Obits — November 13, 2019

Higgins

Dale Thomas Geer

Mr. Dale Thomas Geer, of Lagrange, passed away on November 8, 2019. He was born in Trenton, New Jersey to the late Charles K. Geer and Ruth J. Geer on May 28, 1959. In addition to his parents, Mr. Geer is preceded in death by his wife, Trina Nadine Geer and his twin brother, Dennis Geer. Mr. Geer is survived by his brothers, David Geer (Shelly) and Douglas Geer (Kim); his nieces and nephews, Josiah Miles, Jeremiah Miles, Sofia Miles, Sean Geer, Sarah Geer, Corey Geer, Tyler Geer, and Matthew Geer; his father-in-law, Reverend John Arthur Miles; his mother-in-law, Shirley Ann Miles Stanfield; his brothers and sister-in-law, Bryan Miles (Claudia), Walter Lawhorn (Priscilla), Renee Hilliard, Gene Fidell (Doras), John Miles (Winnie), Scott Norman (Gretchen); his sweet dog, Sissy. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Dale Geer to, WellStar West Georgia Hospice, 1510 Vernon Road, LaGrange, GA 30240. The family will hold a memorial service at a later date. Arrangements will be posted here as they become available.

Hunter-Allen-Myhand

William Bryant Mayo, Jr.

Mr. William Bryant Mayo, Jr, age 79, of LaGrange, passed away on November 7, 2019 at his residence. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 12:00 pm at the Dallas-Dodd Presbyterian Church in LaGrange. Family received friends at the church beginning at 11:00 am until service hour.

Lakes-Dunson-Robertson

Gladys Hill

Mother Gladys Hill was born March 4, 1930 in Hogansville Troup  County, Georgia.   She was the oldest of eight children to the late Eloise Beasley-Duke. Mother Gladys Hill graciously transitioned from this life to eternity on Monday, November 4, 2019 after having lived a life that focused on being a faithful and compassionate mother, sibling and friend. She was preceded in death by her daughter Mildred Wilkes and several sisters and brothers. First and foremost, however, she was a child of God whose one desire was to be a faithful servant that represented Him with Kingdom quality.  Mother Gladys was loved and adored by everyone she came in contact with.  To know her was to love her.  She would always greet you with a smile and her uplifting spirit was overwhelming.  She never met a stranger. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined Louise United Methodist Church.  Upon moving to Atlanta she joined Antioch Baptist Church North, where she served faithfully until her son Isaac was called into the ministry and united with First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia where she served faithfully until her death. She leaves to cherish her memories: Son, Rev. Isaac (Hattie) Whitehead, Athens, GA; Daughters, Brenda (Jimmy) Knox, Decatur, GA; Evelyn (Cecil) Neal, Stone Mountain, GA;  Step Children: Cassandra Houston, Arthur Hill, and Angel Hill; Brothers:  George Blackmon, and  Rev. William (Geneva) Blackmon; Sister: Jessie Mae Harvey; Step Sister: Dorothy Blackmon; Sister-in-law: Josephine Blackmon 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, 20 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews; A devoted friend: Mother Mae Nell Tate, Caregiver & friend: Betty McCory. The Celebration of Life Service was held Friday, November 8, 2019 at 6:00 PM at First Baptist Church, Gainesville AND Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Louise United Methodist Church.

Linda Ferrell Goss

Linda Ferrell Goss was born November 29, 1950 to the late Willie Frank Ferrell and Irene Haynes Ferrell in LaGrange, Georgia, being the third of nine children. She received formal education from Ethel Kight public school. Linda became a member of Wehadkee Baptist Church at an early age. She was truly blessed. She was employed by Milliken Textile industries, where she worked dutifully for over thirty years. In her leisure, she enjoyed gaming, movie watching, and taking care of her home. She also enjoyed helping others and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Linda departed this life on November 5, 2019. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Goss; son, Michael Goss; as well her beloved sisters: Cheryl “JB” Ferrell and Barbara “Barb” Ferrell; brothers: Willie Frank “Bank” Ferrell and Onis “Bud” Ferrell. She leaves to cherish her memories, one son, James Goss; sister, Geneva “Sista” Ferrell; brothers, James “Bill” Ferrell, Joseph “Turk” Ferrell (Sylvia), Larry “Bootsey” Ferrell (Dorothy); grandchildren: Derevious Kendez Hayes, Meahsha “Sha” Goss, Jamichael Goss; great-grandchildren: Kaison Goss, Kameron Anderson, Jakayla Deering, Jayla Hayes, and Jayda Hayes; special cousins: Valerie “Puddin’” Copeland, Joyce Willis, and Irene “Tit” Anderson; special nephew, Chris Ferrell; best friends: Sharon McCauley and Deborah Sherman, and a host of relatives, friends, and colleagues. The Celebration of Life Service was held Saturday, November 9, 2019.

