A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home

A. S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home A.S. Turner and Sons is family owned and serves the entire metropolitan Atlanta Area. We offer tradi We have been in operation since 1903.

Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory is one of the oldest and largest family owned and operated firms in Georgia. All decisions are made by the Turner Family and the Management Staff, all of which are located here in Decatur. Our main concern is helping families in one of the most difficult time in their life. We serve all people regardless of race, religion or Nationality. We do whatever needs to be done to accomplish the wishes, wants and desires of the families we serve. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, is an established firm with deep roots within our community dating back a 113 years. We are proud members of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Georgia Funeral Directors Association, and Select Independent Funeral Homes. These organizations serve to continually elevate the standards of excellence in funeral service through continuing education, the promotion of community involvement, and leadership.

Carole WilliamsCarole Z. Williams, born January 21, 1945 in Humboldt, TN, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025 wi...
01/09/2026

Carole Williams

Carole Z. Williams, born January 21, 1945 in Humboldt, TN, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025 with family at her bedside. She lived a wonderful life filled with dear friends and a loving family. Born to Burney and Nell Zarecor, she was raised in the Presbyterian Church which she remained faithful to for all of her life. Music shaped her world and purpose from an early age. In 1967 she graduated from Murray State College in Kentucky with a Bachelor of Music Education and later graduated from Georgia State University, earning a Master's Degree. She taught Music in the DeKalb County Public School system and after school hours, she taught piano lessons from her Morningside home to children and adults.

Carole was a member of Druid Hills Golf Club where she made life-long friendships and enjoyed playing tennis and bridge. She was a devoted member of Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK), a sorority promoting the empowerment of women educators to advance educational excellence, altruism and world understanding.

Carole had many wonderful friends in her Morningside neighborhood, at Druid Hills Golf Club, and at King's Bridge Retirement Community. She was a hospitable hostess who loved to entertain, cook, sew and travel.

She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her sisters Martha Vernon of Greenville, SC, Linda Drone of Atlanta, GA and nephews Eric Drone (Britta), Brent Drone (Patrick), Chris Vernon (Cynthia) and Pat Vernon (Andrea). She is also survived by three great-nieces Amelia Vernon, Lucia Vernon and Beatrice Vernon and a great-nephew Campbell Vernon.

On January 17, 2026, there will be a memorial service at 2:00pm at King's Bridge Retirement Community at 3055 Briarcliff Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30329.

The family is forever grateful for the loving care given by the aides of PCI during her final weeks in hospice care. A private burial will take place at a later date in Yorkville, TN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alpha Delta Kappa: Atlanta District Legacy Scholarship Fund, 2712 Mayfield Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30043. www.alphadeltakappa.org

View Carole Williams's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

An estate sale company can help you take care of extra items after a loved one?s death. But how do you know whether you ...
01/09/2026

An estate sale company can help you take care of extra items after a loved one?s death. But how do you know whether you should work with a company or host an estate sale yourself? Click here to learn about the pros and cons of working with an estate sale company.

While an estate sale company can help you clean out clutter after a loved one's death, here are a few pros and cons of working with one.

01/09/2026

Turner Takes:
Our incredible funeral directors

Since joining the Turner Family, Trey Britt has been an outstanding representative for us and we are so thankful to have his service for our families!

Scott ThomasWith heavy hearts, the family of Scott Thomas shares the news of his passing on January 7, 2026. Scott was 9...
01/08/2026

Scott Thomas

With heavy hearts, the family of Scott Thomas shares the news of his passing on January 7, 2026. Scott was 91 and was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, on September 2, 1934, to Obie Scott Thomas Sr. and Louise Robinson Thomas. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carole, and his children Brian (Tricia) and Nancy Walshe (Chris), and two beloved grandchildren, Caroline and Thomas Walshe, brother and sister-in-law Tom and Janeen Pruitt, sister-in-law Glenda Pruitt, and many beloved nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Also, many dear friends.

Scott grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina, and attended Emory University. He called Tucker home for most of his years in the Atlanta area. He had many jobs in sales and retired early to help care for his granddaughter, Caroline, who gave him the name, A-da. He enjoyed watching her and her brother, Thomas, for many years.

