Franklin County Citizen Leader

Glenda Fleeman Hedden of Powder Springs, Georgia entered the gates of heaven on December 24, 2024. Glenda was born in Royston, Georgia to Bill and Bertie Fleeman on May 8, 1948. Funeral services were held 2:00 Monday December 30th, 2024 at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta, GA . Her family moved to Marietta in 1962. She attended Sprayberry High School, graduating in 1966. The previous year she met her future husband Jerald Russell Hedden on a blind date, and they were married in 1966 at Roswell Street Baptist Church in Marietta. Together they raised two children, Jama and Russ. Glenda's primary vocation was as a devoted mom and homemaker. Those who knew her would agree that...

Annie Lou (Ann) Ivey, 92, of Cartersville, Georgia, went to her heavenly home on Saturday morning, April 6, 2024. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, her life was devoted to serving Jesus and her family and helping others. Always looking for ways to help other people, she touched many lives by meeting their needs. As a pastor's wife, she was active as a Beginner's Sunday School teacher, planning activities for youth and many other church activities. She helped with many weddings, planning wedding receptions for most couples, which often included her baking and decorating their wedding cake. Doing for others brought her great joy. Her heart...

Joe went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Joseph Daniel Spinks was born on August 18, 1940, son of the late Louis and Myrtice Spinks. He graduated from Decatur High School and married his high school sweetheart, Sally. They began their married life in the Decatur area where Joe owned and operated his own business, Spinks Printing Company. He built a thriving family business that is still successful today. Joe never met a stranger. He could make anyone laugh and loved a good joke. His larger-than-life personality provided leadership, guidance, and comfort throughout his life to his family, friends and community. He served as the Southeast Regional director of The...

Marilyn LeCroy Poole of Athens, Georgia passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 30, 2023. Marilyn was born in Toccoa, Georgia and grew up in Hart County where her father, Roscoe LeCroy, was principal of Air Line School. Marilyn graduated from Hart County High School in 1971 as an honor graduate. She achieved lots of success in 4-H, which would lead her to a successful career. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1975 in Home Economics Education cum laude (now Family and Consumer Sciences). Marilyn married the love of her life, Michael Poole on July 5, 1975. They moved to Monticello, Georgia where he coached high...

Jean Price Spitler, age 90, of Powder Springs, Georgia passed away Friday, November 24, 2023. A Memorial Service was held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, November 29th at Transfiguration Catholic Church, 1815 Blackwell Rd, Marietta, GA 30066. Born in Royston, GA, Mrs. Spitler had lived in the Atlanta metro area for most of her life. She had worked at Douglas County High School (Douglasville, GA), St. John Vianney Catholic Church (Lithia Springs, GA), and ultimately retired from HCA Parkway Medical Center (Lithia Springs, GA) after several years of employment. She belonged to Transfiguration Catholic Church in Marietta and loved spending time with her grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her...

Inez Berryman, 93 a longtime resident of Franklin County, passed away on April 16, 2023. She was the daughter of the late, Harrison & Minie Phillips; also preceded in death by her son, Dennis Berryman. Graveside services are Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 11:00 am at Athens Memory Gardens. Survivors include Daughter, Doris (Allen) Sachs; sister, Warnell Bova; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

86, It is with great sadness to announce the passing of William (Bill) H. Martin of Tampa, FL on March 24, 2023. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Pleasant Hugh Martin and Launa [Roper] Martin of Hartwell, GA; his wife of 53 years Peggy Martin; daughter Teresa Fordham; and brothers Sanford Martin, Keith Martin, and Jimmy Martin. Bill is survived by his daughter Pam Stetson (Todd); grandchildren Amanda Quinn (Asa), Lindsey Fredrickson (Mathieu), Shawn Fordham (Montana), Kelsey Stetson, Rebecca Newton (Isaac), and Gordon Stetson; great-grandchildren Asher Quinn, Arlie Quinn, and Noelle Quinn; siblings Jan Wilson, Ronny Martin, and Shirley Ayers (Terrell); and many loving family and friends....

Karen Craft Stowe, 58 of Monroe passed away on December 15, 2022. Karen was born on November 28, 1964 to the late Judge Fred and Frances Craft, of Carnesville GA. Karen married her loving husband, Raymond Gerald Stowe Sr. of 39 years on January 14, 1984 after meeting while attending North Georgia Technical College. It was love at first sight and they were each other's life long companions and friends. They were blessed with three amazing children and five grandchildren who were the light of Karen's life. There was nothing she would not do for her babies. She is survived by her husband Raymond Gerald Stowe Sr.; daughter, Candace Stowe, daughter and son-in-law, Hannah and RJ...

