Obituaries from the Weekend, August 16, 2025 E-Edition

Charlotte Belcher

Mrs. Charlotte Frances Bragg Belcher, age 80, of Adairsville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday on Aug. 12, 2025.

Charlotte was born in Calhoun on May 9, 1945, to the late Virgil Lee Bragg and Kate Frances Stewart Bragg. Charlotte was a talented pianist and singer, known for her beautiful voice in numerous gospel groups. She was a lifelong member of Oothcalooga Baptist, where her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Charlotte worked at Walmart for several years, where she was a valued employee. She cherished her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

Survivors include her beloved sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Stephanie Belcher and Stephen and Tina Belcher; grandchildren, Kaitlyn Belcher Danner (Robby), Riley Belcher, Ethan Belcher (Keely), Grayson Belcher, Chaz Newberry, Alex Newberry (Jordan), and Daylon Bailey; great-grandchildren, Brantley and Waylon Danner, Kash Belcher, and Copeland Newberry, sister, Cathy Cline (Kenneth); special friend, Bill Teague; furbaby, Ace and several nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Funeral services were held Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., at Oothcalooga Baptist Church, Adairsville, with Reverends Michael Hunt, Gary Hibberts, and Josh Parker officiating. Interment followed in Eastview Cemetery, Adairsville. Pallbearers were Scott Brady, Greg Hight, Steve Moratakis, Danny Taylor, Chuck Cline, Lee Cline, Rocky Dutton, and James Forsyth. Honorary pallbearers were Larry Woodring, Kenneth King, Brian Bagley, Kent Womack and Byron Womack.

The family received friends Thursday evening from 5 – 8 p.m. at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Oothcalooga Baptist Church building fund, P.O. Box 269, Adairsville, GA 30103.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Ms. Charlotte Frances Bragg Belcher.

Patricia Brooks

Patricia Viola Brooks, age 73, of Calhoun, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025. She was born in Adairsville on Nov. 1, 1952, daughter of the late Hubert and Louise Smith. She was of the Baptist faith, worked many years for Apache Mills in the textile industry. Patricia was a friend to all who met her. Her hobbies before her health declined included bingo, karaoke, yard selling and coloring. She loved her family first and foremost and enjoyed family functions. She never said a harsh word to anyone and would give so much of herself to everyone and was a wonderful loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Brooks; daughter, Vanessa Brooks; brother, Wayne Smith; sisters and brothers-in-law; Ann and Jerry Willerson and Sue and Ronnie Williams.

Survivors include her sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Bobby Burnett of Calhoun; nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews along with great-great nieces and great-great nephews.

Memorial Services for Patricia Viola Brooks will be held on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Barrett Road Church of God with Rev. Norris Sexton officiating. The family will receive friends at Barrett Road Church of God on Sunday from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Patricia Viola Brooks.

Ricky Ledford

James Richard “Ricky” Ledford, age 55, of Calhoun, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025 at his residence after battling liver cancer.

Ricky was born on May 30, 1970 in Jasper, son of J.R. Ledford and Kathy Harris Kelley. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Ledford.

Before retiring, Ricky spent his career as a truck driver. He had a true appreciation for cars of every kind and found peace in the outdoors, especially while fishing. Family meant everything to Ricky, and he treasured every moment with his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Ricky enjoyed babysitting his great-nieces, Grace and Anna, and his great-nephew, Logan.

Ricky is survived by: his wife, Betty Jo Fowler Ledford; one son, James David Ledford; two daughters, Jennifer Miller and her husband Jeff and Kendall Greeson and her husband Matt; father, J.R. Ledford; mother, Kathy Kelley and her husband Wayne; one brother, Randy Ledford; two sisters, Julie Tankersly and Tina Sellers; and four grandchildren.

The family received friends on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025 from 4 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home.
Funeral Services were conducted on Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025 at 3 p.m. from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Bryan Johnston officiating. Burial followed in Chandler Cemetery.
Pallbearers serving included: Ryan Evans, Corey Evans, Allen Evans, Brent Scott, Chris Hampton, and Toby Rhodes.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of James Richard “Ricky” Ledford.

