Obituaries from the Weekend, March 14, 2026 E-Edition

Noah Chastain

Noah Hayden Chastain, 19, of Fairmount, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. He was born in Calhoun on Feb. 16, 2007 to Kevin and Karen Chastain. He was preceded in death by his “Nanny,” Annie Mulkey.

He is survived by his parents, Kevin and Karen Chastain; brother, Kyle (Amy) Chastain; sister, Harleigh (Dylan) Dixon; Paw-Paw, Herman Mulkey; Maw and Paw, Troy and Janie Chastain; girlfriend, Payton McReynolds; nieces, Mayleigh Dixon, Harper Chastain; nephew, Ridge Dixon; many aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

A son, a brother, an uncle, Noah was an old soul that would give you the shirt off his back and help you with just about anything. He loved his family, he loved making us all laugh, but most importantly he loved the Lord. If you had a conversation with him, you knew he had the kindest of hearts. He was a freshman at KSU finishing up his spring semester. He was pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Anything that Noah done, he did to the best of his ability. He grew up on the wrestling mat watching his brother, Kyle, and soon stepped into his footsteps of being a dominant wrestler and never failed to give God the glory no matter the outcome. Outside of school and spending time with his family, he enjoyed fishing and hunting and being in the nature of God. He was a devoted Christian and spent every day in the word of God. Rest in peace, Noah, until we meet again. We love you.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM from Pleasant Grove Ryo Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Muse and Rev. Jeremy Southers officiating. Dorothy Hightower will be in charge of music. Burial will follow in Pleasant Grove Ryo Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers serving are Will Pritchett, Ian Seritt, Cason Seritt, Brody Seritt, Gus Miller, Braxton Mealer, Luke Mealer, Sawyer McReynolds, and Logan Moore.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Noah Hayden Chastain.

Anita Erwin

Anita Erwin, age 79, of Calhoun, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Calhoun Crossing.
Anita was born on Sept. 24, 1946 in Dalton, daughter of the late Ford Johnson Parker and Ila Mae Boston Parker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Darrell Parker and Larry Parker.

She was a member of Farmville Methodist Church. Anita enjoyed sewing, baking, reading, and traveling to the beach with her family.

Anita is survived by her husband of 58 years, Nevin Erwin; two daughters, Pam Erwin Sills and her husband Jack “Neal” Sills and Laura Erwin Heacox and her husband Shawn Heacox; six grandchildren, Will Hogan, Connor Hogan, Jessica Smith, Taylorleigh Turnquist, Rachel Heacox, and Olivia Heacox; and two great-grandchildren, Jemmakate Smith and Tulsa Turnquist.

The family received friends on Thursday, March 12, 2026 from 4 PM until 7 PM at Thomas Funeral Home.

Funeral Services were conducted on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2 PM at Farmville Methodist Church with Reverend John Shivers and Reverend Jim Buckman officiating. Burial followed in Fain Cemetery.
Pallbearers serving were Neal Sills, Shawn Heacox, Will Hogan, Connor Hogan, Dennis Mason, and Michael Johnson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Rachel Heacox, Olivia Heacox, Jessica Smith, Taylorleigh Turnquist, Jarrod Smith, Tyler Turnquist, the Staff at Calhoun Crossing, and the Staff of Affinity Hospice.

In addition to flowers donations in memory of Anita may be made to Farmville Methodist Church.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com
Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Anita Erwin.

Kathy Gilbert

Kathy Denise Gilbert, affectionately known as Kat-ah-Ro, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Hamilton Medical after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on Sept. 28, 1963, in Calhoun, Kathy’s life was a remarkable testament to strength, love, and unwavering faith.

An alumnus of Calhoun High School, Kathy was not only the life of every gathering but also a beacon of joy whose laughter filled rooms and whose sayings, including her beloved “Help Us,” will forever echo in the hearts of her family. She was deeply devoted to her loved ones and shared a special bond with her cherished companion, ChocChoc. Kathy’s spirit was generous and warm, always prioritizing her family and friends with selfless devotion.

