Forsyth County News

Thomas Franklin Stocks V, age 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Forsyth County on July 10th, 2023. Tom was born on October 20th, 1943, at Crawford Long Hospital in Atlanta, GA to Thomas F Stocks IV and Gloria L Stocks. He attended Medlock Elementary, Druid Hills High School, and Georgia State University. Tom was an integral part of a loving family which includes his wife Barbara L Stocks of 38 years, son Thomas F Stocks VI, stepchildren John Swartz, Joanne (Andy) Matz, Jane (Lenny) Orange, and Jennifer (Chris) Gleaves; grandson Thomas F Stocks VII; step-grandchildren Talley J Power (deceased), Baylee Hogan Power (deceased), Leiten Alan Gleaves, and Kelsey Marie...

Rawser Paul Crank, Jr, age 93 of Cumming, Ga., died at Accents Hospice on May 27,2023 from post-op complications from bleeding diverticula. Paul was born March 13, 1930, in Providence, Rhode Island tp Dr. Rawser Paul Crank, Sr. and Elizabeth Sandison Crank. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth Ruth Crank, brother, William Seth Crank, and 3 children, Paul, Amy, and Lynn Crank. Survivors include his loving wife, Barbara, of 46 years, 2 children, Betsy and Charlie Crank, and 3 step-children, Laurie Skokanic, Leanne Howard Roberts, Bob Alston, sons-in-law Dr. Paul Skokanic and Lester Roberts and 7 grandchildren (Rafael and Sophia Skokanic, Rawer and...

Matthew Brandon Denton, age 44 of Duluth, passed away May 18, 2023. A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, May 27, 2023. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. in the Chapel of the Bill Head Funeral Home in Duluth. Matt was born in Gainesville, Georgia, and lived his earliest years in Cleveland, Georgia, before his family moved to Cumming. He graduated from Gainesville State College in 2012 with a degree in GIS. In November, 2013, he married his love, Sarah, in Duluth where they made their home. Although Matt spent a certain amount of time being tech support for many members of his family, his recent work life included medical...

Joan Kall "Joanie" Stewart passed away on April 15, 2023 at the age of 82. She was a classically trained ballet dancer who performed on and off Broadway and in Atlanta. Ms. Joanie opened the Sandy Springs School of Ballet (1970s) and the Sawnee School of Ballet (1990s). She was the founder and artistic director of the Chattahoochee Dance Theatre and the Sawnee Ballet Theatre. She touched the lives of thousands of students and performers. Born in NYC, she lived in the Atlanta area for over 50 years. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and mentor. She is survived by her two sons, Randy and Dan and their families; her sister Elene and family; her companion, Bob; and...

Mrs. Lillian Lucille Newton Croft, age 89, of Thomaston and formerly of Cumming, GA, died Tuesday, February 21, 2023, surrounded by family at her residence. Graveside funeral services for Mrs. Croft were held Saturday, February 25, in the Sawnee View Memorial Gardens in Cumming. Mrs. Croft was born on March 6, 1933, to the late John Henry White, Sr. and the late Jackie Mae White. She was retired from the meat department of Big Star Grocery. Mrs. Croft enjoyed cooking for everyone. She was a member of the Pinecrest Baptist Church in Cumming and attended Jeff Davis Baptist Church in Thomaston. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Croft was preceded in death by her husband, A. J. Newton; two...

Judy Marie Spivia, 80, of Cumming, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2023. She was born to the late Dee & Geneva Swanson, August 7, 1942, in Cherokee County, North Carolina. Judy graduated from Hiawassee High School. She married the late Edwin (Ed) Spivia in 1960, and they were together 22 years. Afterwards, Judy spent over 30 years with her loving companion, Grant Rice. Judy was passionate about family and was a loyal, dedicated employee. After years as a Homemaker, she went to work for Hall's Flower Shop, Atlanta Prosthetics, and ended her work life at Cornerstone Schools, where she made sure every child was safe, healthy and happy while in her care. In retirement,...

Ann Williamson Austin Linse of Greenville, SC, widow of Lt. Col. Francis Donald Linse passed away on Saturday, January 7, 2023 just five days shy of celebrating her 100th birthday. She was predeceased by her youngest son, Corp. Kenneth David Linse. He was killed in the Vietnam War, so Ann was a Gold Star Mother. Ann Linse was born in Buffalo, NY. When she married Francis Linse, she became a military wife, traveling to Germany for three years, Hawaii for four years, and finally moved to Atlanta, GA. Ann worked in a bank while they lived in Atlanta, but moved to Lake Lanier, GA, in retirement. There she became active in the Dawsonville Women's Club, where she was President for a few years....