Scott was an avid photographer, and his mission was to share what he captured behind the lens with friends and family. He was devoted to his faith, family, and friends, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

View Obie Thomas's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Kirk CorselloBeloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Kirk Steven Corsello passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Da...
01/08/2026

Kirk Corsello

Beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, Kirk Steven Corsello passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, just shy of his 59th birthday. He left this world in an act of service - helping a neighbor - a final gesture that perfectly reflected the way he lived his life. Though his sudden passing leaves a profound void in countless hearts, we honor him best by carrying forward his fighting spirit, generosity, and unshakable optimism.



Kirk was the third of five children born to Dr. Richard Corsello of Street, MD, and the late Sondra Corsello. He is survived by his wife, Connie Corsello; his son, Christian Corsello of Boulder, CO; his daughter, Angelica Corsello; his stepson, Jackson Mathis; and his stepdaughter, Morgan Mathis, all of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by his sisters, Kym McFadden (Leslie) and Sonya Campbell (Donald); his brothers, Dean Corsello (Crystal) and Shawn Corsello (Holly); as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.



Kirk grew up in the rural communities of Pylesville and Street, Maryland, north of Baltimore in Harford County. As a boy, he was adventurous, spirited, and endlessly energetic - a true live wire. He spent his childhood outdoors with siblings and neighborhood friends: swimming in the lake and family pool on Grandview Drive, riding bikes, climbing trees, exploring creeks, and occasionally finding trouble that resulted in a few hospital visits and broken bones. Summers at Diamond Beach Resort in Wildwood, NJ were among his happiest memories. There, he discovered his love for diving and swimming, spending hours at the resort's high dive, low dive, and expansive pool.



Athletics quickly became a defining part of Kirk's life. He excelled in baseball, soccer, cross country, and eventually followed in his father's footsteps into competitive diving and swimming. He became both a champion diver and a standout sprint swimmer, specializing in the 50- and 100-yard freestyle events. Just before graduating from North Harford High School in 1985, Kirk met Edgewood High School swim coach Jim Kuhlman (JK), a meeting that would change his life. Kirk had approached JK to offer condolences after the tragic loss of JK's co coach. Recognizing Kirk's talent and character, JK helped him secure college swimming scholarships. That simple act of kindness blossomed into a lifelong friendship - JK became Kirk's mentor, friend, and unofficial minister for many years.



Kirk attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and San Diego State University on swimming scholarships before eventually returning to Maryland to study at Towson University. His life took a new direction when he discovered triathlons. He loved their competitive nature and found that the discipline of swimming, biking, and running strengthened him in ways academics never could. Though naturally social, Kirk cherished the solitude of training - the quiet moments that allowed him to reflect on life and love. He and JK shared a guiding mantra about the sport: "Swim to your bike, bike to your run, run to your friend who will be waiting for you at the end." Friendship was sacred to Kirk. One of his favorite songs - also a favorite of his mother - was "That's What Friends Are For" by Dionne Warwick. Loving people and serving others brought him profound joy.



In the late 1980s, while competing in a Maryland triathlon, Kirk qualified on a whim for the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. Though he began triathlons for the swimming and running, cycling soon became his greatest passion. He loved the freedom, grit, and exhilaration of the sport, and his training rides through Harford County became legendary. One story - unbelievable only to those who didn't know him - recounts Kirk drafting behind a tractor trailer on Interstate 95 at over 60 mph because he needed a "shortcut" from Havre de Grace to Aberdeen.



Kirk was a man defined by an iron will, an adventurous spirit, and a heart of gold. In 1993, his passion for triathlon, coupled with his relentless drive to excel, led him to Orlando, FL. There, he became an integral part of the vibrant central Florida triathlon community, which included elite amateur athletes, professionals, and future Olympians. Kirk embraced this environment and quickly thrived, making Orlando his home for several years.

During his time in Orlando, Kirk left an indelible mark on the hearts of countless friends. His presence was memorable-not just for his competitive prowess, but for the genuine connections he built. To those who had the privilege to know him, train by his side, and compete against him, Kirk imparted invaluable lessons in sportsmanship. He was known for his intensity as a competitor, yet at the same time, he stood as everyone's greatest cheerleader, always encouraging and uplifting those around him.



From Orlando, he moved to Atlanta, GA where he was inspired by the memory of his late brother-in-law, Jack Zoppo, a Baltimore City Fire Department Lieutenant who passed away from cancer in 2004, to become a firefighter. As a distinguished member of the Gwinnett County Fire Department and its elite Swift Water Rescue team - where he still holds the swim distance record - he served the Atlanta community with courage and compassion. His bravery shone brightest when helping those in need. Later, as an entrepreneur, he built Corsello & Sons Pest Control on a foundation of reliability, hard work, and genuine relationships. Yet while many men are defined by their careers, it was endurance sports that ignited Kirk's soul and shaped his community.



