Clark Funeral Home

Stephen Arthur Labrode, age 64, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2016. He was born on December 22, 1951, in Louisiana, to the late Eurbain & Marion Laborde. Mr. Laborde was of Catholic faith and worked as an engineer Tulane University. Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Marion & Jesse Smith of Dallas, GA; brother and sister-in-law, John & Kenny Sue Laborde of Louisiana; sister and brother-in-law, Marianne & Ed Core of Louisiana; and three grandchildren. In accordance to Mr. Labrode’s wishes, the body was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later

William “Billy” Lentz, age 38, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2016. He was born on September 14, 1977, in Dalton, GA. He was self-employed as a plumber and was a member of West Ridge Church. Survivors include son, Eli Thompson of Austell, GA; daughter, Faith Morris of Temple, GA; parents, William Dudley & Linda Lentz of Hiram, GA; brother, William Marcus Lentz of Hiram, GA; sister, Lisa Pritchett of Hiram, GA; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 12, 2016, at 11 AM, with Reverend Rodney Hunt officiating. The family will r

Rebecca Dianne “Becky” Ragsdale, age 60 of Hiram, GA passed away on Friday, February 5, 2016 following a brief illness. Becky was blessed to share 40 years of marriage to the love of her life, Sonny. She enjoyed camping and loved spending time with her “4 pack” as she affectionately called her grandkids. She was employed as a Dental Assistant with Distinctive Dentistry in Hiram, GA. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Lloyd Norment. Survivors include her husband; Clinton Warner “Sonny” Ragsdale III of Hiram, GA; daughters, Rebecca Mary Ellen and Anthony Smither, Jr. of Dallas,

Billy Wayne Still, age 57 of Dallas, GA passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. He was preceded in death by his parents; Billy Joe and Gertrude Still and sister, Robin Wise. He is survived by daughters; Tara Still of Dallas, GA and Ashley Starks of Alabama; sisters, Sue and Jimmy Owens of Dallas, GA and Cathy and Rev. Jeff Byrd of Dallas, GA; several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Friday evening, February 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Gateway Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Byrd officiating. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: Gateway Baptist Church 9710 Hi

Helen Ann Wright, age 59, of Powder Springs, GA, passed away on Wednesday, February 3, 2016. She was born on May 30, 1956, in Austell, GA, to the late John & Joann Wright, and was preceded in death by her brother, Harry Wright. Ms. Wright worked as a human resources benefits coordinator for Caraustar Industries in Austell, GA for 34 years, and was a member of McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include sisters and brothers-in-law, Janice & Roger Bouffard of Douglasville, GA, and Joanie & David Wilson of Winston, GA; and niece, Amber Wilson of Winston, GA.

Sandra T. Brown, age 74, of Mableton, GA, passed away on Friday, January 29, 2016. She was born on January 21, 1942, in Atlanta, GA, to the late Lawrence William Thomas, Sr. & Naomi Odell Thomas. Sandra was retired from Cobb County after serving 20 years as a bus driver. Survivors include her loving husband of 47 years, Tommy Brown of Mableton, GA; sisters, Susan Eaton & husband, Bill of Hiram, GA, Becky Thomas & husband, David of Marietta, GA, Sharon Jennings & husband, George of Marietta, GA; brothers, Lawrence William Thomas Jr. & wife, Carolyn of Cleveland, GA, Jam

Arthur Stevens, age 76, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016. He was born on November 22, 1939, in Peck’s Mill, WV, to the late Eddie & Vesta Lee Stevens, and was preceded in death by his sister, Jewel Clark and brother, Scott Stevens. Mr. Stevens was a United States Navy Veteran serving in the Vietnam War, and retired from Sara Lee. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Patricia Stevens of Dallas, GA; children, Lori Jean Stevens of Dallas, GA, James Stevens of Dallas, GA, Gary Stevens of Dallas, GA, Jordan & Josh Williams of Villa Rica, GA, and Leopold Steven

Susan Hardin Sawyer, age 62, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016. She was born on November 11, 1953, in Marietta, GA, to the late Bill Hardin & Marie Smallwood, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Jerry Benson and Howard Hardin, and nephew, Nicholas Smith. Mrs. Sawyer was a member of Macland Road Church of Christ. Survivors include husband of 24 years, Tom Sawyer of Dallas, GA; step-children, Jennifer Sawyer of Dacula, GA, Jay Sawyer of Doraville, GA, and Ansley Sawyer of Atlanta, GA; brother John & Fran Hardin of Dallas, GA; sister, Kay Smith of Hiram

