Announcements

Baby Oliver Spohn, of Cleveland, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024.
Oliver was born on Nov. 28, 2023, to Cody and Brelyn Crane Spohn. In addition to his parents, survivors include his maternal grandparents, Michael and Amy Crane; paternal grandmother, LaQuita Spohn; paternal grandfather, Merlin Spohn, Jr. (Brandi Ringelspaugh); and uncles and aunts, Trey Crane, Josh Hicks (Allison), and Austin Spohn.
Graveside services were held Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Woodlawn Baptist Church Cemetery. The Rev. Michael Wilkes officiated.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Center Baptist Church - 109 Elrod Road, Helen, GA 30545 or to the Ronald McDonald House - www.rmhc.org/donate
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
May 2, 2024
Oliver Spohn

Our dear mother, Ellie Lou Merritt went on to her heavenly home on April 27, 2024, at 98. She was a caring wife, mother, nana, sister, and friend.
Ellie Lou Merritt lived and saw a lot in her almost 100 years. She would often share detailed and amazing stories of the era of her youth. She enjoyed the simplest pleasures in life spending time with her husband and family. Years before she was in a wheelchair, she and her husband were always baking and cooking up yummy recipes that they especially enjoyed while hosting when the family would all get together. She was a hard worker and kept busy keeping her home in pristine condition inside and out. She and her husband were avid gardeners and had great success with creating beautiful productive vegetable gardens for many years. They worked hard to preserve their harvest by canning and freezing it all, then sharing and providing for their family. Her family was very dear to her, and she looked forward to and loved when they would come for visits.
During the last year as our mother's condition worsened, her caregivers were such a blessing while taking care of her and being the best companions who became like family. She loved them and we want to express our gratitude to Suerita Thomas and especially LeKeisha Bledson and Lisa Melissa Maddox for loving her and giving her the best of care.
Ellie Lou Merritt was a native of Dawson County and had lived in Dekalb County for many years until her husband retired and then they moved full-time to Cleveland. She was the daughter of the late Gober and Ida Mae Whitmire.
Mrs. Merritt is survived by her son, James F. Merritt III; daughters-in-law, Darlene London-Merritt and Dianne Cantrell; grandchildren, James F. Merritt IV, Lisa Cantrell Francingues and husband Ray Francingues, and Angela Cantrell Leahy; four great-grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law, Whit and Ann Whitmire; extended family, Charlene L. Davis, Samantha McPherson, and Lyrik McPherson.
Ellie Lou Merritt is preceded in death by her parents; husband, James F. Merritt Jr.; son, Danny Cantrell; great-grandson, Jonathan Leahy; sisters, Mildred Westry and Ernestine Bennett; brothers, Albert Whitmire and Jimmy Whitmire.
The funeral will be a private celebration of life ceremony with only close family members present.
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
May 2, 2024
Ellie Lou Merritt

Joel Nelms, 28, of Cleveland, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024.
Joel was born Jan. 23, 1996, in Gainesville to Robert Nelms and the late Debbie Garrett Nelms. Joel worked alongside his father as they owned and operated Robert Nelms Construction. He was a member of Mt. View Baptist Church. In addition to his mother, he is preceded in death by his grandmothers, Janice Nelms and Emily Garrett.
Survivors include his wife, Hannah Nelms; daughter, Natalie Nelms; father, Robert Nelms; brother, Samuel Nelms; grandfathers, Duel Nelms and Wayne Garrett; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends also survive.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 29, 2024, at the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The Rev. Lewis Fortner officiated.
To share a memory or to leave the family a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
May 2, 2024
Joel Nelms

Richard “Rick” Blackburn, 65, of Cleveland, passed away Friday, April 26, 2024.
Mr. Blackburn was born Oct. 22, 1958, in Demorest, to the late Mack and Pat Bristol Blackburn. Rick was salesman for Jacky Jones for many years and was a member of Mossy Creek United Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Kory Blackburn, maternal grandparents, Gail and Ethel Bristol, paternal grandparents, Bonnie and Hester Blackburn, uncle, Hugh Blackburn and aunt, Euzella Blackburn.
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Connie Blackburn; son and daughter-in-law, Shane and Jacque Blackburn; grandchildren, Jack, Madie and Luke Blackburn, Tyler Lindlief, and Cole Lindlief; brother, Kenny Blackburn; aunt, Linda Watson, cousin, Cindy Watson; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Allen and Debbie Woodall and Luann and Patrick Grove; nephew, and Payton Blackburn.
Celebration of life services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024 at Mossy Creek United Methodist Church. The Rev. Jay Grantham and the Rev. Randy Walworth will officiate.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the church prior to the service.
To share a memory or to leave the family a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com.
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
May 2, 2024
Richard “Rick” Blackburn

Rodney Charles Usher, 66, of Clarkesville, Georgia went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 23, 2024.
Born in Demorest, Georgia on Aug. 23, 1957, he was a son of Charles and Gay Sosebee Usher of Cleveland, Georgia. Rodney was a graduate of White County High School, Class of 1975. He retired from Ethicon - A Johnson & Johnson Family Company, where he worked as a machinist with 25 years of dedicated service. In his spare time, Rodney enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and camping. Most of all, he enjoyed precious time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Rodney was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, survivors include his children, Holli Usher of Demorest; Jeremy and LaTisha Usher of Hiawassee, and Chad and Kelly Usher of Mount Airy; grandchildren, Judah and Henry Usher of Hiawassee, and Hayes, Charlee, and Haddie Usher of Mount Airy; brother and sister-in-law, Daniel and Angela Usher of Cornelia; sisters and brother-in-law, Pam Wright, and Patti and Bobby Allen, all of Cleveland; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends.
A Celebration of Rodney's Life was held Friday, April 26, 2024 at Hillside Memorial Chapel in Clarkesville, Georgia with Rev. Raburne Wilson and Rev. Donald Grizzle officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that all donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by visiting www.stjude.org/donate
An online guest registry is available for the Usher family at www.HillsideMemorialChapel.com
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens of Clarkesville, Georgia.
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
May 2, 2024
Rodney Charles Usher

Thomas Lamar Willis, 91, of Cleveland, passed away on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
Mr. Willis was born on Nov. 15, 1932, in Pelham, Georgia, to the late Olin and Mary Sue Huggins Willis. He was a retired engineer and a member of Cleveland First Methodist Church. In addition to his parents, Thomas was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Cheeley Willis; son, Thomas Jeffery Willis; and sisters, Betty Willis Miller and Caroline Willis Googe.
Survivors include his son, William J. Willis (Rochelle); grandchildren, Thomas Jeffrey Willis, Emily Ann Willis, Amy Caroline Willis; and sister, Suzanne Willis Carnes.
No local services will be held.
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
May 2, 2024
Thomas Lamar Willis

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