Clayton News - Jonesboro

Janice Patricia Lowe, 79, of Hampton, Georgia, passed away October 22, 2021. She was born on March 14, 1942, in Michigan to the late Frank and Irene Kolek. Janice loved her family dearly. She loved the outdoors, traveling with her husband, and annual trips to the beach with her whole family. She retired as a court reporter from Clayton County. She will be remembered for many things, among those are her sense of humor and wit, pulling a lot of pranks, trivia, cards, reading, and puzzles. Janice and her late husband loved the city of Hampton. Together they started the Yellow Pollen Festival. She was on the Henry County Library Board, and she was instrumental in having the Fortson Library...

On October 8, 2021, Mary "Ellen" Harmon, wife and mother, passed away in Stockbridge, Georgia at the age of 96. Ellen was born on July 22, 1925 in St. Mary's, Ohio to Edward and Rose Ruther. She was the eldest of five children and is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Parks Harmon, her brother Edward Ruther, and her sister Rita Diller. She is survived by her daughter Mary Hamon of Rex, Georgia, her sisters Kathleen Telljohann and Becky Spees, as well as several nieces and nephews. Ellen graduated from Memorial High School in 1943. In the senior yearbook, she is quoted as saying her ambition was "to be a success". Throughout her lifetime, Ellen met and exceeded her goal. After...

Arley Johnson Lowe, Jr., 78, of Hampton, Georgia, passed away October 6, 2021. He was born on December 25, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee to the late Arley J. Lowe, Sr. and Vivian Ruth Wilson. Arley worked for the FAA for over 30 years and was on the Hampton City Council for eight years. Arley loved his family dearly and always put them first. He especially looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed the beach vacations they took for over 20 years. Arley could do anything he set his mind to, and if he didn't know how to do it, he would teach himself, often in a matter of hours. Arley is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Jan Lowe; his son, Jonathan (Paula) Lowe, and their children, Seth,...

Mr. Billy Virgil Thrailkill, Jr. age 80 passed away September 22, 2021 due to Covid. He was born on July 19, 1941 in Atlanta, GA. Mr. Thrailkill grew up in Hapeville and Riverdale and graduated from Jonesboro High School. He was a member of Antioch Baptist Church in Jonesboro. Mr. Thrailkill was preceded in death by his parents: Billy Virgil Thrailkill, Sr. and Beulah Thrailkill, his brother: Michael Thrailkill and his step-granddaughter: Courtney Lee Stockstill. Mr. Thrailkill is survived by his wife of 22 years, Shirley Bailey Thrailkill, son: Brian Keith Thrailkill of Pelham, GA, step-daughter: Patrice Hudson Marsh of Lakewood, WA, brother: Steve (Cheri) Thrailkill of Stockbridge, sister:...

Mr. Herbert James Freeman, age 65, of Forest Park, Georgia passed away Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Herbert was born on Sunday, January 8, 1956, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Henry Freeman and the late Bobby Lee Griffitts Freeman. Along with his parents, Herbert was preceded in death by his brother, Danny Freeman; brother-in-law, David Griffith. He retired after 29 years with the City of Atlanta Water Department. Herbert was very brave and saved two lives in his lifetime. He collected coins, loved working, and was a handyman. He was a devoted husband to his wife and his family will miss him dearly. Herbert is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rosa Freeman; children, Amy and...

Mr. Michael Harris Messick, age 60, of Jonesboro passed away September 16th, 2021. Mr. Mike was a member of First Baptist Church of Jonesboro. He served in the US Army and was a member of the BQE 26th United States Army Band while enlisted in service. He was proud of his country and honored to serve in the US Army. He was an ordained Deacon and served as a Minister of Music while in Pennsylvania. He was an incredible musician and played in the pit on many Broadway shows in New York City. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father and a great friend. He was preceded in death by his father: Michael Messick. He is survived by his loving wife: Tracey; children: Joseph Kyle (Sevea Leigh)...

George Tappan White, of Morrow, passed away on September 7th, 2021. There will be no memorial service at this time due to the increase in Covid positive cases in Metro Atlanta. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Ray Ren? of Atlanta, Ga; son, Alex P. White of Los Angeles, CA; sister, Laura Wiley of Jonesboro, GA; sister, Eleanor Ragsdale of Lavonia, GA; granddaughter, Elza Ren?; numerous nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and great nephews. George T. White was a beloved member of his community and was an active member of the Morrow Masonic Lodge, serving as Worshipful Master in 1998 and Mason of the year in 2009. George had a lifelong passion for amateur radio...