Judy Carol Grosch, age 73, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 28, 2016. She was born on December 25, 1942, in Memphis, TN, to the late Ignatius & Elizabeth Sterle. Mrs. Grosch retired after 37 years from Wellstar Cobb Hospital. Survivors include husband of 43 years, Harold Lester Grosch, of Hiram, GA; children, Dennis & Jane Woodall of Woodstock, GA, Tammy & Herbert Harden of Powder Springs, GA, and David Woodall of Gadsden, AL; step-children, Thomas Grosch of Maryland and Harold & Karen Grosch JR of Peru; eight grandchildren, four step-grandchildren; seven grea

Geneva Evelyn Shipp Eberhart, age 92, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. She was born on May 16, 1923, in Hiram, GA to the late Glenn Homer & Effie Shipp, and was preceded in death by her husband, Loyd Marion Eberhart after 60 years of marriage; great-grandchildren, Tyler Glass and Mason Glass; sisters, Laurene Hitchcock & Rose Roberts; and brothers, Gene Shipp & Reverend Sam Shipp. Mrs. Eberhart retired in 1982 after 32 years of service as a supervisor from the State of Georgia Department of Labor and Department of Corrections, was a member of Flint Hill Meth

Ruth Lina Golden, age 85, of Douglasville, GA, formerly of Canton, GA, passed away on Tuesday, January 26, 2016. She was born on May 27, 1930, in Germany, and was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Golden, and son, Ron Golden. Mrs. Golden was a member of Mt. Nebo United Methodist Church. Survivors include daughter-in-law, Carole Golden of Powder Springs, GA; brother, Gerhard & Helga Ries of Germany; grandchildren, Rebecca Ann & Mark Freeman, Daniel & Christy Golden, and Amanda & Joshua Whitaker; great-grandchildren, Dylan Freeman, Madison Freeman, Abbie Freeman, Kyle

Mitch Eller, age 74, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2016. He was born on April 24, 1941, in Kennesaw, GA, to the late Mitchell Glover & Ruby Irene Eller. He was the owner and president of VIP Industries, INC and a member of Greer’s Chapel Baptist Church. Mitch loved boating and enjoyed spending time in his man cave. Survivors include wife of 42 years, Vickie Eller of Dallas, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Mitchell Clinton & Lisa Eller of Demorest, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon & Walt West of Acworth, GA; grandchild, Ellie Eller; several nieces and nep

Hiram Lee Townsend, age 83, of Powder Springs, GA, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2016. Mr. Townsend was born on September 9, 1932, in Fairmont, GA, to the late R.C. Carter Townsend & Susie Bunch Townsend. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Steven Gregg Townsend. Survivors include son, David Lee Townsend of Powder Springs, GA; daughter, Donna Lynn Roberts Ray of Powder Springs, GA; brothers, Glenn Townsend & wife, Dot of Powder Springs, GA, James Townsend & wife, Shirley of Powder Springs, GA, Billy Townsend of Dallas, GA; sisters, Inez Gr

Thomas Dwayne Croker, age 48, of Collinsville, AL, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2016. He was born on May 12, 1967 in Marietta, GA, to the late Thomas Alva Edison Croker & Barbara Jean Jordan Croker. Thomas was an avid outdoorsman, enjoyed hunting, fishing, monster trucks, and truly loved spending time with his nieces & nephews. He was known affectionately by friends and family as “Old Swampy”. Survivors include his brothers, John Croker & wife, Melessia of Rockmart, GA, Dwight Croker of Hiram, GA & Jeff Croker of Hiram, GA; three nephews; three nieces. In accor

Wanda Ann Shepard, age 71, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2016. She was born on February 17, 1944 in Lexington, KY to the late Mack Garnett & Jane F. Garnett. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sons Arnold Carpenter & Robert Dale Carpenter, Jr. Wanda was an avid reader and enjoyed doing crafts. She loved to listen to music, watch The Food Network and DIY shows. She always centered her life around her family and her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She lived her life accordingly with one of her favorite quotes, “Always put i

Myrtle Jones Ross, age 75, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Wednesday, January 20, 2016. She was born on June 8, 1940, in Blairsville, GA, to the late Jewel & Edna Jones. Mrs. Ross retired from BellSouth after 35 years, and was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Survivors include husband of 54 years, William Wallace Ross of Hiram, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Mike & Rhonda Ross of Hiram, GA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mildred Sellers of Marietta, GA, Mable & Frank Hughes of Marietta, GA, Joyce & Junior Baldwin of Lithia Springs, GA, and Linda & Allen Nichols of Y

Katherine “Kitt Katt” Carroll, age 46, of Rockmart, GA (Paulding Co.), passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016. She was born on June 15, 1969, in Atlanta, GA to Kenneth Arthur Cantrell & Ellen Louise Saxon. Mrs. Carroll was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Cantrell. She was a homemaker and Baptist by faith. Survivors include her husband of 23 years, Ryan Carroll of Rockmart, GA; mother, Ellen Saxon of Rockmart, GA; son, Ryan William Carroll, Jr. of Dallas, GA; daughters, Jennifer Castille & husband, Jason of Rockmart, GA, Stephanie Whitaker & husband, David of Rockmart,

