Gary Phillip Jennings, age 70, of Conyers, passed away on December 21, 2022, following a period of declining health.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 24, 1952, Mr. Jennings was the son of the late Rupert and Margie Jennings. Mr. Jennings was of the Baptist faith, and he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. He was a self-employed sheetrock contractor. In addition to his parents, Mr. Jennings was preceded in death by his sister Peggy Jennings.
Survivors include daughters Jennifer Butler (Matthew) of Clarkesville and Jamie Knight (David) of Buford, brother Wayne Jennings of Carrollton, sister Janice Wise (Leslie) of Newnan, and grandchildren Bryson Butler, Brianna Butler, Brooklyn Knight, and Adalyn Knight.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 4, 2022, in The Summit at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with Rev. Matthew Butler officiating.
Brenda Ree Garrett Moore, age 77, of Cleveland, passed away Monday, January 2, 2023.
Born in Hiawassee, Georgia, on October 19, 1945, Mrs. Moore was the daughter of the late Thomas B. And Grace Beck Garrett. She was retired from Scovill Fasteners and was a member of Zion Interdenominational Church. Mrs. Moore adored her family, and she was an independent woman. She enjoyed cooking, baking and canning, quilting, sewing, and pollinating daylilies. She also loved being outdoors, especially fishing. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Moore is preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Woodrow Moore, and sister Glenda Garrett.
Survivors include son Terry Timmy Moore of Cleveland, daughters Annette Moore Bohannon (Marty) of Demorest and Patricia Moore Belford of Clarkesville, brothers James, Jr., Thomas, Ben, and Tony Garrett, sisters Virginia Garrett Ross and Barbara Garrett Wheeler, grandchildren Trent Bohannon (Christie), Amanda Vinson (Ray), Nakeesha Belford and Justin Bohannon, great-grandchildren Hunter Bohannon, Katlyn Vinson Landon Vinson, Tucker Bohannon, Aurora Ivey and Aries Ivey, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Graveside services will be held at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Hillside Gardens Cemetery. Interment will follow the service in Hillside Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service Wednesday from 1 PM until 3 PM.
Peggy Leach O’Kelley, age 92, of Hoschton, entered heaven Saturday Morning, December 31, 2022, at her residence.
Peggy was born August 8, 1930, in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Pally Burrell, Sr. & Eutenie Denton Brook. She worked in bookkeeping and accounting over her career with Nolan & Plitt, Southern Egg, Paramount, and Lowe’s. She was a member of Wesleyan Church before her health started to decline. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Roy O’Kelley, Sr.; sisters, Mamie Leaha Brook, Dorothy Hutchins, Gene Greenway & Thelma Helton; brothers, Pally Burrell Brook, Jr, Donald Brook & Robert Brook.
Left to cherish sweet memories, daughter Susan (Ken) Bell; sons John T. Leach, Jr. & R. Franklin O’Kelley, Jr.; sister Myrtle McFarland; 9 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews & other relatives also survive.
Funeral services honoring Peggy will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the Ward’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gene Burgess, Rev. Don Pennington & Mr. Danny Greenway officiating. She will be laid to rest by her husband, Roy, at 2:30 p.m. at the Bay Creek Church Cemetery in Loganville. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home.
You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.
Ward’s Funeral Home of Gainesville is honored to serve the family of Peggy Leach O’Kelley.
Regina Paula Feller Cox, age 36, of Cornelia, Georgia, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022.
Born in Gainesville, Georgia, on May 06, 1986, she was a daughter of Doris Turner Feller of Alto, Georgia & the late Helmut Paul Feller. Regina was a graduate of Habersham Central High School, Class of 2004, and served as a legal assistant for Winslow H. Verdery, Jr., Attorney at Law for the last 16 years. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, riding four-wheelers, and spending precious time with close family and friends.
In addition to her mother, survivors include her loving husband of 18 years, Charlie Cox of Cornelia, GA; son, David Cox; daughter, Lilly Cox, both of Cornelia, GA; sister, Hildegard Rene Feller of Alto, GA; mother-in-law & father-in-law, Martha & Gary Cullison of Wixom, MI; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Will & Rachel Cox of Gainesville, GA; many aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, & a host of friends also survive.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 07, 2022, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with Rev. Kenneth McEntire officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour on Saturday, January 07, 2022.
James G. Campbell, age 77, of Baldwin, Georgia, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 1, 2023.
Mr. Campbell was born on May 4, 1945, in Abbeville, South Carolina, to the late Clarence and Lois Campbell. In addition to his parents, she was preceded in death by his brother, Floyd Campbell; sister, Maggie Stiwinter; and grandson, Clarence Crocker.
Mr. Campbell was of the Baptist Faith and was retired from Meeks Plumbing.
Survivors include his loving wife, Jeanette Campbell, of Baldwin; daughter, Tammy Crocker, of Baldwin; daughter and son-in-law, Robin Sargent and Tiny, of Cornelia; daughter, Rosemarie Fournier, of Gainesville; daughter and son-in-law, Samantha Sisk and Chris, of Baldwin; step-son and his spouse, Winston Fournier and Sherry, of Homer; sister, Louise Treadwell, of Honea Path, SC; brother, Charles Campbell, of Honea Path, SC; twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2022, at the Whitfield Funeral Homes, South Chapel, with Mr. Winston Fournier and Mr. Truett Simmemon officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. View Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, 2022, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, P.O. Box 1113, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel, at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.
Ruby K. Newberry, age 57, of Gainesville, entered rest Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at her residence.
Ruby was born March 23, 1965, in Gainesville to the late Harvel & Rose Hicks Newberry. She worked at Boyd’s Cleaning service for a number of years & was of the Baptist Faith. She was preceded in death by sisters Ruth Newberry & Mickie Timms, brother Darrell Newberry, and nephew Andrew Newberry.
Left to cherish precious memories, brothers Wade (Angie) Newberry, Edward (Debbie) Newberry & Carl Newberry; sisters Loretta (David) Smith, Betty Broome, Jackie London & Rev. Sue Morrison; a number of nieces & nephews who were like her children also survive along with other relatives.
Funeral services honoring Ruby will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Ward’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shane Wehunt officiating. She will be laid to rest by her twin sister Ruth Newberry at Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.
You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.
Ward’s Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ruby K. Newberry.
Ruth R. Newberry, age 57, of Gainesville, entered rest Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at her residence.
Ruth was born March 23, 1965, in Gainesville to the late Harvel & Rose Hicks Newberry. She worked at Boyd’s Cleaning service for a number of years & was of the Baptist Faith. She was preceded in death by her son, Andrew Newberry; sisters, Ruby Newberry & Mickie Timms; brother, Darrell Newberry.
Left to cherish precious memories, daughter, Chasity Ragan; grandchildren, Harley Ragan & Ashlynn Hatcher; brothers, Wade (Angie) Newberry, Edward (Debbie) Newberry & Carl Newberry; sisters, Loretta (David) Smith, Betty Broome, Jackie London & Sue Morrison; a number of nieces, nephews & other relatives also survive.
Funeral services honoring Ruth will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the Ward’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Shane Wehunt officiating. She will be laid to rest by her twin sister Ruby Newberry at Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. until service time Wednesday at the funeral home.
You may sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence at www.wardsfh.com.
Ward’s Funeral Home of Gainesville is honored to serve the family of Ruth R. Newberry.
Habersham Medical Center's first baby of 2023 is shown here with his parents, Andrea Arriaga and Jose Arriaga Frias, and the midwife who delivered him, Brittany Barron, CNM. (photo courtesy HMC)
Habersham Medical Center is celebrating the birth of its first baby of the New Year.
Baby boy Esteban was born at 1:31 p.m. on January 1, 2023. He weighed 7 pounds 5 ounces and was 20 1/4 inches long.
Esteban is the son of Andrea Arriaga and Jose Arriaga Frias.
Mt. Airy Mayor Ray McAllister, right, administers the oath of office to the town's new police chief Jamie Bowden. Bowden succeeds Tim Jarrells who left to join the Habersham County Sheriff's Office. Bowden's first day on the job is Monday, Jan. 1, 2023. (Jerry Neace/Now Habersham)
The Mt Airy Town Council held its last meeting of 2022 on Friday night. The meeting was held at the 11th hour for two important issues for the town. There were only two items on the agenda. The first item was to approve the operating budget for 2023, and the second item was to swear in the town’s new police.
The Town Council held a public hearing for the 2023 operating budget. No citizens spoke in favor of or in opposition to the spending plan during the hearing.
The operating budget for the Town of Mt. Airy will be $1,126,620. It is broken out into three parts. The General Fund will be $390,920, the Water Fund will be $389,700, and the GCIC Fund will be $346,000. The proposed 2023 budget was passed unanimously by the attending members. Council members Adam Tullis and Patrick Ledford were not in attendance.
Mayor Ray McAllister stated that this is a balanced budget for 2023, with revenues and expenditures equal to one another.
New police chief
A New Year brings in a new full-time police chief for the Town of Mt. Airy. Mayor McAllister swore in Jamie Bowden as their newest chief. He replaces former full-time, turned-interim chief Tim Jarrells, who recently took a position at the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator.
Council members welcome chief Bowden’s return to Mt. Airy. (Jerry Neace/Now Habersham)
After the swearing-in ceremony, Mayor McAllister said, “My understanding Jamie, you started your career here at Mt. Airy, and we’re hoping that you’re going to finish out here at Mt. Airy with us.” Chief Bowden replied, “That’s my goal.”
After a round of applause, Chief Bowden thanked his family, former bosses, and friends for their support.
“I am grateful for the opportunity that they have given me. Everybody seen something in me at times that I didn’t even see in myself. I appreciate it,” he said.