George Sligh of Morrow, Ga passed peacefully on September 4, 2021 after battling stage 4 kidney disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Dewey Sligh and Margaret Colclough Sligh. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martha Bostwick Sligh, daughters Robin Sligh Rawls (Steve) and Lisa Sligh Arbour (Willard); step-sons, Kenny Hudson (Kate) and Bart Hudson; grandchildren, Bree (Jennie), Calen (Marco), Hannah (Joseph), Sam, Drew and Alice Anne; three great grandchildren, Iliana, Bentley and Adrian; brothers, Phillip Sligh (Susan) and Jack Sligh (Jean); sisters, Barbara Wright and Marsha Chambers (Nick). George graduated from Jonesboro High School, class of 1953. After high...

Mr. James Henry Smith, age 84, of Jonesboro passed away August 24, 2021. Mr. Smith worked for Clayton County Community Services for 29 years and he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife of 52 years: Shirley; children: Richard Henry (Kate) Smith, Kim Mallow, Renee (Samuel) Loggins, Donna Wallman, Robert (April) Smith, and Shelby Chapparo; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. A memorial service will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, September 25, 2021 at The Salvation Army Jonesboro Citadel Corp., 130 Spring Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236 with Captain Marjorie Rowe and Apostle Robert Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers,...

Mrs. Margaret Gail Willis, age 77 of Theodore, AL., formerly of Rex, passed away August 13, 2021. She was previously a member of Calvary Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husbands: Earl V. Black and Morris D. Willis, parents: Homer and Ocie Johnson, brother: Garland E. Johnson and niece Liz Shope. She is survived by her sister-in-law: Genise Johnson of Mobile, AL., nieces: Cynthia Dannel of Mobile, AL, Tammy Burrell of Hawkinsville and Becky Johnson of Sylacauga, AL and beloved nieces and nephews and extended family members. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home with Rev. Harold Willis officiating....

Mrs. Helen C. Knight, age 91 of Jonesboro passed away August 13, 2021. Mrs. Knight was a member of First Baptist Church Jonesboro and was preceded in death by her husband: Emory Gene Knight, daughter: Deborah J. "Debbie" Radford, parents: George T. and Eva Hancock, brother: Rod Hancock, sister: Joyce Dammer. She is survived by children: Tonia "Gail" Knight of Jonesboro, Sheree A. (Stephen) Schaer of Fountain Inn, S. C., and Terri L. (Jeff) Dobbs of Griffin, son-in-law: Charles Radford of Jacksonville, FL., sisters: Gwen Clark of OH., and Nell Connell of Cairo, GA, grandchildren: Kristen Schaer, Matthew (Lindsey) Schaer, Andrew Radford, Erin (Tommy) Foran, Holly Dobbs and Doug (Linda) Dobbs,...

Mr. Larry Bentley Fallin, Sr., age 79, of McDonough, passed away August 27, 2021, at Piedmont-Newton Hospital in Covington. He was born in Thomaston, son of the late John William Fallin and Syble Cummings Fallin. He graduated from R. E. Lee Institute in 1960. Mr. Fallin was a veteran, serving in the United States Navy from 1960 to 1964. He was a member of Wesley Way United Methodist Church in McDonough. He worked for Delta Airlines, retiring after 37 years. Mr. Fallin loved to travel and especially enjoyed trips to the beach. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte McKnight Fallin and his brother, Dennis Fallin. He is survived by his sons and a...

Peyton McNamara, 59, of Jonesboro, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Peyton was born on November 19, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia to Don Giddens and Ann McNamara. As a youth, Peyton enjoyed spending many hours playing and competing on the tennis courts. He graduated from Dunwoody High School in 1979 and moved across the country at the age of 17 to attend California Polytechnic State University. Mr. McNamara received his bachelor's degree in Hospitality from the university, and proceeded to work as food and beverage director in many prestigious hotels including The Partridge Inn in Augusta, Ga, and The Maxwell House in Nashville, TN. While living in Augusta, GA,...

Frances Mary Weaver, age 69, of Jonesboro, passed away on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. She was born in Savannah, Georgia to the late Walter M. Owens and Patricia Owens. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Jimmy Owens. Fran is survived by her husband, David Weaver; children, William M. (Kristen) Weaver, Mary Beth (Benjamin) Yu; siblings, Patricia Coats, Betty Ann Laricy, Kathy Owens; grandchildren, Alex, Jacob, Jordan, and Katie Yu. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.

