Mrs. Dorothy Seabolt Aaron, age 73, of Dahlonega passed away Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at her residence with her family by her side.

Dorothy was born in Lumpkin County on September 10, 1944 to the late Marlow and Ella Waldrip Fortner. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband Wiley Seabolt, second husband Wayne Aaron, and son Ricky Seabolt. Dorothy was a loving mother and grandmother.  She loved to be with her family whenever she could.  Dorothy was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include her sons and daughters in law Jerry and Mary Seabolt, Alto; Luther and Rita Seabolt, Martin; and Danny and Debbie Seabolt, Athens; daughter Ruthie Webb, Toccoa; daughter in law Paula Seabolt; brothers Roy Fortner, George Watkins, and Johnny Cornell; sisters Dora Mae Hill, Rosa Lee Wade, and Sally Faye Smith; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A graveside service will be held 11AM Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Yahoola Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Dorothy or a condolence with the family visit banisterfuneralhome.net.

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald “Don” Alfred Vining announces his passing after a long illness on Wednesday, May 9, 2018, at the age of 73 years. Don will be lovingly remembered by his wife of four years, Elsie, and his children, Jeanne (Carl) Keller and Jim (Robyn) Vining. Don will also be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren, Jackson, Belle, and Luke, and by his sister Sally (Miles) Nelson. Don was predeceased by his father, Alfred Vining (1982), and mother, Marie Vining White (2007).

Don was born in Catskill, New York in 1944. He graduated from Windham-Ashland-Jewett (NY) Central School in 1961 and Roberts Wesleyan College (Rochester, NY) in 1965. He served as a New York State school teacher for 33 years in the towns of Frewsburg, Panama, and Randolph.

Don moved to north Georgia 14 years ago. He volunteered at the Lumpkin County Library, Meals on Wheels, and Community Helping Place. He participated in various poetry clubs and literary guilds. He was an active member and lector at St. Elizabeth Episcopal Church.

Don was perhaps best known by the public for his excellence in running. His college teams competed at nationals three times. After college he competed in road races for more than 50 years, including the Empire State games and the Boston and New York City Marathons. He won numerous races and race series throughout out the United Sates.

The family will have a visitation at 9:45am and a Funeral Eucharist at 11am on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Saint Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, 1188 Hamp Mill Road, Dahlonega, Georgia with The Rev. John Hamilton officiating. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers: donations may be made to Sunrise of Pasco County 12724 Smith Rd Dade City FL 33525 www.sunrisepasco.org or Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice, 2150 Limestone Pkwy, Ste 222, Gainesville, GA 30501

Mr. Paul Underwood Tritt, age 78 of Suches and Cumming passed away Thursday, April 26, 2018.

Mr. Tritt was born in Suches on July 16, 1939 to the late Lester and Bertha Lunsford Tritt. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Ruth Parker and brother Ralph Tritt. Mr. Tritt graduated from Woody Gap School and then served his country honorably in the United States Army. He was an ordained deacon and a member of Sharon Baptist Church. Mr. Tritt loved to repair T.V.’s and he could fix anything.

Survivors include his wife, of 55 years, Rosa Tritt, Suches and Cumming; daughter and son in law Robin and Barry Bagley, Suches; granddaughters Kayla Bagley, Florida; and Crystal Bagley, Suches; sisters Pauline Lovell, Gainesville; and Irene Porter, Suches; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 PM Sunday at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church (The Hill Church) Number 2. The Rev. William Phillips, the Rev. Charles Blackstock, and the Rev. Steve Rhoden will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Mr. Tritt or a condolence with the family visit banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Mrs. Sudie Ann Peace, age 44, of Monroe, Georgia passed away on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital, in Athens following an extended illness. Sudie was born in Hall County on April 7, 1974. She had lived in Monroe the past eighteen years. She was a graduate of Lumpkin County High School and held certificates as a CNA and early childhood education. She enjoyed following her son’s music career. Sudie was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Singletary. She is survived by her parents, Earl (Michelle) Singletary and Martha Sue Beck, husband, Joe Peace, Monroe, children; Jobe Andrew Fortner, Nashville, TN, Jason Lance Peace, Monroe, brother; Thomas Eugene (Sherry) Ross, Dahlonega, sisters; Melissa (Paul) Carruth, Dahlonega, Rebecca (Jerry) Leaphart, Flowery Branch, Robyn (Kody) Ledbetter, Flowery Branch, and Rachel (Ryan) George, Canton.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, April 30, 2018 in the chapel of Dahlonega

Funeral Home with Rev. Tommy Ross and Rev. Brian Widmer officiating. The family will receive

Friends Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and on Monday from noon until

service hour.

