News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mr. Tony Bell age 77 of Thomaston Ga, died Sunday February 15, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Funeral Arrangements will be announced later.

Holly Elizabeth Lopez Milnes, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, was born on December 23, 1958, in San Jose, California. She found eternal peace on February 5, 2026, in Barnesville, Georgia, surrounded by the life she had long dreamed of. Holly dedicated more than 26 years of service as a 911 dispatcher at NASA Ames Research Center, where her calm presence and compassion helped so many people during moments of crisis. She graduated from Mission High School in Frem

Janet Patricia Smollen, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant of Jehovah, passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on May 29, 1948, in Lewiston, Maine, Janet lived a life defined by hard work, deep faith, and unwavering love for others. For many years, she owned and operated her own daycare, caring for countless children in her community. To many families, she was more than a caregiver—she was lovingly known as “Ga-Ga,” a t

Mrs. Lillian Parham Murph, age 73, of Griffin, passed away peacefully at her home on February 13, 2026.  Lillian was born in Florida, daughter of the late Herman Russell Culver and the late Evelyn Bamberg Culver.  She moved to Georgia with her family in the mid-60s and graduated from Griffin High School in 1971.  Lillian enjoyed painting ceramics at the senior citizen center in Griffin, crocheting and knitting. She loved all things hummingbirds--painting ceramic ones, collect

Margaret Anne McDougal Francis, age 82, of Griffin, passed away February 14, 2026.   It was her wish to be cremated and no formal services are planned.

Ms. Martha Ann Jarrard Sinor, age 88, of Williamson, formerly of Atlanta, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at her home. She was born in Dahlonega, daughter of the late James Casper Jarrard, Sr. and Hazel Elizabeth Hope Jarrard. She grew up in the Lakewood Heights area of Atlanta. Martha graduated with a Bachelors degree from Georgia tech and went on to become a micro-biologist for the Georgia Department of Virology, then went on to work for the Center for Disease

Mr. James W. "Jimmy" Ellington, age 91, of Thomaston, passed away on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Brightmoor Hospice in Griffin. Mr. Ellington was born in Thomaston, Georgia, on September 29, 1934, a son of the late James Henry Ellington and the late Mattie Baggarly Ellington. He served in the Army National Guard. He worked many years as a life insurance agent. He was an assistant magistrate judge for Upson County and later served as interim magistrate judge. He enjoyed ra

Mr. Jeffrey Wade Janney, Jr., age 36, of Meansville, took his last breath on earth and his first breath in Heaven on February 10, 2026.  He was welcomed into Heaven by his father, Jeffrey Wade Janney, Sr.; grandfather, Ronald Macleod Byrd; grandmother, Jerry Janney; grandfather, William Gardner; great-grandparents, Pauline and Hugh Bishop, Cecil and Fred Walker, Molly Macleod Byrd; and cousin, William Maddox. Jeffrey spent his early years in Meansville and attended Pike Count

Mrs. Cherrye Estelle McGee Witte, age 82, of Thomaston, died Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at her residence.  Graveside memorial services will be held on Sunday, February 15, at 2:00 PM in Upson Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Witte, daughter of the late Albert Adams (Mac) McGee and the late Eula Goolsby McGee, was born in Upson County on July 21, 1943. She earned Bachelors and Masters degrees from Berry College in Rome, GA, where she majored in Economics, English, and Speech. Mrs. Witt

Ms Dawn Lowe Passed Away February 4th.... Dawn grew up in College Park, FL. She was a wonderful child who loved to dance to REO Speedwagon. She was a thrill seeker and loved to ride on the motorcycle with her father and went on boating adventures all over Florida with her family. She loved to play sports, especially golf and basketball. Dawn was the daughter of Joseph Quinton and Perry Avdoyan Quinton. She made the house a home, welcoming any and everybody who came through t

Mr. Robert “Robbie” Everett Brown, age 68, of Molena, passed away February 5, 2026, at his home. Robbie grew up in the Newnan and Grantville areas, son of the late Emmit Brown and the late Barbara Jo Couch Brown. He worked in the carpet business for many years.  Robbie was a caring person who always tried to help others.  He was devoted to his family and to taking care of his mother and brother. He enjoyed fishing and the outdoors. Along with his parents, he was preceded in d

