Announcements

Brela Faith Dover
Brela Faith Dover, 20, of Cornelia, passed away on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.
Born in Gainesville, on Dec. 13, 2005, Brela was a graduate of Habersham Central High School, Class of 2024. She was currently continuing her education at Truett McConnell University, where she was pursuing a major in English Arts with a minor in Humanities.
Brela was a bright, creative young woman with a love for learning and an appreciation for the simple things that made life meaningful. She enjoyed crafting, reading, writing, music, fishing, table-top gaming, antiquing, cooking and hiking. From the early age of four, Brela loved playing soccer and continued with the sport through her middle school years, until health challenges would no longer allow her to play.
Those who knew Brela knew there were many things that made her uniquely herself. She possessed a creative spirit, loved reading a good book, writing and expressing herself through words. She could find joy in everything from an antique treasure to time spent outdoors. And anyone who knew her well also knew about her love for pickles - if it involved pickles, chances were Brela was going to enjoy it.
Above all, Brela was deeply loved by her family. She shared an especially precious bond with her nieces and nephews, who brought tremendous joy to her life. Though her time on this earth was far too brief, the love she gave, the memories she created and the lives she touched will remain with those who loved her.
Brela was preceded in death by her: sister, Kendra Brooke Dover; paternal grandparents, Jack and Mary Dover; and maternal grandparents, Curtis and Ellie Henslee.
Survivors include her: mother and step-father, Rachel Henslee Taylor (Phillip); father, Eddie Dover; brothers and sisters-in-law, Blake Moore; Dillan Moore (Lydia); and Kasedy Dover (Jessica); nephews, Coen Moore and Colby Moore; nieces, Kenley Moore, Karrah Dover, Kelia Dover and Kylah Dover; special cousin and best friend, Tanner Dover; as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and many friends.
In accordance with Brela's wishes, the only celebration of her life will be held from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at the Cornelia Community House, 601 Wyly Street, Cornelia. Chosen speakers, Oakey Dover and Jacob Mann will begin sharing at 5 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, an account has been established at Traditions Bank to assist with the creation of a scholarship in Brela's memory at Truett McConnell University and/or a new foundation being established in her name, the Because of Brela Foundation https://www.becauseofbrela.org
Through this foundation, Brela's family hopes that her memory will continue to make a difference by raising awareness of Gastroparesis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, mental illness and other health challenges close to Brela's story. It is their hope that because of Brela, others may feel seen, understood, supported and encouraged to know that they are never alone.
Brela's life cannot be measured simply by the number of years she was given, but by the love she shared, the people she touched and the memories that will continue to live on. Her story will not end with her passing. Through her family, her friends, the scholarship created in her memory and the work of the Because of Brela Foundation, her name and her legacy will continue to have meaning and purpose for years to come.
An online guest registry is available for the family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Brela Faith Dover.
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
August 20, 2026

Ethelene English Minish, 83, of Sautee, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026.
Born in Demorest, on Sept. 12, 1942, Ethelene was a daughter of the late Clyde English and Kathleen Ophelia Smith English. She was a graduate of North Habersham High School, Class of 1960. Following many years of dedicated service, she retired from Piedmont Automotive.
Ethelene was a lady of strong faith who found great joy in the simple blessings of life. She had a special love for good Southern Gospel music and thoroughly enjoyed attending singings at various churches and gatherings throughout the area. The timeless songs of faith, hope and Heaven held a special place in her heart and reflected the faith by which she lived.
Flowers were another of Ethelene's great loves. She found much enjoyment in watching them grow and bloom, appreciating their beauty and the changing seasons that brought them to life.
A faithful member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church, Ethelene dearly loved her church and church family. Her Christian faith remained an important part of her life, providing strength, comfort, and assurance throughout the years.
Above all, Ethelene treasured her family. She especially cherished the life she shared with her loving husband, Bruce, throughout their 65 years of marriage, as well as the precious time spent with their daughters, Susan and Stephanie. Family was at the center of Ethelene's heart, and the love, memories, and traditions she leaves behind will continue to be treasured for generations to come.
In addition to her parents, Ethelene was preceded in death by her: beloved daughter, Susan Minish; brother, Harold English; sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Jackie Thomas; sisters, Willene Sosebee and Coma Lee Black; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bobby and Pat Minish; sister-in-law, Dorothy Jean Lovell; as well as her niece, Page Black Brooks.
Survivors include her: loving husband of 65 years, Bruce Minish; daughter, Stephanie Minish; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Betty English; sister and brother-in-law, Dianne and Jim Colston; sister-in-law, Vivian English; brother-in-law, Duane Black; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Billy and Denise Minish; sister-in-law, Lynn Minish; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends who were as close as family.
Ethelene will be lovingly remembered as a devoted wife and mother, a faithful Christian and a dear friend to many. Her love for family, her enjoyment of beautiful flowers and her fondness for the old Southern Gospel songs will forever bring sweet memories to those who knew and loved her. While her earthly presence will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in the blessed assurance that the faith she carried throughout her life has now become sight. The songs she loved to hear about Heaven have become her reality as she rests in the presence of her Lord and is reunited with her precious daughter, Susan, and loved ones who went before her.
Funeral services were held Aug. 14, 2026, at Crescent Hill Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Blocker and Rev. Danny Jarrard officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
The family received friends at the church on Friday.
Flowers are accepted, or donations may be made in Ethelene's memory to The Gideons International, c/o Habersham North Camp, P.O. Box 1855, Clarkesville, GA 30523.
An online guest registry is available for the Minish family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com.
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Ga., (706/778-8668) is honored to serve the family of Ethelene English Minish.
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
August 20, 2026
Ethelene English Minish

