Lawton Baggs
David Lawton Baggs, 88, of Jasper died February 5, 2023, after an extended illness.
Born in Blackshear, Georgia, in 1934, he was the son of Ralph and Cleo Baggs and the eldest of nine children. He was pre-deceased by his parents, his wife Maxine Baggs, to whom he was married for 56 years, and siblings, Emory Baggs, Marion Baggs, Stanford Baggs and Melba Baggs Walters.
As a youngster, Mr. Baggs lived in McIntosh, Liberty, Wayne and Pierce counties. After spending his youth working on farms and in tobacco fields, he graduated from Blackshear High School and attended Young Harris College, from which he earned a teaching degree. He would later earn multiple advanced graduate degrees in education from the University of Georgia.
After graduating from Young Harris, Mr. Baggs began a career in public education that spanned 50 years and included working as both a classroom teacher and a school administrator. He worked in school systems in Pierce, Lumpkin, Forsyth, Pickens and Cherokee counties. He was a former principal of Pickens High School and a former Cherokee County Teacher of the Year. He was instrumental in developing one of the early career education curriculums for the state in the late 1960s and was among the first group of teachers for P.E.C.E (Program for Educational Career Exploration). His career in education touched the lives of thousands of people.
Mr. Baggs moved to the Pickens County area in 1973 and became active in many community events and worthy causes. He was an ardent supporter of the Marble Valley Friends and was honored with induction into that group’s Hall of Fame in 2017. He was active in the Jasper Lions Club for many years, and was one of the founding members of the Pickens County Service Club. He was an active member of the Tater Patch players for several years, and once wrote a play about the founding of Ball Ground which was performed as part of a historic celebration. He also served as a member of the county’s library board. And on more than one occasion he entertained those in attendance at Jasper’s annual Christmas celebration by reading “T’was the Night Before Christmas” to the crowd.
A passionate believer in volunteering, he helped raise money for dozens of worthy causes, sold thousands of charity raffle tickets, manned concession stands, volunteered for traffic control, helped at food pantries, sold and delivered onions, collected used eyeglasses, worked with youth groups, and gave of his time in dozens of additional ways for the betterment of the community.
He served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and Benevolence Committee member at Cool Springs Church.
He loved to feed people, and often was found directing the efforts of those cooking for fundraising efforts, as well as hosting an annual community barbecue at his home for more than 40 years in conjunction with neighbor Ed Stephens.
More than anything, he relished time spent with family, from huge family reunions to simple “Sunday lunches with Pa,” he savored every minute spent with those he loved.
He is survived by sons, Norman (Brennice) Baggs of Sugar Hill, and Kenton (Stephanie) Baggs of Jasper; a brother, Gerald Baggs of Brunswick; sisters, Joyce Waters of Brunswick, Glenda Baggs of Blackshear, and Barbara (Doug) Maple of Cedar Key, Florida; mother-in-law, Marie D. Holt of Ellijay; grandchildren, Thor Baggs, Karina Haney, Alexa Baggs of Jasper; step-grandchildren, Jamie Hall of Jersey, Cansey Cash Contreras of Flowery Branch; great-grandchildren, Cydney Haney of Jasper, TK Haney of Jasper, Kasey Jackson of Sugar Hill, Hannah Cash of Sugar Hill, Lucia Cash of Sugar Hill; great-great-grandchildren, Kennedy Jackson of Sugar Hill and Conrad Jackson of Sugar Hill. Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law also survive.
The family will host visitors at Roper Funeral Home in Jasper on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Services will be at the funeral home on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marble Valley Friends or Cool Springs Baptist Church in Tate.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Jodi Lillard
Jodi D. Lillard, age 25, of Pickens County, passed away Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. She was born January 14, 1998 to Jeff and Regina Lillard in Jasper.
Jodi is survived by her father and step-mother, Jeff and Diane Lillard of Ranger; brothers, Jesse Lillard of Ranger, Josh Lillard (Viv) of Jasper, Joey Lillard (Amanda) of Ellijay, Jeremy Lillard of Ranger, Jeffery Lillard of Ranger; step-sister, Heather Kirby (Josh) of Carrollton; step-brothers, Ty Benedict (Teresa) of Powder Springs, Matt Benedict (Liz) of Crabapple; grandmother, Susie Smith of Dahlonega; three nephews; and eight nieces.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Regina Smith Lillard.
Services were held at 3 p.m., Sunday, February 5, 2023 in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Pastor Will Taylor officiating.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Frederick Monsour
Frederick A. Monsour, 77, an Army Veteran of Canton, Georgia passed away on January 20th, 2023.
Inurnment will take place at Georgia National Cemetery at a later date.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals and Cremations.
