Obituaries from the Wednesday, April 23, 2025 E-Edition

Jimmy Black, Sr.

Carl Jimmy Black, Sr., 78, of Calhoun, passed away Friday, April 18, 2025. He was born in Calhoun on Aug. 24, 1946, to the late Carl Franklin and Emma Lucille Black. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Mary Lee Black; sons-in-law, Jeffrey Gallman, Rodney Talley; brother, Ricky Lee Black; sister, Edna Trammel.

He is survived by his son, Jimmy (Bridget) Black, Jr; daughters, Janet (Rex) Burchett, Tabitha Gallman, Sara (Russell) Holbert, Sherry Talley, Valerie Black (Chris Burchfield); sister, Joann Coker; grandchildren, Coty Stanley, Jennifer Jones, Calob Stanley, Tim Burchett, Benjamin Gallman, JoAnn Gallman, Brooke Talley, Brianna Talley, Ari Black, Bree Black, Regan Bell, Nathan Holbert, Rachel Holbert, Nicolas Holbert, Hannah Burchfield, Hunter Burchfield, Haven Burchfield, Dakota Burk; great-grandchildren, Braxton Jones, Zailyn Stanley, Adaliegh Stanley, Zayne Prioreschi, Braxton Black, Sophia Cargin; nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Jimmy loved to ride motorcycles. He enjoyed camping, fishing and being outdoors. He served as a pastor for over twenty years, preaching his first sermon on June 3, 1974.

The family received friends on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 5 – 8 p.m. at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 3 p.m. from Way of the Cross Church with Rev. Jerry Green, Rev. Jack Sanford, and Jeff Newport officiating. Burial followed in The Full Bible Church Cemetery. Pallbearers serving were Coty Stanley, Calob Stanley, Brian Black, Jeff Black, Hunter Burchfield, and Brandon Jones.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Carl Jimmy Black, Sr.

Donald Bradley

Donald Ray Bradley, age 58 of Ranger, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025 at Piedmont Cartersville Hospital.

Donald was born on Aug. 25, 1966 in Calhoun, son of Dennis Eugene Bradley and the late Donna Sue Witherspoon Bradley. He was the owner and operator of Bradley Painting Company. Donald enjoyed NASCAR, but especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.

Donald is survived by: his wife, Penny Griffin Bradley; son, Dylan Bradley (Kayla Brooks); daughter, Tabitha Bradley (Teddy King); two grandchildren, Emmry Bradley and Dutch Bradley; sister, Pam (Paul) Green; and two brothers, Bobby (Tina) Bradley and Jimmy Bradley, Sr.; sister-in-law, Sandy (Doug) Logan; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

A celebration of the life of Donald will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 1 p.m. from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Donnie Mattila officiating.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home.

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

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Donald Ray Bradley.

Donald Cigainero

Donald “Don” Clark Cigainero, age 73, passed away after six years of declining health on Monday, April 21, 2025 at his home in Adairsville, surrounded by family.

Don was born in Marshall, Missouri on Dec. 29, 1951. Because of Don’s dad’s job, the family moved to many places. Don lived in Springfield, Missouri, Texarkana, Arkansas, Lexington, Kentucky, and finally in 1960 moved to Cartersville.

Don graduated from Cartersville High School in 1971 and continued his education at Reinhart College where he played tennis. Don was very athletic and played softball and basketball at the Recreation Department. He served in the Naval Reserve and later in the Army Reserve. Don received a HVAC Degree from Chattahoochee Technical College and in 2015 completed his Associate’s Degree from Georgia Highlands. He was very proud he was able to get that degree. Don attended Philadelphia Baptist Church.

Don and his wife Rita were inseparable for 47 years. Their love story began when they both worked for Gold Kist. In 1980, Don lived in Cartersville and Rita lived in Calhoun. They decided to move to Adairsville. Together they had a lawn care business and a cattle business. Don was an avid biker and hiker. He loved riding his bike to Berry College and Cartersville. Prior to his strokes, he would hike Pine Mountain almost daily. He loved being home and spending time with his family.