James Mathis

James Lewis Mathis, born on Nov. 17, 1954, in Calhoun, passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2025, in the town he loved so dearly. Throughout his 70 years, James embodied a spirit of joy and adventure, guided by the deep connections he forged with his family and friends.

Graduating from Calhoun High School in 1979, he stepped into a vibrant career in the carpet industry, joining his brother to continue the family tradition of carpet installations, where he cherished his time spent working alongside loved ones. Later he made significant contributions at Rugs International creating not just beautiful spaces but also lasting memories.

Known for living life fully and with an uplifting carefree nature, James adopted a philosophy that resonated with those around him. He lived “one day at a time,” embracing each moment with an infectious enthusiasm that touched many.

James had a profound love for outdoor pursuits, particularly fishing and hunting. His brother Joe fondly recalled summers filled with their fishing adventures, remarking, “we about had to get a job one summer because we had fished so much.” These shared experiences became treasured stories, illustrating the strong bond of brotherhood that defined their relationship.

James is survived by his son, William Mathis; brother, Joe Mathis (Kathy); sister, Frankie Wilson (Kenneth); and grandson, Sam Mathis. He is also preceded in death by his son, PJ Mathis, and several siblings.

His legacy of love, family, and a zest for life will continue to resonate with all who knew him. James Lewis Mathis will be remembered for his unwavering spirit and the warmth he brought to those fortunate enough to cross his path.

Connie Mauro

It is with deep sorrow and great hope in Jesus that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, Nonnie, sister, and friend, Connie, who went to be with her lord and Savior at the age of 75.

Born on Feb. 4, 1950, in Austell, Ga., Connie lived her life as a faithful servant of God and was also a true friend to all who knew her. Connie was known for her unwavering faith, her gentle spirit, and her heart for serving and loving others. Whether she was playing piano, singing, or teaching youth about Jesus, her life was always a testimony to the love of Jesus.

Connie treasured her family deeply and poured her prayers, wisdom, and encouragement into every family member. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, grace, and love that will be felt for generations.
She was preceded in death by her father, E.H. Bolton, and her mother, Doris Bolton.

Connie is survived by her husband, Charles Mauro; son, Wesley Walker (Jana); daughter, Wendy Woods (Myron); stepson, Vincent Mauro (Katherine); and stepson, Anthony Mauro. Brother, Kenneth Bolton (Nancy); sister, Joy Priester; brother, Jeffrey Bolton (Lynn). Grandchildren: Michaela Hollis (Austin); Madison Walker; Luken Walker; Maleah Walker; Colton Walker; Aiden Woods; Amelia Luciana Mauro; Great Grand-dog, Amos Hollis, along with many nieces and nephews.

Connie was a living song---one written by the hand of God. Born to E.H. and Doris Bolton, she was raised in a strong Christian home where faith was lived out every day. At just seven years old, she gave her heart to Jesus and was baptized. That same year, she sat down at the piano for the first time--¬ and God placed a calling on her life that she would follow for the next seven decades.

After nine years of lessons, she began playing the junior choir at Orange Hill Baptist Church in Austell, at only sixteen. Years later, she became the church pianist and secretary, using her gifts to lead others in worship. She also taught the youth group, pouring into young lives with the same love and truth she had been taught.

She graduated from South Cobb High School in 1968, performed with the Drill Team, and made lifelong Christian friends there.

In her early twenties, she began teaching piano lessons, and for forty years--on and off---she trained countless students, always reminding them that music is a gift from God.

In the 1980s, she sang with the New Victory Quartet, lifting her voice in southern gospel harmony for four years, bringing encouragement and hope to all who heard.

Connie’s creativity did not stop with music---she was also a gifted artist, painting and crafting throughout her life, adding beauty to everything she touched.