Bennie Ray (B.R.) Anderson Sr., 87, passed away suddenly on September 6, 2022. He was born on April 22, 1935, to the late Carey Wilson Anderson Sr. and Della Mae (Roberts)Anderson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Bennie Ray (Ben) Anderson Jr., his brother, Carey Wilson Anderson Jr., sister, Margaret Bryant, and his in-laws Raymond and Clara Belle Laseter. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Kate Anderson; daughter, Claire A. (Tim) Treadwell; grandchildren, Brandie Lee Anderson and Ben Anderson Ill; great-grandchildren, Caleigh, Abigail, Bray, Joey and Hunter and his sisters, Mary Jean Barnes and Thelma Anderson. Bennie Ray was a phenomenal man. He...

Westminster- Frances Ellen Smith Spearman, 76, wife of John Andrew Spearman, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, July 31st, 2022 at AnMed Health. Born in Franklin County, Georgia, Frances was the daughter of the late Rev. Frank C. Smith and Virgie Smith. Frances was a homemaker and a member of Westminster First Baptist Church. Frances enjoyed quilting and reading. Frances is survived by her husband of 58 years; son, Rev. Mark Spearman (Chris) of Greenville; daughter, Lisa Driver (Dale) of Belton; grandchildren, Andrew Driver (Courtney), Derrik Driver (Erin), Rev. Justin Driver (Monica), Connor Spearman, Carson Grace Spearman, Jonathan Spearman (Jessica), Montez Garner (Chris), Jakob...

Gilbert Wilton "Gil" Bell, age 74 of Lavonia, passed away on July 12, 2022, from complications of Agent Orange exposure. Gil was born in Atlanta on September 18,1947 to the late Helen Moody and the late Wilton Bell. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Cape. Surviving members of the family include his loving wife of 53 years, Cynthia Castleberry Bell; daughter and son-in-law, Caron and Michael Rich; daughter, Pamela Bell; son, Tim Bell; sister, Barbara Daniel; grandchildren, Allie, Wyatt, Autumn, Anna Claire, and Maclaine; and several nieces and nephews. Gil graduated from North Georgia College in 1969 and was commissioned into the Army as a 2ndLieutenant. He served in the US Army...

Billy Joe Smith, age 78 of Jefferson, GA peacefully passed away on Thursday June 23rd, 2022. The Family will receive Friends for Visitation at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home on Monday June 27th at 1:00 PM followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 PM with Pastor James Dumas officiating. Interment will follow at Peachtree Memorial Park. Billy enjoyed being around family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Billy served in the United States Air Force for 4 years and retired from the US Postal Service in the Norcross/Peachtree Corners area. He attended Montgomery Heights Baptist Church in Commerce, GA. Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Dowis and Josephine...

Rebecca Hayes Fleming, 47, of Duluth, GA passed away March 16, 2022. A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. at the Duluth First United Methodist Church with Ann Fleming officiating. Mrs. Fleming was a graduate of the Grady College of Journalism at UGA, focusing on PR and inner personal communications. She had a deep love for human and animal medicine, working in both for a combined 13 years, finishing as the hospital administrator for Apalachee River Animal Hospital when her disabilities forced her to retire. She loved babies and animals, murder mysteries, K-pop, and cake. But most of all she loved her friends and family. She is survived by her husband,...

Deborah Lynn Burkhalter, age 74, of Gray Court, South Carolina, widow of Eric L. Burkhalter, passed away on February 26, 2022, at Prisma Health Hillcrest Hospital. She was born on May 31, 1947, in Royston, Georgia and grew up in Lavonia, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Hubert Raleigh Maret and the late Annie Cathryne Maret of Lavonia, Georgia. Deborah was a member of Warrior Creek Baptist Church, but her health kept her from attending during her final years. She worked for Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, South Carolina for 20 years. The happiest years of her life were working with the young people at Thornwell. Deborah was an avid reader and bird watcher. She enjoyed...

