Obituaries

Jeffrey Smith

Jan 11, 2025

Jeffrey Lynn Smith, a cherished father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the age of 56. Born on June 25, 1968.

If you met him, you loved him. Jeff had a laugh that could brighten your darkest days, a hug that could heal anything, and a way of letting you know what you meant to...

Geree Pittman

Jan 11, 2025

Mrs. Geree Elizabeth Pittman of Epworth, Georgia, passed away on Saturday January 11, 2025 following an extended illness. Mrs. Pittman was born on August 8, 1932 to the late Ted and Juanita Seabolt of McCaysville, Georgia. Geree was an adored wife, mother, and grandmother who was beloved by those who knew her.

Mrs. Pittman was a graduate of McCaysville High School....

Thomas Berry Shope, Jr.

Jan 10, 2025

Thomas B. Shope Jr. of Blairsville, Georgia, passed January 10, 2025. He was the son of Thomas B. Shope Sr. and Mattie Thompson Shope. A graduate of Southwest DeKalb High School, Tom went on to study at Yale University, North Georgia College, and earned a PhD in nuclear physics from the University of Georgia. 

After active duty in the U.S. Army,...

Ruth Hanrahan

Jan 10, 2025

Ruth N. Hanrahan of Blue Ridge, Georgia left her earthly home on January 10, 2025 after suffering a heart attack on New Year's Eve. She was born February 4, 1928 in Ghent, Minnesota and was one of eight children (four daughters and four sons) born to Robert and Fern Nicholson.

Ruth was predeceased by her loving husband Vincent A....

Joyce (Nell) Lynell Martin

Jan 10, 2025

Joyce Lynell “Nell” Martin, 85, of Murphy, NC, passed away on January 10, 2025.

Nell was born on April 19, 1939 to Beatrice & Andrew Smith in Cario, GA. After Nell graduated from Cario high school in 1957, she went on to Atlanta, GA to seek a career.

After moving to Atlanta, she started her first job at B & L telephone...

JoAnn Francis

Jan 9, 2025

Wilma "JoAnn" Francis, 78, died at the Clay County Care Center in Hayesville, NC on January 9, 2025 after fighting a long battle with cancer. She was born on September 3, 1946 to the late George and Wilma Deitrick. JoAnn is survived by her daughter Dawn (Aaron) Martin of Warne, NC, her sister Kathy (Mike) Maziar of Zanesville, Ohio, her...

Martha Jean Craig Aaron Sims

Jan 9, 2025

Martha Sims, 90, of Blairsville, Georgia, met her Heavenly Savior on January 9, 2025 after a period of declining health. She was born in Trion, Georgia.

She was predeceased by her parents, HV and Stella Gentry Craig, husband, Glen Aaron, a son, Donald Glen Aaron and brothers, Edgar Craig, JD Craig and Herman Craig, sisters, Bonnie Mae Lowrance, Sarah Hilburn, Corine...

Georgia Swett

Jan 7, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Georgia Swett, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, who left this world on January 7, 2025, at the age of 98. Born on July 5, 1926, Georgia lived a life filled with warmth, adventure, and unwavering love for her family.

Georgia will be deeply missed by her devoted sons, Wendell...

Era Ledford

Jan 4, 2025

Era Mae Ledford, age 61, of Andrews, North Carolina, passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Warren Hardin Ledford and Grace Mathis Ledford.

Era was preceded in death by brothers; Warren Ledford, Jr., Johnny Ray Ledford, Terry Ledford, and David Ledford; sister, Rita "Kat" Nicholson.

She is survived by her daughters, Jasmine Skye (Matthew) McTaggart,...

Mary Jordan

Jan 4, 2025

Mary "Tootsie" Jordan of Charlotte NC, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, left this earthly home on January 4, 2025. Tootsie was born in Isabella, TN on August 7, 1936, the seventh child of twelve born to the late Earl G and Mary (Holt) York.

Tootsie was predeceased by her siblings Geneva Cash, Richard York, Edwin York, Betty...

