Winter’s sub-freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on pipes, and that is no laughing matter.
The pipes that freeze most frequently are those exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
If your water supply pipes are in an unheated interior area like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets, the likelihood of freezing is higher.
Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also at risk.
Know what to do
Trent Davis of Dockery Heating & Air in Cornelia, Georgia, offered some suggestions to help prevent frozen pipes. “Once temperatures reach the ‘hard freeze’ range of 27 or below, and the high of the day never gets above 32, even dripping pipes will freeze.”
Davis said the most common items to freeze and burst are hose bibs (a faucet outside a home that connects to the main water line and allows you to access water). “Make sure all water hoses are disconnected, and the hose bib itself is covered,” Davis said.
If your pipes freeze or burst, cut your water off at the meter (next to the road or at the well pump) and wait for everything to thaw. Davis advised, “If you don’t know where your meter is or do not know how to turn it off, call your water provider, and they will show you where and how to do this.”
It is important to note that once the temperatures are higher and the lines have thawed, turn the meter on halfway and inspect the lines.
Frozen pipes in the past
If you have had frozen pipes in the past, a sure way to prevent them is to turn the water off at the meter and open all fixtures and hose bibs to drain the house.
Davis suggests switching your thermostat to emergency heat mode for those with a total electric heat pump HVAC system. The outdoor unit cannot produce heat at 35 and below. With a newer gas 90% efficient furnace with plastic flue pipe, there is a good chance your drain line will freeze. If this occurs, Davis recommends using a thin rod to break up the ice and tap on the line until the ice falls out.
If you have a newer gas furnace in an attic, Davis said there isn’t much you can do to keep the condensation line from freezing. He said to be prepared for a blank thermostat unit when the unit thaws.
Prepare before the freeze
White County Public Safety suggests that if your pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the doors to let warmer room temperatures flow into them. Allowing a small trickle of water to run through the pipes can also help prevent frozen pipes.
Have a supply of water handy. Fill up a bathtub, buy bottled water, or fill up jugs ahead of time to help while waiting for the temperatures to rise.
Fire broke out early Saturday, Jan. 18, at this mobile home on Patterson Lane in northwest Hall County. The home was a total loss. (Hall County Fire Rescue)
HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Fire destroyed a mobile home in northwest Hall County Saturday morning.
Hall County Fire Rescue (HCFR) units were dispatched at about 7 a.m. on Jan. 18 to the 4900 block of Patterson Lane. Firefighters arrived to find the home fully engulfed in flames, says HCFR spokesperson Kimberlie Ledsinger.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading into nearby woods, says Ledsinger. A primary search of the home after the fire was extinguished confirmed that no one was inside.
The cause of the fire is unknown. The Hall County Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting an investigation.
DEMOREST, Ga. – In a tough conference matchup, the Lions were unable to keep pace with the Belhaven Blazers in a 72-65 loss Saturday. Despite trailing by as many as 23 in the game, a second half surge kept the Lions in contention but it was not enough to close it out.
Piedmont was able to outscore Belhaven 40-31 in the second half, but a slow first half proved costly. Belhaven led coast-to-coast in the contest taking a 16-2 lead in the opening minutes of play.
The Blazers built a 31-13 lead with 7:45 to go in the first half and led 40-17 with just over three to play until halftime. The Lions were able to cut away to trail 41-25 at the break.
In the second half, Piedmont came out hot and chipped away at the lead to make it a 10 point game within the first three minutes of play. Piedmont cut it to a single-digit deficit on an and-one by Griffin Neville with 14:42 remaining.
The Lions pulled within one, 58-57, on a 3-pointer by Silas Mulligan with 5:21 to play. Following that however, Piedmont made just three baskets from the floor and was unable to complete the comeback.
Belhaven had four players in double figures led by Jordan Marshall with 20 while Jacob Reese posted 18 points and 17 rebounds.
Next, the Lions are set to host Covenant on Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. pending no changes due to forecasted winter weather.
