News, Obituaries, & Sports

Donna Marie Wooten, born Donna Marie Pope on August 3, 1952, was a woman whose greatest accomplishments were not measured by a career or worldly possessions, but by the life she built, the love she shared, and the family she cherished beyond measure. Born to Clarence Ossie Pope and Ruby Mae Adams-Skinner, Donna was the baby of the family, growing up alongside her older siblings, Bobby Pope (Harriett), Evelyn Head (Billy), and Larry Pope (Dean). Donna met Larry William Wooten

Mrs. Temperance W. "Tempy" Hoyal, age 85, formerly of 135 Shasta Drive, Thomaston, died November 2, 2026. A homecoming celebration and time of storytelling will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday November 8, with a visitation prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 PM at Thomaston First Methodist Church sanctuary, with Rev. John Halley and Rev. Andy Cunningham officiating. A private family burial will take place in Glenwood Cemetery following her celebration. She was preceded in de

Mrs. Shelia Grace Matheny, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. She was 64. Mrs. Matheny was born on October 22, 1962, in Thomaston, Georgia. She was a daughter of the late Rev. Harley "Slick" McLendon, Jr. and the late Martha Ann Fleming McLendon. She was a former employee of Thomaston Mills, where she worked for 20 years, and was a cook for Whitmires, later Buckwheats. Mrs. Matheny was of the Bap

CDR Ferrell Dean Warren, age 88 of Thomaston, Georgia died Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at his son's residence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Jonathan Robert King, age 41, passed away on October 29, 2026. Born on January 6, 1985, in Atlanta, Georgia, Jonathan grew up in Pike County and later made his home in Richmond Hill. Jonathan was a deeply patriotic man who considered it both an honor and a duty to serve his country. With more than 20 years of military service, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his country and the values he held dear. At the time of his passing, Jonathan served as Lieutenant Colonel

JJ spent his early years in Brunswick, Georgia, before moving to Zebulon in the sixth grade. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, listening to music, and playing golf and basketball. JJ spent his favorite days outdoors with his friends. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was known as the class clown. He loved making people laugh and could always bring a smile to those around him. Above all, his family was the most important part of his life. JJ looked up and wanted to be just like

Mr. Kenneth Lamer Wilson, age 74 of Thomaston, died Saturday, October 31, 2026 at his residence. Mr. Wilson was born on July 1, 1952 in Upson County, to the late Lewis Wilson and the late Nadean Reason Amerson. he served his country in the U.S. Navy during Vietnam and worked in maintenance at Thomaston Mills. He was of the Baptist Faith. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his grandparents, Clyde and Thelma Reason and step-father, Howard Amerson. Survivo

Snooky Vandiver was born on June 21, 1937, in Gadsden, Etowah County, Alabama, to the late Matelon and Lillian Livingstone Hutchins. She passed away on October 27, 2026, in Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia. Mrs. Vandiver was a homemaker, a devoted wife to her husband of 72 years, Scott Vandiver, Sr., and a loving mother of four sons and two daughters. She opened her home to several nieces and nephews, loving them as her own throughout her life. Snooky loved going to yard sal

Jim L. Moore, age 76, died Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at his home in Thomaston, Georgia. Jim graduated from R. E. Lee Institute in 1968 where he was an outstanding player on the Rebels' basketball team. He earned a basketball scholarship to Gordon College. After graduating from Gordon College, Jim served with distinction in the U.S. Navy. Later he completed his studies at Georgia Southwestern College ultimately earning a Master of Education (M. Ed.) degree with a focus in m

Mr. James Minyard age 73 of Thomaston Ga, died Wednesday October 21, 2026 at his residence. Mr. Minyard was born on December 27, 1953 in Alabama to the late Alvin Minyard and the late Helen Minyard. He worked for Thomaston Mills for many years. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife Leigh Ann Hammond Minyard. Survivors include his daughters Marilyn Jo Hutchison, Brandie Sluder, Melissa Minyard, Samantha Minyard, brother Lewis Minyard, 8 grandchildren,

Mr. J.B. Berryhill, age 94 of Thomaston, died October 27, 2026, at his residence. Mr. Berryhill was born on December 5, 1931, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Allie Berryhill and the late Willie Mae Smith. He was the owner of Riverbend Restaurant since 1972 and served his country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of Christ Chapel Community Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Celia Fulcher Berryhill. Survivors include his

Amanda Jane Gordon, age 50, of Concord, passed away October 20, 2026, at her home. Amanda was a loving and caring person who brought joy to those around her. She enjoyed ballet, sending cards decorated with lots of stickers, and cheering on her favorite team, the GA Bulldogs. For many years, she was a cheerleader for the local Special Olympics and participated in Brownies and Girl Scouts. She attended St. George’s Episcopal Church in Griffin. Amanda had a love for horses and

Mrs. Patricia Ann Fenley Hickox age 85 of Thomaston Ga, died Wednesday October 21, 2026, at Harborview Health and Rehab. Mrs. Hickox was born on May 6, 1941, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Nathan Lofton Fenley and the late Georgia Lee Hilton Fenley. She worked for the Upson County School System as a crossing guard for 29 years and was a member of Thomaston First Assembly. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Hickox, brothers,

Robert "Bob" Nelson Smith, 85, passed away peacefully at his residence on October 19, 2026, with his daughters by his side. Bob was born on February 13, 1941, in Russell County, Alabama, and raised in Columbus, Georgia where he played on Columbus' first Little League team. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1959. Following high school, Bob proudly served in the United States Coast Guard from 1960 to 1963, stationed in Miami, St. Louis, and the Philippines. Bob always r

Mr. James Edward “Butt Naked” Hortman, age 79, of Thomaston, passed away October 20, 2026. He grew up in Thomaston, son of the late David Hortman and Mary Ivester Hortman. Butt Naked was a carpenter who always wore a cowboy hat and boots. He enjoyed hanging out with his brother Hank, visiting his sister Priscilla and enjoying her homecooked meals. He is survived by his children: Anita Hortman (Donnie King), Shannon Hortman and Lisa Ross; grandson: Felton Ross; great-grandson:

Mr. Karoly Ferenczi, age 58 of Miskolc, Hungary died Monday, October 19, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Ferenczi's wishes were to be cremated and no services are planned at this time.

Mr. Robert "Bob" Smith, age 85 of Thomaston, Georgia, died Monday, October 19, 2026 at his residence. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

Mrs. Amber Jean Garmony Avery, age 68 of Thomaston, died Sunday, October 18, 2026, at her residence. Mrs. Avery was born on October 30, 1957 in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Emory Garmony, and the late Caroline Street Garmony. She worked in the Accounting Department at Upson Regional Medical Center and was a member of Silvertown Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Larry Joe Avery, and sister, Carol Watkins. Survivors include

Mrs. Lissie Marie Scott Partain, age 96, of Hampton, passed away October 19, 2026. Lissie was born in Smithville, GA, daughter of the late Ernest Scott and the late Agnes Smith Scott. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and flower gardening. Lissie was a long-time member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church in Hampton. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Nolan Lincoln Partain, her son, Nolan Terry Partain, and her granddaughter, Melissa Prince. She

Mrs. Mary "Eloise" Ellington, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on Monday, October 19, 2026, at her residence in Yatesville. She was 82 years old. Mrs. Ellington was born on August 16, 1944, in Thomaston, Georgia, to the late Chester Parker Ellington and the late Ella Rhunette Hayes Ellington. She was a 1962 graduate of R. E. Lee Institute. Over the years, she worked at Daniel's Men's Shop, the Yatesville Post Office, and Mac's Grill, wher