Liz Hamrick
Nancy Elizabeth “Liz” Ridings Hamrick, 81, passed away on August 30, 2026. Liz was born on December 15, 1944 to Lucille (née Blackwell) and Willis Ridings. In 1961, she married Albert Hamrick, to whom she was married for 57 years until his death in 2019.
For more than 30 years, Liz worked at Pickens High School. She delighted in serving as a face of the school in the front office and building relationships with generations of students and staff. Liz also loved creative pursuits and was known for her skill at decorating interiors, producing beautiful floral arrangements, and creating Christmas crafts, including custom-painted cookies that she made each year with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
After her retirement, Liz continued to devote herself to caring for and spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Joe) Thompson and Kelly (Bill) Eubanks; her grandchildren, Katie (Matthew) Grayson, Will (Ryan) Eubanks, Lucy (Ben) Laird, Joseph Thompson, and John Thompson; her great-grandsons, Teddy and Bertie Grayson, Beckett and Campbell Eubanks, and Mack and Rider Laird; a great-granddaughter expected to Will and Ryan in January 2027; and a large, loving extended family.
In addition to her husband and parents, Liz was also preceded in death by her brother, Heard Ridings and her sisters, Mary Ann Brown and Betty Bozeman.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Baptist Church of Jasper.
The family will receive friends on September 10, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Jasper for visitation at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Reba Padgett
Reba Ovalene Padgett, 89, of Jasper, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at her home. She was born October 15, 1936 to Lee Albert and Tuskie Grizzle in Talking Rock, Georgia.
Reba is survived by her daughter, Karen West of Jasper; grandson, Daniel West (Kendra) of White; granddaughter, Chelsi Idalia Castro of Columbus; great-granddaughter, Tatum West of White; great-grandson, Lucas Castro of Columbus; special friends, Marilyn and Wade Forrester of Tate, Demeris Berner of Concord, and Diane Young of Jasper.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Freeman Padgett, Jr.; son, Avery Padgett; siblings, Wesley Grizzle, Willis Grizzle, J. B. Grizzle, Aslee Moore, Ruby Grisham, and Marie Gifford.
Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2026 in the Chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Reverend Harold Cantrell and Reverend Charles Holbert officiating. Interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. (1140 West Church Street; Jasper, GA 30143)
The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home Wednesday, September 2 from 9 a.m. until the funeral hour.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org or Georgia Mountains Hospice at 70 Caring Way; Jasper, Georgia 30143.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
Betty Brooks
The family would like to announce that the Memorial Service for Betty Brooks will be held on Saturday, Oct 3rd at 2 p.m., at the First Baptist Church in Jasper (198 East Church Street.)
Alece and David Winters
David Earl Winters, 77, of Jasper, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at his home. His wife, Alece Ann Winters, 74, passed away on August 25, 2026, in Marietta, Georgia.
David was born on March 18, 1949, in Marietta, Georgia, to the late Earl Winters and Ruth Barrett. Alece was born on November 1, 1951, in McCaysville, Georgia, to the late Atley and Dorine Pope Cole.
David was a Licensed Electrician and owned and operated Service Specialty Electric for many years. He enjoyed bass fishing on the lake and making his own fishing lures and baits. He also enjoyed making knives and sheaths, hand-sewing each one himself.
Alece retired from Walmart after more than twenty years of service. She loved flowers, the beach, lighthouses, and spending time in the mountains. She especially loved spending time with her family and was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
David and Alece are survived by their daughters, Shelly Morrow (Tony) and Alesha Watkins (Justin); grandchildren, Brandon Esparza (Kayla), Matthew Esparza (Naomi), Brady McCollum, Gracie Watkins, Sophia Watkins, Levi Morrow, and Dalton Morrow; and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Alece is also survived by her siblings, Zada Matthews (Bill), Cathy Jones (Billy), Danny Cole, and Hilda Parker (Sam). David is survived by his siblings, Gail Hart, Suzan Dobson, Richard Barrett, Cathy Prince, Junior Winters, James Winters, Shane Winters, and Mike Loner. They are also survived by many other relatives and friends.