Beginning in the early 1990's, Kirk rose quickly in the local and national triathlon scene. He won countless races, twice competed in the Olympic distance World Championships (1992, 1994), and completed the grueling Hawaii Ironman three times (1989, 1992, 1993). But more than medals, he cherished the friendships forged through training and competition. He held deep affection for his triathlon friends Jim Bracket, Paul Ryan, Scott C**n, Larry and Lou Otremba, Mike Llerandi, Rod Jetté, Patrick Davis and many others.



When Kirk transitioned into road cycling, he became one of the most respected and successful Category 1 riders in the United States. He was a fixture on podiums at iconic races such as the Savannah Superprestige, the Sunny King Criterium, and the Terrapin Twilight. Beyond his own achievements, he became a beloved commentator at events like the Duluth Twilight, known for his sharp insight and humor. He treasured the brotherhood of the peloton, and the soulful connections formed over long hours on the road. His proudest cycling accomplishment, however, was riding alongside his son, Christian, and watching him grow into a phenomenal, award-winning cyclist in his own right.



The greatest gift cycling brought to Kirk was meeting the love of his life, Connie. Their paths first crossed at a friend's party in Atlanta in 2016, and from the moment Kirk saw her, he was captivated. He pursued her with determination and heart until she agreed to their first date - Valentine's Day 2017. From that day forward, they built a beautiful life together. He proposed to Connie on November 23, 2019 in beautiful, sunny Orlando. They married on May 1, 2022, and embraced adventure as they traveled across the country and around the world, always with cycling - and their love for each other - at the center of their journey.



Despite all his athletic accomplishments, Kirk's greatest victory was his family. He was a devoted and loving husband to Connie, and a proud, supportive father to Christian and Angelica. He embraced his role as stepfather to Jackson and Morgan with warmth and joy. Together, they built a life grounded in love, laughter, adventure, and faith.



Kirk will be remembered as a passionate example of the joy that comes from using God's gifts and humbly serving His creation. He has now moved on to the highest victory of his life - greater than any medal or finish line - to be with his Lord and Savior in Heaven. He leaves us with the reminder that "God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)



A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 3773 Chamblee Tucker Road, Atlanta, GA 30341 on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow in the church hall. In loving memory of Kirk, donations may be made to Mission Devo Cycling, Attn: Greg Latham, 405 Sassafras Lane, Roswell, GA 30076 (www.missiondevocycling.com), an organization that Kirk so passionately championed and supported.

View Kirk Corsello's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Houston Smith Jr.Houston Dillard Smith, Jr.December 18, 1930 - December 30, 2025Houston Dillard Smith, Jr., age 95, of D...
01/07/2026

Houston Smith Jr.

Houston Dillard Smith, Jr.

December 18, 1930 - December 30, 2025

Houston Dillard Smith, Jr., age 95, of Decatur, Georgia, passed away on December 30, 2025. Born on December 18, 1930, in Washington, North Carolina, Houston lived a life defined by faith, service, family, and an extraordinary professional legacy spanning more than 75 years.

After moving to Decatur, Houston became a highly respected Certified Public Accountant and Certified Financial Planner. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Georgia, Atlanta Division (now Georgia State University), and later completed his MBA at Emory University. He began his accounting career working alongside his father before opening his own accounting firm in Decatur, Georgia. In 1962, he became the founding partner of Smith and Raab, an accounting and financial planning firm where his integrity, wisdom, and dedication shaped generations of clients and colleagues. In 2010, Houston and his partner merged their firm with Robbins, Eskew, Smith, and Jordan, an accounting firm in Atlanta, Georgia. Early in his career, Houston shared his passion for financial literacy by teaching accounting at Georgia State University and worked for the State of Georgia as an Auditor and in the State Budget Bureau.

Houston was deeply committed to his profession and held numerous leadership roles. He served as President of the Atlanta Estate Planning Council and was a founding member of the DeKalb Estate Planning Council. He was a member of the Georgia Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, where he helped organize the early development of the Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) program and taught the curriculum for many years across the country. He also served as President of the Rotary Club of Decatur and completed two terms as Treasurer of Cherokee Town and Country Club. He was published co-author of an accounting textbook and was a proud veteran, serving ten years in the Georgia National Guard.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Houston loved God and devoted himself to the life of the church. He joined Decatur Presbyterian Church at the age of 18 and held several leadership roles there, including teaching Sunday School, where he especially loved working with fifth- and sixth-grade students. He later became a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he remained until his death. At Westminster, he was an active participant in adult Sunday School classes, served as a Deacon, and was later ordained as a Ruling Elder, a lifetime appointment. He also served as church Treasurer and was entrusted as one of three church trustees.

