Ann Elizabeth Alford

OCTOBER 14, 1941 ~ JUNE 17, 2019

Ann Elizabeth Alford was born on October 14, 1941 in the Lawrence County Sanitarium. She passed away on June 17, 2019. She was the 4th child and the 3rd daughter of Roy Bob and Birdie Bell Pace Alford. She was the only one of their four children to be born in a hospital.

She grew up as a tomboy riding her bicycle, climbing trees, and playing with the boys in the neighborhood because there were no girls.

In the 7th grade she started playing trombone and by the 9th grade she decided she wanted to be a band director.

Ann graduated from LCHS in 1960. While in high school she was a member of a jazz band known as “George’s Eight.” She went to MTSU in Murfreesboro on a full music scholarship. She received a BS of Music Education Degree in 1964. During her time at MTSU she was elected President of the Band of Blue.

Upon graduation, Ann went to North Georgia and was the band director at North Habersham High School in Clarkesville, Georgia for four years. She built the band from 16 members to 96. She was selected Star Teacher. They were invited to the Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. in 1967. They participated in the “Salute to America Parade” in Atlanta in 1966.

Her next stop was Dodge County High School in Eastman, Georgia during 1968-1969. She taught marching and concert bands to grades 6-12th. This was an interesting stop because her mother was born in Eastman.

Her next job was at Cherokee High School in Canton, Georgia as band director from 1969 until 1977. While there, Alford taught marching band, concert band, pep band and jazz band. This is where she really learned to be a band director. Her bands received a superior rating in both marching and concert band. She was Musical Director for four musicals during that time.

During her tenure at Cherokee County High, her band increased from 80 to 150 members and gained two assistant directors who cultivated band interest in the elementary and middle schools. Ann was chosen Cherokee High Scholl Teacher of the Year in 1974 and in 1976. She was chosen Cherokee County System Wide Star Teacher of the Year in 1976.

She was also selected as an adjudicator for the state and served many capacities with the Georgia Music Educators. Her highest honor came when she was selected as the first woman in Georgia to be named to “Phi Beta Mu” an international band masters fraternity.

In 1972 she went on a band tour of Europe with composer J. Clifton Williams as Associate Director of the American Youth Abroad Europe. She spent two weeks in Europe during the trip.

While at Cherokee she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but that didn’t stop her. She kept working.

After Cherokee, Ann left the teaching profession for seven years and operated “Laurel Lodge.” It was a specialty camp that catered to large groups such as football teams, bands, color guards, and church groups. She sold Laurel Lodge to return to teaching.

Ann served as choir director at the First United Methodist Church in Clayton, Georgia during the years 1978-1983. Ann directed adult and junior hand bell choirs while there. She directed many musicals during this period and lists this time as one of her favorites.

At Rabun County High School, Ann took over a very large program which had never won any superior ratings. Her first year there, she started a tradition which continues until today winning superior ratings for her band.

She became BDOW – band director on wheels. She traveled to three small colleges and started band programs in each.

Rabun Gap – Nacoochee School, a small private college prep school, in Rabun Gap, Georgia was the next stop from 1988-1998. She built a band program from 5 to 80 students, with a student enrollment of 200 total students. She was Musical Director for five musicals and was the Fine Arts Chairman for two years. She was named Star teacher not only for the school but for the county as well.

After Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School, Ann spent five years at Rabun County Middle School from 2005-2010, her bands had superior ratings. In addition, she was Musical Director. Next, she was a band director teaching beginning band in four elementary schools in Savannah, Georgia area.

On March 28, 1998, Ann received a Masters of Music Education at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. Ann was Chairman of the Georgia Music Educators Association Band Clinic. Ann attended the International French Horn Workshop in Montreal in 1974.

Throughout her career, Ann worked with several bands for pre-festivals. She and the Habersham Central Symphonic Band went to a Southeastern Conference in 2004. She has served as guest conductor for many bands over the years and was the Guest Conductor at the Southern band Clinic at Troy, Alabama twice and is considered an authority on both marching and concert bands.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy Bob and Birdie Bell Pace Alford; and two sisters, Jane Marie Alford Howard and Barbara Jean Alford Brown.