Don is preceded in death by: his parents, Harvey and Rosemary Cigainero; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Mary Ida Chadwick; brother-in-law, Barry Chadwick; and brother, Steve Cigainero.
Don is survived by his wife, Rita Cigainero; daughter and son-in-law, Gina Maria and Charles Doss; two grandsons whom he loved dearly, Jayden and Clark; bonus grandchildren, Chaz, Ciara, and Camden; sisters, Carol (Dan) Tull and Jan Cigainero; aunt, Mary Kennedy; brother-in-law, Scott Chadwick; and his beloved fur babies, Precious, Nutter, and Bella. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Tapestry Hospice.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 5 – 8 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home.
A celebration of life for Don will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 3 p.m. from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Tim McCulley and special friend Randy Head officiating. Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Don may be made to Gideon’s Bibles.

We ask that you remember him not the way his life ended, but the way he lived it. Don was a talker, never meeting a stranger, and a listener for those who knew him.

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

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Donald “Don” Clark Cigainero.

Lola Gilbert

Lola September Gilbert, age 46, of Calhoun, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Emory Hospital.

Lola was born on Oct. 14, 1978 in Dalton, the daughter of Ricky Glenn Gilbert and the late Cynthia Carver. She previously had worked as a resident cook for A Kid’s Place and loved to thrift shop. She always made sure she took care of her family and was also a foster parent.

Lola was a loving mother, daughter and sister, whose life was rooted in kindness, strength, and service. She was the proud mother of seven children, and her love for them was unwavering and unconditional. She poured her heart into raising them, guiding them with grace and fierce devotion with every step of the way. To know Lola was to know a helping hand. She would drop everything to help anyone in need, whether family, friend, or stranger. Her door was always open, her table always had room, and her heart never knew limits.

Lola is survived by: her father, Ricky Gilbert; her seven children, Shaleaha (Devin) Childers, Sierra Chapman, Taleaha Diaz, Tierra (Austin) Duke, Zack Fonseca, Zackera Fonseca, and Ezekial Fonseca; two foster children, Isaiah Mata and Elijah Clemmons; one brother, Dakota Couch; and fourteen grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 1 p.m. from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Terry Timms officiating. Burial will follow in Rocky Face Cemetery.

Pallbearers serving include: Austin Duke, Devin Childers, Dakota Couch, Ezekial Fonseca, Melvin Talley, and Zack Fonseca.

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

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Lola September Gilbert.

Mildred Sanders

Mrs. Mildred Annette Sanders, age 97 of Calhoun, passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Oaks Assisted Living Facility in Fairmount.

Mildred was born in Jackson County, N.C. on March 25, 1928, a daughter of the late William Toy Delay and Fannie Lee Wilson Delay. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Walter Donald Sanders Sr; her son, Stephen Lamar Sanders; granddaughter, Jennifer Sanders; sister, Betty Hegwood.

Mildred worked for the Gordon County Health Department for 28 years prior to her retirement. She was the oldest member of her high school graduating class and was also the oldest member of New Echota Methodist Church. Mildred and her husband, Don were very active in the Calhoun Elks Lodge and the Calhoun Jaycee’s.

Survivors include her two sons, Walter Donald Sanders Jr. (Bridget) and Phillip Sanders (Sherry); daughter-in-law, Penny Sanders; four grandchildren, Elliott Sanders, Heather Hubbard, Vanessa Bierman, and Dede Wilson; several great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren also survive.

A Celebration of Mildred’s life will be announced at a later date.

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

Thomas Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Mildred Sanders.

Maybelle Knight

Maybelle Clark Dodd Knight, 89, of Calhoun, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born in Kennesaw to the late Ira Roosevelt and Annie Geneva Clark. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Waylon Dodd; sister, Maudie Parrott, and grandson, Bryce Dodd.

Maybelle is survived by her loving husband, Alfred Knight; sons and daughters-in-law, David and Cheryl Dodd, Mike and Cathy Dodd; daughter and son-in-law, Sandi and Bill Dillard; grandchildren, Dawayne Mason, Amanda Orozco, Brandon Dillard, Leanne Dillard, Grant Dodd, and Alex Dodd; great-grandchildren, Emma Orozco, Caden Orozco, Layla Elrhazouani, Reagan Dillard, Sawyer Dillard, Sami Elrhazouani, and Rowan Dillard.