Above all his many accomplishments, Houston's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose love was steady, generous, and deeply rooted in faith. For 61 years, Houston and Mary shared a life marked by love, partnership, mutual respect, and unwavering commitment. He cherished time spent with family, offering thoughtful counsel, sharing stories from his long career, attending milestones large and small, and enjoying conversations around the table.

Houston took special pride in his role as a grandfather and delighted in watching his grandchildren grow, learn, and pursue their own paths. He was a quiet encourager, a patient teacher, and a constant source of wisdom and support. His family knew they could always rely on him for guidance grounded in integrity, compassion, and love.

Houston had a lifelong love of baseball, a passion that blended seamlessly with his analytical mind. He delighted in the game's history, strategy, and statistics, finding beauty in the numbers that told the story behind every season, player, and pitch. Long before advanced analytics became popular, he studied box scores, tracked player performance, and debated the finer points of the game with friends and family. He was also a licensed amateur (ham) radio operator, a hobby that reflected both his technical curiosity and lifelong love of learning.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Houston Dillard Smith of Dunn, North Carolina, and Blanche Boyd Smith of Washington, North Carolina, and by his son, Houston Dillard Smith III, of Brookhaven, Georgia.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Mattews Smith, his daughter, Samantha Wiseman, his son-in-law, Stephan Wiseman, and his grandchildren, Scott Wiseman, Elena Wiseman, and Zoe Wiseman, along with numerous cousins in North Carolina and Virginia.

Houston will be remembered as a faithful servant, a trusted professional, a devoted family man, and a friend to many. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, church, and colleagues.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026, at A.S. Turner & Sons, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1438 Sheridan Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30324, followed by visitation in the Fellowship Hall. The memorial service will be broadcast and archived on the Westminster Presbyterian Church YouTube channel.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church.

View Houston Smith Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Jeffrey CourseyJeffrey Randolph Coursey, 78, passed away January 05, 2026, at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlan...
01/07/2026

Jeffrey Coursey

Jeffrey Randolph Coursey, 78, passed away January 05, 2026, at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia. He was born to Dan and Lois Coursey on February 19, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Jeff spent most of his childhood in Avondale Estates before moving to Charlotte, NC. His family moved back to Atlanta, Georgia when he was a freshman at Georgia Tech. He was a long - time member of Decatur First United Methodist Church in Decatur, Georgia. Jeff spent his professional career in banking.

He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Martha White Coursey for 55 years. Together they had one daughter, Courtney Moreno (Ricardo), and a grandson, Ricky.

Family and friends will gather from 2:00 PM until 2:45 PM, Sunday January 11, 2026, at Decatur First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, Georgia 30030. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary of Decatur First United Methodist Church, 300 E. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur, Georgia 30030. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, 3000 Lawrenceville Highway, Tucker, Georgia 30084.

A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home & Crematory, 2773 N. Decatur Rd. Decatur, Georgia 30033 is handeling services.

View Jeffrey Coursey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Carol HollahanCarol Honeycutt HollahanFeb 5, 1935 - Nov 25, 2025Carol Honeycutt Hollahan was born on February 5, 1935, i...
01/07/2026

Carol Hollahan

Carol Honeycutt Hollahan

Feb 5, 1935 - Nov 25, 2025

Carol Honeycutt Hollahan was born on February 5, 1935, in her grandmother's home near Coats, North Carolina, as the first child and daughter of James Ransom Honeycutt and Allene Turlington Honeycutt.

She grew up in Harnett County, experiencing farm life at Turlington Crossroads and in the nearby mill town of Erwin. Surrounded by cousins, family, and friends, Carol coined a signature "Carol-ism": "In the country, cousins are your first best friends." This sentiment stayed with her, and her extended family remained close throughout her life.

