March 28, 1921 – January 02, 2019

Mrs. Thelma Whelchel, age 97, of Dahlonega went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

Mrs. Whelchel was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County.  She was born on March 28, 1921 to the late Raleigh and Fannie Trammell Walden.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Johnnie Whelchel and her brother Jeff Walden.

Mrs. Whelchel was a loving mother and grandmother.  She was loved and adored by her daughter and grandchildren who affectionately called her “Nannie”. Mrs. Whelchel was the oldest member of Antioch Baptist Church.  She was faithful to attend church and she loved the Lord and spent her life serving Him.

Survivors include her daughter Barbara Vickers, Oakwood; grandsons Johnnie Vickers (Gayle), Oakwood, and Greg Vickers (Teresa Anne), Jacksonville, FL; granddaughter Teresa K. Vickers (Michael Satterfield), Gainesville; grandson Warren Vickers (Mechelle), Cleveland; great-grandchildren Christopher Vickers (Caitlin), Susan Vickers, Kristen Vickers, Matthew Vickers, Zackary Vickers, and Johnnie Vickers; great-great-grandchildren William Vickers and Molly Claire Vickers; sisters-in-law Sue Walden and Betty Whelchel; special caregivers who will always hold a special place in our hearts, Evelyn Carroll and Judith Williams.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM Saturday, January 5, 2019 at Antioch Baptist Church.  The Rev. Bobby Whitmire will officiate.  Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery with the Rev. Clifford Allen officiating.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

Flowers are appreciated or you may make contributions to Hospice of Northeast GA Medical Center, Inc., 2150 Limestone Parkway, Suite 222, Gainesville, GA 30501, or a charity of your choice in memory of Mrs. Whelchel.

To share a memory of Mrs. Whelchel or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

December 21, 1952 – December 25, 2018

Mr. James Roger Mills, age 66, of Dawsonville passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2018.

Mr. Mills was born in Hall County on December 21, 1952 to the late Jewel Jake and Lorene Martin Mills.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers Pug Mills, Winford Mills, and Gene Mills. Mr. Mills was a welder and his grandchildren called him “Papa”.

Survivors include his wife Melissa Mills, Dawsonville; son Roger Lee Mills, Dawsonville; daughter and son-in-law April Lynn and Steven Dotson, Dahlonega; grandchildren Brandon Mills, Kaitlyn Mills, Gauge Dotson; sister and brother-in-law Charlene and James Moon; brother Gerald Mills, both of Gainesville; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mr. Mills wishes were to be cremated and no services will be held.

To share a memory of Mr. Mills or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

July 08, 1930 – December 08, 2018

Mrs. Eva Mae Brooksher, age 88, of Dahlonega passed away Saturday, December 8, 2018.

Mrs. Brooksher was born in Suches on July 8, 1930 to the late William Ed and Addie Jane Holloway Thompson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Johnnie Brooksher, sons Edward Brooksher and Tim Brooksher, sisters Ruth Lingerfelt and Barbara Sue Thompson, brothers Freeman Thompson, Fred Thompson, Lewis Thompson, and Leford Thompson.

Mrs. Brooksher was of the Holiness Faith.  She loved and adored her grandchildren, who affectionately called her “Granny Brooksher”. Gardening and cooking for her family were the things Mrs. Brooksher loved to do.  The words often spoken by her, “if you ain’t got God then you ain’t got nothing”, will forever be cherished by her family.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law Linda and Terry Bryan, Anchorage, AK; son and daughter-in-law Dennis and Sheila Brooksher, Dawsonville; daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Lamar Gaddis, Dawsonville; son and daughter-in-law Kenneth and Carolyn Brooksher, Clarkesville; son James Brooksher, Dahlonega; daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Larry Rund, Dawsonville; son Ray Brooksher, Dahlonega; daughter and son-in-law Mary and Danny Grizzle, Dahlonega; grandchildren Billy Brooksher, Chris Brooksher, Melanie Brooksher, Beth Ledford, Kim Chambers, Jonathan Bryan, Shelley Brooksher, John-Michael Brooksher, Justin Gaddis, Amanda McDonald, Shane Brooksher, Adrian Brooksher, Kalea Brooksher, Ariana Morgana, Jonathan Rund, David Keller, Chad Keller, Trenton Brooksher, and Tyler Grizzle; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Isabelle Butler and Eloise Thompson, both of Dahlonega; daughters-in-law Kathy Brooksher and Teresa Brooksher; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday, December 10, 2018 in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.  The Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate.  Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Mrs. Brooksher or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

January 07, 1936 – November 26, 2018

Mr. Bruce Henry Stringer, age 82, of Murrayville passed away Monday, November 26, 2018.

Bruce was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County.  He was born on January 7, 1936 to the late Colonel Henry and Catherine Stringer.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Jewell Stringer, grandson Chance Stringer, brothers Bob Stringer and Allen Stringer, and sister Shirley Cochran.  Bruce was a charter member of Solid Rock Baptist Church where he led the singing from the church’s beginning.  He sang gospel music for more than 50 years. Bruce sang with the Master’s Quartet, Galileeman Quartet, Master’s Trio, Southern Harmony and most recently with the Holmans.  His love for music was contagious and Bruce could bring up the volume on most any choir.

Survivors include his daughter and son in law Cindy and Reggie Powell, Murrayville; sons and daughters in law Tim and Becky Stringer, Marietta; and Cory and Marian Stringer, Waynesboro, VA; grandchildren Haley Powell (Joey), Conner Stringer, Caden Stringer, Jackson Stringer, Travis Powell, and Josh Powell; great grandchildren Major Powell, Tristen Powell, and Gracie Powell; sister Carol Housley, Dahlonega; brother and sister in law Barry and Ann Stringer, Mt. Olive, NC.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.  The Rev. Kevin Holman and the Rev. Jerry Goss will officiate.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Solid Rock Baptist Church, 7662 Hwy. 115 West, Cleveland, GA 30528, or to the church of your choice.

To share a memory of Bruce or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

March 10, 1967 – October 29, 2018

Mrs. Margie JoAnn Milum, age 51, of Dahlonega passed away Monday, October 29, 2018 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

JoAnn was born in Hall County on March 10, 1967 to the late Joe and Margie Reece Grindle.  She was also preceded in death by her husband Ricky “Jabo” Adams, son Daniel Milum and brothers Tony Grindle and Robert Reece.  JoAnn was called “Mamaw” by her precious granddaughter whom she adored. She loved to ride four-wheelers, swim and take trips to the beach.  JoAnn loved to take over-the-road trips and see the country with her husband “Jabo”.  She was a member of Mill Creek Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter and son in law Hayley and Dillion Gentry, Cleveland; granddaughter Sydni Gentry; sister and brother in law Lora and Bobby Grant, Dawsonville; sisters Brenda Sue Lester and Becky Hardin, both of Ellijay; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday, November 3, 2018 at Mill Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Joe Simmons will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of JoAnn or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

Katy Ruth Wells O’Neal

March 16, 1924 – May 8, 2019

In memory of Katy Ruth Wells O’Neal, age 95, of Cumming, Georgia entered into eternal life Wednesday, May 8, 2019. Mrs. O’Neal was born on March 16, 1924, in Royston, Georgia to the late Jesse L. Wells and Cordelia Winn Wells. She was a member of Fayetteville First United Methodist Church and a resident for many years at Gracemont Assisted Living in Cumming, Georgia. Ruth retired from Sears & Roebuck after 20 years in the credit department. She was known for her love for people and her hospitality. Mrs. O’Neal was preceded in death by her husband Ralph J. O’Neal, son, Ronald Wells O’Neal, grandson, Craig Preston O’Neal, brother, J. C. Wells, and sisters, Irene Jones, Sarah Wread, Dot Pece, and Francis Harvey. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Ed and Terrie O’Neal, of Cleveland, Georgia; daughter-in-law, Carol Bryant O’Neal, of Cumming, Georgia; former daughter-in-law Alana Cuthbertson O’Neal , of Temple, GA; sisters, Winnie Lowrey, Evelyn Burry, and Charlotte Long; grandchildren, Michael and Gina O’Neal, and Kathryn and Paul Rapalee; two great grandchildren, Stephen Rapalee and Nichole Rapalee, and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 11 from 10:00 AM til the funeral service at 12:00 noon in the Dahlonega Chapel of McDonald Family Funeral Homes, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 5755 Mallory Road, College Park, GA 30349. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jail Ministry at Helen First Baptist Church, Post Office Box 626, Helen, Georgia 30545 or to a charity of your choice in her name. Dahlonega Funeral Home, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 dahlonegafuneralhome.com

706-864-3683

A Division of McDonald Family Funeral Homes

Jo D Carder

January 02, 1929 – May 12, 2019

Mrs. Jo D Carder, age 90, of Dahlonega went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her beloved family on Sunday, May 12, 2019.

Mrs. Carder was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. She was born on January 2, 1929 to the late William and Harriett Abercrombie McClure. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Nathaniel Carder and brother James A. McClure. Mrs. Carder was the oldest living member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. She was a strong and loving mother having raised up four daughters all in the same way. Mrs. Carder was affectionately called grandmother by her grandchildren. She loved living on the farm she grew up on.

Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law Ann Carder and Tracy Grizzle, Dahlonega, Mary Jo and Russell Hester, Cleveland, Deborah and Ronald Couch, Clermont, and Gayle and Wayne White, Gainesville; sister Irene Hinson, Columbia, SC; sister-in-law Shirley McClure, Dahlonega; grandchildren Mike Smith and Dixie Truelove, David and Beth Smith, Lori Smith Baker, Jeremy Walters, DeEnna Walters, Jason and Stacie Couch, Amanda and Shane Grier, Matt and Catherine White, Courtney White and Daniel Byrnes, Laketa and Mike Cathey, and Katrina Hester and Joel Dockery; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. The Rev. Les Fuller and Mr. Mike Smith will officiate. Interment will follow in Philippi Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

Flowers are optional or contributions may be made to Philippi Baptist Church c/o Tracy Sutton, 217 Meadow Lane, Dahlonega, GA 30533 or Mt. Gilead Baptist Church c/o Jim McClure, P.O. Box 835, Dahlonega, GA 30533.

To share a memory of Mrs. Carder or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Georgia Mae Spradley

July 18, 1936 – May 05, 2019

Mrs. Georgia Mae Welch Spradley, age 82, of Dahlonega passed away Sunday, May 5, 2019.

Mrs. Spradley was born in Suches, GA on July 18, 1936 to the late George W. and Rev. Lillie Mae Tow Self. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Clyde Spradley, her first husband Leon Welch, son Juddy Troy Welch, granddaughter Johanna Welch Burns, great-grandson Chris Burns, brothers and sisters-in-law Alvin and Faye Self, and Charlie and Susie Self, and brothers-in law Albert Parison and Harold Ash.

Georgia Mae was a member of Harmony Church of God in Suches, GA until she moved her membership to Dahlonega Church of God (The Torch) where she remained a faithful member until the Lord called her home. She served in various ministries of the church. Georgia Mae started and directed the youth choir and she was the adult choir director for many years. She was instrumental in starting the gospel singing at Gold Rush by having her choir sing as part of the Sunday activities.

Georgia Mae lived in Kentucky and West Virginia for a number of years when her first husband, Leon Welch, was the supervisor for building major highways in our country. She was fortunate enough to be a stay-at-home mom to her three young boys. The mountains of north GA was always home for Georgia Mae. When she returned home her and her three boys worked together on the family farm. They always started early enough to leave time for fun the rest of the day. They loved to fish together and finding their own bait made it much more memorable.

