Dr. James Conn Parker, age 76, Dawsonville, GA, passed away October 5, 2019 at 6:10 AM after an extended illness. He was a twenty six year resident of Dahlonega, GA from 1975-2001. The family will receive friends Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 12 to 2 PM with a 2PM funeral service in the Chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home. Interment will follow at 3PM, Friday, October 11, 2019 at Oaknoll Memorial Gardens, Rome, GA. James “Jim” “Jimmy” Conn Parker was born in Rome, Floyd County, GA on March 25, 1943, the youngest son of Rembert Otis Parker and Hazel Emma Currence Parker. He was preceded in death by parents and brother, Charles Currence Parker. Dr. Parker is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-three years, Mary Carol Hairston Parker, and daughters, Amy Carol Parker and Carrie Elizabeth Podgurski (Kenneth); brother, Edward “Ed” Otis Parker (Ginger) of Rome, GA. and a number of nieces and nephews. Jim attended the Rome City Schools and graduated in 1961 from West Rome High School. As a youth, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America, receiving the Eagle Scout Award in 1957, followed by four Eagle Palms, and earned a total of 51 Merit Badges. Continuing his education, he attended Shorter College in Rome, GA. He graduated in 1965 with a B.A. Degree in Biology. After graduation, he was awarded a National Defense Education Act Fellowship to attend the graduate School at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, VA, 1965-1968. From 1968-1971, he was employed with the Department of Biology at VPISU as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. He received the Ph.D. degree in Zoology in 1971. From 1971-1973, he worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Instructor at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Then from 1973-1975 he was employed as Assistant Professor of Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, NC. From 1975-2005, he was employed with the Department of Biology, North Georgia College & State University (now UNG.) He retired as a full Professor of Biology in 2005 after 30 years of service becoming Professor Emeritus of Biology. He had taught a number of courses in biology over the years, including General Biology, General Zoology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, General Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Vertebrate Zoology, Human Physiology, Human Histology, Medical Parasitology, and Wildlife Biology. Many of his students were Nursing students, Biology majors, Physical Therapy students and Graduate students, as well as those preparing for other medical and health-related fields. Upon his retirement in 2005, Dr. Parker was honored by the University of North Georgia for the design and development of the Hurricane Creek Wildlife Conservation area, a 62-acre tract of isolated University property bordering on the Etowah River in Lumpkin County, GA. The project, completed over a period of five years, included designing, securing funding, and construction of a restroom facility, an education shelter, and clearing and marking several miles of trails. Jim Parker loved life and loved people. He worked hard and lived life to the fullest. He kept in touch with all his childhood friends in the Boy Scouts, close family and distant cousins, work colleagues, friends in the community and West Rome High School Alumni. With a lifetime of many interests and hobbies, he also found the time to be a member of numerous professional organizations, honor societies, lineage societies, community organizations and activities. In Dahlonega in the 1970’s-80’s,  he instructed CPR classes with the Red Cross, worked as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician (GA certified EMT-A), member of the Civil Defense, Instructor in Basic Rescue Techniques, Chief of Radiological Defense for Lumpkin County, and a member of the Dahlonega-Lumpkin County Volunteer Fire Departments. James Parker was a Charter member of the Lumpkin County Historical Society serving as president from 1991-1992 and on the Board of Directors for five years. He was also a member of the Dahlonega Baptist Church and sang in the church and community choir. In recent decades, he was again involved with his beloved Boy Scouts and The Camp Sidney Dew Alumni Association in Floyd County, GA serving in various years as president, historian and editor of the newsletter  “On My Honor…” and had been awarded associations highest award, The C.H. Westin Award in 2000 and Silver Beaver Award in 2016. In Gainesville, GA, Dr. Parker was active for over 30 years with the Lyman Hall Chapter of the National Society Sons of the American Revolution (and a 43 year member of the SAR)  serving in various chapter positions as Secretary, Editor of the “The Picket Line”, President, Registrar, and lastly serving as Historian from 2007 to the present. A labor of much research and excitement was getting 24 of his ancestors certified by the Sons of the American Revolution as patriots of the American Revolution. For fifty years, Jim Parker had been working on family genealogical research. In 1985 and 2016, he published two family genealogy books on The Strain Family, A Genealogy of the Descendants of Andrew Strain, Sr. of North Carolina. The last years of his life, he loved attending the Cooper-Green Men’s Prayer Group in Dahlonega, GA. Care and trust placed in Dahlonega Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 20 Gibson Road, Dahlonega, Georgia 30533 706-864-DOVE (3683) www.dahlonegafuneralhome.com