After graduating from Coats High School, Carol attended East Carolina Women's College (now East Carolina University). She began her career as a secretary in Raleigh. While living in a women-only apartment building, she noticed a young gentleman moving in-a feat in itself-and endeavored to meet the aspiring English professor from NC State. Carol married her beloved Eugene Hollahan in April 1963. Together, they began married life on Avent Ferry Road in Raleigh. Their first son, Mark Ransom, arrived in December 1965, followed by their second son, Brian Walsh, in October 1968. In July 1969, the family relocated to Atlanta, settling in the Medlock neighborhood near Decatur. There, they quickly became part of a vibrant community, and a legion of young boys moved from house to house-playing, eating, and growing up together. The Medlock Moms-a group formed in the late 1960s-remained close as their sons grew, married, and brought back grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. These friendships endured, and many of these women remained among Carol's dearest friends.

Carol and Gene radiated warmth and generosity, drawing people in. As neighbors came and went, their circle only widened. They welcomed newcomers into their home and hearts. Over the years, countless friends-both young and old-came to know Carol as their "second Mom." This reflected her boundless kindness and nurturing spirit.

Carol wasn't just a homebody. She was a skilled administrator at Georgia State University for more than 20 years, serving as a senior administrative assistant to multiple University Vice Presidents. Yet, all work makes for a dull life, and Carol wasn't one for that. With Gene, she relished time on North Carolina's beaches, Hilton Head Island, and the Emerald Coast. Together, over the years, they journeyed from Maine to California and from Washington, D.C. to Miami, attending conferences and visiting friends and family across the country. Later, they explored Ireland, Italy, and France together. At other times, with her sister, Rebecca, and mother, Allene, Carol ventured to Argentina, Seoul, Hong Kong, London, Paris, and cruised almost every major river in Europe.

Carol was blessed with good health and a positive outlook. At 90, she looked no more than 70 to the astonishment of her doctors. She had many interests that filled her days. Carol was an avid gardener, painter, reader, and cook. Her holiday meals were feasts to behold, and her house was lovingly decorated for each season. She loved entertaining friends or having an afternoon chat over a glass of wine. In recent years, she joined the United Methodist Church in Oak Grove. This brought her great peace and more friends.

Above all, Carol cherished time with her sons, Mark and Brian, and their families. She was blessed with four grandsons-Thomas, Ransom, Oliver, and Jackson. She adored each as the jewel of her eyes and celebrated their growth and achievements. She doted on them endlessly. Her beloved Gene, to whom she was married for 54 years, predeceased her in April 2017.

Carol Honeycutt Hollahan is lovingly remembered by her family: son Mark Ransom and his wife, Kim, and grandsons Ransom and Jackson; son Brian Walsh and his wife, Nadya, and grandsons Thomas and Oliver. Her sister, Rebecca Cohen; her brothers-in-law, Steve Hollahan and Ken Cohen; and a cherished circle of nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends will remember her always.

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Carol Hollahan will be held on January 10, 2026, at 2:00pm at Oak Grove United Methodist Church in Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to Clara Inspired (www.clarainspired.org) or the American Cancer Society.

View Carol Hollahan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Have you met Austin Castle-O'Neal?A graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, Austin has been a licensed fune...
01/07/2026

Have you met Austin Castle-O'Neal?

A graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, Austin has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer in Georgia since 2017 and in North Carolina since 2018. He is also a certified crematory operator and a member of the Academy of Graduate Embalmers of Georgia.

Austin joined our team in 2025 and specializes in embalming and reconstructive work, helping families in our community find peace and closure. He is highly respected among his peers and the families that we serve!

He and his husband live in Marietta, and in his free time, Austin enjoys music, traveling, and auto mechanics.

Caitlin Elizabeth BurkCaitlin Elizabeth Burk was born in Atlanta on April 30, 1988, to Deborah Coker Burk and Steven Jam...
01/06/2026

Caitlin Elizabeth Burk

Caitlin Elizabeth Burk was born in Atlanta on April 30, 1988, to Deborah Coker Burk and Steven James Burk, joining big brother David Asher Burk. The spitting image of her mother, Caitlin was a happy child with many hobbies and passions that ended up lasting a lifetime: horses, Lord of the Rings, Sci-fi/fantasy, music, art, and nature. From a young age, she had a magical connection with nature and was able to see and feel connections to the world that are often overlooked.

When Caitlin was 14 years old, her mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer and died less than a year later. Caitlin and her mom were as close as can be and her world crumbled. After her mom's death, her homelife became unsafe and she was brought in by a foster family.