Kathy’s love for nature was as boundless as her heart. She admired all of God’s creations but was especially enchanted by hummingbirds and the ocean’s vastness. The beach and its serene beauty brought her immense joy—she adored cruises and traveling, collecting memories that sparkled with laughter and adventure. Among these memories was a humorous incident that would often bring smiles: Kathy being caught by a wave and losing her false teeth to the ocean’s depths, a tale she fondly recalled with laughter.

Comfort found Kathy on her front porch, where she could savor a good cup of coffee and a cigarette, taking in the world at her own pace. She never missed a chance to revel in her father’s famous weenie roasts and had a particular fondness for the culinary delights championed by Gordon Ramsay and Guy Fieri. These simple pleasures were threads in the vibrant tapestry of her joyful life.

Most importantly, Kathy was a Child of the Almighty Father. Her faith was her anchor, unwavering and pure. Even in her last days, frail but resolute, she raised her hands in worship and praise, longing for the day she would rest in the arms of Jesus. Her spiritual journey was a constant source of strength and hope, inspiring all who knew her.

Kathy’s proudest accomplishments were her daughters and grandsons, who shone as the greatest lights in her life. She instilled in them—and in all who loved her—the invaluable lesson of always saying “I love you” and cherishing every opportunity to express it. This legacy of love and connection will forever be her lasting gift.

She is lovingly survived by her devoted father, Lewis Swanson, who will carry the memory of his beloved Kat-ah-Ro deeply in his heart. Her daughters, Tiffany (Alvin) Adams and Brooklyn Gilbert (Ken Gazaway), remain a testament to her enduring love. Kathy’s sisters, Pam Silvers and Judy (Brad) Hayes, along with her grandchildren Dakota (Hannah) Allen and Austin Adams (Trenity Dodson), continue to celebrate her vibrant spirit. Great-grandchildren Caden Smith and Wrenlie Adams, nieces and nephews Brandon (Krissy) Silvers, Brooke (Austin) McGraw, Luke (Randi) Hayes, and Jake Hayes, as well as great-nieces and nephews Adalee McGraw and Wyatt McGraw, all bear the warmth of her love.

Kathy was preceded in death by her mother, Ann Swanson, and her husband, Roger Gilbert, who both now watch over her from above.

Though Kathy’s battle ended after many trials, she faced it with unparalleled grace and strength that inspire admiration and love in all her survivors. Her legacy is one of courage, laughter, and a heart that never ceased to give. As we remember Kathy Denise Gilbert, we hold dear the joy she imparted, the faith that sustained her, and the love that will forever enfold her family. Rest in peace, dear Kat-ah-Ro, in the loving embrace of Jesus. You are forever missed and eternally cherished.

Kathy Nelson

Kathy Belinda Nelson, 66, of Plainville, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026. She was born in Santa Monica, Calif., on Oct. 1, 1959, to the late Charles and Shilba David. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Barry Nelson; brother, Rickie David.

She is survived by her stepsons, Ross (Brittney) Nelson, Dustin Nelson; sister-in-law, Patricia David; grandchildren, Logan Nelson, Kaiden Nelson, Alora Nelson; godson, Brady O’Daniel, niece, Jayla Collier; nephews, Brook David, Mark David; friends, Jeannie Dillard, Jerry Williams, Kyndra Bishop, Chelsea Cosper, Steve and Mary Duke; fur baby who was like a child, Si Nelson.

Kathy was a Christian who loved God. She was kindhearted, but tough at the same time. She didn’t take anything from anyone! She loved animals, especially her dogs. Her dogs were her children, and you never saw Kathy without at least one dog trailing behind. She would get up every morning to boil Si some fresh chicken. He would ride around everywhere with her. She would spare no expense to keep him healthy. Si was her whole world. She was so good at cooking some good ole southern food. She was a wonderful mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. We will miss her so much.

To honor her wishes, her body will be 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 Kathy Belinda Nelson.

Robert Preavtte, Jr.

Robert Elgworth “Hippie” Preavtte Jr., age 62, of Calhoun, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2026, at AdventHealth Gordon Hospital.

