music with thousands of students. She is survived by her three children, Kenny, Justin, and Sarah Powers and her siblings Michael Jenkins and Valerie Calhoun. There are no plans of visitation or service. Melanie was a light to everyone she met, and her light will continue to shine in our songs, stories, and hearts forever. Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

Barry Len Groves, 79, died peacefuly at home May 22, 2023. A native of Chattanooga, TN, he was a son of the late LaMoin and Edith Anderson Groves, and was also preceded in death by an identical twin brother, Larry Groves. Barry was employed for over thirty-five years with DuPont and was owner and operator of Safe and Sound Mini Storage in Watkinsville for many years. He was a 1962 graduate of Redbank High School in Chattanooga and served seven years with the U.S. Army Reserves. Barry was a jack-of-all trades, enjoyed hunting and fishing, loved John Wayne and old Westerns, and treasured spending time with his family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Survivors include...

Thelma (TJ) Gene Oberholtzer left this plane of existence at her residence in Athens, Georgia, for a more pressing engagement with her friend Gloria and their motorcycles Born in 1940 in Patricksburg, Indiana. While passing through this life TJ, Graduated with a Bachelor's from State University, Terre Haute, and gained a Masters from Indiana University, Bloomington. She worked for the Elkhart Police department in Indiana before deciding on a career in teaching. Working for twenty two years in Indianapolis public schools junior high, taking one of her basketball teams to the state championship. Upon retirement and moving to Georgia, worked for the UGA police department, was a lifeguard...

Dwain Chambers, known to many Athenians as "Mr. Mayor," met Jesus face to face on May 5, 2023. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend to many, his earthly body finally laid to rest at the age of 93. He was born on December 14, 1929, in Homer, Georgia to the late Tyrus and Ruzelle Chambers. The youngest of three boys, the family moved to Athens when Dwain was eight years old. He graduated from Athens High School and then the University of Georgia with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He married Betty Jean Weatherford of Oconee County, Ga and often referred to her as the "most beautiful woman he ever saw". They were married for 64 years before the Lord...

Cpt. Robert Edward Thornton, 70, completed his tour of duty on Earth on Sunday, April 30, 2023. Born on August 8, 1952 to the late William C. Thornton, Jr. and Philomene McMahon Thornton, Bob graduated from Clarke Central High School, Class of '71 and the University of Georgia with a BBA degree. Robert Edward was Captain in the Marine Corps and in the reserves after active duty. After many years as a peace officer, he was recruited while a bailiff in Winder, GA into the Georgia National Guard. He served a tour as a sergeant in Iraq and then in Afghanistan. Throughout his adult life he was a passionate defender of the 2nd amendment and participated in numerous firearm competitions, winning...

Lynne A. Jeffers, 63, went to Heaven on April 20, 2023 following a valiant battle with cancer. Mrs. Jeffers was married for 40 years to Gary Jeffers; they made their home in Danielsville. In addition to her husband, survivors are her children Megan Jeffers, Ben Jeffers (Rebecca); grandchildren, Abby Lynne, Landon, Aliza, Madison, and Conley. Mrs. Jeffers was the daughter of the late Hub and Carol Carey Akin. Mrs. Jeffers was a member of Trinity Baptist Church. She retired from the Madison County School System after more than 30 years of service as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal. Funeral services will be Sunday, April 23, 2023, at 3:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church with Dr....

Andrea Leigh King, 42, died April 17, 2023. A native of Athens, GA, Andrea was the daughter of Sarah Marlena Kicklighter and Robert Lee Deck of Athens. Andrea graduated in 1998 from First Presbyterian Day School in Macon, GA and attended Berry College for 2 years. She worked for Caldwell Banker for over ten years. Andrea was very family oriented and enjoyed spending time riding horses on the family farm. She was also a participant in civil war re-enactments and was a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary at Lake Lanier. She was a strong-willed, loving wife, mother and daughter and will be sorely missed. Funeral services will be Friday, April 21, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the chapel of Lord...