Obituaries from the Wednesday, January 7, 2026 E-Edition

Alan Arcos

Alan Isaac Avila Arcos, 23, of Calhoun, passed away Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. He was born in Calhoun on Oct. 30, 2002, to Salvador Avila and Maximina Arcos.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Dana Avila Arcos.

A wake will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM from St Clements Catholic Church.
The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Alan Isaac Avila Arcos.

Alan Isaac Avila Arcos, de 23 años, de Calhoun, Georgia, falleció el viernes 19 de diciembre de 2025. Nació en Calhoun, Georgia, el 30 de octubre de 2002, hijo de Salvador Ávila y Maximina Arcos.
Además de sus padres, le sobrevive su hermana, Dana Avila Arcos.

El velatorio tendrá lugar el miércoles 7 de enero de 2026 en la funeraria Max Brannon and Sons de 17:00 a 19:00.

Se celebrará una misa funeral el jueves 8 de enero de 2026 a las 10:00 de la mañana en la iglesia católica de St Clements.

La familia Brannon y el personal se sienten honrados de servir a la familia de Alan Isaac Avila Arcos.

Betty Chamlee

Mrs. Betty Jane Kisselburg Chamlee, age 84, of Calhoun, passed away on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at a local assisted living facility.

Mrs. Chamlee was born in Bartow County, on April 27, 1941, a daughter of the late Carl Herman Kisselburg and the late Nanny Viola Boswell Kisselburg. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her first husband, Joe Smith; second husband, Larry Chamlee; one son, David Lee Smith; one daughter, Penny “Diane” Smith; one brother, James William Kisselburg; three sisters, Martha Bagwell, Nan Holcomb, and Margaret Henson.

Prior to her retirement, she was employed by Mohawk Home. She loved doing her word puzzles, playing on her tablet, and spending time with her family. Mrs. Chamlee was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Carolyn Baldwin (Bill); two sons, Chris Kisselburg (Billie Jo) and Randall “Randy” Smith (Lisa); ten grandchildren, Joe Baldwin (Amber), Shane Baldwin (Jennifer), Misty Kisselburg, Tammy Driskell (Jeff), Krystal Gilfoil (William), Misty Smith (Darrell), David Slaughter, Randy Smith Jr. (Becky), Jason Smith (Esdras), and Elisa Grandos (Luis); 16 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Gary Quarles officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery. Gentlemen serving as pallbearers include Randy Smith Jr., Jason Smith, Joe Baldwin, Shane Baldwin, and James Kisselburg.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. 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. Betty Kisselburg Chamlee.

David Farrell

Mr. David Duane Farrell, 64, of Calhoun, departed this life on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family.

David was born on Dec. 15, 1961, the son of the late Eugene Farrell and Nina Jane Moore Farrell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Randall and Eddie Farrell.
David grew up in Gordon County and attended Red Bud School. He retired from Mohawk Industries in 2023 after 36 years of dedicated service, and after that he went to work with Automatics and More. He was always an active outdoorsman and was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed playing cards with his friend. He was a supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs and the Atlanta Braves. He loved his family and friends, and he was thankful to those who came by to visit and offer prayers.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Darlene Bradford Farrell; daughter, Ashley Farrell; sister, Rachael Farrell Cooper, and her husband, Dan; brothers, Rodney Farrell, Eric Farrell, and his wife, Mary Rose; several nieces and nephews who referred to him as Paw-Paw.

A service of remembrance will be held on Thursday, January 8th, at 6:00 p.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. before the service.

The family would like to thank Tennessee Oncology Group for their support, care, and friendship during David’s illness.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of David Farrell.

Roger Gilbert, Jr.

Mr. Roger Bruce Gilbert Jr., 53, of Plainville, departed his earthly life on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by those he loved.

Roger was born in Calhoun on Feb. 5, 1972, the son of the late Roger Bruce Gilbert Sr. and Joann Holden Gilbert Pitts. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Randy Gilbert.

Roger attended Gordon Central High School. He loved the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He loved to spend time with his family. Before a prolonged illness, he was employed by Kane Carpets as a Hyster operator for 13 years.