Mary Jane Kitchens Murray
Mary Jane Kitchens Murray, 86, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Mary Jane was born on June 18, 1940, in Americus, Ga., to Lester and Imogene Kitchens. Americus was home throughout her childhood, and she attended school there from first grade through high school. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of hot Georgia summer days spent swimming in the pool with her sister Nancy. Mary Jane loved to dance and was voted "Best Dancer" by her senior class, a distinction that reflected the fun and spirited side of her personality. During her high school years, she also shared a close friendship with her best friend, Carolyn McCray, and the two made many memories together.
Matt and Mary Jane's story began long before they became husband and wife. They knew one another as children through Bible school, and in the seventh grade, Mary Jane sat right in front of Matt in class. Their paths brought them back together when they were 18 years old, and they began dating in the early summer of 1958. After 21 months of dating, they were married on March 25, 1960. Together, they built a life filled with family, love, faith and adventure.
One of their greatest joys was traveling together in their camper. Over the years, Mary Jane and Matt spent countless hours on the road, visiting new places, taking in the scenery, and making memories along the way. Those trips became a treasured part of their life together and reflected not only Mary Jane's love of travel, but also how much she simply enjoyed being by Matt's side.
Faith was a foundation of Mary Jane's life and an important part of who she was. She was a member of Cleveland First Baptist Church, and her faith guided the way she lived, loved and cared for others. It was something those who knew her recognized in her and it remained a constant throughout her life.
Mary Jane also dedicated her life to caring for and teaching others through a career in nursing that touched the lives of both her patients and her students. She earned her nursing degree from Georgia Southwestern in Americus, Ga., where she earned her BSN and began her career caring for patients at Sumter County Hospital and Upson County Hospital in Thomston, Ga. She later brought her knowledge and experience into the classroom, teaching nursing at Upson County Tech and Gwinnett Tech in Lawrenceville. Through both nursing and education, Mary Jane devoted her career to serving others and preparing future generations of nurses to do the same.
Affectionately known as "Mimi" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mary Jane's family held a special place in her heart. She treasured time spent with those she loved, whether through family gatherings, shared traditions, or the simple everyday moments that became cherished memories.
Mary Jane also loved bird watching and found great joy in watching the birds that visited her home. She kept numerous bird feeders and especially enjoyed watching the hummingbirds come and go.
Mary Jane is survived by her: husband, Matt Murray; her daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Dennis Hill; her grandsons, Matthew (Athena) Hill, Michael (Amanda) Hill and Mackenzie (Michaela) Hill; and her great-grandchildren, Easton, Emerson, Paxton, Brooklynn, Aubrey, Grant, Maya, Lane, Evelyn and Ethan. She is also survived by her brother, David (Barbara) Kitchens, along with many other family members and loved ones.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Imogene Kitchens, and her sisters, Peggy Killinger and Nancy Hunt.
Visitation was on Aug. 18, 2026 at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland. A memorial service followed in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Cleveland First Baptist Church in Mary Jane's memory.
Mary Jane's family will forever cherish the love, faith and memories she shared with them as their beloved Mimi, from family gatherings and everyday moments to the many miles and adventures she shared with Matt.
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
August 20, 2026

Mr. Dennis Hall, 67, of Cleveland, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026.
Mr. Hall was born in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Cleveland Hall and Betty Boone. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by children, Stacy Johnson and Joe Johnson. He was a truck driver and employed by J.L. Gaddis.
He worked hard, loved deeply and lived life on his own terms. The miles he traveled may have been many, but the greatest journey of his life was the one he shared with those he loved.
Though his final ride has come, his memory will live on in every rumbling truck, every motorcycle cruising down the highway and in the hearts of the family and friends who were fortunate enough to love him.
Rest easy and ride free until we meet again, keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down.
Survivors include: his children, Andi Holt, Jonathan Hall, Luke Hall and Trisha Ellis; sister, Holly Bruce; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
August 20, 2026
Dennis Hall

Mr. Richard E. Palmer, 80, of Cleveland, passed away Friday, July 24, 2026.
Mr. Palmer was born in Cleveland to the late Howard and Pauline Black Palmer. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Myra Jean Palmer, and sister, Joyce Johnson. Mr. Palmer served his country in the U.S. Army and worked for the Georgia Department of Transportation.
Survivors include: brother-in-law, Frank Johnson; nieces and nephews, Stephanie and Mark Patterson, David and Shontell Palmer, Jennifer Palmer, Beverly Latham, Shelley Jones; and special friends Dennis, Becky and Eli Taylor.
Memorial services are scheduled for 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, from the Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. Rev. Dennis Taylor will officiate. The family will receive friends from 12 - 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, prior to the service.
To share a memory or to leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.barrettfh.com
Barrett Funeral Home of Cleveland | (706) 865-3101
White County News · Cleveland, Georgia
August 20, 2026
Richard E. Palmer

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