Robert was born April 22, 1963. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Elgworth Preavtte Sr. and Florence A. McKenna Preavtte, and by his brothers, Tommy Preavtte and Michael Preavtte.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Belinda Sluder Preavtte. He is also survived by his sons, Bobby (Jackie) Preavtte of Crandall, Chris (Stephanie) Preavtte of Chatsworth, Anthony Preavtte of Winchester, Tenn., and Thomas Preavtte of Crandall.

Additional survivors include his brothers, George McKenna of Pensacola, Fla. and Vester Preavtte of Calhoun, and his sisters, Elizabeth Gann (Jay) of Ringgold, Rose Preavtte of Fort Oglethorpe, Bobbie Sue Preavtte of Calhoun, Angel Preavtte of Jasper, Tenn., and Sabrina Gomez of Calhoun. He is also survived by a special friend and former wife, Teresa Preavtte.

Robert was the proud grandfather of 16 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, who meant the world to him. His grandchildren were the greatest joy of his life, and he often told them that he loved them more than anything.

Robert will be remembered for his quick wit, strong work ethic, and honest nature. He was known for speaking his mind and standing by what he believed, while always being a positive presence to those around him. He had a way of saying exactly what needed to be said, and those who knew him appreciated his straightforward and genuine spirit.

He loved spending time hunting and fishing with his sons, making memories outdoors that his family will always cherish. Robert also had a deep passion for motorcycles and proudly served as the devoted member of the Road House Motorcycle Club, a brotherhood that meant a great deal to him. Riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles and spending time with his club family brought him much happiness.
Robert was of the Baptist faith and attended Grace Community Baptist Church in Sugar Valley, Georgia.
Interment will follow at Spring Place Memorial Gardens in Spring Place, Georgia.
Serving as pallbearers will be CJ, Tucker, Chris, Bobby, Brison Preavtte, and Nick DeFore. Honorary pallbearers will be Landon Vest and Dayton Quarles.

Robert will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched and the love he shared with those around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the family to assist with expenses.

Arrangements entrusted to: Ponders Funeral Home – Calhoun Chapel 675 Jolly Road Calhoun, Georgia 30701706-625-7577 www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org

Asa Shirley

Asa Van Shirley, a fixture in the Calhoun community, passed away on March 11, 2026, at Atrium Health Floyd, at the age of 79. Born on April 11,1946 in Calhoun, Asa was a lifelong resident who left a lasting impact through both his professional and personal endeavors.

Asa dedicated over 31 years of service as the store manager at Calhoun Office Supply, and 15 years of his expertise at T.J. Office Supply. His work exemplified dedication and integrity, qualities that earned him the respect of coworkers and customers alike.

A graduate of Calhoun High School, Class of 1964, Asa proudly served in the United Naval Reserve. His commitment to community service extended beyond his career; he was a member of several organizations, the Calhoun American Legion Post #47, V.W.F. Post #5376, the Calhoun Elks #1883, and Calhoun Moose Lodge #1974. His involvement in these institutions highlighted his dedication to service and camaraderie. Asa was also a long-time member of the Belmont Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Columbus Andrew Shirley and Clara Walker Shirley, his wife, Agatha Bell Shirley, as well as two sisters, Glenda Barnard and Nana Perry.

Asa is survived by two sons, Barry (Brittny) Shirley and Paul (Wanda) Shirley; his daughters, Janie (Clay) Osborn, Kathy Heckman, April (David McKenney) Shirley, and Jennifer (Steve) Thomason. Fourteen grandchildren and thirty-seven great-grandchildren also survive.

The family received friends Friday evening, March 13th from 4 – 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Services to Celebrate the Life of Asa Shirley will be conducted Saturday, March 14th, at 2:00 p.m. from the chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. George Gray officiating. Burial will follow in Chandler Cemetery with Drew Shirley, Brandon Shirley, David McKinney, Steve Thomason, Gary Burnette, and Zack Heckman serving as pallbearers. The American Legion Post #47 will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Asa’s enduring spirit, kindness, and dedication to family and community will be missed but lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Thomas Funeral Home is proud to serve the family of Asa Van Shirley.