Survivors include his wife, Kathy Swanson Gilbert; daughter, Brooklyn DeAnn Gilbert; grandchildren, Austin Adams and Dakota Allen; sisters, Pamela Gilbert and Ann Robinson; brothers, Timmie Holden, Jimmy (Regina) Gilbert, and Gary Gilbert; girlfriend, Joanie Medlin; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A service to remember the life of Roger Bruce Gilbert Jr. will be held on Monday, January 12th, at 1:00 p.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Brad Hayes officiating.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 12th, between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family asks that flowers be omitted, and contributions may be made to help with his final expenses.

Joseph Jordon

Joseph (Joey) Lee Jordon, 67, of Calhoun, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Joey was a loving husband, father, papa Joey and Uncle Joey. He was born on Oct. 31, 1958, to the late Nancy and Richard Jordon.

Joey was a graduate of Calhoun High School Class of 1976 and was a member of the Oothcaloga Masonic Lodge #154.

Joey retired from Gordon County Fire Department after 35 years of service. During his tenure with the fire service, he served as Firefighter, Training Officer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief and Assistant Chief. He loved being a firefighter and passed on his knowledge and expertise not only to fellow firefighters but also to his son who has followed in his Daddy’s footsteps carrying on the legacy of his Daddy as a firefighter himself.

He is survived by his wife, Dondra Balliew Jordon. He and Dondra were married for 43 years and shared a lifetime of unwavering love and companionship, and his precious son, Jackson Lee Jordon. He is also survived by his daughter-in-law Melissa Jordon; grandchildren, Camilla Chance and Peyton Loren; nieces, Allyson Balliew, Nicole Balliew, Brittney Benson, Kaydee Robbins and nephew, Will McEntyre; siblings, Leisa (Brownie) McEntyre, Julie Brummitt, David (Amy) Jordon, Eric (Rhonda) Jordon. Many other nieces and nephews also survive.

Joey was known throughout his life as that one person you could count on when you needed a helping hand. Whether it be pulling you out of the mud, catching unwanted snakes on your property, rebuilding a carburetor or just fixing any mechanical issue you had, Joey was that go-to person. He was also famously known for his Green Truck, aka the Green Machine, which he was very meticulous about and loved. He once even tied down air mattress on top of it to prevent it from being damaged in a hail storm.
He loved the outdoors. He loved hunting in the deer woods, fishing, riding 4-Wheelers, riding jeep trails, going to rock crawl races and spending time at the Tellico Cabin. He loved taking spur of the moment road trips with his wife, whether it be to the Blue Ridge Mountain or Ellijay or on long vacation trips to Tellico Plains, Gatlinburg, or Daytona Beach.

But his greatest joy was spending time with his son. He was the best Daddy anyone could ask for and the bond he had with his son was immeasurable. Not a day went by that they didn’t talk to each other. At every opportunity, they were together tinkering on something, shooting something, riding on the side by side, going to breakfast together or riding around every night counting deer.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home. A Firefighter Service to celebrate Joey’s life will be held Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Calhoun First United Methodist Church with a graveside service to follow at Chandler Cemetery.

Joey’s legacy will live on through the family he cherished and the lives that he touched with his joyous personality, infectious smile and helping hand.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in his memory to the American Heart Association.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Joseph (Joey) Lee Jordon.

Mai Kim Luong

Mrs. Mai Kim Luong, age 55, of Calhoun, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, peacefully at home with her family by her side.

Mrs. Luong was born in Vietnam on Feb. 18, 1970. She then immigrated to the United States in the summer of 1994. Mai soon met the love of her life and married Kiet Le, whom she had a beautiful family with. She was a happy person and had a huge capacity to love unconditionally. Anyone who knew her would say that she was family oriented, spending time with her children and grandchildren was what made her happiest. Sundays were always “Family Days” and they would gather and go out to eat, shop, and enjoy laughing and making memories together. Mai worked as a nail tech and was beloved by her regular customers. She took care of them with the same loyalty that she extended to her friends and family. Mai enjoyed the life she had, but kept her roots close. She was excited to see and visit her homeland, especially Saigon. She made many memories with her children letting them explore the country she came from. Her traditional Vietnamese Pho dish was the family’s favorite and another testament to her heritage. When she wanted to take a quick vacation, you’d find her enjoying herself on the beach and Panama City Beach was her favorite! She was of the Buddhist faith and took pleasure in visiting the temple. Mai will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and all those who were fortunate to know her.

