Obituaries from the Wednesday, February 18, 2026 E-Edition

Grace Boyce

Grace Pearl Boyce, formerly known as Hammond, peacefully passed away on Feb. 14, 2026, in Ranger, at the age of 100. Born on Oct. 1, 1925, in Ballston Spa, New York, Grace led a life rich in love and devotion.

A loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Grace exemplified the qualities of nurturing and warmth throughout her life. She was a pillar of support for her family and instilled in them the values of kindness and community. She is survived by her sons, Bryan Boyce, Dan Boyce, and Glenn Boyce, as well as their respective spouses, Jen Boyce and Susan Boyce. Her legacy of love continues through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will carry her spirit forward.

Grace’s involvement in her church and her active lifestyle reflected her commitment to fostering connections with those around her. She found great joy in nature, specifically through her love of flowers and gardening, which became much more than a hobby; it was a source of passion and peace throughout her life.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Elmer Jacob Boyce, whose memory she cherished dearly. Additionally, she was welcomed into eternity by her parents, Truman E. Hammond and Jennie Bell Hammond, as well as her siblings: Buell Hall, Floyd Hall, Ethel Hall, Earl Hall, Carl Hall, Edward Hammond, and Gladys Hammond. Together, they will forever hold a special place in her heart.

Grace Pearl Boyce’s life was a testament to love, strength, and community, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

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

Charles Garner

Charles Andrew Garner, 63, passed away on Feb. 14, 2026. He was born on Aug. 13, 1962, to the late Garland and Odette Garner.

Charles proudly served in the United States Army from 1983 until 1986 and was awarded the good conduct medal of exemplary service. Following his military service, he earned his degree in pharmacy and dedicated his life to serving the community as a pharmacist. He was a proud state chess champion and had a lifelong love for the game of chess. He found joy in strategy and competition, often sharing his passion with family and teaching his girls lessons not just about the game, but about thinking ahead and staying steady in life. Chess was his passion.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Blanca Nubia Garner; daughters, Nancy Garner, Amy Garner (Ramses Vega-Casasnovas), Laura Rosser (Nikki), Kelsey Franks (Cody), and Sarah Garner. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Ethan Garcia, Ian Garcia, Izak Garcia, Izan Garcia, Aracely Vega-Casasnovas, Isabella Vega-Casasnovas, Winry Dean Franks, and Levi Andrew Franks expected in April 2026.

To honor his wishes, his body was cremated and no formal service will be held.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Charles Andrew Garner.

Betty Mathews

Mrs. Betty Jean Mathews, age 97, of White, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at her residence.
Betty was born on March 15, 1928, in White, the daughter of the late Winnie White Pratt Gilstrap and Wallace A. Gilstrap. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Alton Riley Mathews; son, Stephen Mathews; brother, Billy Gilstrap; her twin brother, Wilton Dean Gilstrap; sister, Helen Lee Gilstrap Kruger; and great niece, Pamela Kruger Young.

Betty was previously employed at Lockheed as a clerk for 16 years, as well as for the City of White. She was also a member of the White Methodist Baptist Church, where she will be laid to rest.

Survivors include Betty’s niece, Sharon Kruger Thomason and her two sons, Martin and his wife, Jessica Sargent, and Matthew Sargent; great niece, Melissa and Rick Edge, and their children, Kristina Huggins, Kayla Huggins, and Katie (Nathan) Hicks; great niece, Emily and Michael Davis, and their children, Skylar Cox, Summer Davis, McKenzie Davis, and Micah Davis; Great niece, Ashley Young Butler and her children, Joshua, Ilana, and Jarad Butler; great nephew, Michael Daniel; nephew, Michael D. Kruger; great niece, Andrea K. Buswell; great nephew, Tyler Kruger; great nephew, Hal and Cindy Daniel of Jasper, and their combined children; and great niece Michelle Daniel and Mark Reilly, and their children Shawn, Laken, and Jackson Reilly.

Graveside Services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, from White Methodist Church Cemetery at 2 PM, with Rev. George Gray.