A Division of McDonald Family Funeral Homes

Dahlonega Funeral Home announces that  Austin Christopher, 53 passed away  October 1st, 2019. He was born on April 25th,1966 in Bradenton, Florida to Lawrence and Blanch Christopher

Austin was known for his contagious smile and his love for Jesus. He fought a hard battle and praised Jesus up until the very end. He loved Nascar, Atlanta Braves, Wrestling, NCIS and FSU Football. But more than that he loved his family, especially being a Papa. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, taking trips to the mountains, watching football, signing hymnals,and playing cards. He was one of a kind and will be extremely missed.

Austin is preceded in death by his father Lawrence Christopher, both sets of his grandparents and his Aunt Sue Clance, Uncle Boyd Parrott, and Uncle PA Parrott

He is Survived by his wife, Wendy Field Christopher of 29 years, daughter Jessica (Eugene) Sage of Murrayville,Ga, two granddaughters Gracie and Lily Sage, Mother Blanch Christopher of Okeechobee, Sister Debbie (Buddy) Colvin of Kenansville Fl, Brother Boyd Christopher of Lake Whales Fl, Sister in Law Karen Perone of Fort Pierce FL, Brother in law Brian (Pam) Field of Danielsville GA, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral Services for Mr. Christopher will be held at The Edge Church at 4115 Price Road, Gainesville, Ga 30506.

The family of Mr. Christopher will receive friends and family on Saturday October 5th from 10-12 at the Edge Church. Interment will follow at the church at 12pm. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to help with funeral expenses. A gofund me account has been set up.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/funeral-expense-to-help-austins-family?rcid=r01-157003754464-6503565034cf431c&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_m

Care and trust is placed in the Dahlonega Funeral Home.

Mr. John Henry Shoffeitt, age 97, of Dahlonega passed away Sunday, September 15, 2019.

Mr. Shoffeitt was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County.  Preceding him in death are his parents, all of his siblings, wife Glenda Thomason Shoffeitt, son and daughter-in-law Joe and Loyce Shoffeitt, daughter Betty Shoffeitt, granddaughter Christy Shoffeitt, and daughter-in-law Anna Seabolt.  Mr. Shoffeitt’s favorite pastime was talking with friends at S & S Corner Store and playing $5 scratch off lottery tickets.

Survivors include his daughter Geneva Jones (Larry), Flowery Branch; sons Johnny Shoffeitt and James Shoffeitt, both of Dahlonega; grandchildren Joseph Shoffeitt, Buffi Evans (Grey), Jordan Shoffeitt, Misty Caldwell (Morgan), and Jeremy Seabolt, all of Dahlonega; great-grandchildren Bailey Williams, Camryn Williams and Hunter Turner; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.  The Rev. Phillip Robinson will officiate.  Interment will follow in Town Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday at the funeral home.

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

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Noel Ray Archer, age 82, of Dahlonega, died August 24th 2019. Mr Archer

was survived by his wife Lorna, son and daughter, Terry Archer & wife

Kathy of Cumming, Donna Gallagher of Savannah, And six Grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at McDonald’s Dahlonega Funeral Home

Saturday August 31st at 1:00pm

In lieu of flowers, The family ask that you donate to church of god

Church camp. Make check payable to (Church of God state fund)

Legacy Retreat Center

1803 Wilson Bridge Road

Homer, GA 30547

SSG Albert Linwood Brinson, age 89, of Dahlonega passed away Friday, August 2, 2019.

SSG Brinson was born in New Bern, North Carolina on May 18, 1930 to the late Joseph Cecil and Willie Ethel Day Brinson.  Also preceding him in death are his thirteen brothers, four sisters, and three half-sisters.  SSG Brinson followed his father, a WWI veteran, in wearing the uniform of his country.  His service began as a teenage boy when he entered the United States Army in 1944 during WWII.  He served first in England and then in the North Sea along 20 miles on the White Cliffs of Dover.  From there he was among the first to enter France for combat in a battle that lasted from October 12, 1944 until April 30, 1945 and included the Battle of the Bulge.  SSG Brinson quickly gained rank and joined the 173^rd Air Borne Rangers.  On January 23, 1951 he was called to duty in Korea during the Korean War.  In 1963 SSG Brinson deployed to Vietnam where he served with the 11^th Air Borne Rangers.