Survivors include one son, Christopher Le; two daughters, Diana (Jacob) McAfee and Dalena (Ethan) McCarley; three grandchildren, Cambri McAfee, Tinsley McCarley, and Beckett McCarley; extended family and friends also survive.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. from the Chapel of Reynolds Funeral Home, 5865 New Calhoun Hwy, Rome, Georgia, 30161.

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

Reynolds Funeral Home is honored to be in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Mai Kim Luong.

Bà Mai Kim Luong, 55 tuổi, cư trú tại Calhoun, Georgia, đã qua đời vào Chủ nhật, ngày 4 tháng 1 năm 2026, một cách thanh thản tại nhà bên cạnh gia đình.

Bà Luong sinh ra tại Việt Nam vào ngày 18 tháng 2 năm 1970. Sau đó, bà di cư sang Hoa Kỳ từ khi còn nhỏ. Bà Mai sớm gặp được người đàn ông của đời mình và kết hôn với ông Kiet Le, cùng nhau xây dựng một gia đình hạnh phúc. Bà là một người vui vẻ và có tấm lòng yêu thương vô điều kiện. Bất cứ ai quen biết bà đều sẽ nói rằng bà rất coi trọng gia đình, dành thời gian cho con cháu là điều khiến bà hạnh phúc nhất. Chủ nhật luôn là “Ngày gia đình”, cả nhà sẽ cùng nhau đi ăn, mua sắm và tận hưởng những khoảnh khắc vui vẻ, tạo nên những kỷ niệm đẹp. Mai làm nghề làm móng và được khách hàng quen yêu quý. Cô chăm sóc họ bằng sự tận tâm và lòng trung thành như đối với bạn bè và gia đình. Mai yêu thích cuộc sống của mình, nhưng luôn giữ gìn những giá trị truyền thống. Cô rất hào hứng khi được trở về thăm quê hương, đặc biệt là Sài Gòn. Cô đã tạo ra nhiều kỷ niệm đẹp cùng các con khi cho chúng khám phá đất nước mà cô sinh ra. Món phở truyền thống Việt Nam do cô nấu là món ăn yêu thích của cả gia đình và cũng là minh chứng cho nguồn gốc văn hóa của cô. Khi muốn đi nghỉ mát ngắn ngày, bạn sẽ thấy cô tận hưởng cuộc sống trên bãi biển, và bãi biển Panama City là nơi cô yêu thích nhất! Cô theo đạo Phật và rất thích đến chùa. Mai sẽ được gia đình, bạn bè và tất cả những người may mắn được quen biết cô nhớ mãi.

Những người thân còn sống bao gồm một con trai, Christopher Le; hai con gái, Diana (Jacob) McAfee và Dalena (Ethan) McCarley; ba cháu nội/ngoại, Cambri McAfee, Tinsley McCarley và Beckett McCarley; cùng với gia đình và bạn bè thân thiết khác.

Rhonda Milligan

Rhonda Kay Milligan, 69, of Calhoun, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. She was born in Shelbyville, Ind., on May 7, 1956, to the late Ned and Jeanetta Fitz. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Randall Lewis; brother, Neddy Fitz; granddaughter, Paisley Bell.

She is survived by her daughters, Nedina Lewis, Amanda (Cody) Bell; brothers, Terry Fitz, Bret Fitz; grandchildren, Luke Lewis, Kyle Lewis, Skylynn Lewis, Elijah Easter, Jada Sims, Bentley Bell, Xander Bell, Wyatt Bell, Levi Bell; great-grandson, Nolan Lewis; nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

Rhonda was a very loving and caring person. She was very crafty and loved to cook, spending much of her time in her kitchen. She enjoyed taking trips to the beach and was a fan of Alabama Football. Rhonda was always helping people in any way she could. She was a wonderful, strong, loving mother that you could always count on. Her family meant everything to her.

To honor her wishes, her body was cremated and a private family service will be held at a later date.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Rhonda Kay Milligan.

Melba Sewell

Melba Ann Fuller Sewell, age 80 of Plainville, GA, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 at AdventHealth Redmond.

Melba was born on Oct. 29, 1945 in Gordon County, daughter of the late John Robert Fuller, SR and Mary Lucille Fuller. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by: her husband, Eugene Talmadge Sewell; two brothers, J.R., JR and his wife Pearlie Mae and Ernest Mebane Fuller; and three sisters, Illa Hyde, Virginia Fuller Sewell, and Infant baby.

