Obituaries

Jan 22, 2026

Mary Earnestine Stephens, a cherished member of the community, was born on December 9, 1952, in Habersham, GA. She peacefully departed from this world on January 22, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love and dedication to her family and friends.

Earnestine was a devoted wife to her husband, Billy Ray Stephens, and together they shared many joyful years filled with...

Jan 22, 2026

Michael Duane Smith, Sr. was born in Augusta, Georgia on 7-12-1956. He passed away peacefully in his home on 1-22-2026 after a long illness. He was a husband, great grandfather, grandfather, dad, brother and uncle. Survived by his wife, Denise L. Smith; sister, Barbara Shearer Premseler; two sons, Michael Duane Smith, Jr. and Mitchell David Smith (Jamie); step-son, Weston Wallace...

Jan 20, 2026

Jan 17, 2026

Keith Lane loved. He loved his wife, his family, his work, his co-workers, and his friends. He loved to tell a story and to listen. He loved old movies and radio shows. He loved to fix things. He loved the New York Yankees, cafeterias, and antique stores. He loved Tom Waits and Dwight Yoakam, old cookbooks and hiking. He loved...

Jan 16, 2026

Kathrine Darlene Chapman, born on January 20, 1949, in Union, South Carolina, passed away on January 16, 2026. She is remembered as a devoted mother, loving sister, and cherished friend.

A vibrant spirit whose warmth touched the hearts of many, Kathrine dedicated her life to her family and community. She is survived by her beloved sons, Travis Bowers and his wife...

Jan 11, 2026

Raye Allen Farquhar Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on January 11, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born on March 9, 1934, in Connellsville, Pennsylvania. Raye lived a life dedicated to family, making enduring memories that will carry on through the generations he cherished deeply. Raye was a part of the Coachman Crackers Travel...

Jan 11, 2026

Brenda Sue Ford, born on June 13, 1949, peacefully departed this life on January 11, 2026. Brenda was a loving matriarch whose heart was devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She took great joy in their lives, cherishing every moment spent together.

Brenda shared a special bond with her identical twin, Linda, a relationship that brought her immense...

Jan 8, 2026

Mrs. Luther “Nell” Collins, 95, a lifelong resident of Winder, Georgia died in a Rome, Georgia hospital on January 8, 2026. Nell moved to a Rome Assisted living facility two years ago to be near family.

Nell outlived so many of her loved ones. She had numerous brothers and sisters who have passed on, as well as her husband of 66...

Dec 31, 2025

Cruz Margarita Gonzalez, age 66 of Auburn, Ga., passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. A Funeral Service will be held at 6:00pm, Sunday, January 4, 2026, at St. Matthews Catholic Church (25 Wilkins Rd SW, Winder, Ga., 30680). The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy...

Dec 31, 2025

Johnny Howard Clark, aged 75, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025. Born on July 4, 1950, Johnny touched the lives of many throughout his journey. His deep love for fishing and hunting was matched only by his passion for storytelling, which brought joy and laughter to those around him. For Johnny, Twin Lakes was not just a location; it...

Dec 26, 2025

Crystal Lynn Cantrell, born on December 3, 1985, in Sarasota, Florida, passed away on December 26, 2025. She was a devoted mother and loving friend, leaving behind a legacy of kindness.

Crystal's life was filled with joy. She is survived by her cherished children, Dagon Austin Cantrell and Leah Nicole Cantrell. Crystal's created boundless memories with her children that will forever...

Dec 25, 2025

Pang Yang Cha, age 43, passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by her immediate family at Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, Georgia. She was born on December 1, 1982, to Wa Moua Yang and Ying Chang, and grew up in La Crosse, Wisconsin.



Pang was the beloved wife of Hua Cha for 29 years and a devoted mother...

Dec 17, 2025

Donald M. Gearin, age 84 of Statham, Ga., passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2025. A visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at Lawson Funeral Home Chapel. Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966. 

Dec 16, 2025

Maxine Marie Harkins, born on September 25, 1936, in Zolfo Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, at the age of 89. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of many.

Maxine is survived by her daughters, Belinda Gail Helms and her husband Terry of Jefferson, Leola Marie Motes and her...

Dec 13, 2025

Susan Arlene Littleton, born on November 12, 1968, left this world on December 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Her unwavering spirit and kindness touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A woman of grace and compassion, Susan found joy in simple moments and made profound connections with those around her....

Dec 10, 2025

Carol Ann Dale Lee, born on August 19, 1960, was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and sister who graciously departed this life on December 10, 2025. She was surrounded by her loved ones, who will forever cherish her memory and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

Carol is survived by her devoted husband, Leroy Lee, with whom she shared a...

Dec 10, 2025

Donald “Don” Ray Tharpe, age 79, of Winder passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 surrounded by his wife and children.  He is survived by the love of his life of 60 years, Melda Tharpe, their children Karla (Jeff) Wolfe, Trina (Todd) Hutchins, Jason (Nikki) Tharpe, his five grandchildren, Dylan and Kali Wolfe and Brady, TJ,...

Dec 8, 2025

Thomas Brian Wagner, born on May 23, 1945, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2025. He was known for his unwavering dedication and a strong work ethic that characterized every aspect of his life. Thomas approached each day with the determination to provide for his family, setting a remarkable example that will be cherished by those who loved him.

Thomas was...

Dec 7, 2025

Robert Sanders Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on December 7, 2025, at the age of 68. He was born on August 9, 1957, to Ronald I. Sanders and Beatrice M. Snyder, who precede him in death along with his siblings Ronald Sanders and Eillen Sanders.

Robert dedicated his life to being a CDL truck driver, a...

Nov 28, 2025

Michael Ray Combs, 65, of Winder, Georgia, formerly of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on November 28, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary (Brown) Combs; his sons, Jared, Justin, and Jason; and his daughter-in-law, Megan. He leaves behind two cherished granddaughters, Eliza (10) and Charlotte (8), as well as...