Dan Huth
Dan (Chandler) Huth of Bent Tree, passed peacefully on 02/07/23, at age 84. He was born in Valders, WI (12/04/1938), and raised on Anna Maria Island, FL.
He had a lifelong career in radio, TV, movies and commercials. He was insatiably curious, and loved learning. He was an avid reader, writer, song writer and photographer. He enjoyed volunteering and was a supporter of The Boys and Girls Clubs and the Community Thrift Store. He lived an amazing life, helped many people and families, was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a mentor, counselor and friend to those who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but friends and family know he is finally at rest with The Lord.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Penny, his brother John, his two sons (Brian and Paul), and four grandsons (Dallas, Judson, Spencer, and Robert). If you wish to remember Dan, please contribute to The Boys and Girls Club of Jasper. No services are planned at this time.
Ronny Forrester
Ronny B. Forrester, 78, of Jasper, Georgia passed away Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wendom and Oshie Bryan Forrester. Mr. Forrester retired from the Georgia Marble Company.
Survivors include his wife, Mamie Forrester; son and daughter-in-law; David and Carol Ann Forrester of Jasper; grandchildren, Isabella Grace Forrester, Sara Alice Forrester of Jasper, and Jacob; sisters-in-law, Rebecca Forrester and Colleen Mullinax. Several nieces also survive.
Funeral service was at 2 p.m., Monday, February 6th at the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Reverend Alan Day officiating.
The family request in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
LeRoy Wilson
November 22, 1943 – February 4, 2023
LeRoy “Lee” Joseph Wilson passed away February 4th, 2023, with family by his side after a brief illness.
Lee was born to Reginald and Angeline Wilson on November 22, 1943, in Milwaukee, WI, graduating from Rufus King High School in 1961 and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1969.
Lee is survived by his wife Evelyn “Vicki” of 29 years, daughter Laura Murdaugh (Trey) of Charleston, SC, son David Wilson (Amanda) of Nashville, TN, his sister, Mary Krohn of Reading, PA, three grandchildren Thomas Hudson Wilson, Ellie Starr Murdaugh, and Grace Leah Murdaugh.
He is preceded in death by his twin brother Leslie “Les” Wilson, brother Tom Wilson (Mary), and sister Joan Scherrer.
Lee started his career with IBM while still in college. This 3rd shift internship turned into a lifelong career that eventually brought him to Marietta, Georgia. He retired after 36 years with IBM as the Director of Education and Instructional Design. He enjoyed the game of golf and spent many hours on his home course in Bent Tree. This course was a love of his and he dedicated many hours working to enhance the course features.
The funeral will be held Friday, February 10th at 11 a.m. at Fellowship Presbyterian Church, at 389 Bent Tree Dr. Jasper, GA 30143, with a luncheon to follow at Bent Tree’s Club Tamarack.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lee’s name to The Alzheimer Foundation or the Bent Tree Benevolent Fund.
Cagle Funeral Home is honored to serve the Wilson family.
T.C. Childers Jr.
April 17, 1990 – January 31, 2023
Mr. T.C. Childers, 32, of Jasper, passed away Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital.
Mr. Childers is survived by his mother and stepfather, Patricia & Gary Hall of Ranger; father, Tony Craig Childers, Sr. of Jasper; brothers, Noah Childers of Ranger, and Jeremy Childers of Ranger; sisters and brothers-in-law, Shelby & Jerry Lindsay of Jasper, Brittany & Bobby Buttrum of Jasper, and Megan Voyles of Jasper; grandmothers, Pearlean Childers, and Bertha Mahan; uncles, Sidney Mahan, Wilburn Childers, and Phil Childers; aunt, Brenda Mahan.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Tommy Voyles.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Cagle Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Joseph Hightower and Annette Cross, officiating.
Interment was at Ludville Church of Jesus Christ Cemetery, following the funeral service.
Pallbearers: Jerry Lindsay, Bobby Buttrum, Jon Schell, Sidney Mahan, Russell Schell, and Collin Lindsay. Honorary pallbearers: James Chumley and Josh Beck.
Cagle Funeral Home is honored to serve the Childers family.
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Becky Mulkey
March 14, 1952 – February 2, 2023
Mrs. Becky Mulkey, 70, of Jerusalem Community, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2023 at her residence.
Mrs. Mulkey is survived by her son Jerry Gay & (Mallory Perrin) of Jasper; daughter, Cathy Gay of Jasper; stepsons, Roger Mulkey of Jasper, and Dewayne Ray of Jasper; five grandchildren, Rick & (Trista) Cofflin, Britney Cofflin & (Thomas Martinez), Preston Cofflin, Mackenzie & (Bailey) Cofflin, and Jessica Mulkey; seven great-grandchildren, Errol, Ripley, Xavier, Everest, Arwen, Normani, and Winry; several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 4, 2023 at Sunrise Memorial Gardens, with Rev. Lane Wright officiating.