She is survived by one brother, Bobby Alford (Martha Ann) of Lawrenceburg, TN; several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at Neal Funeral Home and from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Thursday, June 20, 2019 at First Baptist Church of Lawrenceburg. Funeral services will be conducted at First Baptist Church of Lawrenceburg at 1:00 PM Thursday, June 20, 2019, with Rev. Noel F. Burt, Ph.D. officiating. Interment will follow at Mimosa Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, TN. Family suggests memorials be made to Ann Alford Scholarship Fund, Rabun County Band Boosters c/o Rabun County High School 230 Wild Cat Hill Drive Tiger, Georgia 30576.

Courtesy of Beck Funeral Home.

Shirley Mae (Cummins) Manry

AUGUST 19, 1946 ~ JUNE 8, 2019

Shirley Mae Cummins Manry, age 72, of Mountain City, Ga., passed away June 8, 2019 at her residence. She was the daughter of the late Elmer Elisha Cummins and Henrietta Denny Darr Cummins.

She is survived by two sisters Sally Stewart of Tiger, Ga. and Patsy Price of Oakton Va.; three Nephews Eric Backer (Karine) of Richmond Hills, Ga., Ryan Backer (Shelly) of Tiger, Ga., Andy Stewart (Jessica) of Tiger, Ga.; two great nieces, Miya Stewart, Storey Stewart, five great nephews, Drew Backer, Peyton Backer, Brett Backer, Aidan Stewart and Talon Stewart.

Shirley owned and ran Hall’s Boat House for many years she also worked at Remax of Clayton as a licensed realtor and United Community Bank in Clayton. She was a licensed pilot and flight instructor.

A memorial service will be held at a later date for family and close friends. The family asks in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Side Weber Cancer Fund Po Box 485 Rabun Gap, Ga., 30568 or Rabun Paws 4 Life Po Box 216 Clayton, Ga. 30525.

Jane Olivia (Page) Gillespie

NOVEMBER 9, 1943 ~ JUNE 7, 2019

Jane Olivia Page Gillespie, of Rabun County, Georgia, died June 7, 2019. She was the daughter of Edward (Bill) Page and Ethel Rickman Page of Wolffork Valley.

Jane had a true servant’s heart. From a very young age, she began to develop culinary skills as an outlet to nurture others. She was a high school 4-H State Champion in canning, and eventually made her career in food services. Jane will long be remembered for her gift of hospitality – for making people feel loved and special.

Jane was a graduate of Rabun Gap Nacoochee School’s class of 1962. As a Senior, she was honored as Miss Ragana for her beauty, poise, talent and personality. She considered members of her class as part of her family.

Her servant’s heart and love of humanity was evident throughout her long battle with cancer. Jane persevered through many years and many different treatments in hopes that other multiple myeloma patients might benefit from her own successes and sufferings in fighting the disease.

Jane was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. She lived her life with an open heart and mind believing that we are all God’s children.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents; the father of her children, Amos Gillespie; and her brother, Ed Page.

She is survived by three children: Steve Gillespie, Lori Gillespie Speed, and Sarah “Beth” Gillespie. Also surviving are three grand children: Olivia Dillman (and husband Raymond Dillman), Zarek Echols, and Hayley Gillespie, as well as five great-grandchildren, Stella, Forrest, Hunter, Mehgan, and Cole. Others surviving are her brother Bob Page (his wife, June); a sister, Sally O’Barr (husband, Mike); and a sister Anne Free (husband, Tim). Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and very special friends also survive.

Visitation will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Beck’s Funeral Home followed by her memorial service. A celebration of her life will be held in Sarah Gillespie’s home at 22 Skyline Lane, Clayton, Georgia following the service.

The family is receiving plants and flowers in her memory. Memorial donations can also be made to Sid Weber Cancer Fund at SWMCF PO Box 485 Rabun Gap, GA 30568.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Edith Julia (McCracken) Franklin

JUNE 23, 1929 ~ JUNE 7, 2019

Edith Julia McCracken Bedingfield Franklin, age 89, passed away on June 7, 2019 at her home. She was born the daughter of the late Robert Clifton and Lola Shirley McCracken.

Edith was a member of Joy Baptist Church. She was affectionately known as “Sis” or “Mamaw” to many. She was full of life, adventurous, and the definition of strong. She loved her animals, reading, taking the grandchildren swimming and camping in her younger years, and most of all, she loved her family and spending time at “The Creek.”

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Rosch C. “June Bug” Bedingfield, Jr. ; brothers, Andy McCracken, Bob McCracken and Jim McCracken; sisters, Peggy McCrackin and Janie Mosley; one son, John C. Bedingfield; two daughters, Beth Bedingfield and Jeanne Henslee; granddaughter, Leslie Hurst.