Mrs. Juanita Ravan, age 70, of Dahlonega passed away Monday, April 2, 2018 at her home with her husband and three daughters by her side.

Mrs. Ravan was born in Red Banks, TN on March 13, 1948. She was preceded in death by her mother Vera Cochran Beasley, twin sister Lolita Stafford, sister Lavonda Stafford, brothers Hershel Beasley and William “Popeye” Beasley.  Mrs. Ravan loved to fish and she loved her fur babies Tinker Bell, Midnight, Lucky, Bella, and Sweet Pea, but nothing could compare to her love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was a member of Yahoola Baptist Church.

She is survived by her husband of almost 49 years Ronald Ravan, Dahlonega; daughter Gloria Pressley, Dahlonega; daughters and sons in law Darlene and Marty Pugh, Jefferson; Teresa “Tootie” and Jeff Grizzle, Dahlonega; sister Dorothy Stafford Beck, Cleveland, TN; brother Franklin Stafford, Ellijay; grandchildren Alisha Rene Baker, Mairanda Lee Baker, Nolan Pugh, Kinsie Pugh, Paydon and Maranda Grizzle, Trinity Grizzle, Javion Grizzle, Cloe Grizzle and Skyler Grizzle; great grandchildren Savannah Lee Tanner, Logan Grizzle, Sutton Grizzle, Bentley Pike, Jaxton Black, and Urijah Black.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Thursday, April 5, 2018 in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home. The Rev. Bobby Whitmire will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.  Mrs. Ravan’s wishes were to be cremated after the service.

Online condolences may be made to the family at banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Mr. David Odell Colson, age 46, of Murrayville passed away Thursday, March 29, 2018.

David was born in Atlanta on February 23, 1972. He was preceded in death by his mother Susan Hall.  David was a carpenter.  Although he was not very religious, David was a very spiritual man.  He was the funniest guy you might ever meet.  David loved the outdoors, NASCAR Racing, watching NFL, and riding his motorcycles. He was a man that was passionate in his convictions.  David was a loving, gentle, kind, giving, and, in the words of his baby girl, “beautiful” soul.

David is survived by his wife Lori Clark, Murrayville; son Jacob Cook, Dahlonega; daughters Carson Oliver, Spokane, WA and Isabella Colson, Dawsonville; father David Everett Colson, Lakeland, FL; brother and sister in law Ike and Dianna Hall, Atlanta; sister and brother in law Tracie and Tommy Summers, Lyons; and sister Nicole Storms, Spokane, WA.

David’s wishes were to be cremated and a celebration of his life will be scheduled at a later date.

Online condolences may be made to the family at banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega.

Mr. Jerry Lee Grizzle, age 77, of Dahlonega, GA passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2018.

Mr. Grizzle was born April 28, 1940 in Lumpkin County to the late Arthur Grizzle and Ollie Lance Grizzle. Jerry was a member of Cavenders Creek Baptist Church and he attended faithfully until his passing. He enjoyed woodworking and tending honeybees. He loved his dog Sandi and fishing. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Dorsey Grizzle, Albert Grizzle, Hubert Grizzle, J.D. Grizzle and sisters, Bonnie Fortner and Faye Fortner.

Survivors include his wife of almost 57 years, Glenda Sue Grizzle, Dahlonega; son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Rosa Grizzle, Dahlonega; son, Nathaniel Grizzle, Dahlonega; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Arthur and Cathy Sanford, Dahlonega; grandchildren, Chase Lee Grizzle and Bridget Ann Grizzle, Dahlonega. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Cavenders Creek Baptist Church. The Rev. Stephen Adams and the Rev. Joe Hulsey will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1-9 PM Friday at the funeral home. Flowers are appreciated, but donations to Cavenders Creek Baptist Church in memory of Jerry are preferred.