Pallbearers: Ricky Cofflin, Britney Cofflin, Preston Cofflin, Mackenzie Cofflin, Kim Smith, and Thomas Martinez.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cagle Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.
Cagle Funeral Home is honored to serve the Mulkey family.
John Waddell Jr.
John Robert “Speedy” Waddell Jr, 63, of Marble Hill, passed away Friday, February 3, 2023 at his home. He was born August 14, 1959 to John Robert Waddell Sr. and Francis Bazemore in Atlanta, Georgia.
John is survived by his wife, Lori Waddell of Marble Hill; daughter, Amanda Long; son, Nathaniel John Waddell of Dawsonville; Jennifer Lynn Waddell of Jasper; daughter-in-law, Mandalyn Waddell of Jasper; sister and brother-in-law, Sherri and Steve Harmon of Dawsonville; brother, Raymond Scott Waddell of Buckhead; grandchildren, Tristan Sumpter, Lily Sumpter; niece, June Rose Harmon of Dawsonville; nephew, Jason and Jeni Harmon of Dacula; niece, Amanda Dawn Scarberry of Greensboro; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ralph and Nancy Lynn of Waynesboro; and his dog Pixie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Joella Forest
July 15, 1947 – February 5, 2023
Mrs. Joella Forest, 75, of Jasper, passed away Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Grandview Health Care Center.
Mrs. Forest is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher L. & Britney Forest of Jasper; son and his girlfriend, Larry Chester Forest & Brittany Padgett of Jasper; brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy & Beth Totherow of Jasper; sisters and brothers-in-law, Dottie & Richard Hamby of Nelson, Marie & Jr. McTaggart of Nelson, and Martha & Terry Ray of Ball Ground; grandchildren, Gatlin Forest and Carter Forest.
A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date at Nelson Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to American Heart Association.
Cagle Funeral Home is honored to serve the Forest family.
David LeSesne
July 21, 1958 – February 1, 2023
Mr. David LeSesne, 64, of Jasper, passed away Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital.
Mr. LeSesne is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, David Monroe & Alexandra Kizer LeSesne; daughter and son-in-law, Amanda Rose & Chris Boone; mother and father, Thomas & Rebecca Merritt; brother, Paul Anthony Merritt; sister, Deborah Lynn Stancil; grandchildren, Mason Andrew Boone, Ava Rose Boone, Kellyann Grace LeSesne, and Gabriel Monroe LeSesne; and his lifelong best friend, Laurel Ann LeSesne.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Tammy Alisa Merritt.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Cagle Funeral Home Chapel, with Thomas Merritt officiating.
Cagle Funeral Home is honored to serve the LeSesne family.
Steve Wadley
Steve B. Wadley, 65, of Ellijay, Georgia passed away on January 20th, 2023.
A service was held on January 25th, 2023 at St. James United Methodist Church.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper.
Burness Stormes
Burness R. Stormes, 86, of Jasper, Georgia passed away on January 22nd, 2023.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals and Cremations.
John Jorgensen
John T. Jorgensen, 79, an Army Veteran of Jasper, Georgia passed away on January 24th, 2023.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals and Cremations.
Julian Lewis
Julian L. Lewis, 71, of Blairsville, Georgia passed away on January 24th, 2023.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals and Cremations.
Mack Little
Mack “Bengie” Little, 47, of Jasper, Georgia passed away on January 26th, 2023.
A service was held on February 1st, 2023 in the chapel of In Their Honor.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals and Cremations.
Shane King
Shane King, 50, of Ellijay, Georgia passed away on January 26th, 2023.
A service was held on January 28th, 2023 in the chapel of In Their Honor.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals and Cremations.
James Brewer
James L. Brewer, 84, of Big Canoe, Georgia passed away on January 27th, 2023.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Care and trust was placed with In Their Honor of Jasper Funerals and Cremations.
Card of Thanks
A simple “thank you” just does not seem to capture how truly grateful and thankful we are for how the community rallied around our family during this challenging time. But, thank you. A big thank you to Pickens County EMS for the compassion that you have always shown to not just Cody but to our family.
We are so appreciative of the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office and their commitment to making sure Cody’s ride to his final resting place was both peaceful and beautiful. Thank you to Cagle Funeral Home for taking care of our family. Thank you to Rev. Harold Cantrell and Rev. James Thompson for a heartfelt service that left all of us with a feeling of peace. A special thank you to all the pallbearers and singers. To all of our family and friends, thank you. Your thoughts and prayers were felt and continue to be felt every day.
Thank you for loving our boy,
Mark and Angie Jones, Jeff and Haley Huong
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