William Otis Smith, age 74, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016. He was born on September 1, 1941 in Calhoun, GA, to the late Woodrow Smith & Bonnie Gravely Smith. Mr. Smith worked as a self-employed painter for over sixty years. Survivors include wife, Daralene Smith of Hiram, GA; son, Jessie Smith & wife, Marion of Dallas GA, Todd Smith & wife, Sonia of Calhoun, GA, Dewayne Smith & wife, Amelia of Calhoun, GA; daughter, Lisa Keene & husband, Daniel of Dallas, GA, Tina Smith of Calhoun, GA; sister, Carolyn Fowler of Bessemer, AL; twelve grandchildren;

Doug Puckett, age 54, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Wednesday, January 13, 2016. He was born on March 18, 1961, in Dallas, GA, to the late Edwin R. & Evelyn Johns Puckett. Mr. Puckett was a member of First Baptist Church of Dallas, enjoyed car restoration, fishing with his son and bragging on his daughter. Doug loved his family dearly. Survivors include children, Linsey Puckett of Dallas, GA, and Jordan Puckett of Hiram, GA; sisters, Melanie (Roger) Blalock of Dallas, GA, and Lorry (Tommy) Puckett Tanner; girlfriend, Deneice Kuykendall; former wife, Allison Byrd; several nieces and

Mr. Joseph Stewart Parker, Sr. Longtime Editor of The Dallas New Era Passes Mr. Joseph Stewart Parker, Sr., age 71, passed away January 11, 2016, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Mr. Parker was born April 13, 1944 in Dallas, Georgia, son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edward (Edna Meadows) Parker, Sr. A lifelong resident of Dallas, Paulding County, Georgia, he worked at The Dallas New Era for 55 years, taking great pride in the news, articles, and pictures that were published weekly. He served as Editor for many years. Joe graduated from Dallas High School in 1962. His fa

Elizabeth Wortor Nimley Taylor, age 83, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Monday, December 21, 2015. She was born on December 15, 1932, in Liberia, to the late George Nimley and Elizabeth Seth Barclay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Randall Cisco & her daughter, Esther Sammy. Mrs. Taylor was a homemaker and a member at Christ Empowered Ministries. Survivors include her husband, George Taylor; daughter & son-in-law, Lovetta & Robert Toe of Charlotte, NC; brothers, MacArthur Wolo & wife, Korlu of Brownsville, NJ, Winston Barclay & wife, Sop

Louise Stabel, age 70, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Tuesday, January 12, 2016. She was born on August 1, 1945, in Clinton, SC, to the late Leroy & Lillie Mae Dunaway, and was preceded in death by her son, Michael Stabel, and brother, Johnny Dunaway. Survivors include her husband of 35 years, Lowell Milton Stabel of Dallas, GA; children, Deborah & Rick McGilton of Worthington, KY, Karen & Mitch Meadors of Clinton, SC, Barbara & Jonathan Campbell of Jacksonville, FL, and Rossie Estess Campbell, and wife Cheri, of Clinton, SC; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert & Linda

Olga Susanne Wood, age 69, of Hiram, GA, passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2016. She was born on August 11, 1946, in New York, New York, and was preceded in death by her mother, Inez Rodriguez. Mrs. Wood attended St. Vincent De Paul. Survivors include her husband, Travis Wood of Hiram, GA; children, Lori Barbarossa of Hiram, GA, Lawrence & Lisa Barbarossa of Hiram, GA, and JoAnne Barbarossa of Homestead, FL; grandchildren, Nicholas Barbarossa and Kaitlin Barbarossa. Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 15, 2016, at 3 PM, from Clark Funeral Home Chapel. The family will

Frances Elizabeth Dyvig, age 62 of Douglasville, GA passed away on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Wellstar Paulding Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Curt Dyvig and son, Christopher Dyvig. She was a homemaker and member of Grace Baptist Church. Survivors include sons and daughter-in-laws; Daryl and Wendy Smallwood, Jr. of Douglasville, GA and Adam and Misty Dyvig of Villa Rica, GA; daughter and son-in-law; Vonda and Ricky Hilderbrand of Dallas, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Jamie and Christy Hames of Smyrna, GA; sisters and brother-in-law, Cindy and Tommy Seay of Dallas

Mary C. Strickland, age 82, of Dallas, GA, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016. She was born on November 15, 1933, in Powder Springs, GA, to the late James Jackson Croker & Ennis Jones Croker. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Ray Strickland, her son, James Wayne Strickland & her grandson, Shawn Stefan Rainwater. Mrs. Strickland adored her family and loved her church, Pleasant Hill Baptist. She also enjoyed shopping, and was retired from Avon Products. Survivors include daughter & son-in-law, Debbie & Mike Henson of Dall