She is survived by brothers, Will McCracken and Sam (Connie) McCracken, of Lakemont; sister, Betty Thomas of Lakemont; sons, Tommy Bedingfield, Robert Bedingfield, Paris Franklin, of Lakemont and Marty (Karen) Franklin, of Clayton; daughters, Susan Mason, of Mountain City and Jan B. Webb, of Lakemont; grandchildren, Robert Mason, Larissa (Eric) Brock, Chad (Heather) Bedingfield, Lisa (Greg) Welborn, Jennifer (Kent) Ramey, John (Jamee) Bedingfield, Levi (Luis) Jimenez, Shoshanna Henslee, Lacey Henslee, Juliana (Sam) Thompson, Beth (Craig) Echols, Rosch (Maggie) Bedingfield, Austin (Brandy) Franklin, Jamie (Jake) Guffie and Katie Beth (John Michael) Watts. Great-grandchildren, Tyler, Walker and Jack Hurst, Lilly and Finn Brock, Landan, Nora Kate and Tagg Bedingfield, Jager, Tallulah and Shiloh Welborn, Tate Ramey, Zane and Chaz Bedingfield, Erica and Mason Rojas, Hayley Braylin and Carter Henslee, Carly, Nathan and Natalie Darnell, Brock and Macy Thompson, Tessa, Liam and Avery Echols, Julie and Lynzie Bedingfield, Bentley and Bayler Franklin, Jackson and Jarrett Guffie.

Visitation will be held at Beck Funeral Home on Sunday June 9, 2019 from 6-8pm. Funeral service will be held at Beck Funeral Home Chapel on Monday June 10, 2019 at 11am with Rev. Jewell Gaines officiating. Burial will follow in the Joy Baptist Church Cemetery.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Helga Hosse Lonsky

DECEMBER 17, 1939 ~ JUNE 3, 2019

Helga Hosse Lonsky, 79, of Clayton, GA passed on June 3, 2019 at her residence. She was the daughter of the late Paul Franz Rudolf Hosse and Prudencia Garcia Hosse.

Helga was an accomplished educator, teaching both in high school and at the American Red Cross. She was a scientist, performing research at NC State University and the University of Pittsburgh. She enjoyed playing Bridge, laughing, knitting, reading, and was renowned amongst family and friends for her cooking. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Helga was preceded in death by one daughter, Frances H. Lonsky Martin and one brother, Edgar Garcia Hosse.

She is survived by her adoring husband, Werner F. W. Lonsky, with whom she was two months short of their 40th wedding anniversary. She is also survived by her children, Jackie Kimball and Paul and Cricket Garlich, and her five grandchildren, Colby and Emma Kimball and Penelope, Delaney, and Henry Garlich.

A graveside interment service will be held on Saturday June 8, 2019 at 10:00 am at the Tallulah Falls Cemetery on Rock Mountain Road in Tallulah Falls, GA with Rev. James Turpen officiating.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Helga’s memory to the American Red Cross P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839.

Beck Funeral Home, in Clayton, Georgia, is in charge of the arrangements. If there are any questions, please call 706-782-9599. An online Memorial Register Book is available at www.beckfuneralhome.com.

Stuart Andru Lampe

MAY 4, 1965 ~ MAY 27, 2019

Stuart Andru Lampe, born May 4, 1965 passed away May 27, 2019.

The family called him Andy and his friends in later life called him Stuart as he preferred. Andy grew up in Buckhead and attended Miriam Heiskell Elementary School, Mount Vernon Academy Middle School, and Woodward Academy High School. Stuart was a 1989 graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Textiles and Marketing. Upon graduation, he received a Realtor’s License and affiliated with Buckhead Brokers. With an enjoyment of golf, his work also turned in this direction and Stuart worked for Cantebury Golf Club in Marietta for many years, until the course was closed and developed by John Weiland. Stuart also worked for two years in New York City learning video editing in the early days of music videos. He moved to North Georgia and Lake Burton with his elderly parents, Dr. Stuart and Marjorie Lampe, to help care for them in their later years.

Andy enjoyed cooking, gardening, golfing and had an extensive collection of miniature hot wheels, wooden tennis rackets and antique golf clubs. He also had knowledge of and appreciated Mercedes Benz automobiles and Nascar Racing. The love of his life was his cats, of which he had four-named Dottie, Gingerboy, and Patches. The most special cat was a sweet, friendly, rescued, black cat named Neru.