During his service, SSG Brinson was a Radio Sargent with 114 men under his command.  He had 255 successful jumps – 11 of which were in combat.  He lived through Presidents and Commanders in Chief Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Richard Nixon.  He served under General Eisenhower, General MacArthur, and General Patton.  SSG Brinson would be among those who shot the 155 mm guns that had a range of over 16 miles.  He proudly wore the patch of the 7^th Army and taking the famous “7 Steps of Hell”.  After his retirement, this soldier proudly recalled the days when he answered freedom’s call and served his country honorably.

He is survived by his wife Dorothy Brinson, Dahlonega; son Albert Linwood, Jr., Texas; grandchildren Jonah Brinson and Arrieanna Brinson; one great-granddaughter; stepdaughters and stepsons-in-law Kathy and Johnny Jones, Dahlonega, and Susan and Joel Bramlett, Ellijay; stepsons and stepdaughters-in-law Richard and Kathy Lee, Texas, and Roger and Regina Clark, Jasper; brother Samuel Brinson, Virginia; sister Lottie Lockey, North Carolina; nine step grandchildren and five step great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday, August 5, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.  The Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate.  Interment will follow in Siloam Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM until the service hour Monday at the funeral home.

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

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Full obit to follow. Visitation Saturday August 3rd, 2019 11-3 3pm Memorial Service in the chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home.

Mr. Ralph Edward Littlejohn, age 84, of Dahlonega passed away Saturday, July 13, 2019.

Ralph was born in Walker County on March 3, 1935 to the late Ralph Russell and Ruby Wallin Littlejohn.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen Cantrell Littlejohn, brothers Harold Littlejohn, and Charles Littlejohn, and son-in-law George Brown.  Ralph served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War.  He owned and operated Littlejohn Drywall and he was a member of the Fortress Church of Dahlonega.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law Eddie and Pam Littlejohn, Dahlonega; daughter Tammie Brown, Dahlonega; grandchildren Heath and Ashley Brown, Kelli Brown, and Stephanie Littlejohn; great-grandchildren Aidan Brown, Brody Littlejohn Tanner, and Skylar Brown; sister and brother-in-law Sue and Dewey Harris; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00 PM Monday, July 15, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home.  The Rev. Joel Crotzer will officiate.  Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday at the funeral home.

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

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega

Joyce Jenkins Sullens

December 09, 1948 – June 07, 2019

Mrs. Joyce Jenkins Sullens, age 70, of Dahlonega went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 7, 2019 with her family by her side.

Mrs. Sullens was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. She was born on December 9, 1948 to the late David “Buck” and Ruth Abercrombie Jenkins. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her grandson Scotty Lingerfelt and her siblings Kenneth Jenkins, Buddy Jenkins, Mary Westbrook, Little Annie and Baby Douglas. Mrs. Sullens was a loving mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren affectionately called her “Nanny”. Mrs. Sullens was a member of Antioch Baptist Church. Some of the things she loved were bird watching, gardening, and canning. One thing “Nanny” made sure of was that everyone was going to eat. Mrs. Sullens loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart and even in her courageous battle with cancer she never stopped praising Him.

Survivors include her husband of 48 years William Fred Sullens, Dahlonega; daughter Cathy Wilson, Dahlonega; son and daughter-in-law Greg and Frana Sullens, Jacksonville, FL; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Vance Voorhees; daughters Michelle Abercrombie, and Tona Loggins, all of Dahlonega; brother Bill Jenkins, Dahlonega; brother and sister-in-law Gene and Gerri Jenkins, Gainesville, FL; grandchildren Stacy Nail, Zachary Wilson, Tavia Sullens, Jake Voorhees, Kiefer Voorhees, Sydney Voorhees, Joshua and Bobbie Abercrombie, and her special caretaker Jordan Abercrombie; seven great-grandchildren including her newest Eveleen Ann Abercrombie that she waited for; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Tuesday, June 11, 2019 at the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Bobby Whitmire and the Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate. Interment will follow in Antioch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM Monday at the funeral home.

The family wants to extend their appreciation to the nurses of Northeast Georgia Medical Center 2nd Floor South Tower, Dr. Tanna and the Infusion Center at the Diagnostic Center, and Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center for their care of Mrs. Sullens during her illness.

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

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home of Dahlonega