After her boys were grown and with only an 8th Grade education, Georgia Mae decided to attend Real Estate School at Lanier Technical College. After receiving her real estate license, she established Georgia Gold Realty and she became a successful business woman. Georgia Mae was a broker, developer, and builder. She was hands-on and often used her own hands in the homes she developed. She loved and respected everyone that worked with her and for her.

All through her life Georgia Mae never lost her love for fishing. She would often leave work early, high-heels and all, to do a little fishing. Often, for a laugh, she told of fishing and chasing down a venomous snake and killing it with her high-heel shoes. Georgia Mae was a talented musician and she exposed her children to music and made sure it was a part of their lives.

Survivors include her son and fiancé Charlie George Welch and Melanie Jackson; son Jeffrey Leon Welch, both of Dahlonega; daughter-in-law Donna Welch Reed; grandchildren Stephen Welch, Jamie Welch and Todd Holford, Aaron and Dana Welch, Adam and Mary Welch, Caleb and Sami Welch, Haley Justus, Trahlita Welch, Charlie Leon Welch, T. J. Bruce, and Ryan Gee; great-grandchildren Kenny Page, Melinda Page, Joshua Welch, Nichlaus Welch, Hanna Holford, Sophia Welch, Olivia Welch, Hailey Welch, A. J. Welch, Adrian Page, Brianna Bryant, Tristan Bryant, Chandler Welch, and Kylie Jo Welch; sisters Dorothy Parison and Lena Ash, both of Dahlonega; brother and sister-in-law Ted and Connie Carver Self, Dahlonega; brother Jerry Self, Cornelia; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. P. L. Jones and the Rev. David Masters will officiate. Interment will follow in Dahlonega Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until the service hour Wednesday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Georgia Mae or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Carolyn Hill

April 25, 1936 – March 8, 2019

Carolyn Prickett Hill, 82, of Gainesville and formally of Dahlonega entered into eternal rest at her residence March 8, 2019. Carolyn was born April 25, 1936 in Harrison Arkansas, the daughter of the late Thomas Oscar Prickett (1896-1981) & Nannie Cady Varner Prickett (1894-1954). Or as she would say, “I was born in Arkansas to Georgia parents.”

Carolyn met the love of her life, Theron Haines Hill, while they were students at North Georgia College. Upon Haines’ graduatio…n from NGC, they were married June 10, 1956, and the couple began their life as a military family, traveling extensively across the United States, Europe and the Middle East. They had two children, Jeri and Keith.

The Hills returned to NGC in 1980 to finish his 28 years of active duty service in the US Army, as Professor of Military Science. The Hills were devout members of the Methodist Church and have always been active in the communities they lived in, including many philanthropic endeavors.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, and her step mother, Alice L Kilpatrick Baity Prickett (1906-1995)

Survivors include her husband of 62 years, two children, daughter, Jeri Lynn (Mike) McGhee, son, Keith Haines (Lisa) Hill, four grandchildren, Erin Lynn (Matt Durham) McGhee, Travis McGhee, Cassidy Diane (Steven) Kronenburg, Tyler Haines (Jessie) Hill, and five great-grandchildren; Bryce, Nolan, Evelynne, Kaden, Colton,

Carolyn will be greatly missed by her loving family and her many friends.

Arrangements are in the charge of McDonald Funeral Home of Dahlonega Georgia. A celebration of life will be 1pm Saturday March 16, 2019 at Dahlonega United Methodist Church, 107 S Park St., Dahlonega, GA 30533. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Interment will be at a later date with the immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in her name to The Carolyn Hill Softball Scholarship @ the University of North Georgia, P O Box 1599, Dahlonega GA, 30533

Kathy Davis

February 25, 1954 – February 16, 2019

Kathy Sarah Davis age 65 of Dahlonega passed away on February 16, 2019. She was a lifelong Dahlonega resident and member of Set Free Church. She loved drinking coffee and talking with her family and friends.

