OBITUARIES

Recent Obituaries

Obituaries for Hiram, GA, Paulding County & Surrounding Areas

John "Johnny" Vaughan

John "Johnny" Vaughan

May 9, 2025

John "Johnny" Vaughan, Sr., age 88, of Dallas, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 9, 2025. Johnny lived a rich and meaningful life, marked by hard work, deep faith, and a steadfast love for his family and the land he called home.

A proud lifelong farmer, Johnny poured his heart into the earth, cultivating not just crops but a legacy...

Izzie Davis

Izzie Davis

May 7, 2025

Mrs. Izzie Davis, age 63 of Forsyth, Georgia, passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Mrs. Davis was born August 3, 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Howard Garner and the late Irene Jones Garner. She was a homemaker and a member of Paran Baptist Church of Forsyth. Due to her illness, she was...

Cynthia Patrick

Cynthia Patrick

May 4, 2025

October 21, 1957 - May 4, 2025

Cynthia "Cindy" Anne Patrick, age 67, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Born on October 21, 1957, in Lebanon, Tennessee, she was the beloved daughter of the late Thurman and Josie Greene.

Cindy was baptized on April 18, 1964, a moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong journey...

Doris Simmons

Doris Simmons

May 2, 2025

Mrs. Doris Simmons, age 94 of Marietta, Georgia, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025.

Mrs. Simmons was born May 24, 1930, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to the late William Ira Tilley and the late Lacy Daisy Edwards Tilley. She was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was supportive of all. Doris was an awesome cook who had an open-door policy to...

Myra Casteel

Myra Casteel

May 1, 2025

Myra Casteel, age 75, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2025, at her home in Dallas, Georgia. Born on December 4, 1949, to the late Johnny Dale and Maxine Weeks Riley, Myra lived a life filled with love and deep devotion to her family.

Myra dedicated more than two decades of her career as a Kitchen Manager for Valley...

Branden Otoupal

Branden Otoupal

April 30, 2025

Branden Scott Otoupal, age 35, passed away on April 30, 2025. Born on September 13, 1989, in Villa Rica, Georgia, Branden's life was marked by love for his family, a passion for the outdoors, and a deep devotion to his faith.

Branden was raised in a loving home by his parents, Tami and Scott Otoupal. He worked for the family business,...

Cathy Balkevicius

Cathy Balkevicius

April 27, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Cathy Balkevicius, who left us peacefully on April 27, 2025, at the age of 67. Cathy was born on December 5, 1957, to the late Alfred and Doris Rizer in Gainesville, Florida. Cathy called Powder Springs, GA, home, but lived in many different cities throughout her life.

Cathy...

Leroy Atcheson

Leroy Atcheson

April 25, 2025

With great sadness, we announce that Leroy Atcheson, affectionately known as Papa, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on April 25, 2025, with family by his side. He leaves a strong legacy of love and devotion to God and his family.

Leroy was born on March 21, 1934, to S.R. and Gladys Atcheson in Dallas, Georgia where he remained...

Thomas Abston

Thomas Abston

April 20, 2025

Thomas "Tommy" T. Abston of Villa Rica, Georgia passed away April 20, 2025 at the age of 83. Tommy was born July 10, 1941 in Greene County, AL to Norman and Mary Alice Abston.

Tommy earned his master's and bachelor's degrees from Livingston State College (now University of West Alabama) where he was a running back on the football team. He...

JD Reece

JD Reece

April 19, 2025

Mr. JD Reece, age 96, died Saturday, April 19th 2025. Born on August 9, 1928, JD was known for his unwavering commitment to his family and his work as a Quality Control Technician at Ford Motor Company, from which he retired after many years of dedicated service within the automotive industry.

JD was a man of simple pleasures, finding joy in...

Jameel Johnson

Jameel Johnson

April 17, 2025

Jameel Kenneth Johnson, age 22, passed away on April 17, 2025. Born on February 13, 2003, in Dayton, Ohio, Jameel spent his formative years in Dallas, Georgia, where he was a beloved son, brother, and friend.

Jameel was a bright spirit who graduated from East Paulding High School, and had aspirations of becoming an architect. His creativity and passion for design...

Charles Franklin Moody Sr.

Charles Franklin Moody Sr.

April 17, 2025

Charles Franklin Moody Sr., age 82, passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025. Born on August 14, 1942, in Atlanta, Georgia, to the late Frank and Florence Moody. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Charles lived a life marked by dedication-to his family, his profession, and his many passions.

Charles built a distinguished career as a construction manager with Hussman...

Jessica Gates

Jessica Gates

April 16, 2025

Jessica Gwen Gates, born on October 20, 1975, in Marietta, GA, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at her home in Dallas, GA, at the age of 49. A cherished mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, Jessica was a radiant light whose warmth, kindness, and magnetic spirit touched everyone she met.

Jessica had a heart that welcomed all....

Paul Heitsenrether

Paul Heitsenrether

April 16, 2025

Paul James Heitsenrether, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on April 8, 1951, in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, to the late Harvey Paul and Dorothy Margaret Heitsenrether, Paul was known for his kind spirit, sense of humor, and joyful presence.

Affectionately known by his family as "Pops," Paul lived...

Sharon Miller

Sharon Miller

April 14, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Sharon "Nana" Sue Miller, 67, who passed away on April 14, 2025. Born in St. Charles, Illinois, on February 16, 1958, Sharon was the daughter of the late Kenneth Paul Elliott and Dorothy Ann Clark. Sharon found her true calling as a loving homemaker, devoting her life to nurturing her family and...

Alton Carter

Alton Carter

April 13, 2025

We respectfully announce the passing of Alton Cecil Carter, age 50, of Rockmart, Georgia. Alton was born on Friday, May 10, 1974, and left this world peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025.

He is mourned by his loving family, including his mother, Sylvia Carter; wife, Angela Waters; and his siblings, Sammy Chastain, Dale Chastain, and Margie Carter. Alton is also survived...

Lurlene Smallwood

Lurlene Smallwood

April 10, 2025

Lurlene Smallwood, a cherished matriarch and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on November 7, 1955, in St. Elizabeth, Jamaica West Indies, to the late Rupert and Estelle Lloyd, Lurlene lived a life that was a beautiful tapestry woven with love, kindness, and unwavering strength.

Throughout her life, Lurlene...

Faith Eleesia Lewis

Faith Eleesia Lewis

April 9, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the untimely passing of Faith Eleesia Lewis, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, who departed this world on April 9, 2025. Faith was born on March 20, 2006, in Birmingham, Alabama. Faith graced our lives with her vibrant spirit and boundless creativity. She touched many hearts with her artistic flair...

Melissa Hartley Cederholm

Melissa Hartley Cederholm

April 8, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Melissa Sonya Cederholm, who left us on April 8, 2025. Born in Killeen, TX, on April 6, 1969, Melissa made her home in Dallas, GA, where she cherished her family and the simple joys of life.

 A proud graduate of Paulding County High School, Melissa had a successful...

Christopher Straka

Christopher Straka

April 7, 2025

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Christopher John Straka, beloved son, brother, and friend, who left us on April 7, 2025, at age 50. Christopher was born on July 23, 1974, in Anderson, South Carolina, and lived most recently in Kennesaw, Georgia.



His passion marked Christopher's journey in life for the restaurant industry, where he dedicated...