Online condolences may be made to the family at banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. George Marvin Brown, age 63, of Dahlonega, GA passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018 in Dahlonega, GA due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

George was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County.  He was born on February 1, 1955 to the late Robert Clyde Brown and Leila Estelle Peck Brown.  In addition to his parents he was also preceded in death by brothers, Hoyt, Cecil, Johnny, and Richard Brown; sisters, Bessie Stancil, Joyce Arnold, Robbie Brown, Edith Brown, and Vera Brown; and an infant brother.  George was the Hatchery Supervisor at Tyson Hatchery in Dahlonega for 45 years.

George is survived by his wife, Tammie Brown, also of Dahlonega, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Heath and Ashley Brown, of Cumming, GA; daughter, Kelli Brown, of Dahlonega, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Larry Reed, of Dawsonville, GA; brother in law and sister in law, Eddie and Pam Littlejohn, of Dahlonega, GA; father-in-law, Ralph Littlejohn, of Dahlonega, GA; grandchildren, Skylar and Aidan Brown, of Cumming, GA. Numerous other relatives also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 21, 2018 at the chapel of Banister Funeral Home. The Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 Noon to 8:00 PM Tuesday and 10:00 AM until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega, GA is in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Stella Faye Fortner, age 87, of Dahlonega went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 with her two daughters by her side.

Mrs. Fortner was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. She was born on March 9, 1930 to the late Arthur and Ollie Grizzle.  In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Billy Fortner, son in law David Grizzle, brothers Dorsey Grizzle, Albert Grizzle, Hubert Grizzle and J. D. Grizzle, and sister Bonnie Fortner.  Mrs. Fortner was a proud member of the McDonald’s Breakfast Club. She retired from Southern Switches.  Mrs. Fortner was a loving mother and grandmother. She was a member of Concord Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter Myrtle Grizzle; daughter and son in law Joyce and Neal Head; brother and sister in law Jerry and Glenda Grizzle, all of Dahlonega; grandchildren Michael and Valarie Grizzle, Brad and Sharon Head, Jeff and Angel Grizzle and Cindy and Jeff Underwood; great grandchildren Logan and Allison Head, Claudia Head, Samuel Underwood, MaryAnn Underwood, Jordan Grizzle and Megan Grizzle; special care giver Paulette Parks; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Friday, March 9, 2018 at Yahoola Baptist Church. The Rev. Kris Butler and the Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate.  Interment will follow in Concord Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Thursday at the funeral home and on Friday until time of the service.

Online condolences may be made to the family at banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Mrs. Sallie V. Edwards, age 80, of Dahlonega passed away Sunday, July 22, 2018.

Mrs. Edwards was born in Mississippi on April 2, 1938. She was preceded in death by her parents, all of her siblings, and her husband George Vernon Edwards. Mrs. Edwards lived in Lumpkin County for many years.  She was a volunteer for many organizations and she was a homemaker for most of her life.  Mrs. Edwards was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include her children Crystal and Gasper Lopez, Sandy and Timothy Keys, Bonnie Sue and Ricky Loggins, and Martha and Harold Price; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A private memorial and interment will be held at a later date.

To share a memory of Sallie or a condolence with the family visit banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Mrs. Joan Sullens Stephens, age 59, of Dahlonega passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at her residence with her family by her side.

Joan was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. She was born August 28, 1958 to the late James Edward “Babe” Sullens and Lona Bessie Grindle. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Sylvester Sisk, sister Velva Bruce, and brother Sherman “Chub” Sullens.

Joan loved her family dearly and was affectionately called “Nanny Joan”. She worked as a caretaker at Gold City Nursing Home. Joan was of the Baptist Faith.

Survivors include her husband of 41 years, eight months and one day, Ralph Wesley Stephens; son Christopher William Sullens; son and daughter in law Bobby and Jennifer Stephens, all of Dahlonega; sisters and brothers in law Lucy and Jim Carrier, Dawsonville, and Virginia and Robert Gibson, Dahlonega; brothers and sisters in law Tommy and Linda Sisk, Dahlonega, and Herman and Frances Sullens, Murrayville; grandchildren Gracie Sullens, Christopher Sullens, Gage Sullens, Matt Stephens, Glen Garner, Bobby Austin Stephens, and James Jeremiah Stephens; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Saturday, July 21, 2018 in the chapel of Banister Funeral Home. The Rev. Ken Grindle will officiate. Interment will follow at Philippi Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM Friday at the funeral home.

To share a memory of Joan or a condolence with the family visit banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega