News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mrs. Tammy Jane Gooding Garrett, age 56, of Zebulon, passed away May 9, 2026, at her home. Tammy was born in Jamestown, Tennessee and graduated from Alvin C. York Institute. She moved to Pike County in 1988. Tammy was a certified pharmacy technician and part owner of Beckham’s Pharmacy in Manchester for 26 years and more recently worked at Coker Pediatrics in Griffin. She loved to tan, trips to the beach, shopping, 4-wheeling and spending time with her fur babies and grandc

Mrs. Angelia Leigh Smith Thompson age 52 of Barnesville Ga, died Friday May 8, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Thompson was born on September 28, 1973 in Carrolton Ga, to the late Clinton Ricky Smith and the late Carol Ross Waters. She was a 1992 graduate of Newnan Highschool and a 2004 graduate of Gordon State College. Mrs. Thompson was employed with the Georgia Department of Transportation where she worked as a District Contracts Manager. She was a member of N

Remedios “Remie” Ibanez Scruggs, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 10, 2026. Her life was a beautiful example of kindness, strength, joy, and unconditional love for those around her. Mrs. Scruggs was born on December 15, 1939, in Cebu, Philippines and moved to Georgia in 1974. She worked for many years in the Thomaston-Upson School cafeteria, where she became a beloved part of countless students’ and teachers’ daily lives. She wasn’t just s

Mr. Willard Lea Hensley, age 85, of Thomaston, passed away May 6, 2026, at Providence Healthcare. Lea grew up in Deer Lodge, Tennessee, son of the late Alvah and Mildred Hensley. He served in the United States Navy. Lea was a jack-of-all trades and liked to piddle and cut grass. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his siter, Dorothy Jean Reed. He is survived by his brothers: George Hensley and Tommy Hensley; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great

Michael Dylan Crawford, age 31 of Thomaston, died Sunday, May 3, 2026. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Mr. James "Jim” Paul Thomas, age 79, of Mauk, GA, formerly of Zebulon, GA, passed away May 5, 2026, at his home. Jim was born in Charleston, West Virginia, son of the late Jabez Johny Thomas and the late Mayble Marie Walker Thomas. In high school, Jim excelled in sports and was offered two college football scholarships, which he declined to enlist in the United States Army. Jim proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, where he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Rep

Judge Elizabeth Gobeil has faithfully served Georgia on the Court of Appeals for nearly 8 years. She was appointed by Governor Nathan Deal in 2018 and was elected statewide in 2020. She currently serves as Vice Chief Judge of the court. Judge Gobeil is a graduate of Emory University and the University of Georgia School of Law. Before joining the court, she worked many years representing individuals, businesses, and organizations in civil practice matters. She also served as

Donald Peacock passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 30, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Donald dedicated his life to service and community. He honorably served with the Georgia State Patrol for 34 years before continuing his commitment to public service as Sheriff of Upson County, where he faithfully served three terms. Throughout his life, Donald was known for his integrity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to helping others. He was preceded in death by hi

Mr. Rollyn Travis Armstrong, age 57, of Locust Grove, passed away April 29, 2026. Rollyn was born in Dublin and grew up in Decatur. His greatest love was Jesus and his family. He loved them deeply, especially his wife, two daughters and his grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He loved serving every Sunday at Christ Chapel, Zebulon. He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwyne Armstrong. He is survived by his wife: Carole Armstrong; daughters: Brittany Hammond (Casey)

Mr. Noah Jackson “Jack” Shiflet III, age 84, of Yatesville, passed away April 29, 2026, at his home. Jack grew up in Tampa, Florida. Early in his career, he was a union pipefitter, served as an investigator with the Hillsborough District Attorney’s Office and was a proud member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Jack later owned and operated his own business, All Florida Fire Systems (AFFS). Jack was a people person who never met a stranger. His friendly personality earned him

Mr. Martin “Marty” Allen Jones, Sr., age 71, of The Rock, passed away April 30, 2026. Marty was born in Thomaston, son of the late Lee Franklin Jones and Merelyn Allen Jones. Marty worked for B.F. Goodrich/Martha Mills in Thomaston for many years and more recently was a truck driver for Rock-It Sand and Gravel. He liked being outdoors and going to truck pulls. Marty loved his family and especially enjoyed spending time with them. Along with his parents, he was preceded in

The Thomaston-Upson Board of Education announced Dr. Travet “Tret” Witherspoon as the sole finalist for the position of Superintendent of Thomaston-Upson Schools. After an extensive process to select the next superintendent, the Board identified Dr. Witherspoon as the candidate to lead the district. Dr. Travet "Tret" Witherspoon brings more than two decades of distinguished K-12 educational leadership to Thomaston-Upson County Schools. A native of Adel, Georgia, Dr. Witherspo

Mrs. Uldine Bankston Brumbeloe, age 81, of Molena, passed away April 27, 2026, at her home. A lifelong resident of Molena, Uldine was born to the late Lester Bankston and the late Ona Mae Alexander Bankston and was born and passed away in the same home. She was a 1962 graduate of Pike County High School, where she excelled at basketball. She went on to build a long and dedicated career as a dental hygienist, beginning with Dr. Dewey Jones, Jr. in Thomaston. Over the years, sh

Mrs. Yvonne Craven Thompson, a beloved mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 27, 2026. She was 88 years old. She was born on January 13, 1938, in Upson County, Georgia. Yvonne dedicated much of her life to her work as a seamstress for Sherrell Lynn. She was known for her skill and care in her craft. Beyond her career, Yvonne had a true passion for crocheting and sewing, hobbies that brought her great joy throughout her life. In her later years, she f

THE THOMASTON-UPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL HOLD A CALLED MEETING TUESDAY 6PM TO ANNOUNCE THE LONE FINALIST FOR SCHOOL SUPERINTENDANT. AFTER THE INDIVIDUAL IS NAMED THE SCHOOL BOARD WILL HAVE A 14 DAY PERIOD TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL. THE SCHOOL BOARD HAS HELD A SERIES OF CALLED MEETINGS OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS TO INTERVIEW THE APPLICANTS.

As part of the ongoing superintendent search process, the Thomaston-Upson County Board of Education sought input from community members, parents, staff, and stakeholders through a series of surveys designed to gather feedback on the qualities, priorities, and leadership characteristics most important in the district’s next superintendent. The Board of Education is committed to maintaining transparency and ensuring stakeholder voices are part of this important process. The sur

Mr. Daniel Jackson Blount, age 29, of Thomaston, died Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Jackson was born in Thomaston on March 20, 1997, to David Cecil Blount and Laurel Medcalf Blount. He was employed as a journeyman electrician at his father’s company, DCB Electric, where he excelled at his work. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Thomaston. Jackson was as unique and as well-designed as the classic cars he loved. Kind-hearted, sturdy,

Mr. Michael Tyrone Mitchell, age 85, of Thomaston, passed away April 22, 2026. Michael grew up in Forsyth, son of the late James Mitchell and Muriel Neal. Following his high school graduation, Michael enlisted in the United States Navy. While in the military, he traveled the world and furthered his education in criminal law and medical sciences. Michael served on the ground in the Vietnam War, worked in a naval hospital both before and after the war, and reenlisted in the Ma

Meet Kim Williams, City of Thomaston's newly selected Human Resources Director. Kim is a seasoned HR Leader with extensive experience supporting large-scale operations. Throughout her career, she has led initiatives that significantly improved employee retention, engagement, and overall workplace culture. Williams is passionate about people and looks forward to the opportunity to serve the community of Thomaston with integrity, dedication, and a people-first approach.

Lewis Henderson Hobbs passed away peacefully in his home on April 21, 2026. Lewis is the son of the late William and Sara Hobbs of Butler, Georgia. He has a late brother Donnie Hobbs and sister Brenda Moss. Left to cherish his memories are his two boys Johnathon (Mindy) Hobbs of Reynolds and Wesley (Megan) Hobbs of Butler, grandchildren Logan, Kaylin, and Lainey Hobbs, Skylar and Jaxon Hobbs, and Nathaniel and Dakota Fournier, his sister Peggy (Eddie) Allen of Thomaston, a sp