Stuart will be remembered by family, and many friends as the smiling, blonde, adventuresome, third child born late in life to mature parents. They always said Andy “Kept them young” when they mingled with younger families at soccer and baseball games. As a lifelong resident of Atlanta and North Georgia, he had many friends and always knew someone wherever he went!

Stuart Andru Lampe will be greatly missed by all and is survived by two sisters Sherry Lampe Mather (John) of North Port Florida and Bonnie Lampe Owings (Rick) of Roswell, Georgia. Andy was an uncle to Lauren Vejjajiva, Douglas Barrineau, Sally Chasteen, Taylor Owings, and Davis Owings; and a great uncle to Kai Vejjajiva, Emma Chasteen, Rhys Vejjajiva, and Harper Chasteen.

May Andy rest in peace and know he was loved by all.

The family will receive friends at Beck Funeral Home on Sunday June 2, 2019 from 1:00pm until 2:00pm with Funeral Service to follow in the Beck Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00pm with Rev. Alice Wood officiating. Interment will follow in the Rocky Grove Community Cemetery.

Terry Stephen Singleton

Terry Stephen Singleton, 75, of Earls Ford Road Clayton, GA., died Tuesday June 18, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family and friends. He was the husband of Teresa Webb Singleton

Born in Clayton, Georgia.,November 12, 1943 he was the son of the late Robert Russell Singleton and Genelia Beck Singleton. He was a surveyor for the State of Georgia Road Department (D.O.T.) and a member of the Antioch United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Teresa Webb Singleton of the home, one son, Stephen Singleton (Kim) of Westminster, SC., three daughters, Rhonda Singleton of Williamston, SC., Cagney Mincemoyer of Clayton, GA., and Stonny Cintora of Clayton, GA., one brother, Franklin C. Singleton (Barbara) of Clayton, GA., eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral Services will be at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home Thursday June 20, 2019 at 2:00 P.M.conducted by Rev. James E. Turpen. Burial will follow in the Antioch Methodist Cemetery Clayton, GA.

The body is at Hunter Funeral Home where the family will receive friends. Thursday June 20, 2019 from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. (the funeral hour). The family is at the home on Earls Ford Road Clayton, Georgia.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Joshua Wayne Carpenter

Joshua Wayne Carpenter, 37, of Betty’s Creek Road, Dillard, GA., died Sunday June, 16, 2019 at his home.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, December 17, 1981 he was the son, of Larry Wayne Carpenter and Mildred Webb Carpenter of Dillard, GA. He had spent most of his life in Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. He was of the Baptist Faith.

Joshua is survived by his parents, Wayne and Mildred Webb Carpenter of Dillard, Ga.,one sister, Elizabeth Caroline Smith of Toccoa, GA., one brother, David L. Webb of Buford, SC., several aunts, uncles and cousins also survive.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday June 19, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. in the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with Rev. Tim McCall officiating. Burial will be in the Clear Creek Cemetery Highlands, North Carolina.

The body is at the Eastside Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home where a visitation will be Wednesday June 19,2019 from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 P.M. (The Funeral Hour). The family is at the home on Betty’s Creek Road Dillard, GA. Following the burial service at Clear Creek the family and friends will meet at Carvers Chapel Baptist Church in Clayton, GA., for fellowship and refreshments.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Eunice Marjorie Lawrence

Eunice Marjorie (McFalls) Lawrence, 83, of East Boggs Mountain Rd, Tiger, GA died at her home Friday June 14,2019.She was born March 24, 1936 in the Bridge Creek Community to the late John Avery Callenback and Lizzie Ritchie Callenback. She lived her entire life in Rabun County. Eunice was a homemaker and was a member of the Boggs Mountain Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Lawrence, her parents, John Avery and Lizzie Ritchie Callenback and a son, Pell Lawrence and two sisters, Swanee Jones, and Margarite Roundtree. She is survived by three sons, Bud Lawrence (Alena) Tiger, GA, Gary Lawrence (Jerlene) Tiger, GA and Tim Lawrence (Beth) Tiger, GA, a daughter, Brenda Hooper(Jim) Tiger, GA, two brothers, Clyde Callenback of Franklin, NC and Vaughn Callenback of Clayton,GA. Nine grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren also survive.

Funeral services will be at 11:00am Monday June 17, 2019 at the Boggs Mountain Baptist Church with Rev. Avery Lawrence, Rev. Joe McCrackin, and Rev. Marty Kilby officiating. Burial will follow in the Wolf Creek Cemetery on 529 Wolf Creek Church Rd.