TURNING POINT:
– The Blazers were able to storm out of the gate in the first half and build a 23 point lead that proved to be insurmountable for the Lions.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Bailey Wiseman led Piedmont with 21 points as he banked six 3-pointers in the contest making all but two of Piedmont’s threes in the game.
NEWS AND NOTES:
– Piedmont was just 9-of-19 from the free throw line in the contest while Belhaven scored 18 shooting 75%.
DEMOREST, Ga. – Piedmont women’s basketball jumped out to an early lead and staved off a late Belhaven rally in a 79-65 win over the Blazers inside Cave Arena Saturday afternoon.
The win gives Piedmont four in a row and continues the perfect CCS run at 5-0. Andelin Hill continued her dominant run, with another 20+ point and 10+ rebound performance, scoring 22 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in the win. Ashley Scott pitched in 14 points and added seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Newcomer Ava Hunter (11 points) and junior Kelsey Banks (10 points) also reached double figures.
After starting slowly offensively during the home conference win streak, the Lions wasted no time executing at a high level on Saturday, racing out to a 24-14 lead thanks to an 11-of-20 shooting performance over the first 10 minutes.
Piedmont led by as many as 15 points on multiple occasions throughout the second quarter, but the Blazers Shakendalah Jones hit a long three-pointer at the buzzer to make it 40-29 Piedmont heading to the break.
The Lions kept the pedal down offensively in the second half, holding the lead the entire way. Belhaven was able to cut its deficit to six points at 71-65 with 2:57 to play. However, Piedmont immediately slammed the door shut on the next possession as Nae-Nae Eades found Alexandria Willis for a layup to halt the momentum. From there, the Lions were able to push the final margin back up to 14 points thanks to more solid work at the foul line.
Up next, Piedmont will take to the road and battle Wesleyan tomorrow, Jan. 19 with a 2 p.m. tipoff.
TURNING POINT:
– After Belhaven cut the Piedmont lead to 71-65 with just under three minutes to play, the Lions finished the game on an 8-0 run to seal the victory.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Hill delivered her fourth consecutive double-double and her third straight 20-point, 10-rebound game.
– Scott produced yet another standout performance against the Blazers, scoring 14 points on 5-of-10 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds in the win.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– Both Scott and Banks connected on a team-high two three-pointers.
– The Lions were a rock solid 8-of-9 from the free throw line in the final quarter.
The Winter Renaissance Festival is filled with queens and whimsical elves in Helen, Georgia at Uhuburg Castle. (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Nestled high in the picturesque mountains of North Georgia lies Uhuburg, a one-of-a-kind 501(c)(3) educational program that combines the grandeur of a Renaissance-style castle with a deep commitment to sharing knowledge and promoting the good life.
Founded by Bob Marthai, Uhuburg is not just a physical structure but a space where philosophy, nourishment, nature, and celebration converge into a unique learning experience.
A dream turned reality
Bob Marthai, owner of Uhuburg Castle, loves the Winter Renaissance Festival because he wants to bring family and history together. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Bob Marthai, the visionary behind Uhuburg, often reflects on the meaning of having a castle.
“Why have a castle if you can’t share it?” he says.
His journey from psychologist, retired tall ship captain, and naval architect to the founder of Uhuburg has been anything but conventional. A lover of dance and passionate about philosophy, Bob envisioned a place that could serve as a hub for both personal reflection and communal growth.
Uhuburg is Bob’s legacy—an educational retreat designed to inspire people of all ages through exploration, learning, and discovery. The castle itself is a work of art, featuring twelve towers, a turret, multiple gatehouses, and an eight-story lookout tower offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. Beyond its impressive architecture, the castle’s four-part mission revolves around Bob’s belief in the importance of philosophy, nourishment, nature, and celebration in the pursuit of a fulfilling life.
Winter Renaissance Festival
Plague Doctor and the Dark Knight captivate visitors at the Winter Renaissance Festival. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Now, in its second year, Uhuburg Castle is proud to present the Winter Renaissance Festival, a vibrant event that invites visitors from near and far to step back in time and immerse themselves in the enchantment of a bygone era. Whether in costume or as an observer, guests will experience the splendor of a world once lived by knights, maidens, and magical creatures.