Melba was a member of West Union Church.

Melba is survived by: two sons, Sidney Sewell and Wayne Sewell; special daughter-in-law, Tara Roberts Sewell; three grandchildren, Ethan Sewell, Ellie Sewell, and Easton Sewell; brother, Bob Fuller; and sisters-in-law, Clara Hicks and her husband Willie, Glenda Freeman and her husband Herman, Marie Cochran and her husband Rickey, Dyan Nelson and her husband Steve, Martha Sewell and her husband Pat, and Evelyn Sewell and her husband Aleck.

A celebration of the life of Melba will be held at a later date.

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

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Melba Ann Fuller Sewell.

Doris Smith

Mrs. Doris Marie Smith, 85, of Calhoun, passed away peacefully Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, at AdventHealth Gordon Hospital.

Doris was born in Bartow County on Oct. 9, 1940, daughter of the late Rosa Lee Bunch and Joe Bunch. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband, William Starling Smith; sisters, Nancy Mae Bunch and Joyce Louise Bunch; brother, Lewis Bunch (Ellen); sisters-in-law, Betty Smith Peace and Barbara Greene.

Doris was a woman of strong faith and devotion, a faithful member of the Pentecostal faith whose life reflected love, dedication, and gratitude. She retired in July of 2000 after 27 years of devoted service at Calhoun Spinning, a place she truly loved working and took great pride in. Above all else, Doris cherished her family, holding them close to her heart and finding her greatest joy in the love they shared.

Survivors include her nephews, Clark Bunch (Teresa) and Johnny Bunch (Angela); sister-in-law, Carolyn Ray and brother-in-law, James Smith; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 5, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Barton Funeral Home with Rev. Clark Bunch officiating. Interment followed in Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery, Adairsville. Pallbearers included Connor Bunch, Jason Buttrum, Eric Guyton, Johnny Bunch, Ethan Bunch, and Evan Bunch.

The family received friends Monday from 1 – 3 p.m. at Barton Funeral Home.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, is in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Doris Bunch Smith.

Nelda Woodall

Nelda Maxine (Rush) Woodall, 82, of Calhoun, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. She was born in Mobile, Ala. on March 16, 1943, to the late Quinton Rush and Mable McDonald Rush. Along with her parents she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 60 years, Tommy Frank Woodall; her brother Neville Rush, and sister Dianne Cottrell.

Nelda was a retired bookkeeper. Her first job was keeping books in a local business run by her dad and she continued bookkeeping until retirement age.

Nelda is survived by her sister, Sandra Covington and brother, Carl Rush (Stacey); her sons and daughters-in-law, Wendall Ray Woodall (Cheryl), Tommy Randall Woodall (Jamie); daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa Woodall Bounds (Mark), Melanie Woodall Smith (Scott); grandchildren, Brittany Woodall Jones (Stuart), Lauren Woodall Corn (Tyler), Sarah Woodall, Chris Musick (Heather), Tiffany Musick, Brandon Musick (Emily), Katie Woodall Roberts (Josh), Jordan Woodall, Madeline Woodall, Gabby Woodall, Frankie Woodall, Madison Smith Strickland (Joseph), Audrey Smith, and Caden Smith; great-grandchildren, Elisha Woodall Jones, Lilah Woodall Jones, Lucas Corn, Liam Corn, Ethan Musick, Addison Musick, Derek Musick, Raelynn Musick, Jayden Price, Emma Roberts, Addison Roberts, Hazel Strickland and another Strickland on the way.

Visitation will be on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, from 12 to 1 p.m. at Sugar Valley Baptist Church, 3742 Sugar Valley Road NW, Sugar Valley, GA 30746. The funeral service will follow from 1 to 2 p.m. with Pastor and dear friend Mitch Phillips officiating. Pallbearers are Tyler Corn, Chris Musick, Brandon Musick, Frankie Woodall, Joshua Roberts, Joseph Strickland and Caden Smith.

Burial service will be the following week on Jan. 15, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr., Canton, GA 30114.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Sugar Valley Baptist Church Children’s Ministry.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Nelda Maxine (Rush) Woodall.