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Those We Lost in 2016

Greg Johnson

20 October 1966 - 27 April 2016

(Life Partner of Thomas Edward Eckard,

Brother of Wm. D. Eckard)

Mr. Greg Johnson, 49 of Valdosta passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at South Georgia Medical Center. Mr. Johnson was born October 20,

1966 in Cheyenne Wyoming and worked with the State of Georgia as an I.T. Specalist. Survivors include his father, Bradshaw Johnson of Adel; special friend, Ed Eckard of Valdosta; several Aunts & Uncles, including Leon & Mary James George of Adel; cousins, Julie Carter of Adel, Ron George of Adel, Rhonda Storey of Adel, Janet George of Rome,GA and Jamie George of Whigham, GA. Mr. Johnson was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce George Johnson. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Purvis Funeral Home with Rev. William Davis officiating. Interment will follow in the Adel City Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Purvis Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers & food, donations may be made to National Kidney Foundation, 30 East 33rd St., New York, NY 10016.

Ruth Moody Ellington Cooper

6 May 1924 - 12 August 2016

(Maternal Aunt of Wm. David Eckard)

Ruth Moody Cooper, beloved mother and one of God’s children, succumbed to the infirmities she has been fighting for several months on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Burke Hospice and Palliative Care in Valdese at the age of 92. She is now in the presence of her Lord and Savior in her eternal home in Heaven. A daughter of

the late Tom and Callie Owl Moody, she was born in Swain County on May 6, 1924. A self-described country woman, she learned early in life that being strong, a bit stubborn at times, and hard-working would serve her well in raising her four children, a task she took to heart with love and compassion. Her children loved and respected her and recall the sacrifices she made for them and the fact that they never did without during their childhood. Ruth was widely known for her good cooking and took pleasure in seeing her family and friends enjoy her good food. She was retired from Washington Mills and attended Laurel Hill Baptist Church. Her family and many friends loved her dearly and will miss her very much. A son, Harlin Ray “Jody” Ellington, preceded her in death.

She leaves behind three children, Richard Ellington and wife Pat of Morganton, Patsy Scott and husband Reid of Glen Alpine, and Maxine Pressley of Nebo; her sister, Mary Ellington of Nebo; eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, twenty-six great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service in remembrance of this dear lady will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Westmoreland Funeral Home in Marion with Rev. Terry Robinson officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Laurel Hill Baptist Church Cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her husband Gorman “Doc” Ellington. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in her memory are encouraged to consider Burke Hospice and Palliative Care at 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690.

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