Ms. Davis is preceded in death by her parents Fred Davis and Lula Sandford Davis, her former husband Mack Mitchell Davis, sons Timothy and Gary Wayne Davis, siblings Vickie Bruce, Virginia Beasley, Carlton Davis, Charles Davis, and Betty Lou Davis.

Ms. Davis is survived by her daughter Becky Davis, her brother Grady Davis and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday February 21, 2019 at 6pm. Family will receive friends from 12pm until service time on Thursday.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com

Arrangements by the professional staff of Dahlonega Funeral Home 20 Gibson Road Dahlonega, GA 706-864-DOVE (3683) A division of McDonald Family Funeral Homes.

J.B. Ash

February 08, 1939 – February 13, 2019

Mr. J.B. Ash, age 80, of Dahlonega passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2019.

J.B. was born in Lithonia on February 8, 1939 to the late Hyatt L. and Maudell Reece Ash. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Leonard Ash, son-in-law Bryan Swain, and his granddaughter Annah Faith Robinson. J.B. served his country honorably in the United States Army. He will be greatly missed by his friend and sidekick “Emme” his Shih Tzu. J.B. was retired from Orkin Pest Control with 34 years of dedicated service to his customers. He had worked for several years with Coppermine Pest Control serving Lumpkin County and White County school systems and he was a part-time funeral assistant with Alexander Funeral Home. J.B. was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jo Ash; daughter Dawn Swain; daughter and son-in-law Melissa and Joel Robinson; grandchildren Andrew Swain and Emilee Robinson; sister Mary Ann Arrington; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. The Rev. Phillip Robinson, the Rev. Tim Hicks, and the Rev. Les Fuller will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors and the Rev. Roger Dunagan will be officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that contributions be made to Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Building Fund.

To share a memory of J.B. or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home

James Robert Wright

June 15, 1947 – February 05, 2019

Mr. James Robert Wright, age 71 of Dahlonega GA passed away on Tuesday February 5th at his residence. Born in Fulton County on June 15, 1947 to parents Robert Wiley Wright and Mary Clara Wilson Wright. James was a lifelong resident of Roswell and Dahlonega area. He went to Roswell Elementary and Roswell High School.

James was a veteran and proudly served in the Army, Air National Guard and Air Force. He was an honor graduate of the Communication and Southern Company Services.

He was a member of Masonic Lodge 129 of Roswell, GA being the sixth generation to join Roswell Lodge with his third great grandfather joining in the 1840’s.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his wife Betty Lou Dempsey Wright. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Janelle Anderson of Nichols, GA, Nancy Carol Wood of Cumming, GA, and Elizabeth Claire Garrett of Roswell, GA, his daughter Bonnie Rebecca Morning and son in law Thomas Morning, grandchildren Zachary Morning and Marlee Morning of Powder Springs, GA. Many other relatives also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday February 9th, 2019 at 1pm in the Chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home with Rev. Joseph (Bo) Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 11am until service time on Saturday. In lieu of flowers give to your local Humane Society.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com

Jenny Elaine Conner

August 13, 1955 – January 19, 2019

Mrs. Jenny Elaine Conner, age 63, of Dahlonega passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019.

Jenny was born in Lumpkin County on August 13, 1955 to the late Carlton and Alice Reid Tate.  She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church where she served as the pianist.  Jenny was retired from Lumpkin County School System where she taught 8^th Grade Social Studies.  She was a loving mother and grandmother who loved and adored her family.  Jenny loved Jesus with all her heart and was a selfless person putting others before herself.

Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Donald Conner; sons and daughters-in-law Jarad and Jessica Conner and Jeremy and Brittani Conner; grandson Paxton Conner; granddaughter Jacie Conner, all of Dahlonega.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Tuesday at Bethlehem Baptist Church.  The Rev. Michael Rodgers and the Rev. Nelson Conner will officiate.  Interment will follow in Bethlehem-Jones Chapel Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Jenny or a condolence with the family visit andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega, formerly Banister Funeral Home