The family received friends on Monday, April 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

The funeral service followed on Monday at 1:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Max Brannon and Sons with Rev. Jacky Waits and Rev. Terry Timms officiating. Burial followed in Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Brandon Dillard, Abel Orozco, Dawayne Mason, Matthew Dodd, and Hassan Elrhazouani. Honorary pallbearers were Kenneth Sisson, Tyler Gray, Dustin McCormick, Caden Orozco, Sawyer Dillard, Sami Elrhazouani, and Rowan Dillard.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Maybell Clark Dodd Knight.

Miles Scott

Mr. Miles Walford Scott, known to most as Sonny, age 78, of Adairsville, passed away Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence.

Miles was born in Calhoun on July 2, 1946, son of the late Wofford C. Scott and Bernice Sutton Scott. He attended the First Christian Church of Adairsville and Anchor Christian Church in Bonita Springs, Fla. Miles, a retired engineer, dedicated 34 years of his career to the Georgia Department of Transportation. He was past president of the State of Georgia Engineer Association, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the engineering community, and past Scout Master of the Plainville Boy Scouts. Many will remember Miles from his years spent coaching at the Plainville Rec Department. He was also a member of the Plainville Masonic Lodge #364, founding member of the “Liar’s Club” at Sue’s Barber Shop, and a regular at the “Self-Control” table at Pinkard’s. Miles will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and dear friend.

Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Cynthia Malone Scott; sons, Patrick Miles Scott and wife Maria, Jeremy Brian Scott and wife Elizabeth, Jonathan Carl Scott and his wife Andrea; grandchildren, Andrew Malone Scott, Katelyn Grace Scott, Jarrett Miles Scott, Rebekah Grace Scott, and Lily Kate Scott.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, Adairsville with Reverends Jim Pinkard and Ron Marks officiating. The body will lie in state at the church from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. Private interment will follow in Sugar Valley Baptist Church Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Cowart, John Dee Hooker, Gene Sutton, Gary Reece, Wayne Swinford, Danny Pelfrey, Blake Nicholson, Stephen Floyd, Rayden Parker, and Barry Higgins.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Barton Funeral Home, Adairsville.

In lieu of flowers the family asks to please share a memory of Miles.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, will be in charge of funeral arrangements for Mr. Miles Walford Scott.

Crystal Smith

Mrs. Crystal Elaine Silvers Smith, age 45, of Resaca, passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025.

Crystal was born on June 11, 1979, in Dalton, the daughter of Bobby Silvers and Teresa Gayle Harris Doughtery. She was preceded in death by her sister, Samantha Silvers; grandparents, Beatrice Morrison, Alton Harris, and Eloise and Bo Silvers; her father-in-law, Charles Smith.

Crystal worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for over 20 years and was currently employed at AdventHealth Urgent Care. Crystal attended Heritage Baptist Church. She deeply loved the Lord and lived her life with kindness and compassion. She found joy in visiting the beach, making cherished memories on trips to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, and spending time with her family during get-togethers. One of her greatest pleasures was watching her grandchildren play softball—cheering them on with pride and love.

Crystal is survived by: her husband, Paris “Cotton” Smith; five children, Haley Vineyard, Canyon (Kelsey) Vineyard, Javan (Josh) Fowler, Savannah Newton, and Jesse Newton; her father, Bobby Silvers; mother, Teresa Gayle Harris Dougherty; grandchildren, Esli Vineyard, Oaklyn Whitfield, Kennedy Vineyard, Asher Fowler, and Easton Fowler; her pawpaw, James (Charlsie) Morrison; brother, Matthew Silvers; sister, Monica (Clayton) Meadows; special aunt and uncle, Pam and George Glenn; mother-in-law, Margaret Martin; nieces and nephews, Brandon Glenn, Xander Meadows, Cason Meadows, Blake Silvers, Lily Meadows, and Dylon Osbourne; and additional nieces and nephews also survive.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Thomas Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 5 p.m. from the Chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Reverend Shane Parrott officiating. Interment will follow in Chandler Cemetery. Gentlemen serving as pallbearers include Canyon Vineyard, Brandon Glenn, Jerry Sisk, Matthew Silvers, Bruce Harkins, Brian Miller, Blake Silvers, and Nathan Silvers.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to her children.

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

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Crystal Elaine Silvers Smith.