The family received friends on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, from 1:30 PM to 2 PM at the graveside of White United Methodist Church Cemetery.

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

Thomas Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Betty Jean Mathews.

Cindy Prince

Cynthia “Cindy” Lea Prince, born on Jan. 1, 1957, in the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, departed this world peacefully at her home on Feb. 15, 2026. She was surrounded by the unwavering love that she cultivated throughout her extraordinary life—a life devoted to her family, her passions, and her deep-seated compassion for all living things.

Cindy was a quintessential do-it-yourselfer, embracing the joys of creativity with a striking flair. Her affinity for the outdoors was only rivaled by her love for animals, as she reveled in the company of every pet she welcomed into her home. A devoted rescuer, she found delight in giving a second chance to those furry souls in need, becoming a steadfast champion for countless animals, including her beloved rescue dogs: Rudy, Rex, Roxy, and Max, as well as her cherished kitty, Luna.

Her talents extended beyond animal rescue; Cindy had an innate ability to repurpose and breathe new life into forgotten items, transforming the mundane into masterpieces with an artistic touch. Her endeavors were not solely for personal enrichment, but as a means to impart wisdom and skills to her children, Michelle and Jason, who carried forward her legacy of resourcefulness and creativity.

Cindy cherished the moments spent with her grandchildren—Aaron, Barrett, and Brody “Fred”—for they were the embodiment of her heart’s joy. With each laugh and adventure shared, her love for them flourished, reminding all of us that the greatest treasures in life are often those we nurture and hold dear.

In the tapestry of her life, Cindy’s character was woven with resilience and an unwavering spirit. She is survived by her loving husband, Don Prince, who stood by her through the ample joys and occasional trials that life unfurled. The warmth of their partnership was evident to all who witnessed the affection and camaraderie they shared. Cindy also leaves behind two brothers, Dan and Scott Burch.

Cindy will be dearly missed by her family and the many friends whose lives she touched. She leaves behind a profound legacy of love, creativity, benevolence, and a commitment to the welfare of all creatures. While she may have departed from this earthly plane, her indomitable spirit and the lessons she imparted will resonate through the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Preceded in death by her cherished parents, Willard Burch and Joan Sutherland Burch, she is reunited with them now, embraced in eternal comfort.

As we remember Cynthia “Cindy” Lea Prince, may we strive to emulate her zest for life and her boundless capacity for love. The world was undeniably brighter with her in it, and though her absence will be profoundly felt, her influence will endure in the lives she transformed and in the love she shared.

Donations in Cindy’s name can be made to https://gilmercounty-ga.gov/animal-shelter/ or adopt a pet at https://ellijaypaws.org/

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

Peggy Jo Williams

Peggy Jo Williams was born in Bakersfield, Calif. and was raised in the small farming town of Shafter. There she met and married Charles W. Williams and raised three children. Peggy and her family moved to North Georgia in 1994 where she has lived since. She was a lifelong homemaker; she loved and cared for her family and others with all of her heart. Peggy loved old gospel hymns, old fashioned country music, and California Sunsets. She spent her entire life in service to others, but her greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Delbert R. Fain and Beulah S. Fain; two brothers, Johnny L. Fain and Gary L. Fain; two sisters, Jean Fain and Judy A. Hamilton.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Charles W. Williams; daughter, Pamela Carter and her husband, Brent Carter of Calhoun; her son, Charles D. Williams of Calhoun; son, Adam E. Williams Sr. and his wife, Whitney Williams of Calhoun.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, Lilly A. Timms (Johnathan Timms), William N. Carter, Paige N. Lowe, Savanna F. Williams, Adam E. Williams Jr.; great-grandchildren, Channing Timms, Mckenna Timms, BlakLyn Broome; brothers, Bob Fain, Delbert Fain, Chris Fain, and Jimmy Fain; sisters, Lena S Dodgen, Shirley M. Chapman and many nieces and nephews.

Her body was cremated and no formal service will be held.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Peggy Jo Williams.