Donald Jones

Jan 3, 2025

Donald Richard Jones, age 79, of Murphy, North Carolina passed away in the Union General Hospital in Blairsville, Georgia on January 3, 2025.

Donald was born on December 25, 1945 in Fort Pierce, Florida. His parents, Edward Fountain and Lillie Sapp Fountain, preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by brothers; Edward Fountain, Jr. and...

Roberta “Bobby” Champlin

Jan 2, 2025

Roberta C. “Bobby” Champlin, a beloved member of the Hayesville community, peacefully passed away at her home on January 2, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on August 2, 1931, in Warren, Ohio, Roberta lived a long and fulfilling life.

Bobby dedicated many fulfilling years to the retail industry, serving as a valued cashier at McDonald's, where she became a...

Jerry L. Harper

Jan 1, 2025

Jerry L. Harper, 84, passed away Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy, NC. Jerry was born July 1, 1940, in Columbus, OH to Hugh Harper and Hilda Harper. Jerry honorably served his country in the Army during the Vietnam war. Jerry lived in Murphy, NC, and is survived by his wife, Linda.

Jerry was very loved...

Cynthia Teresa Bowman

Jan 1, 2025

Cynthia Teresa Bowman, age 66, of Dawsonville, GA, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at her home in Dawsonville, GA. Cynthia was born June 26, 1958, in Atlanta, GA to Albin & Betty Pozza.

Cynthia was preceded in death by her father, Albin Pozza; mother, Betty Pozza; and sister, Goria Myers.

She is survived by her partner, William Pittman; daughter, Nicole...

Maryalice Jonczyk

Dec 31, 2024

Maryalice Jonczyk, age 81, of Hiawassee, GA, passed away on December 31, 2024. She was born in Troy, NY to the late Edward and Jane Birmingham. She was a lovely person who exuded warmth and kindness, always greeting everyone she met with a friendly smile. Maryalice carried within her a passion for the beautiful mountains God created, finding peace and...

Carolyn Gail Wolpert

Dec 28, 2024

Carolyn Gail Wolpert, beloved educator, devoted daughter, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 28, 2024, at Blue Ridge Assisted Living. Born on July 11, 1968, in Topeka, Kansas, Carolyn graced the lives of many with her unwavering positivity, caring demeanor, and commitment to her faith.

A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Carolyn earned a...

Thomas "Lynn" Chandley

Dec 27, 2024

Thomas "Lynn" Chandley, 83, of Blairsville, GA passed away on December 27, 2024, surrounded by family. Lynn was born June 9, 1941, in Akron, OH to Kendall and Mrytle Chandley. he attended Indiana University and Ohio State University.

Mr. Chandley was a compassionate husband, father, and papaw whose kind soul and endless patience endeared him to all. He loved to make...

Linda Anne Dansky

Dec 26, 2024

Linda Anne Dansky, 68, of Blue Ridge, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at Northside Cherokee Hospital in Canton, GA. Born on February 13, 1956, in Miami Beach, FL, to King Solomon and Estelle Dansky, Linda lived a vibrant life defined by her entrepreneurial spirit and profound love for animals.

Linda was preceded in death by her beloved spouse,...

Jack Lee Allen

Dec 25, 2024

Jack Allen, age 87, passed away on December 25, 2024. Jack was born in Scottsdale, GA to the late Homer and Lillie Allen.

 He is survived by his loving wife, Pasty Allen; his three daughters Cathy Quinn, Debbie Tauber, and Lori Parker; son Bob Rose; brother Larry Allen; and along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his...

William Gregory

Dec 24, 2024

William "Bill" Arthur Gregory

Jan 2, 1958 - Dec 24, 2024

66 years old of Nantahala, NC passed away peacefully at his home on Christmas eve. 

Bill worked for Macon county EMS, was a former chief of Nantahala volunteer fire dept ., worked for MPP housing and was a member of the masonic lodge #0529 of Andrews

He was an avid hunter and fisherman....