The body is at Hunter Funeral Home and will be-taken to Boggs Mountain Baptist Church where visitation will be from 6:00pm to 8:00pm Sunday June 16, 2019 and will remain in the church until the funeral hour at 11:00am Monday June 17, 2019. The family is at her home on East Boggs Mountain Road Tiger, GA.

Tyrus Fredrick “Tye” Thompson

In Sympathy we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Tyrus Fredrick (Tye) Thompson who passed on Wednesday June 12, 2019

Tye was born in Blalock, GA., on April 29, 1928 to Ralph and Hettie Thompson Blalock in the Persimmon Community of Rabun County and its steep hills, deep hollows and rushing streams gave ample opportunity for Tye and his siblings to roam and play growing up. There was plenty of work to be done since Ralph grew corn, raised cattle and cut and sawed timber. At the age of eighteen Tye enlisted in the Army to in his words , “see the world”. He was sent to South Korea as part of the U.S. Army United Nations effort to stop the invading armies of the communist North Korea. For his service in the conflict Tye was awarded two bronze stars.

Discharged from the army in 1951, Tye attended North Georgia Technical Vocational School on the G.I. Bill He married, started a family, worked for several years as a auto mechanic, and then in the logging industry. In 1964 he started Tye Thompson Construction Company and took part in land development activities around the county for the next four decades. Tye had a knack for anything mechanical. He could fix most anything and found it satisfying to take something old or broken, repair it, and then put it to use.

Tye was preceded in dseath by his parents: his loving wife, Sue: sisters Margie, Mildred, Edith, Nealor and brothers, Ham and Tommy. Of the Orignal Family, a sister, Lenora “Tootsie” and younger brother Kermit survive.

Also surviving are sons Phil Thompson and wife Sandee of Dalton, GA.: Perry Thompson and wife Lin of Clayton, GA. Four grandchildren Laura, Lindsey, Matthew and William and three great-grandchildren Collin, Ayiana and Brently.

A celebration of life will be held at the Persimmon Baptist Church Fellowship Building from 1:00 P.M. To 4:00 P.M.Saturday June 15,2019 The family is at their respective residences.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Stephany Welch

Stephany Welch 38, of highway 76 east Clayton, Georgia., died June 11, 2019 at her sister’s home in Toccoa, GA., surrounded by her loving friends and family.

Born in Clayton Georgia November 2, 1980 she was the daughter of Theresa Moses and step-mother Elaine Welch and the late Steve welch. She worked in the Food Industry and was a member of Carver’s Chapel Baptist Church.

She is survived by besides her mother and step-mother by one son, Ethan Scott of Clayton, GA., two daughters, Zoe Welch and Maddison Welch of Clayton, GA., one brother, Steven Welch of Toccoa, GA., three sisters, Nichole Rice of Toccoa, GA., Misty Welch of Summersville, GA., and Greta Shackleford of Habersham County. Several nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

A memorial service will be held at Carver’s Chapel Baptist Church Saturday June 15, 2019 at 4:00 P.M. with Rev. Bryan Alexander officiating.

The family will receive friends at Carver’s Chapel Baptist Church Saturday June 15, 2019 from 3:00 P.M. To 4:00 P.M. (the service hour).

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com

Charlotte Irene Jones (Ramey)

Charlotte Irene Ramey Jones, 75, of Shadyside Drive Clayton, Georgia., died Monday June 10, 2019 at her residence. She was the widow of Verlon Jones.

Born in Rabun County Georgia., she was the daughter of the late Clayton M. Ramey and Irene Smith Ramey she was a self employed house keeper and was a member of the Chechero Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death, besides her parents, and husband by brothers-in-law Olan Carver and Allan Childers and is survived by two brothers, Clifton Ramey (Ouida) of Clayton, GA., and Harold Dennis (Elizabeth) of Tiger, GA., three sisters, Vivian Carver of Clayton, GA., Velma Childers of Clayton, GA., and Marsha Woods (Ralph) of Clayton, GA., several nephews, nieces and cousins also survive.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday June 12, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Carver officiating. Burial will follow at the Dixon Cemetery in the Chechero Community.

The body is at Hunter Funeral Home where family will receive friends Wednesday June 12, 2019 from 12:00 noon To 1:00 P.M. (the service hour). The family is at their respective residences.

Hunter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

An on-line obituary and guest register is available at www.hunterfuneralhomega.com