Located at 571 Ridge Road in Helen, Georgia, this year’s festival opened on Friday, Jan. 17, and continues on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday, Jan. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission is $20 for ages 5 and up, with children under 4 granted free entry. Tickets may be purchased online.
The festival offers an unforgettable experience for the whole family, transporting you to a time filled with sword fighting, knights, elves, wizards, woodland nymphs, medieval blacksmiths, and cooking lessons over an open fire. Come and be part of a magical world full of wonder and adventure!
Naomi Marthai, daughter of owners Bob and Janine Marthai, is the general manager of Uhuburg Castle in Helen, Georgia. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewel Images)
Meet the team
At the heart of Uhuburg is a dedicated team, with Bob Marthai himself often present to guide visitors and share stories over breakfast with overnight guests.
Naomi Marthai, the general manager, plays a pivotal role in keeping Uhuburg running smoothly. As Bob’s daughter and right hand, Naomi handles everything from managing day-to-day operations and overseeing bookings to maintaining the gardens and coordinating the website. With a background as an 8th-grade science teacher, Naomi brings a wealth of knowledge and energy to Uhuburg. She is known to whip up delicious breakfasts or add her artistic touch by painting murals around the castle.
Unique educational experience
Uhuburg is more than just a place to visit; it is an immersive educational experience. The grounds, spanning two acres, are a blend of natural beauty and intellectual exploration. Guests can roam freely through the gardens, ascend the castle walls, or participate in one of the many guided tours available.
Whether walking the upper promenade of the castle walls, contemplating the philosophical murals, or simply enjoying the serene view from the lookout tower, Uhuburg offers something for everyone.
Even the vendors add to the enjoyment of the day. The turkey legs are by far the hit of the day. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Uhuburg is mostly an outdoor experience, offering a variety of activities and experiences. Guests are encouraged to arrive between opening hours and 2 p.m. to make the most of their visit. The castle grounds feature:
Lookout Tower: A climb to the top offers stunning 360° views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Castle Walls and Towers: Explore two levels of castle walls and multiple towers, each offering a unique perspective of the landscape. Philosophical Murals: Ponder the meaning of life while surrounded by murals that explore various religions and philosophical ideas. New murals are added every year! Zen Garden: A peaceful space for reflection and contemplation. Castle Games: Engage in classic castle-themed games that encourage fun and connection. Refreshments: Enjoy limited refreshments available for purchase during your visit.
The castle also features two guided tours to enhance the educational experience:
Highlights of Uhuburg Tour (45-60 minutes): Learn about the murals, architecture, and gardens as your guide takes you through the castle. Great Hall & Tropical Atrium Tour (15 minutes): Experience the beauty of the Great Hall and the tropical plants in the atrium.
Explore the Gardens
Uhuburg’s gardens are a testament to Bob’s vision of blending nature and education. There are various themed gardens to explore, each offering its own distinct charm:
Carnivorous Bog: A fascinating garden featuring carnivorous plants. Ponds: Home to tadpoles and koi, these serene ponds are perfect for a peaceful walk. Odiferous Garden: A sensory garden full of fragrant plants. Native Garden: Showcasing the native flora of North Georgia. Eightfold Path: A garden inspired by the principles of Buddhism. Produce Gardens: Learn about sustainable gardening and organic farming. Greenhouse: Home to tropical plants that thrive in the mountain climate. Vineyard: A vineyard that grows grapes used in making local wines. Interior Tropical Atrium: A must-see during your visit, this indoor space is full of exotic plants and offers a brief, relaxing tour throughout the day.
A castle like no other
The castle sits regally on top of a large hill in Helen, Georgia. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Uhuburg is not just a castle—it’s a living, breathing educational space that invites visitors to engage with the world around them in meaningful ways. Its grandeur is matched only by its commitment to helping individuals explore ideas, connect with nature, and celebrate life.
Whether you’re spending the day exploring the grounds, climbing towers, learning about philosophy, or relaxing in the gardens, Uhuburg promises an enriching experience that will stay with you long after you leave.