Dr. Charles Kent Yarbrough, age 60, of Cumming, GA, passed away on December 30, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Dr. Terry Hornick Yarbrough; daughter, Rebecca "Andi" (Shane Jackson) Yarbrough of Dawsonville, GA; parents, Walter Murray and Betty Yarbrough of Alpharetta, GA; sisters, Sara (Stuart) Kurlanski of Philadelphia, PA, Libby (Jack) Simon of Leigh City, TX; brothers, David (Rene) Yarbrough of Youngsville, LA, Walter "Wally" (Janet) Yarbrough of Missouri City, MO, Andrew "Andy" (Wendy) Yarbrough of Dothan, AL; sis-in-law, Becky (Rich) Larkin of Warrensburg, NY; Dicky Hornick of North Creek, NY; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dr. Yarbrough was born on March 11,...

Tristan Schlagenhauser, 27, of Cumming, Georgia passed away unexpectedly on November 20, 2022. Tristan was born on October 17, 1995 in Augusta, Georgia and later moved to Cumming, Georgia with his mother and stepfather. Tristan was a "lover of nature and a hater of cheese". He loved to "take a drive" and experience new places. His passions were for music and animals. He loved to hike and be present on the top of any mountain. One of his other past times was on-line gaming and anything electronic. Tristan graduated with Honors from North Forsyth High School and attended Georgia Southern University. Tristan was the only child of and is survived by his parents: mom, Heather Olson; dad, Nick...

James "Jimmy" Edward Ellis, age 67, of Suwanee, Georgia, peacefully entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Funeral services for Jimmy will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2022 at Johns Creek Baptist Church at 11:00 a.m. with Dr. Shaun King officiating. Burial will follow at Peachtree Memorial Park, Peachtree Corners, GA. The family will gather with friends on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Peachtree Corners Chapel of Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory. Jimmy was born August 26, 1955, in Atlanta, GA, to...

Dorothy M. Maraziti (Nov 20, 1925 - Oct 23, 2022) died in her sleep, at her son Albert's home. Dorothy was born in Newark NJ, the eldest child of William H. & Mary A. Strohlein. She was raised in Nutley NJ, Jersey City NJ, & two wonderful extended summers at Lake Parsippany, NJ (there were then only 50 homes around the lake). Dorothy shunned playing with dolls, for she was a tomboy. She would rather be outside running races, climbing trees, or playing with the boys. Her father was an apartment building superintendent & a backyard auto-mechanic. Dorothy was his helper. She learned many valuable mechanical, automotive, & repair skills that served her well for a lifetime. The...

Bill Falls, age 92, of Simpsonville, South Carolina passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022. Bill was a poultry industry executive and consultant for over fifty years who retired from Tyson Foods as complex manager for its Cumming, GA operations. He served on the Georgia and Texas Poultry Federation Boards and hired and mentored numerous graduates from poultry science programs throughout the south. Born and raised in Hurst, GA, Bill joined the US Navy in 1949 and served on Guam and at sea on the USS Ross. Upon completion of his stint with the Navy Bill landed a position with Lockheed Aircraft Company in Marietta, GA where he worked full time while attending night classes at Georgia State...

Hiram Reese Chappell, 87, of Cumming, Georgia died peacefully at his home on September 14, 2022, surrounded by family. He is survived by his wife Jeanette Smith Chappell, daughters Catherine Chappell Brower and her husband William Allen (Bill) Brower, Margaret Elizabeth (Beth) Lingerfelt and sons Joseph C Chappell and Hiram Reese Chappell III and wife Anna Chappell; grandchildren, William Brent Lingerfelt and Ann Marie Lingerfelt, Brittany Catherine Buescher and Arthur "Bill" Buescher, Joseph Bryan Lingerfelt, Justin Micheal Allen, William Allen Reese Brower, Staff Sgt. Hiram Reese Chappell IV, Carolyn Elizabeth Brower, Charla Michelle Chappell, Julianne Francis Chappell; great...

Robert (Bob) Allen Moore, 91, passed peacefully in Cumming, GA. on September 11. Bob, born in Brooklyn, NY, on October 9, 1930, was the son of James and Lena Moore. He was a Korean War Veteran, honorably serving in the Army (1951-1953), and attained the rank of Master Sergeant earning both a Combat Infantry Badge and honored with The Bronze Star. Bob was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn (Siggins). He is survived by his wife, Dolores Moore; daughters, Patricia Ariotti (Steve), and Carol Winstead (Bob); sons, Robert J. Moore (Alice), and Steven Moore; and grandchildren, Kristen Vener (Ken), Daniel Winstead (Sarah), Jonathan Winstead (fianc?e Jessie), Jaime Moore, and C. Morgan Moore;...