When she graduated from Decatur High School in 2006, Caitlin decided she wanted to live life on her own terms. She cycled through many living arrangements with roommates while building a reputation as an exceptional dog sitter. She supported herself by doing what she loved, spending most of her time with dogs at state parks and on urban adventures, always managing to find another animal in need of rescue along the way. Caitlin was passionate about animal rescue and always took in the most challenging animals that no one else wanted.

In 2012, Caitlin broke her back in a horseback riding accident and had 6 permanent pins placed in her spine. This accident led to astronomical medical bills and debilitating pain for the remainder of her life. In August 2018, Caitlin's father Steve completed su***de after a lifelong battle with alcohol and depression. Although they had a strained relationship, she was devastated.

The world was not especially kind to Caitlin, but she still shared her amazing spirit with so many people and built a robust chosen family. Caitlin loved her family and friends will all her heart. Caitlin was an important figure in the lives of many of her friends' children and cherished that role. The children whose lives she was a part of will certainly have additional joyful memories because they had a chance to adventure with Caitlin.

She was dedicated to social activism and her known involvement led to several instances of harassment by law enforcement. She spent countless hours in the Weelaunee forest, and she participated in many efforts to help save it.

Caitlin is survived by her beloved big brother David Asher Burk (Kristen Schroeder), Uncles Bob Burk and Scott Burk, Aunts Judy Burk and Linda Black, many cousins and other extended family in Tennessee, her partner Benjamin Hayes, and her dogs Oscar and Princess Picklebottom.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to 988 Lifeline (https://988lifeline.org/donate/).

View Caitlin Burk-McDorman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Joan KoelemayJoan Boreen Koelemay, 70, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, after a long, courag...
01/06/2026

Joan Koelemay

Joan Boreen Koelemay, 70, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Atlanta, GA, after a long, courageous battle with a neurological disease. Joan was a deeply loved wife, sister, aunt and friend whose intelligence, passion and generosity left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her.

Joan Koelemay was born on January 30, 1955, in Ada, MN, to Byron Boreen and Irene Lerud Boreen. A lifelong learner and high achiever, she earned a degree in nutrition from the University of Illinois and a MBA from Santa Clara University, graduating at the top of her class in both programs.

Her professional life reflected her boundless curiosity and drive. After working as a registered dietitian and department store food stylist, Joan moved to Germany in 1985. Inspired by her lifelong hero, Julia Child, she pursued formal culinary training in France, finishing her training in a Michelin two-star restaurant. Upon returning to the US in 1989, she managed restaurants in California and operated a successful catering business for weddings and graduation receptions. Known for her exceptional leadership, Joan gained a reputation for turning around failing restaurants. A management textbook devoted an entire chapter to her management style and philosophy.

Joan moved to Houston in 1994, where she became the communications director of the USDA Child Nutrition Research Center. She created a website for the CNRC to provide the latest nutrition research to medical professionals, journalists and the public. She also served as a regional spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association.

In 2005 Joan was recruited to The Coca-Company to create a nutrition-focused website and to serve as a nutrition spokesperson. After moving to Atlanta, she met the love of her live, James "Jim" Koelemay. They married on July 29, 2006.

Though Joan never had children of her own, she embraced Jim's children, Kelly and Charles Koelemay, and became their devoted "bonus mom."

Joan loved hiking, biking, snow skiing, ballroom dancing, cooking, golf, travelling and hosting big parties. But most of all she loved riding horses, the faster the better.

Joan is survived by her husband and beloved bonus children; by her sister Barbara Boreen Parks of Birmingham, AL; her brother Bruce Boreen of Park Rapids, MN, her sister CJ Boreen Connolly of Mystic, CT; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Joan's life will be held on January 9, 2026, at 2pm at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church, at 1660 North Decatur Rd NE, Atlanta GA, with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joan's honor to Mission MSA, www.missionmsa.org

View Joan Koelemay's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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2773 N Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033

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Our Story

A.S. Turner and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory is one of the oldest and largest family owned and operated firms in Georgia. We have been in operation since 1903. All decisions are made by the Turner Family and the Management Staff, all of which are located here in Decatur. Our main concern is helping families in one of the most difficult time in their life. We serve all people regardless of race, religion or Nationality. We do whatever needs to be done to accomplish the wishes, wants and desires of the families we serve. A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, is an established firm with deep roots within our community dating back a 113 years. We are proud members of the National Funeral Directors Association, the Georgia Funeral Directors Association, and Select Independent Funeral Homes. These organizations serve to continually elevate the standards of excellence in funeral service through continuing education, the promotion of community involvement, and leadership.