News, Obituaries, & Sports

Mr. Travis Grady Foster, age 51, passed away on January 8, 2026. He was raised in Forest Park and lived in Griffin for many years. He enjoyed fishing and had a natural talent for drawing. He was stubborn in his own way, loved to tell stories and will be remembered for his big personality and sense of humor. He worked as a welder and a glass cutter and took pride in working with his hands. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Rebecca Bridges Fos

Mr. Rodney Wayne "Hot Rod" Wheeler age 60 of Thomaston Ga, died Wednesday January 7, 2026 at St. Josephs Hospital. Memorial Services will be held at a later date.

Mrs. Thelma Ruth Sweat Meade Melton, affectionally known as “Ruthie”, age 51, of Yatesville passed away January 12, 2026.  Ruthie grew up in Middlesboro, Kentucky and lived in Tennessee for many years before moving to Georgia to be with her family.  She was a homemaker and an excellent cook who enjoyed the outdoors, jeep riding and arts and crafts, especially diamond art. She was preceded in death by her parents, Neal Sweat and Barbara Sue Thomas Sweat, and her beloved dog, D

Mr. Elbert Leon “Bill” Stiles, age 80, of Zebulon, passed away January 11, 2026, at his home. Bill grew up in LaFayette, Georgia, the son of the late Charles Stiles and Mae Sprayberry Stiles. For 42 years, Bill owned and operated Stiles Body Shop in Riverdale, where he was known for being honest, straight forward, hardworking and dedicated. He was musically talented and enjoyed playing the guitar, piano, and organ. Bill would often be found picking music with friends at many

On Sunday January 11, 2026, the world became a much quieter place with the passing of Carolyn Joyce Teal Fuller, age 72 of Thomaston, GA. Renowned for her ability to turn any five-minute story into a fifty-minute story, Joyce’s family is now enjoying what they are calling their "first collective moment of silence in decades." Though she never had a filter, she was never short on love, and will be deeply missed. No doubt she is giving all the angels in heaven a detailed accoun

Mrs. Eloise Hickman Cornwell-Cobb, age 86, of Griffin, GA, passed away January 9, 2026.  Eloise grew up in Columbus, GA, daughter of the late Edgar Eric Hickman and Addie May Free Hickman.  She was a member of both the Charles S. Harrison American Legion Unit 35 and the VFW in Columbus. Eloise moved to Griffin in 1980 where she worked as a CNA for many years at Spalding Regional Hospital. She was a loving and devoted mother and MeMe who took wonderful care of everyone.  She e

Mrs. Brenda Watts Watson, age 82, of Thomaston, died Saturday, January 10, 2026, at her residence.   Mrs. Watson was born on January 23, 1943, in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Gilbert Watts and the late Ruby Waddell Watts.  She worked as the Assistant Vice President at the Bank of Upson and was a member of The Gathering Church.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, James Watts. Survivors include her husband, Jimmy Watson of Thomaston, daughter

Frieda “Jane” Fortner, a treasured mother, grandmother, sister, and sparkly presence to all who knew her, died on January 7, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by family in the comfort of her long-time home.  A Thomaston native, Frieda was born on December 11, 1941 to the late Donald B. Fortner Sr. and the late Bernice Ferguson Fortner, as the eldest sister to two younger brothers, Don Fortner and the late Gary Fortner. Frieda won people over with her winsome, effusive person

Janet Duryea Taylor Korman, age 79, of Concord, passed away December 24, 2025. Janet grew up in White Plains, New York, daughter of the late Bruce Earl Taylor and the late Grace Juliette Malisfene Taylor. Janet lived in Greenville, New York before moving to Georgia 15 years ago. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, deer and turkey hunting, and riding and showing horses.  She is survived by her husband: Kenneth Korman; nephews: Jimmy Hardin and Tim Korman (Darlene). A f

Mrs. age 69 of Culloden died Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Warm Springs Roosevelt Rehab. Mrs. Cochran was born in Thomaston, Georgia to the late Howard "Doc" Bennett, and the late Myra Maddox Bennett.  She worked for Wooten Prosthetics and was of the Baptist Faith.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Crystal Barfield. Survivors include her husband, Tommy Cochran on Culloden, daughters, Samantha (Matt) Duncan, April (Steve) Robb, and Jeanny (Da

Debra Ann Lindsay Potter, age 56, of Vila Rica, passed away January 6, 2026.  Debra was the kind of person who put everyone else before herself. She was the purest soul any of us had ever met. She was a loving wife to Donnie and was blessed to be a mother of four. In raising her children, she gave them roots to stand strong and wings to go on. She was an incredibly proud grandmother to five grandchildren who brought her so much joy. Her home was always full of love — and dogs

Mrs. Barbara Head Miller Respress, age 72 of Thomaston, died Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at her residence.   Mrs. Respress was born on September 24, 1953, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Sherman Miller and the late Barbara Head Miller.  She worked as a registered Radiology Technician and was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church.  She is preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her husband, Richard Respress, and son, Darrell Eugene Willis II. Mrs. Respress wa

Mrs. Jamelle “Jamie” Ann Mendelson Holmes age 70, of Williamson, passed away January 2, 2026, at her home. Jamie grew up in Tampa, FL, daughter of the late David Mendelson and the late Mary Helen Hatch Mendelson.  She graduated from H. B. Plant High School in Tampa. Jamie was an animal lover and a rescuer. She was a strong person who never complained and who dearly loved her family. She lived her life by the three Ls, Lord, Love and Laughter. She was a faithful member of Prit

Mrs. Vickie Wallace Cain, age 75, of Molena, passed away January 5, 2026, at her home.  She grew up in Forest Park, daughter of the late Charles Wallace, Sr. and Geraldine Wingo Wallace. Vickie worked for AAFES in Forest Park for many years before retiring.  She was an animal lover, a GA Football fan and a wonderful wife, mother and Mimi. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny Lee Cain, Sr. and her brother, Charles Wallace, Jr. She is survive

Mrs. Nelda Kathryn Smith age 75 of Thomaston Ga, died Thursday January 1, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Smith was born on May 27, 1950 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Millwood Ellington and the late Gladys Teal Ellington. She was employed with Thomaston Mills for many years and later worked for Wal-Mart. Mrs. Smith was a long time member of Barnesville Revival Center. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her first husband Jerry D. Williamson, daug

Mr. Julius Horne, age 82 of Yatesville, Georgia, died Monday, December 29, 2025 at his residence. Funeral services will be announced at a later date.

David Daniel Corn, born November 18, 1971, third son of Derrell and Jimmie Hicks Corn of Gainesville, passed suddenly at home on the morning of November 30, 2025, surrounded by his wife and older children. He leaves behind his wife, Catherine (Fowler) Corn, and his children, Elijah (20), Emily (18), and Sophia (11), all of Griffin, Georgia. He was a loving and devoted husband, and an adored and steadfast father to his children. David's last 13 years (2012–2025) were spent as

Mrs. Elizabeth "Nikki" Beverly Bergmeier, age 42 of Thomaston, Georgia, died Friday, December 26, 2025, at Piedmont Henry Hospital. Mrs. Bergmeier was born on September 3, 1983, in Thomaston, Georgia to Marion Fred Beverly and Deborah Chapman Beverly.  She worked for Alacrity Solutions as an Auditing Manager and was of the Baptist Faith. Survivors include her husband, Matt Bergmeier of Thomaston, daughter, Adley Delane Bergmeier of Thomaston, sons, Leland Scott Bergmeier of T

Robert Gibbins, Sr., age 47, of Zebulon, passed away December 26, 2025, at his home. Robert grew up in Zebulon. He worked for Blalock Heating & Air for the last three years as a service Technician.  Music was a deep joy for Robert. He especially loved playing the piano, often finding peace and expression through music. He cherished time with his family and especially loved being a father. His children meant everything to him, and despite his struggles, he never stopped trying

Merrell Dwayne Padgett, age 61, of Meansville, passed away December 27, 2025, at his home. Dwayne grew up in Atlanta, son of the late Lamar Padgett and the late Joyce Brooks Padgett. For many years, Dwayne worked with his father as a brick mason. When his son, Keith, was young, he coached him in baseball. Dwayne was an excellent artist and enjoyed drawing. He was an animal lover and sports fan. The Atlanta Braves and Falcons were his favorite teams.  Dwayne was an amazing coo