Sue began her career at Coca-Cola in Havana, working for Roberto Goizueta. It was at Coca-Cola that she met her husband, Manuel Rodrguez. They married in 1957 before immigrating to the United States in 1959. In New York, Manny returned to work at Coca-Cola, and Sue worked at Long Island University. They soon started their family, raising 3 children. In 1972, Coca-Cola moved the family to Georgia, and Sue lived the life of a doting mother, shuttling her kids to sports events and church, making Halloween costumes and homecoming gowns, and volunteering in classrooms and with the McEachern High Booster Club. As the kids grew older, she renewed her career at Georgia Tech before retiring in...

Jan Lee Mize, 84, of Johns Creek passed peacefully on Saturday, August 27, 2022. Jan was born in Americus, Georgia, April 6, 1938; the son of the late Annie Ruth Barton Mize and Hugh Milton Mize. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda Ruth Greene Mize, brother, Hugh Milton Mize, Jr., and sister, Arthurene Mize Davis. Jan graduated from Americus High School in 1956, and from here he went on to achieve distinction in his life and career. He loved football, and he was an All-State guard his senior year in high school. He received a football scholarship to Duke University, but after an arm injury prevented him from playing, he still attended Duke under an academic scholarship. He...

James (Jimmy) W. Broadwell 81, of Cumming, Georgia passed away Friday, August 26, 2022. Jimmy was born September 12, 1940 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son of John William Broadwell and Viola Christopher Broadwell. Jimmy grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia and graduated from Milton High School. Jimmy went to work for the Fulton County Marshal's on June 6, 1966 and retired as Captain on March 29, 1996. Along with his parents, Jimmy is proceeded in death by his beloved son, Steven; brother, John (Ann); and his sister, Sherry. He is survived by his wife, Gale; son, Joey of Pinson, Alabama; son, Michael of Douglasville, Georgia; step-daughter, Carla (Bob) of Birmingham, Alabama; granddaughter, Marissa...

Adam Johnny Holtzclaw, age 50, of Cumming Ga, passed away on July 21,2022. Adam will always be remembered as a fun loving person who loved to help wherever he could. He will be missed dearly. Adam is preceded in death by his mother Sharon Holtzclaw and his father Johnny Holtzclaw. As well as his grandparents Rev. Roy and Wilda Bailey. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Tracy Holtzclaw and his 17 year old daughter, Sharon Alexis Holtzclaw. As well as many other loving family and friends. Interment will be Sunday August 7th, in a private service at Coal Mountain Cemetery. All family and friends are invited to a celebration of life ceremony for Adam, on Saturday August 20, 2022 at...

Anna Elizabeth Frere, 29, loving daughter of Jim and Leigh Frere, died Saturday July 2, 2022. Elizabeth was born on April 9, 1993 in Atlanta and raised in Lawrenceville and Sugar Hill through her elementary and high school years. Elizabeth enjoyed soccer and swimming through her early years. Elizabeth graduated from North Gwinnett High School in 2011 and was active in varsity swimming. Elizabeth graduated from North Georgia University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and was certified to teach Middle and High School Math and History. Elizabeth began her teaching career in 2018 at Liberty Middle School in Forsyth County where she taught both 8th grade math (Algebra)...

MARILYN JO VAN ETTEN, 84, of Alpharetta, GA, passed away May 2, 2022, surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. Marilyn was born to the late Raymond and Lucille Brisco, February 1, 1938. Marilyn graduated from Richmond (IN) High School in 1956, and attended Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Marilyn was preceded in death in 2012 by her husband of 53 years, Walter Thomas (Tom) Van Etten, also originally from Richmond, IN, and her older brother, Raymond Brisco Jr., formerly of Anderson, IN. Marilyn is survived by her sons: Brad, his wife Joanne and their two children, Ashley and Lindsey of Alpharetta, GA; Craig, his wife Marie and their two children, Cassandra and...

Dr. Amanda "Andy" Robinson of Grapevine, TX, died peacefully at home on the morning of April 23, 2022, surrounded by family. Andy was born the youngest of three children on April 26, 1965, in Dover, Delaware, to parents Jacqueline and Robert McNeil. A lifelong learner, she received her Bachelor of Science from Baylor University, her Physical Therapy degree from University of Maryland, her Master of Physical Therapy from University of Michigan, and her Doctor of Physical Therapy from the University of Indianapolis. She treated thousands of patients in her more than 30-year career while also teaching physical therapy at numerous universities, including the University of Michigan, Central...