Chief Bowden has 20 years of experience in the law enforcement community. Over his career, he has worked for various departments in Habersham County. His first day on the job as police chief was January first.
A traffic stop Friday night in Oakwood led to the discovery of millions of dollars worth of illegal drugs.
The Hall County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) says patrol deputies conducted the stop on Mountain View Road in Oakwood shortly after 10 p.m. on December 30. With assistance from drug investigators, they seized approximately 305 kilos of liquid methamphetamine. The illegal drugs were being transported in multiple gas can-like containers, the sheriff’s office says.
The estimated street value of the meth is $22 million.
Authorities arrested Candido Rangel Garcia, 45, and Adolfo Solorio Garcia, 31, and charged them with trafficking meth. Both suspects are being held without bond in the Hall County Jail.
Investigators say they do not anticipate any other arrests in this case. No other information is available at this time.
I feel lost every year after Santa flies back to the North Pole. So much planning, preparing, and praying goes into Christmas, that it seems a shame for it to fly by faster than Rudolph in a new jet power sleigh. The visiting family has left the building, leaving only dust bunnies, crumbs, and a mound of leftovers. With certainty, I know I will still find an errant sock, cookie, or doll shoe under something in June.
By this time next year, I am sure I could write the same paragraph if I am so blessed. I know to never assume that Christmas will be the same in 12 months because even breathing is not guaranteed from one day to the next. Life is full of those “what ifs,” and as we all teeter on the edge of distressing about them, we must be thankful for each day, even if it is full of dust bunnies.
Possibly, that is the secret to a successful 2023. If we find gratefulness throughout our days, our complaining may cease, and our happiness will grow. No soul living today is probably thankful enough for the gifts they have, including me.
We have traveled together on an arduous journey on a treacherous road these last few years. Diseases have shortened our life span and created enormous heartache. Do we understand we are blessed to have science, medical teams, and care facilities to aid us? Are we thankful enough for the help and healing?
Our political discord has often ripped and attempted to shred decency and honor. There are some things one cannot make right, no matter how much one ignores or tries to divert the spotlight. My old saying is, “if we can’t see the Lord in the middle of it, then it is wrong.” That applies to anything, politics and politicians included.
If politics and diseases have not headlined the news, then violence and hatred have made the bold print. What has given rise to such hopelessness and lack of sanctity for life? Perhaps self-righteousness instead of righteousness has warped those impressionable young folks to turn to hate rather than hope. Pointing fingers instead of lending a helping hand never does anything to solve problems, does it?
Could we possibly put God back in the middle of everything this year? That is where we might locate peace and keep our freedom sacred. If we can wrap our heads around the idea that we NEED God to get through life’s perilous travels, we might find a smoother road.
“I am just one person; what can I do?” If I have heard it once, I have heard that sentence a thousand times. It just takes one person to start a movement toward change. Look at Rosa Parks, Billy Graham, or hundreds of just ‘one person’ who have motivated folks toward solutions and understanding.
It disturbs me when I listen to folks complain about the government. I ask, “Did you call or write your congressman to air your feelings or give ideas?” More often than not, their response is, “No, but I will,” or “It won’t do any good!” If you are a citizen of the United States, then it is your responsibility to contact your government. What good does it do using our voices to complain to our peers rather than those who represent us in government? None.
Who knows what 2023 will deliver. Will it bring more disease, economic woes, hatred, and hopelessness? Maybe. But what could make a difference is how we respond to struggles, trouble, and adversity. Selfishness does not work, nor does self-righteousness or blame.
If we can put God in the middle of our messes, we will feel compassion rather than contempt. Putting God in the center of our decisions will inspire responsible solutions. Teaching the goodness of the living Lord could reduce the killings and quiet the evil that permeates impressionable minds. But the trick is believing in God’s power working through us to make a difference.
We may need to look at life not through rose-colored glasses but through the eyes of the Lord and be thankful we can see. Then 2023 could be rosier. What if tomorrow or next Christmas was even better? After all, because of Christmas, things that are lost can be found.
Isn’t it all up to us to search?
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Lynn Gendusa
Lynn Walker Gendusa is an author and columnist whose work appears regularly on Now Habersham and across the U.S. through the USA Today Network. Her work has been featured in Guidepost, senior magazines, and on MSN.com. Lynn’s latest book is “Southern Comfort: Stories of Family, Friendship, Fiery Trials, and Faith.” She can be reached at www.lynngendusa.com.
At least 17 people have died on Georgia’s roads over the long New Year’s holiday weekend.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety reports fatal wrecks have occurred in Dublin (3), Monroe County, Glynn County, Dekalb County (4), Cartersville, Thomasville, Atlanta, Gwinnett County (2), Brunswick, Clayton County, and Waycross.
No fatal crashes have been reported in Northeast Georgia since the holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 30.
The 78-hour-long New Year’s holiday ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 2.