Mattie Mary Burton Traylor

On November 26, 1937, Mattie Mary Burton, was born to the late Coot Barton and Sallie Mae Brown Barton. She joined Mount Airy United Methodist Church at an early age and served faithfully until leaving LaGrange, after marring Robert and traveling the world as a Military Wife. She returned periodically for visits and always returned home to Mount Airy. In 1972, she returned home and served faithfully until her health prevented her from attending. The union of Robert and Mattie produced four children: Wade, Adrian, Renee’, and Raymond. On Wednesday, November 6, 2019, she departed this life at her home in LaGrange, Georgia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Robert Dunham and John Traylor; her son, Wade Dunham; and her beloved sister, Cathadean Barton in 1953. She leaves to cherish her memories, her children: Adrian Dunham, Renee’ (Dorsey) Brewer, Raymond Dunham; grandchildren: Lashieka (Derick) Ferrell, Seth (Shafania) Hall, Michelle Dunham, Antonio Dunham, Jacqueline (Brian) Strozier, Wade Dunham, Jr., Micha Gunn, Desmond (Tia) Jatece Gore; and a host of great grandchildren, family, and friends. Mattie’s heart was big with love to spare, Mat’s love was extended to a few special people that thought of her as Mom including: Phillip Thompson, Micah Thompson, Linda Parks, and Zaddie Dixon. The Celebration of Life Service was held Tuesday, November 12, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Mt. Airy U M Church. Pastor John Thompkins officiated. Interment followed at the Southview Cemetery.

Valeri Patrice Ross-Gates

Mrs. Valeri Patrice Ross – Gates was born January 27, 1971 in LaGrange, Georgia to Horace and Katie Fulton. At a young age, she united with Old Mount Olive Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. J. T. Alexander. Valeri served as a member of the Junior Choir. She later united with Confidence Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Michael J. Jackson. Valeri graduated from LaGrange High School, Class of 1990. While in High School, she participated in the Marching Band. After High School, she went on to study Phlebotomy and West Georgia Technical College. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Clayton Dion Gates on November 24, 2009. Valeri was employed by Alcon in Duluth, Georgia since July 2007. In 2017, she became a Travel Consultant at InteleTravel.com, where she served as a Certified Travel Agent, Cruise Specialist, earning multiple certificates and pins in travel. On Wednesday, November 6, 2019; our beloved Valeri passed away at Emory Saint Joseph Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her son, Jamal Cortez Davis; father-in-law, John Gates; maternal grandparents, Woodrow and Dora Hall Ross; paternal grandfather, John Henry Fulton; grandmother-in-law, Rebecca Aterison; nephews, Natorrin “Tory” Brown and Iniko Hurston; uncle, Willie Hall; and aunt, Louise Foster. She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband, Clayton Dion Gates; children, Deremy Davis and Erinique Ross; granddaughter, Eryn Carter; parents, Horace and Katie Fulton; siblings: Stephanie Ross and Lawanda Fulton; her in-laws, Rebecca Murphy, Raquel Smith, Vashon Mains, Deon Willis; aunts and uncles: Judy Gray, Joann Ross, Lizze Mae Grissom; special cousins: Frances Gray, Woody Gray, Ronnie Grissom, Doug Ross, and Shaquavia Askew; special nieces: Merceded Shelton, Aniyah Fulton, Jamiyah Ross, Harmony Dalls, Kaylee Dukes, Noriee Dukes, Caliyah Ross, Rylah Render, Taylin Shepherd; special nephews: Cedric Dukes, Derieko Render, Derrin Fulton, Caleb “5” Ross, Nolan Goss, and Cannon Dallas; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. The Celebration of Life Service will be Wednesday, November 13, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Warren Temple U M Church. Pastor Michael J. Jackson will officiate. Interment will follow at Old Mt. Olive Baptist Church Cemetery.The family will be at their home at 600 Whitesville Street.