So, come for the beauty, stay for the stories, and take home a deeper understanding of what makes life truly fulfilling. Bob Marthai and the Uhuburg team look forward to welcoming you to this one-of-a-kind educational castle.
2025 Uhuburg Castle's Winter Renaissance Festival
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Blacksmith demonstration at Uhuburg Castle during the CastleFaire 2025. (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Even knights enjoy soda. (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Arms and armory display (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
With Now History demonstrating cooking. (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Flute player at Uhuburg's CastleFaire 2025. (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
The Dragon Slayer (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Uhuburg Castle General Manager Naomi Marthai (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Bagpiper (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Weekend villagers at Uhuburg Castle. (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Viking horn mugs handmade at CastleFaire (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Leather craftsman (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Uhugurg Castle in Helen, Georgia (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Mother goddess Rohanitsa at CastleFaire 2025 (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
Irish Queen at CastleFaire in Helen, Georgia. (Amanda Fagan/NowHabersham.com)
View of the Uhuburg Castle lawn. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Her Ladyship with her court. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Gardens and art dot the landscape at Uhuburg Castle. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Pirates arrive at Uhuburg for CastleFaire 2025. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Knights, swords, and shields for those wanting to experience life in another era. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
Dinner timer for Lords and Ladies at Uhuburg. (Amanda Fagan/Ocean Jewels Images)
U.S. Border Patrol agents conduct pat downs on migrants caught crossing the border illegally in the Imperial Valley Sector in southern California. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
WASHINGTON (States Newsroom) — The U.S. Senate Friday voted to advance a bill that would require the expansion of mass detention for immigrants charged or arrested for property crimes, setting it up to be one of the first measures signed into law by incoming President-elect Donald Trump.
In a 61-35 procedural vote, 10 Senate Democrats joined with all Republicans to limit debate on S. 5, known as the Laken Riley Act, named after a 22-year-old nursing student who was murdered by a man who immigration authorities say entered the country illegally and was previously charged with shoplifting.
If signed into law, the bill — already passed by the House — would be an early win for Trump, who campaigned on his plans to enact harsh immigration policies, including mass deportations, and often blamed Riley’s death on the immigration policies of the Biden administration.
A final vote in the Senate is set for Monday, after which the legislation will be sent back to the House due to an amendment from Texas GOP Sen. John Cornyn that would add the assault of a law enforcement officer as requiring mandatory detention. It was agreed to on a bipartisan 70-25 vote.
The Senate is also teed up to vote on another amendment Monday, one from Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst that would also include mandatory detention requirements for “any crime that results in death or serious bodily injury to another person.”
One amendment Democrats submitted, brought to the floor by Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware, would have stricken a section in the bill that grants broad legal standing to state attorneys generals to challenge federal law, as well as the bond decisions of immigration judges.
It was rejected on a party-line vote of 46-49, but it’s an amendment that mirrors one submitted by Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.
Schumer unhappy with lack of debate
Ahead of the vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said he would not be voting for the measure, criticizing Senate Republicans for not allowing more amendment votes.
“We told Republicans we wanted to have a serious and productive and fruitful debate on this legislation, with the chance to vote on amendments (to) modify the bill,” the New York Democrat said. “Unfortunately, without more changes to address deficiencies in the bill, I will be voting no.”
Immigration attorneys and experts have raised major concerns with the bill. They argue it would not only affect undocumented people, but would ensnare some immigrants with legal status, lead to the detainment of children and compel the U.S. State Department to halt issuing visas to a country that refused to accept nationals eligible for deportation.
Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has estimated that the cost of enforcing the law at $26.9 billion in its first year, according to NPR. The budget for ICE for fiscal year 2024 is about $9 billion.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said before the vote that if ICE doesn’t have the capacity to carry out the law, “the answer is to provide those resources.”
The South Dakota Republican added that Senate Republicans are
“currently working on a bill that will provide ICE with additional agents and additional detention capacity.”
Tallulah Falls earned a 61-30 win on Saturday to break a 6-game slide at Fideles Christian.
The Lady Indians were up 28-17 at the half on the way to the 31-point victory. Haygen James led with 22 points, including 18 in the third quarter, while Breelyn Wood added 18. Millie Holcomb recorded 10, LB Kafsky added five, Marian Nino had three, Payton McEntire two, and Handley James one.
The Indians took a fourth straight victory in a 74-52 final Saturday at Fideles Christian. The home team led after one, but a strong 22-point effort in the second propelled TFS to the win.
Ten different players scored for the Indians, as Brian Neely led with 15. Todor Stanimirovic had 12, Marquis Rolle added 10, Bryson Perdue put in eight, and Alberto Battino had seven
Neyo Bain chipped in with six points, as did Vasilije Radobolja. Brantley Addison and Kayra Aksu both had four, and Armando Landecho Cedeño finished with two. The Indians are now 9-7 on the season.
(Georgia Recorder) — The bird flu has reached the state’s prized poultry industry, with the first commercial case of bird flu hitting a producer in northeast Georgia.
The state Department of Agriculture announced late Friday that a positive case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza had been confirmed at a commercial poultry operation in Elbert County.
Before Friday, the bird flu had only affected backyard flocks in Georgia, with four cases previously confirmed – including just this month in a flock of chickens and ducks in Clayton County.
“For the first time since the ongoing, nationwide outbreak began in 2022, HPAI has been confirmed in a commercial poultry operation in the state of Georgia,” Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper said in a statement Friday night.
“This is a serious threat to Georgia’s #1 industry and the livelihoods of thousands of Georgians who make their living in our state’s poultry industry. We are working around the clock to mitigate any further spread of the disease and ensure that normal poultry activities in Georgia can resume as quickly as possible,” he added.
The Elbert County producer first noticed signs of avian influenza in their flock Wednesday, and samples collected and sent to Georgia Poultry Laboratory Network for testing, according to the agency’s release. The lab concluded it was a positive case Thursday, and that test result was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Friday.
The producer had about 45,000 broiler breeders on site when the case was detected.
Broilers are big business for Georgia, representing the state’s top commodity. In 2023, broilers had a farm gate value of $5.8 billion, according to an analysis released this month. That represents one-third of Georgia’s total agricultural commodities.
Georgia’s Department of Agriculture deployed an emergency response team to the site Friday to “conduct depopulation” and clean and disinfect the facility as they work to contain the spread. That work was expected to continue through the weekend.
All poultry operations within a 6.2-mile radius have been placed under quarantine and will undergo testing for the next two weeks.
Harper’s agency has also shut down all poultry exhibitions, shows, swaps, meets and sales at flea markets and auctions until further notice.
The H5N1 strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is widespread in wild birds and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC considers the public health risk to be low, but there have been 67 confirmed cases in people, mostly from direct contact with cattle or poultry. Georgia has not had a human case of bird flu.
Nationally, one person has died. A Louisiana man, who was over the age of 65 and who had an underlying medical condition, died this month after exposure to backyard birds and wild birds.
(Georgia Recorder) — On Friday, Georgia’s top public defender encouraged government officials and the community to continue supporting programs that transform lives during the state’s 40th anniversary celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.
Federal and Georgia governments will be closed on Monday in observance of the King’s birthday holiday, celebrated every third Monday in January. In 1968, King was slain at the age of 39 after becoming the leading face of the nonviolent Civil Rights Movement fighting systemic racism Black people faced across the deep South and other parts of America. Omotayo Alli, executive director of the Georgia Public Defender Council, was the keynote speaker as more than 150 people attended the celebration held at the state Capitol.
During the ceremony, the Georgia Martin Luther King Jr. Advisory Council recognized this year’s winners of awards named after five former longtime Georgia residents who worked closely with King during the Civil Rights Era. King’s family members were presented with a proclamation from the state honoring the civil rights icon’s holiday.
The event is organized by the Georgia Black Legislative Caucus and the state Department of Community Affairs.
Republican Gov. Brian Kemp emphasized King’s commitment to non-violence while confronting the injustices of racial prejudice and segregation.
