Strickland Funeral Home - Lavonia Chapel

02/19/2026

Janie McCoy Mullinax

Janie McCoy Mullinax, age 83, of Laurens, SC, formerly of Lavonia, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at NHC Healthcare in Laurens, SC.

Born on November 3, 1942, in Anderson, SC, Janie was the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” and Louise Callaham McCoy. Her life was marked by love and devotion to her family and friends. Preceding her in death were her beloved husband, Macon “Spud” Mullinax, and her sister, Glenda Conner.

Janie graduated from Belton-Honea Path High School and dedicated her career to caring for others as a certified nursing assistant until her retirement. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her profession, as she found joy in playing bingo, crocheting intricate designs, and baking cakes. Above all, Janie cherished spending time with her grandchildren and sharing the uplifting message of Jesus with those around her. She was a longtime member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lavonia, until moving to Laurens, SC to be close to her family, where she became a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Clinton, SC.

Janie leaves behind a loving family, including her sons Tim Pysell (Beth) and Russ Pysell (Paige). She was a proud grandmother to Mason Pysell, Lindsey Pysell, and Carlyn Pysell. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Charles Conner; her beloved niece, Amy Rogers (Jeff Bailey); her cherished nephew, Stephen Conner; and several great-nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the funeral home chapel. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Franklin Memorial Gardens – North. The family will receive friends at the funeral home beginning at 12:30 p.m.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To leave a message of condolence or to sign the online guest register, please visit http://stricklandfh.com.

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02/16/2026

Sara Faircloth

Mrs. Sara Foutch Faircloth, age 96, of Martin, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Brown Health & Rehab in Royston.

Born on June 27, 1929, in Alexandria, Tennessee, Sara was the daughter of the late McAllen and Katherine Doss Foutch. Throughout her life, she demonstrated a remarkable passion for learning and history, particularly with a keen interest in American historical figures. Before retiring, she had a successful career as a real estate agent. She was an avid equestrian and loved sharing that passion with children. In retirement she found peace in gardening and flowers, and bird watching. She was a founding member of Johnson Ferry Road Baptist Church.

Sara was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Faircloth, her son, John Old, her daughter, Rachel Stockwell, and her sister, Dottie Holman. Her legacy lives on through her surviving family members, including her children: Neal (Sally) Old, Steve (Nelda) Old, and Chester (Steven) Old; grandchildren, Jason (Staci) Old, Justin (Karrie) Old, and Sara Winn Stockwell; great-grandchildren, Kasin Old, Bear Old, and Mikayla Old; and sisters, Lucy Foutch and LeAnn Judson.

The graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Lavonia City – Burgess Cemetery and with Rev. Ben Wilcox and Rev. Courtney Umbehant officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made, in Sara’s memory, to Food 4 Kids, Lavonia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 176, Lavonia GA 30553

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.

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02/15/2026

Betty Morrison McHaney

Betty Morrison McHaney, age 92, of Lavonia, passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson, South Carolina. Born on August 6, 1933, in Atlanta, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Marguerite Hunt Morrison.

After graduating from Brown High School in Atlanta, Betty embarked on a dedicated career at Mead Corporation, where she worked for more than thirty-six years until her retirement. At the tender age of 17, she married Thomas “Tommy” McHaney, the love of her life, and they enjoyed a devoted marriage of over seventy-three years.

In their retirement, Betty and Tommy delighted in traveling across the United States in their RV, spending serene days at the lake, and nurturing a love for gardening. Betty possessed a passion for crafting, which began with ceramics while raising her daughters and evolved into a lifelong love of quilting. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Lavonia.

She is survived by her daughters, Jill Ford (Alan) and Julie Walker (Andy); her granddaughter, Lauren Upchurch (Matt); and her three treasured great-grandchildren, Ford, Emma, and Riley Upchurch. Alongside her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tommy McHaney, and her sister, Mary Briones.

Honoring Betty's wishes, she was cremated, and the family will hold a private celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, they kindly request that donations be made to Rainey Hospice House https://hospiceoftheupstate.com/.

Arrangements are under the care of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia. To share your condolences and sign the online guest register, please visit http://stricklandfh.com.

View Betty Morrison McHaney's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/11/2026

Donald Brooks

Donald James Brooks, age 72, of Lavonia, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens. Born on March 16, 1953, in Fort Benning, Alabama, he was the son of the late Joe Alex and Emmy Auguste Brooks.

Donald was a man of music and education, deeply passionate about his role as a band director and educator for over thirty-nine years. He spent the first part of his career in Cordele, where he enriched the lives of students at Crisp County Schools. Later, he relocated to Lavonia and continued to inspire young minds at Franklin County Schools. Donald concluded his career with Tamassee-Salem High School in Oconee County, South Carolina.

A man of diverse interests, Donald delighted in fishing and was an ardent supporter of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Troy State Trojans. His involvement with the Senior Citizen Band brought him great joy, but nothing compared to the happiness he found in the company of his family, especially his beloved grandchildren. He was a dedicated member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church.

Donald leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Cynthia Brooks; his daughter, Melody Jenkins and her husband Ben; stepchildren Joshua Joiner with his wife Brigette, and Lauren Joiner-Ramsey. He was the proud grandfather of Jaiden Joiner Baum, Grayson Joiner, Ana Claire Jenkins, Kyndall Joiner, Reid Jenkins, Everett Jenkins, Camille Jenkins, and Faith Jenkins. Additionally, his faithful canine companion, Benny Boy, will deeply miss him.

A funeral service to celebrate Donald’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the funeral home chapel, with the family receiving friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery in Union Springs, Alabama.

The arrangements are under the care of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia. For those wishing to leave condolences or sign the online guest register, please visit http://stricklandfh.com.

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02/10/2026

Benjamin Faircloth

Rev. Benjamin Lee Faircloth, age 57, of Lavonia, passed away Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Born on July 12, 1968, in Hialeah, Florida, Benjamin was the son of the late Emmett Terrill Faircloth and Alice Hofstader Faircloth.

A proud veteran of the Army National Guard, