James Donald Biles, Jr.
James Donald “Donny” Biles Jr., age 53, of Hampton, Georgia, passed away February 24, 2009. Donny graduated from Jonesboro High School, Class of “73,” Georgia State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, and served his country in the U.S. Navy for 6 years. Donny enjoyed his family, doing for others, music, traveling, outdoors and nature, and living in Italy for several years.
He is survived by his wife, Shannon Biles of Hampton; father, James Donald Biles Sr. of Conyers; mother, Peggy Biles of McDonough; sister, Conni Leigh Sullivan of McDonough; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Donny was held February 28 in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home with Rev. Chris Daglis officiating. Haisten Funeral Home, 770-914-8833.
John Frank Jones
John Frank “Frankie” Jones, known to family as Pawpaw, age 71, of McDonough, Georgia, passed away February 24, 2009. Mr. Jones was born in Lake City, Florida, the son of the late Sarah Sue Crawford and Jesse Thomas Jones. Mr. Jones was preceded in death by all of his siblings. Mr. Jones retired from the IBEW Local Union #613 as an electrician. He enjoyed traveling to Florida and visiting all of the springs and reading the newspaper. He served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1962.
Survivors are his wife, Shirley Jones of McDonough; children, Tami (John) Tyler of Covington, Terri (Sam) Davis of McDonough, Scott (Beth) Jones of Stockbridge and Trina Jones of Jackson; grandchildren, Crissy Howell, Jennifer Matuszyk, Jessica McPherson, Eric Cosby, Christopher Glover and Cheyenne Jones; 8 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Jones were held February 28 in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home. Interment was at Haisten/Eastlawn Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the American Heart Association. Haisten Funeral Home, 770-914-8833.
Robert Lynn Shetter
Robert “Bob” Lynn Shetter, age 76, of Locust Grove, Georgia, passed away February 24, 2009. Mr. Shetter was born in Catoosa, the son of the late Maggie Lynn Wilson and Harold Eugene Shetter. He was preceded in death by a son, Jim Shetter; sister, Dorothy Murphree; sister-in-law, Barbara Spears Shetter and brother-in-law, Paul Murphree. Mr. Shetter served his country in the U.S. Army, retired from Southern Bell with 32 years of service, was a member of the CWA Union, enjoyed sports and was an avid golfer.
Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Cathy Shetter; daughters, Robin (Lane) Austin, Virginia (Joel) Cocoletzi; grandchildren, Jennifer (Casey) Benton, Kimberly (Steven) Parrish, Amanda (Max) Anderson, Crystal (Steve) Cullifer and Sabrina Lee; great-grandchildren, Desirae Benton, Caleb Benton and Kayleigh Anderson; brothers, Edwin Shetter, Donald (Marlene) Shetter; sisters, Ruby (Russell) Whidby and Ruth (Pierce) Smith; mother-in-law, Mary Haun; sister-in-law, LeAnna Haun and her daughter Hannah; numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Mr. Shetter will be held March 7, 11 a.m., in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home with Rev. Jonathan Long officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Donations may be made to Sacred Journey Hospice Foundation, Shepherd Spinal Center in Atlanta or a children’s charity of your choice. Haisten Funeral Home, 770-914-8833.
Samuel Sanders
Samuel ( Art ) Sanders, age 80 of Stockbridge, Georgia, passed away on February 25, 2009. Mr. Sanders was a member of Victorious Life Church of God Church in Conyers. He was an active member of the Republican Party in Henry County, Special Olympics and he was also involved with The Jerry Lewis Telethon. He was also a former member of Stockbridge Assembly of God Church in Stockbridge.
He is survived by his wife, Viola Sanders; sons, David Sanders, Sam Sanders, Vance Sanders; daughters, Sandra Watkins, Denise Holton, Vickey Rattz; 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers Leroy Sanders, James Sanders, Edward Sanders; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Sanders were held March 1 at Horis A. Ward Fairview Chapel, with Pastor Larry Gunter officiating. Interment followed at Fairview Memorial Gardens. Those wishing may go on line to http://www.mem.com/ and sign the guest registry. Horis A. Ward Fairview Chapel.
Mary Willette Thomas Smith
Mary Willette Thomas Smith, age 90, of Stockbridge, Georgia, passed away February 25, 2009. Mrs. Smith served the Lord as a missionary in Cuba, Haiti, and the Bahamas prior to retirement some 20 years ago. Mrs. Smith enjoyed painting, writing poetry, and teaching Sunday School and was greatly blessed during her last year by the ministry of those who work at and with Laurel Park Nursing Home.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her identical twin sister, Edna Thomas Kehoe; her children, Jim Smith, Dick Smith, T.K. Smith, Janet Turner, Judi Burnham and Debbie Harbin; her 20 grandchildren; and her 24 great-grandchildren.
Services for Mrs. Smith were held at Skyway Cemetery in Palmetto, Florida on February 28. Donation may be sent to: The First Haitian Church of Palmetto 802 23rd St. West, Palmetto, FL, 34221 for the mission church in Tiberon, Haiti. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors.
Clarence Richards
Clarence Richards, age 71, of McDonough, Georgia, died February 26, 2009. He was raised in Cannelton, Indiana, by his late parents, Clarence J., Sr. and Vivian I. Schneider Richards. He was preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Richards. Mr. Richards was an avid baseball fan and chess player.
Mr. Richards is survived by his son, Ethan (Kelley) Richards, McDonough; and grandson, Ryan Richards, McDonough.
Graveside services were held on February 28 at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, with Dr. Buddy Perstrope officiating. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors.
Newell Mason Smith
Newell Mason Smith, age 83, of Locust Grove, Georgia, passed away February 26, 2009. Mr. Smith was born in Madison, South Carolina, the son of the late Ellafair Hudson and Samuel Jefferson Smith. Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Whitfield Smith; son, Johnny Smith; grandson, Mark Cieutat; brothers, Clyde and Winfred Smith; sisters, Euna Holbrook and Eva Cantrell. Mr. Smith was retired from Snapper Power Equipment with 23-plus years. Mr. Smith enjoyed wood working, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors are his children; Jo-Anne and Leon Cieutat of Gay, Bobby and Earline Smith of Locust Grove, Katrena Whitehead of Locust Grove, and Ken and Tammy Smith of Locust Grove; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Edna Arnold and Bertie Mundy of McDonough; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Smith were held March 1 in the chapel of Haisten Funeral Home with Rev. Joey Seabolt officiating. Interment was at the Locust Grove Cemetery. Haisten Funeral Home, 770-914-8833.