He called for continued efforts to promote unity and opportunity for all Georgians, urging personal actions aligned with King’s principles.
“From his early life, growing up in Atlanta throughout his travels across the country fighting injustice, was never content to look the other way when he came to confronting the problems of his days,” Kemp said.
The keynote address was delivered by Omotayo Alli, the first Black woman to serve as executive director of the Georgia Public Defender Council, overseeing several dozen offices across Georgia.
Alli discussed her four-decade journey as a public defender, emphasizing her efforts to improve juvenile justice by creating educational opportunities for children in the system.
Alli spoke about establishing a public defender program that provides opportunities for people who have gone through the criminal justice system to help them reintegrate into the community.
She describes her transition to working with juvenile cases, which led to her realize the high number of children in the justice system.
Alli said she took a personal interest in bettering the lives of young people in the justice system, by providing educational opportunities and other resources that are critical in their rehabilitation. Young people obtaining their GED and learning job skills at a technical school opens opportunities to end a cycle of poverty, she said.
A number of events celebrating the legacy of King will continue on Monday across Georgia. The annual holiday event at the Atlanta church where King preached will be led by a different religious leader than in recent years. Ebenezer Baptist Church church pastor and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock will not attend Monday’s celebration of King since the Atlanta Democrat will be in Washington D.C.for the inauguration of Republican President Donald Trump.
The Ebenezer church’s keynote sermon will be delivered by North Carolina’s Bishop William J. Barber II, who serves as president and senior lecturer of Repairers of the Breach. Barber will reflect upon a critical moment for people of faith and to the injustices plaguing the nation, according to a news release.
Senator Clint Dixon (Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder)
Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Mulberry) has been appointed by Lt. Governor Burt Jones to serve as chairman of the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations.
Mulberry is one of Georgia’s newest cities, established by Georgia State Rep. Chuck Efstration, R-Dacula, just last year in response to high density development in that part of Gwinnett County.
“I am grateful to be appointed as chairman of the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations,” Dixon said. “I want to thank Lt. Governor Burt Jones for entrusting me with this important responsibility. Having served on the Gwinnett County Planning Commission and the Water and Sewer Authority, I understand the state and local government’s critical role in shaping the communities where we live and work. Our committee will work to guarantee that our state and local governments are effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of all Georgia citizens.”
Dixon, who represents Georgia’s 45th Senate District (which includes portions of Barrow and Gwinnett County), was elected in 2020. Dixon also serves as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation, Secretary of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, an Ex-Officio member of the Senate Committees on Economic Development and Tourism and Education and Youth and a member of the Senate Committees on Rules and MARTOC.
Tina Renee Ramey, age 63, of Cornelia, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 14, 2025.
Born on January 24, 1961, in Atlanta, she was a daughter of the late Herbert Blankenship and Laverne Wilbanks Blankenship. Tina retired as a waitress at Stew-N-Que restaurant, where she served customers for many years. In her spare time, she enjoyed working with her flowers and, most importantly, loved spending time with her husband, Monty, her son, Jason, and especially her grandsons, Sterlin, Coleman, and Clayton. Her closest friends always referred to her as Rock. She loved music and going to concerts, especially Bob Seger, Willie Nelson, and Kid Rock. Tina was always the first one to jump into action when anyone needed anything. Whether providing food for friends and family in a time of need or helping in a time of crisis, she was there. She would give you the shirt off her back. She never arrived at anyone’s door without some little gift—always thoughtful, always thinking of others. She will be missed and forever in our hearts.
Survivors include her husband Monty Ramey of Baldwin, son Jason Goodson and grandchildren Sterling Goodson, Coleman Goodson, and Clayton Goodson of Alto, brother and sister-in-law Jeff Martin (Donna) of Chattanooga, sisters and brothers-in-law Lynn Meyer (Charles) of Winterville and Hope Blankenship Wright (David) of Aiken; and sister Marlene McEntyre of Martin, Ga.
A Celebration of Tina’s Life will be held at a later.