Born March 12, 1932, Elsie Mae (Harrison) Jones of Jonesboro, GA passed into eternal peace on July 5, 2021. There, she joined her beloved Husband of 60 years Bobby Coe, parents John Henry & Ella Harrison and her 5 siblings, Corrine, Lil, "Buddy," Barney & "Tot," as well as many relatives and friends she dearly loved. She is survived by her children, Bobby Coe (Rob) Jones, Jr., his children, Christopher, Justin & Jessica; LuAnn West (Bogie), Granddaughter Megan West & Great-Granddaughter Alexis "Lexi"West; Grandson Matthew (Danielle); Great-Granddaughter,Madeline "Maddie" & Great-Grandson Scott Carter West. Son, Keith Jones (Renee), Granddaughter Jennifer Jones Crane...

Mrs. Judith Carroll, age 80 of McDonough passed away June 23, 2021. Mrs. Carroll was a member of St. Philip Benizi Catholic Church and a member and full time volunteer of St. Vincent De Paul Society. She was preceded in death by her husband: Robert F. Carroll. Surviving are her sons: Robert John (Nancy) Carroll of Smyrna, Michael William Carroll of McDonough and Daniel Patrick (Daneill Smith) Carroll of Atlanta, brothers: Richard MacKenzie (Claire) Koch of Wakefield, MA and John MacKenzie (Anne) Koch of West Edmeston, NY, grandchildren: Max William Carroll, Trae Patrick Carroll and Todd Patrick Carroll, many nieces, nephews and extended family members. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30...

Daniel "Dan'' Louis Sumner, age 82, of Stockbridge, passed away on June 22, 2021. He retired from Ford Motor Company. He was also a member of The Morrow Masonic Lodge and served in the United States Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Lynette; daughter and son-in-law, Kim (Walter) Wolfe of McDonough; siblings, Michael (Sandy) Sumner of Jackson, Christine Sumner McMinn of Fayetteville, grandchildren, Brandon Pollard and wife Kayla Burge, Cameron (Kerrah) Winters, Makayla Winters and her fiance Shane Shirley, Lindsey Wolfe, a great grandchild, Selina Burge and extended family. A Funeral Service was held at 1 PM on Saturday, June 26, 2021 in the Chapel of Ford-Stewart Funeral Home....

Paul F. Freeman, a long time past Clayton County resident and a retired Delta Air Lines employee, passed away June 4, 2021 during a stay at a Griffin hospice clinic. The family are current residents of Newnan, Georgia. Paul was born march 3, 1936 in Boston Massachusetts and is survived by his wife, Geneva Freeman, a daughter, Susan Kimberly Freeman and a son, Stephen Paul Freeman. Paul was raised in Nashua New Hampshire. His parents were Pearl Marshall Freeman and Harold E. Freeman. He became part of a family with three grown sisters. Consequently, Paul grew up with many of his nieces and nephews. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1954. Paul is preceded in death by his parents,...

Helen Elayne Barton, a longtime resident of Jonesboro, GA, graduated from Russell High School in East Point, GA. Finished Powers Modeling School and eventually attended Clayton Junior College, where she studied Library Science. Elayne was employed by the Clayton County School System for 25 years?a few years as a library assistant at Suder Elementary and 21 years as bookkeeper at Swint Elementary. After retiring in 1995, she and beloved husband Douglas enjoyed yard work and traveling. Together they worked with Meals on Wheels for ten years. She especially loved to prepare treats for people on their route. She was a longtime member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Jonesboro, GA. Elayne loved home...

Jennifer "Jeni" Lila Barronton Burns, age 57 of Whitesburg, Georgia, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Thursday, June 3, 2021. She was born January 18, 1964 in Atlanta, Georgia, the daughter of Mary Linda Humphrey Barronton and the late Douglas Harry Barronton. She earned an Associates degree in Accounting from West Georgia Technical College and worked in Administration for twenty years with Aubrey Silvey Enterprises. Jeni was a very selfless and giving person. She loved travelling the world and serving on mission trips. She will be remembered as a loving grandmother, who was always there for special occasions or events, and made it a priority to make time for each grandchild...

G. Douglas Barton, longtime resident of Jonesboro, GA, passed away June 2, 2021. Born in Pittsboro, MS, he graduated from Pittsboro High School, Itawamba Junior College and Southern Mississippi University. After coaching basketball for a few years in MS, Doug came to Jonesboro, GA, in 1961 as a teacher at Lee Street Elementary. He became assistant principal at Suder Elementary in 1966 and principal there in 1968. After serving as Suder Principal for 19 years, he became Assistant Personnel Director for the Clayton County School System in 1987. Doug retired in 1993. Member of the County, State, and National Association of Elementary School Principals, he became a member of the Clayton County...