News, Obituaries, & Sports

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

A Morrow man has been arrested in connection with threats that led to a lockdown at an Upson Lee North elementary school in Upson County, Sheriff Dan Kilgore said.   Demarcus Deon Spivey, 31, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon, Feb. 1, in Clayton County on warrants out of Upson County, the sheriff said.   Investigators say Spivey was responsible for threats made to Upson Lee North   Elementary School on the morning of Friday, Jan. 30. According to authorities, he called

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

Mr. Martin Dallas "Marty" Teal age 58 of Thomaston Ga, passed away Saturday January 31, 2026 at Providence Health and Rehab. Known for his sharp wit, warm smile, and unmatched gift for storytelling, he brought laughter, comfort, and connection to everyone who knew him. Marty was a 1985 graduate of R.E. Lee Institute. He is preceded in death by his mother, Reba Roberts Phillips, most recently, by his sister , Laquita Teal Hudson and his son, whom died at birth, Austin Lee Teal

Mr. Kenneth "Kenny" Ray Gulledge age 71 of Thomaston Ga, died Friday January 30, 2026 at Upson Regional Medical Center.  Mr. Gulledge was born on April 6, 1954 in Thomaston Ga, to the late Ray Horace Gulledge and the late Carol Ruffin Gulledge. He worked for the United States Postal Service for many years as a Postman. Mr. Gulledge was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church. Survivors include his brother Mr. Gary (Darlene) Gulledge of Thomaston Ga, nephews Noah (Candy) Gull

The Spalding County Water Authority has issued a Do Not Consume Water Advisory as a precautionary measure due to a potential contamination of its water source. Earlier today, the City of Griffin, the sole water provider for the Spalding County Water Authority, was notified of a fuel spill originating near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport that reached the Flint River. While initial information indicated the spill had not reached the area of Griffin’s water inta

At approximately 9:30 a.m. today, a threat was called in to Upson-Lee Elementary School. The anonymous caller reported being inside the school and claimed to be armed. Upon receiving the threat, school personnel immediately activated their Centegix safety system, and the school was placed on lockdown. The School Resource Officer and school staff took immediate action to secure students and staff. The Upson County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately, along with additional l

Mrs. Shirley Teal Lindsey, age 89, of Thomaston, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Riverside Health and Rehab.  Funeral services for Mrs. Lindsey will be held on Sunday, February 1, at 3:00 PM, in the chapel of Fletcher-Day Funeral Home. Rev. Joey Smith will officiate, and interment will follow in South View Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until the funeral hour. Mrs. Lindsey was born at The Rock, GA, on December 11,

Silvertown Baptist Church invites all their friends and neighbors, new and old, to worship and fellowship with the church one last time. The service starts at 10:45am. Past deacon Jamey Grover is preaching, and former music minister Kim Grover will rejoin the praise team. Come celebrate what God has done and look forward in hope to what he is doing next. If you’re able, please let them know you’re going through their Facebook event so they are  prepared for the dinner afterwa

Georgia Department of Transportation employees in the west central district are preparing to begin brine operations as a snow event is expected to impact much of the state starting Saturday morning. They will begin brining all counties east of (and including) Coweta, Meriwether, Upson, Crawford, Peach and the northern half of Houston at 7 a.m. Friday and continue overnight. This will include Interstate 85 in Coweta County, I-475, I-75, and I-16. Brine will also be applied to

Mr Shawn Eric Scott, also known as “Hollywood”, age 58, of Thomaston, passed away January 15, 2026, at home surrounded by his family.  He was born in Denver, Colorado, son of the late Jack Junior Scott and the late Betty McLemore Scott. Shawn was a Pressroom Operator at Quad/Graphics in Thomaston for many years.   He enjoyed riding his Harley, fishing and hunting. He was preceded in death by a sister, Penny McCall and a nephew Justin McCall.  He is survived by his daughter: M

Mrs. Francine Kendle McDougall Rafferty, age 65, of Sharpsburg, passed away on January 24, 2026. Franny was born in Charleston, South Carolina, one of eight children born to the late Peter John McDougall and May Gloria Dickerson McDougall. During her childhood, her father served in the United States Navy, and Franny grew up moving with her family wherever his service took them. Franny was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Nan, and great-Nannie. Her family was her greatest jo

Mr. Roger Eugene Cook, age 68, of Molena, died Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Upson Regional Medical Center. Mr. Cook was born August 5, 1957, in Boone County, W. VA., to the late Paul Eugene and Beulah Gibson Cook. Mr. Cook served in the United States Marine Corps for six years and retired as a Coal Miner in W. VA after 32 years. He attended Mountainview Baptist Church, a true outdoorsman who loved to hunt. More than that, he loved his wife, his family, and especially his gr

​ Mrs. Patricia Weems Coe, age 71, of Woodbury, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at her residence. Mrs. Coe was born on December 31, 1954, in Upson County, Georgia to the late Allen Franklin "Jack" Weems, and the late Ruby Scott Weems.  She retired as a teacher after 30 years in the Upson County School System and was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Woodbury.  In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Steve Weems. Survivors include her husband

Dorothy Jean “Dottie” Eldridge, age 79, of Barnesville, passed away January 16, 2026. Dottie grew up in Yatesville, daughter of the late Colby W. Eldridge, Sr. and the late Mattie Stallings Eldridge. After graduating from Yatesville High School in 1964, she attended Airline School and obtained the job of her dreams at Eastern Airlines where she worked in several capacities including instructor roles. She worked for Eastern until they closed in 1991. She then moved to SITA whe

Mrs. Mary Velma Fuss Mahaffey, age 98, of Williamson, passed away January 21, 2026, at home surrounded by her family. She was the youngest of 13 children born to the late Henry Bass Fuss and the late Nettie Pearl Kittrell Fuss of Atlanta. She and her husband, Bill, raised their family in Fayetteville.  For many years, Mary was the secretary at First Baptist Church in Fayetteville and then drove a school bus for the Fayette County School System.   Mary had been a cancer surviv

Mr. Charles “Chuck” Kale Dorris, age 50, of Thomaston, passed away January 17, 2026. Chuck grew up in Thomaston where he enjoyed fishing and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was currently an autobody repairman for Cahaba Collision in Griffin, where he had been working for several years.   Chuck was preceded in death by his father, Dan Pescopous. He is survived by his twin daughters: Shayla Dorris and Shana Dorris; mother: Pauline Hartness; sisters: Lynn Bridge and Ke