David and Alece shared many years together and built a family that meant everything to them. Their family will remember the time they spent together, their love of the mountains and Dollywood, and most of all, the love they had for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held on Friday, August 28, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Akins-Cobb Blue Ridge Chapel, with Pastor Tony Morrow officiating. Music was provided by John Heard, Kathy Wilbanks, and Lisa Long. Interment was held privately in the Sunrise Tabernacle Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Brandon Esparza, Matthew Esparza, Brady McCollum, Easton Esparza, Justin Watkins, Danny Cole, Billy Jones, Gracie Watkins, and Sophia Watkins.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com.
Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA was in charge of these arrangements.
Winnie and Tom Holley, Jr.
Winnie C. Holley, 86, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. She was born on July 14, 1940, in Whitestone, Georgia, to David Champion and Dorothy Gartrell, and was the first baby ever born at Roper Hospital—an early milestone that marked the beginning of a life filled with joy, service, and devotion.
Winnie dedicated her career to teaching, shaping countless young lives with patience and kindness. After retiring, she embraced the things she loved most: traveling with her husband, taking mission trips, gardening, and cooking for family and friends. Her creativity, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith were evident in everything she did.
Winnie’s beloved husband, Thomas W. Holley, Jr., passed away on Monday, March 30, 2020. Due to Covid restrictions, the family was unable to hold a service at that time. Tom was born on May 8, 1938, to Faye and Thomas Holley, Sr. He taught high school math and coached softball before his career as a computer programmer. He retired from Lockheed and devoted much of his life to missions, leading numerous trips to Costa Rica and Hungary. He found joy in hunting, fishing, and serving others, and his enthusiasm and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
The love Winnie and Tom shared for their grandchildren was unmatched. Winnie always had crafts, activities, and special projects prepared for their visits, creating treasured memories. Tom was always ready for adventure—willing to do anything and everything the grandchildren dreamed up. Together, they built a legacy of love, laughter, and faith that will continue through the generations.
Both were deeply committed to their church families. Winnie was a joyful member of the Solid Rock Singers at Woodstock Baptist Church, and Tom served faithfully as an interim Youth Director at Roswell Street, where he also taught Sunday School. Their lives were a testament to their devotion to the Lord and their desire to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Winnie and Tom are survived by their daughters, Lori LeRoy and Kerry Long; and their grandchildren, David LeRoy, Kelly LeRoy, Chris Long, Emily Long, Lauren Long, Kyle Long, and Neylan Long. Winnie is also survived by her sister, Lydia (Jimmy) Hullender, and her brother, Randy (Freeda) Cumbee. They are preceded in death by a stillborn son; Winnie’s sisters, Nancy (Ernie) Howze and Jill McMurrian; and Tom’s sister, Jeanne (Frank) Mosley.
Mrs. Holley will be laid to rest beside her husband at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Jasper, Georgia.
A Celebration of Life honoring both Winnie and Tom will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at First Baptist Church Woodstock. Rev. Jim Law and Rev. Samuel McLeary will officiate. The family receive friends before the service from 2-3 p.m. at the church.
Cagle Funeral Home and Sunrise Memorial Gardens are honored to serve the Holley family.
Frank Mack
Frank Mack, 71, of Jasper, Georgia, passed away peacefully after a life filled with strength, memories, and the love of family. Born on July 3, 1955, Frank was originally from Chicago, Illinois, but called Georgia home for more than 40 years.
Frank proudly served in the United States Marine Corps during the 1970s. His military service was an important part of his life and reflected his courage, dedication, and strength.
Frank enjoyed the simple things in life, especially playing pool, cooking, watching professional football, and his travels across the country over 20 years with Bonnie. These were some of the things that brought him happiness and gave him many moments to enjoy.
Family was an important part of Frank’s life. He remained in contact with his cousins, who shared memories and special times with him over the years. Frank also carried the memory of his beloved daughter, Sonia Mack, who passed away in 2002.
Frank was also blessed with an extended family who loved him dearly. He shared a special love with his partner Bonnie her daughter Crystal, her husband, and their two children, Cappe and Cetta. He loved Cappe and Cetta dearly, and the special memories they shared with him will always be treasured.
Though he may no longer be with us, Frank’s memory will live on through his family and the many lives he touched. His stories, his memories, and the love he shared will continue to be cherished.
Rest peacefully, Frank. You will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
Arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.