Her life was a testimony: faithful service, endless love, and joyful creativity. While her earthly song has ended, her worship now continues in Heaven, praising her Savior. And one day we will worship together again.

A service to celebrate Connie’s life was conducted on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at 4 p.m. from Sonoraville Baptist Church, with her husband, Rev. Charles Mauro, and Rev. Chris Humphries officiating. The family received friends on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at Sonoraville Baptist Church from 2:00 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. Burial followed in Sonoraville Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers serving include Luken Walker, Aiden Woods, Vincent Mauro, Anthony Mauro, Jon Nix, and Tim Smith.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Connie Bolton Mauro.

James Taylor

James Sidney Francis Taylor, 78, of Ranger, passed away Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. He was born in Calhoun on Sept. 30, 1946, to the late Taft and Joyce Taylor. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children, Anna Taylor; son, Jeffrey Taylor; brother-in-law, Jimmy Green.

He is survived by his wife, Angelia Taylor; sons, Jon (Heather) Taylor, Quinlan (Narges)Rakin; daughters, Melody (Larry) Gilley, Shana (Mark) Cheeks, Lena (Mark) Freeman, Dawna Taylor; brothers, Jerome (Deborah) Taylor, Kevin (Darlene) Taylor; sisters, Paulette Green, Renae (Mike) Plaisance; grandchildren, Anson Taylor, Abbi Taylor, Aiden Taylor, Corinna Freeman, Emma Freeman Gibson, Tara Byrd, Ashlee Rempe, Naomi Storey, Cadi Portillo, Cody Carmack, Sydnei Medlin, Marnie Ivey, Cyrus Rakin, Sophia Rakin, Dylan Thomas, and Jake Thomas; great-grandchildren, Connor Byrd, Mark Lucas Cheeks, Rosie Storey, Ruby Storey, Cooper Storey, Kylee Carmack, Brayden Carmack, Melanie Portillo, Sophia Portillo, Adelie Portillo, Lily Portillo, Isaac Taylor, Zachary Taylor, Ansen Medlin, Lyrik Ivey, Noalie Ivey, Penelopi Izumo, Archer Thomas, Shepard Thomas, Rawling Thomas,and Cove Thomas.

The family received friends on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Marcus Lucas officiating. Burial followed in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving were Mark Cheeks, Anson Taylor, Sean Storey, Larry Gilley, Dylan Thomas, and Isaac Taylor. Aiden Taylor, Ansen Medlin, Zachary Taylor, Mark Lucas Cheeks, Brayden Carmack, and Culton Thomas served as honorary pallbearers.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of James Sidney Francis Taylor.

Ray Waters

Ray Waters, age 70, of Calhoun, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, following an extended illness.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Anne Estes Waters and Cecil Waters of Rome, Georgia, and his beloved grandson, Nicholas Bailey Waters.

He is survived by the love of his life and devoted wife of 52 years, Lori Waters; his son, Jamey (Brandi) Waters; his daughter, Lisa Waters; grandchildren, Logan (Matt) Smith, Mason (Brianna) Waters, Bryce Waters, and Brinton Silvers; and great-grandchildren, Judson Smith, Boone Waters, Jack Waters, and Baeleigh Mae Waters-each of them a source of pride and joy in his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Mike (Debbie) Waters, Doug Waters, and Vicki Pyle.

Born in Rome, Ray proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He was a hardworking man who spent much of his life as a cattle farmer and was the proud owner of Independent Farm Services for over 25 years before retiring in 2020.

Ray will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering dedication to his family, and his deep-rooted values of honesty and fairness. He loved watching old Westerns and Braves baseball, but his happiest moments were those spent with his family.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, perseverance, and integrity that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A service to celebrate his life will be held Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel at Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Randy Sutherland officiating. Burial will follow at Haven of Rest Memorial Park. Pallbearers serving will include Mason Waters, Matt Smith, Bryce Waters, Brinton Silvers, Kelly Penton, and Clyde Garland.

The family will receive friends Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family.