Mr. Thomas Phillips Watts, age 74, of Thomaston, passed away on February 8, 2026. Thomas grew up in Thomaston, son of the late Aaron Watts and Willette English Watts. Thomas devoted 25 years of service to Winn-Dixie before continuing his career as the manager of Sav-A-Lot for an additional 13 years. Even after retiring, he stayed busy by working several part-time jobs. Thomas was a martial arts instructor and taught women’s self-defense classes in Thomaston. He enjoyed fishin

Mr. Carlos Sedano-Zagal, age 45, of Thomaston, passed away February 8, 2026, at his home.  Carlos was born in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and at the age of 15, he moved to the United States to be with his father. He worked as a landscaper and enjoyed football and soccer. He was a GA Bulldog, Atlanta Falcons football fan, and Club America soccer fan. Carlos was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Angel Sedano and Ulali

Mr. James “Ed” Edward Wheeless, age 82, of Thomaston, died Sunday, February 8, 2026. Mr. Wheeless born on September 13, 1943, in Upson County, Georgia to the late Milwood James Wheeless and the late Flossie Mae Page Wheeless.  He worked for the City of Thomaston in the Maintenance Department.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Jimmy Wheeless, Melvin Wheeless, Lamar Wheeless, Dennis Wheeless and sisters, Bobbie Minick and Jeanette Ellerbee. S

Stephanie Elaine Tolbert Bradley, 76, of Molena, died February 8, 2026, at her home. Born December 19, 1949 in Salisbury, NC., she was the daughter of the late Aubrey Thomas and Helan Bowden Tolbert. She is survived by her loving husband, Robert Bradley, two daughters, Shannon (David) Byers of Lilburn, GA and Branwyn Reeves of Pueblo, CO. Granddaughters , Maire Francis  Denman (Devon) Lyllian Jane Reeves and Micajah Elayne Reeves. She is also survived by sister, Sharon Tolber

Ms. Jennifer Bennett Jones, age 54, of Zebulon passed away February 4, 2026, at her home. Jennifer was a 1989 graduate of Pike County High School. She graduated from Gordon College and Griffin Technical College where she went on to work as an x-ray tech for many years at Spalding Regional Hospital, before her most important role as Mom became her career. She devoted her life to the care of her daughter, which was her passion. She was also a member of Concord Baptist Church. J

Mrs. Brenda Joyce Hall Kempson, age 82, of Concord, passed away February 1, 2026.  Joyce grew up in Griffin, daughter of the late William Lonnie Hall and Katie Dye Hall. She worked as a secretary at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home in Meansville for over 15 years and then at the office of Dr. Frank Kirby in Zebulon for an additional 10 years.  Joyce enjoyed going to yard sales, thrift stores, walking, reading her Bible and spending time with her grandchildren. She was a me

Marilene B. Ballard of 229 Roberts St. Griffin, GA, went home to be with the Lord early Saturday morning at 9:19 am. She was the daughter of the late James M. Buffington and Eugenia Lyles Buffington of Zebulon, GA. She was born in Pike County, GA. She lived in Orlando, FL and Andersonville, GA. during her young childhood. She graduated from Pike County High School in 1962. She is survived by her Son Christopher Brian Ballard, Sister Catherine (Buffington) Anderson, Brother-in

Mrs. Vickie White Schultz, age 74, of Thomaston, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center with her children and husband by her side.  Vickie was born on January 5, 1952, in Thomaston to the late Lamar Hall and Maxine Ledford Hall. From an early age, she carried a joyful curiosity about the world. She had a zest for life that showed in the way she loved to travel, explore, and embrace new adventures in her younger years. A true free

Mr. Ricky Franklin "Rick" Varnom age 76 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday January 31, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Varnom was born on January 19, 1950 in Griffin Ga, to the late Frank E. Varnom and the late Geneva Washington Varnom. He worked for Winn-Dixie for 32 years as Store Manager and was a member of Northridge Church. Mr. Varnom loved wood working and gardening. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his siblings, Larry Varnom, Kenneth