Ann Maloy Wright, age 76 of Lawrenceville, GA died February 23, 2022 at Northside Gwinnett Hospital. She was born at Cuthbert, Ga on April 16, 1945 to William Craig and Anna Alston Maloy. Ann graduated from Jeff Davis County High School where she was Valedictorian of her class. Her curiosity and love of reading were traits that remained with her the rest of her life. Ann attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo, and obtained her Bachelor's and Master's from the University of Florida. She went on to receive an Ed.S from Georgia State University. Ann married the love of her life John Humphrey Wright in 1970. Together they had one son, William of Jacks Creek, TN. He was the love of her life....

Mrs. Docia Mae Thomas Strickland, 94, of Royston, passed away Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at her home. Born in the Red Hill community of Franklin County, Mrs. Strickland was a daughter of the late Ace Manley Thomas and Sara Jane Keller Thomas. Before her marriage to Arthur Jackson Strickland in 1947, she worked as a nurse for Dr. Stewart D. Brown, Sr. at the old Brown Hospital in Royston. After the birth of her children, she was a homemaker until the 1970s, when she opened Docia's Styles, a ladies' clothing store in Royston. Mrs. Strickland later worked for The Lion's Den, a men's clothing store in Royston, and at Dill's Food City as a cashier and manager of the floral department. She...

Mrs. Cynthia Jean Bratcher Gunnells, age 66, of Lavonia, passed away Sunday, September 5, 2021 at her home. Born July 31, 1955 in Royston, GA, she was a daughter of the late Charles Bratcher and Ruth Ginn Bratcher Thompson. She was a homemaker and was preceded in death by her husband, Wilber Jesse Gunnells. Family members include her sons, Chuck Boles of Chattanooga, TN and Eddie Boles of Hartwell, GA; a sister, Teresa Segars; and a brother, Michael Todd Bratcher. No services are planned. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net Whitlock Mortuary is honored to be serving the family of Mrs. Cynthia Bratcher Gunnells.

Mrs. Martha Ann Smith Chappelear, 78, of the Greshamville community, passed away Friday July 30, 2021 while residing at The Glen on Lake Oconee. Martha was born September 30, 1942 in Morgan County and was the daughter of the late Walter Gillard Smith and Morelle Wood Smith. She was a life-long member of the Fork Chapel United Methodist Church where she served many roles over the years including treasurer and Sunday school teacher. She was active in the United Methodists Women's group as well as historian for the United Methodist Conference Committee. She always put others before herself and got along with everyone she met. Martha graduated from Greensboro High School in 1960 and went...

Mr. James Clifford "Jimmy" Miller, Jr., age 50, of Lavonia, GA passed away Thursday, July 8, 2021 at Athens Piedmont Regional Hospital. Born July 17, 1970, he was a son James Clifford Miller, Sr. and Jacquelyn Ruth Walker Miller. He was of the Presbyterian Faith and attended Lavonia Presbyterian Church. Jimmy was a 1988 graduate of Johnson High School in Gainesville. He was formerly employed with Quality Foods starting at the age of 15 as a bagger, meat manager and later meat & produce supervisor over all stores. Jimmy loved his family, especially his girls and their families, and his nieces and nephews. He also loved hunting, fishing, 4 wheeling, traveling, entertaining, cooking,...

Bonnie Arlene Webb, 39 of Royston, GA, died June 24, 2021. She was preceded in death by her mother, Jessica Mimi Veerkamp and is survived by her daughters, Paris Pence, Briley Pence, Chloe Webb; father, Edward Oliver Webb Jr.; brother, David Benji Webb; sisters, Blakely Cleveland; Brittany Gilleland, brother in law Joshua Gilleland, aunts, Madeline Leonard, Suzette Dinardo, Michelle Teilhaber; and uncle, Henri Ray Bell. Funeral services will be Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 2 o'clock at H.M. Patterson and Son, Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. Interment will follow at Arlington Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday, July 2, 2021 from 6 to 8 o'clock and...

Mary Agnes Millen, age 87 of Conyers, was called home by her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, May 21, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Nettie Bond; husband, Homer Allen Millen, Sr.; sister, Shelby Jean Nesmith. She is survived by her son, Al Millen; daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa and Scott Harper, Lynn and Kirk Mahan; grandchildren, Todd Millen, Tyler and Jessie Mahan, Ross Mahan; great-granddaughter, Savannah Millen as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. Agnes was married to her husband, Homer, for 38 years. When she graduated from Franklin County High School in 1952, she started her first job at Atlanta Paper Company in East Point. While working in...