Obituaries from the Wednesday, September 23, 2026 E-Edition

Annette Boggs

Annette Boggs was a one-of-a-kind mom and wife. At a young age, she and our father met at school. Right away, she somehow knew after touching his jacket in study hall that she would marry our dad. After almost 50 years—50 this October 30th—she and our dad had been through just about anything you could think of. But regardless of the negativity of others, they always made things work. She was very proud of the hard-working man she had. She knew each and every day that our dad was out on a roof, in an attic, or under a house fixing someone’s heating and air, he was doing it for her and the family. If you had asked her about her husband, she would always joke and say she raised two boys and a husband. She would also tell you that she loved him unconditionally and with everything there is in a person to love another person. Annette loved working in her yard; she was very proud of the work she put into it and our home. Annette worked in many different trades over the years, everything from cleaning bathrooms at the bus terminal in Big Stone Gap, Vir., when she was a child, all the way to managing properties and apartment complexes in Cartersville for many different people. Annette loved the outdoors; she would have much rather been outside than indoors any day.

Annette was serious about her faith, having been baptized with her son Torey in Marble Hill. She studied the gospel through mail or, as Mom called it, her mailbox gospel. She loved anything and everything that would teach her more and more about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was also a member of Remnant Church in Adairsville. Come Wednesday and Sunday, you best believe she was right there listening to Pastor Andrew and Pastor Reid. Her faith was everything to her, so much so that she kept a cross on every night outside our home to give hope and light to those who may be in a dark place or just need a reminder that God is in control.

Annette shared a love for music with her son Tony. From a young age, she knew right away with just one toy guitar that he was born with the gift of making music. Car rides with them were like a game, each one asking the other, “OK, who is this? What’s the name of the song? What album was it on?” She was always proud of the gift of music the Lord had given him. Nights of her and her two sons sitting on the porch and Tony playing a tune on cool nights were memories she loved. And if you didn’t know already, she was one of the biggest Prince fans you would have ever met. She is the only person to date that we know who has watched Purple Rain over 400 times. Whether it was movies, music, books, or documentaries all about Prince, Mom had to watch, read, or listen to them.

Annette was a proud mom, not only of her two sons but also her two daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Mercer (soon to be Boggs) and Porsche Boggs. She took great pride in knowing the Lord gave her sons the two women they needed to not only be in their lives but hers also.

Annette was born in Kingsport, Tenn., and raised in Big Stone Gap, Vir. She was proud of the mountains she came from and the hollers she lived in.

Annette was truly an amazing mother and wife. These memories of her do not even scratch the surface of what an amazing person she was, because there is simply not enough space or paper anywhere to write every wonderful thing about her.

Care of Annette has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.

Gerald Chastain

Gerald Ronald Chastain, 69, of Oakman, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. He was born in Fairmount on Oct. 15, 1956, to the late Harvey and Stella Williams Chastain. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Leon Chastain, Tony Chastain, and Troy Chastain; sister, Barbara Silvers.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janie Chastain; daughter, Kimberly (Coty Stanley) Stansell; brother, Edward Chastain; grandchildren, Jayra Stansell, Annalyn Stansell, Emerie Stansell, Adaleigh Stanley.

Gerald loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters. He was a Georgia Bulldog football fan, liked to watch NASCAR, and enjoyed classic cars and trucks. He was the kind of person who would do anything he could to help anyone in need, whether that was just giving advice or lending a listening ear. He was very kindhearted and was a friend to anyone and everyone he met.

The family received friends on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Mark Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Johnson Cemetery. Pallbearers serving are Austin Silvers, Justin Silvers, Coty Stanley, Marcus Phillips, Nick Thurman, and Mylon Holbert.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Gerald Ronald Chastain.

Lucille Hightower

Lucille McGhee Hightower, age 94 of Ranger, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026 at her residence.

Lucille was born on Aug. 31, 1932 in Bartow County, daughter of the late Sam McGhee and Odessa Gravitt McGhee. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by: her husband, Jim Tom Hightower; son, Tommy Hightower; and two grandsons, Marty Hightower and Carson Campbell.

Lucille was a faithful believer in God and was a member of Mount Carmel Church of Jesus Christ. She was one of 16 children, and loved all of her family deeply.

Lucille is survived by: her son, Jim Hightower; daughter, Phyllis Nichols; two brothers, Hollis McGhee and Leon McGhee; sister, Frances Rampley; grandchildren, Christopher Reese, Dustin Price, Taylor Campbell, and additional grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Rosa Ellis.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 from 4 PM until 7 PM at Thomas Funeral Home. Lucille will lie in state at Mount Carmel Church of Jesus Christ on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 from 1 PM until 2 PM.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 at 2 PM at Mount Carmel Church of Jesus Christ with Pastor Jeff Cronan and Garson Cornwell officiating. Burial will follow in Haven of Rest Memorial Park.

