Thursday, Jan 26, 2023

Elizabeth was born in Clarke County on May 15, 1939, grew up in Clarke County, graduated from Oconee County High School and moved to Thomson, Georgia in 1964.  She was Baptist by faith and a member of Washington Heights Baptist Church.  Elizabeth worked as a USPS Rural Carrier and was a faithful and devoted homemaker for her family.  Elizabeth loved spending quality time with her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard Meeler and Katie Mae Burkhalter Meeler and her daughter, Pam Gunter.  Her survivors include her devoted husband of 67 years, Robert Gunter, Sr.; her sons, Robert “Bobby” Gunter, Jr. and Jeff Gunter (Cloris); her brothers, Howard Meeler, Jr. and Jimmy Meeler; her sisters, Faye Meeler, Janice Helton, Brenda Dove, and Becky Teat; her grandchild, Billy Rye and her nieces and nephews, Gerardo Reyes, Emily Reyes, Angel Reyes, Christian Reyes and Emmaline Reyes.

Her Graveside Service were held at Westview Cemetery, Thomson, Georgia on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m with Rev. Tim Ferrell officiating.  Please visit www.beggsfuneralhome.net to sign the family’s personal guestbook.

The Family would like to express their sincerest thanks to Hospice Services of Georgia.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Elizabeth Irene Gunter.

Celeste Lee Hamlin

Celeste Lee Hamlin, 71, of Thomson Georgia passed away on January 21, 2023.

She led a full life of volunteering and was an honorary member of the PTA. She will be remembered for her free spirit and her love of her fur babies.

She was predeceased by her mother Tis Hamlin, and father Dr. Homer Hamlin.

She is survived by her son David Callahan, daughters Rebecca Davis, and Leigh Ann Rikard (Leslie), and grandson Gavan Rikard, and her brother Bob Hamlin.

If you would like to pay your respects, please make a donation in her name to one of the following charities: 

National Education Association  https://www.nea.org/

Thomson-McDuffie Animal Hospital https://thomsonmcduffieanimalhospital.com/

Habitat for Humanity International

https://www.habitat.org/

You may sign a guest book online at www.curtisfuneralhome.com

Curtis Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.

Carole Lynn Paige

Carole Lynn Paige, 84, passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022. Carole was born on November 10, 1938, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was raised by her mother, the late Margaret Walley and her stepfather, the late Lewis D. Raines, Sr.

She is survived by her son Daniel Paige of Boulder, Colorado; David Paige (Deanna Paige) of Grovetown, Georgia; two grandchildren Olivia (Nicholas Vernon) and Abby Paige; her brother William Raines (Ellen Duttweiler) of Athens Georgia; and her brother Lewis D. (Don) Raines Jr. (Nancy Raines) of Fernandina Beach, Florida; as well as two nieces and three nephews. Carole was preceded in death by her former husband Michael Richard Paige and her nephew Preston Raines.

Carole made her home in Mitchell, Georgia where she enjoyed caring for her cherished animal companions, spending time with her dear friends, and hosting her beloved family members for regular get togethers. In 2016, Carole was diagnosed with cancer and displayed an enormous amount of strength and grace during this difficult time. Carole’s ability to persevere through her cancer diagnosis and treatment was undoubtedly impressive, though not unexpected given her tenacious spirit.

A devoted mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend, Carole never missed an opportunity to let her loved ones know she cared for them. It was practically unheard of to leave Carole’s house without a baked good or small token of her thoughtfulness in hand. Her granddaughters remember her musical “happy birthday” voicemail messages with great fondness, though admittedly, not due to her singing talent. Rather, it was Carole’s dedication to filling the lives of those around her with laughter and love that was perhaps her most memorable quality.

Carole was committed to maintaining the natural beauty of the meadows and woods that surrounded her home. Even in her older years, she could often be found riding her lawnmower against doctor’s orders or tending to the many flowers and plants growing in her gardens. Wearing the label of “animal lover” with pride, Carole recognized the delicate bond between all living things and showed appreciation for the wild animals that resided near her home (with the exception of an occasional rattle snake). She was especially fond of her numerous pets. Over her lifetime, Carole welcomed many dogs, cats, horses, cows and one donkey into her heart and home. It was not uncommon to arrive for a visit only to be greeted by the latest rescue dog who had experienced a stroke of luck in crossing paths with Carole and thus becoming part of her family.

Finding your way into Carole’s life was a great fortune to animals and humans alike. Those who had the opportunity recognize what a great gift it was and they feel quite lucky indeed.

In lieu of flowers, online donations may be made to Best Friends Animal Society at the following website: http://support.bestfriends.org/goto/carolepaige

A celebration of life event will be held privately for family members and friends in Mitchell, GA on Sunday, January 29, 2023. For information on attending, please contact David Paige at dpaige@bellsouth.net

Bernice Thigpen Richards

Bernice Thigpen Richards, 86, Thomson, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on January 18, 2023.

She was born in Glenwood, Georgia on February 13, 1936.  Bernice moved to Savannah with her parents in 1941 during the War, and her parents worked at the shipyard building ships.  She grew up mostly in Montgomery County, enjoyed working on the Blueberry Farm, and moved to Thomson in 1977 with her late husband, George Richards.  After graduation from High School, Bernice furthered her education with a Degree from Massey Business College.  She had a beautiful singing voice and won 2^nd Place in the Solo Division in the State during her high school years.  Bernice was Baptist by faith and a member of Sweetwater Baptist Church.  She worked in the Atlanta Area in Civil Service for the Army Reserves Personnel Office.  She also loved spending time with her family and friends.

Bernice was preceded in death by her loving husband, George Richards and her brother Hildred Thigpen.  Her survivors include her sister, Mildred Thigpen Morris of Soperton, Georgia and her cousin, Marsha Rich of Mt. Vernon, Georgia and her dear friend and caregiver, Della Leslie and other extended family.

Visitation was held on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Sweetwater Baptist Church, 1606 Wrens Highway, Thomson, Georgia, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Her service followed at 1:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary with Rev. Don Cummings officiating.  The interment followed in the Church Cemetery.  Please visit www.beggsfuneralhome.net to sign the family’s personal guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sweetwater Baptist Church, 1606 Wrens Highway, Thomson, Georgia 30824.

The Family would like to express their sincerest thanks to her professional medical caregivers.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Bernice Thigpen Richards.

Leon Wyatt

Leon Wyatt, 75, Thomson, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on January 22, 2023.

Leon Wyatt was born in Wrightsville, Georgia on February 11, 1947, grew up in McDuffie County, served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, worked at Pittman Highway Contractors, Sheppard Construction, Knox Rivers, Plant Vogtle and started Wyatt Construction in 1985.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, operating equipment, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Marvin Wyatt and Addie Rogers Wyatt and his brother, Grady Paul Wyatt.  Leon’s survivors include his devoted wife of 46 years, Evelyn VanFossen Wyatt; his son, David Wyatt (Ashley) of Thomson; his stepchildren, Susan Erkens Auckland (Jack) of Athens and Wayne Erkens (Angela) of Thomson; his brother, Billy Wyatt (Patricia); his sisters, Thelma Hargrove, Geraldine Jones, Margaret Edwards and Bessie Standridge; his grandchildren, Carter Wyatt, Katie Wyatt, Keegan Williams, Kendall Erkens, Joshua Auckland, Benjamin Auckland and Cristina Auckland, his great grandchildren, Nathan Rowe, A. J. Williams and  Cameron Williams and his nieces and nephews.

The family is not planning a service at this time. Please visit www.beggsfuneralhome.net to sign the family’s personal guestbook.

Beggs Funeral Home, Thomson, Georgia is honored to serve the family of Leon Wyatt.

DEATH NOTICES

Thomson Funeral System – Thomson, GA

James Willie Hamilton, Jr., 75, Atlanta, passed January 18th, 2023. Private interment.

Starling Funeral Home – Harlem, GA

Jim Clark, 85, Harlem, passed January 20, 2023.  Funeral Services were held January 24, 2023 at Bellevue Memorial Gardens Chapel with Rev. Philip Vestal officiating.

Blair Elaine McMichael, 38, entered into rest on January 20, 2023.  Memorial Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Harlem United Methodist Church with Rev. David Cooper officiating.

Lowe Funeral Home – Warrenton, GA

Kenneth Donaldson Barton, age 56, Millen, entered into rest January 19, 2023.  A Graveside Service was held January 23rd at Ryals Family Cemetery in Eastman, GA with Rev. Randy Adams officiating. 

Mattie Johnson Chalker, 87, Warrenton entered into rest January 19, 2023.    A Funeral Service was held January 22nd at the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel, burial followed at Scruggs Cemetery.