Pallbearers serving include: Taylor Campbell, Jimmy Hightower, Duston Price, Justce McGhee, Shane McGhee, and Derome McGhee.

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

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Lucille McGhee Hightower.

Dustin Kelley

Dustin Howell Kelley, 44, of Calhoun, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. He was born in Dalton on Nov. 24, 1981, to Patty Godfrey Kelley and the late Bruce Kelley. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Brandon Kelley.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Joanna Kelley; daughter, Kayleigh Kelley; son, Kolter Kelley; mother, Patty Kelley; sister, Miranda Kelley; nephews, Tyler Kelley, Oliver Gilbertson, Camden Cusick; nieces, Azlynne Kelley, Emory Whittinghill; father-in-law, Joe Whittinghill; brothers and sisters-in law, Brad (Lindy) Whittinghill, Morgan (Zack) Carnes. He also leaves behind the best dog in the world, Buddy.

To know Dustin was to love him. He had the biggest heart, both literally and figuratively, and was one of the most selfless people you could ever meet. He had a way of making everyone around him feel loved, cared for and important.

Dustin loved his family more than anything in this world and took great pride in providing for them. His greatest joy was watching his children, Kayleigh and Kolter, do what they loved. Whether he was sitting in the stands watching Kayleigh play basketball or cheering from the sidelines as Kolter played football, he was always their biggest supporter and proudest dad.

Dustin was the kind of man who could fix just about anything he put his hands on, and if he could save a buck or two while doing it, even better. He was incredibly smart, resourceful, and the person everyone turned to when they needed an answer, advice, or simply someone who could figure things out.

Dustin and his wife, Joanna, met 22 years ago and built a life together that was filled with love, laughter, memories, and unwavering devotion. They were not only husband and wife, but best friends who loved each other unconditionally. Together, they created a family and a life they could be proud of.

Dustin was diagnosed with a heart condition at just 27 years old, but he never allowed it to define the way he lived. He continued to make the most of every day, creating memories, loving deeply, laughing often, and giving everything he had to the people he loved.

Above all, Dustin was a husband, a father, a son, a brother, and a friend. He made an impact on everyone fortunate enough to cross his path, and his absence will leave a space that can never truly be filled.

His life may have been far too short, but the love he gave, the lives he touched, and the memories he created will live on forever. Dustin will be deeply loved, forever remembered, and profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Stacy Hensley officiating. Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery with Rev. Andrew Hight officiating. Pallbearers serving are Drew Darnell, Brent Plunkett, Ricki Fuller, Joe Whittinghill, Tyler Kelley, Brad Whittinghill, Camden Cusick, Zeshan “Zee” Sheikh, and Karter Bone. Honorary pallbearers are Jacob Hood, Eli Craig, Carson Maples, Braxen McMahan, and the Senior members of the Sonoraville High School Football Team.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to assist with final expenses. Donations can be made directly to Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home or on Dustin’s gofundme page.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Dustin Howell Kelley.

Geneva Owens

Mrs. Geneva Rickett Owens, age 94, of Calhoun, passed away on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026 at her residence.

Mrs. Owens was born in Gordon County on Sept. 28, 1931, a daughter of the late Leroy Rickett and Agnes Fox Rickett. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. Owens; one brother, Charles Rickett.

She was a devoted member of Calhoun First Baptist Church and was a longtime member of the Mattie Lou Strain Sunday School Class. Her faith and her church family held a special place in her heart. She especially enjoyed working in the kitchen and helping prepare the Wednesday night dinners at the church, always happy to lend a hand and be of service to others. She attended Belwood High School, where she served as the senior class president. She and her husband owned and operated Owen’s Florist for many years, a business that allowed her to share her love and appreciation for beautiful flowers with others. Even after retirement, her love for flowers never faded. She took great pride in her yard and enjoyed spending time caring for her flowers. She and her husband also enjoyed traveling, visiting many different sites and attractions over the years. She was sweet, loving, and giving and never hesitated to put others before herself. Her selfless nature and gentle spirit touched the lives of many. She had a way of making people feel cared for and welcomed, and her love was shown not only in the things she said, but in all the little things she did for others.

Survivors include her three sons, Thomas Owens, Steven Owens, and Robert Owens; brother-in-law, Kenneth Owens (Debbie); six sisters-in-law, Shirley Rickett, Lynda Galloway, Dolly McEntire, and Dymple Darnell, Evelyn Owens, and Betty Owens; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 at 2 PM at Calhoun First Baptist Church with Dr. Bert Vaughn officiating. Interment will follow in Fain Cemetery.

The family received friends on Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 6 PM until 8 PM at the funeral home.

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

Thomas Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Geneva Rickett Owens.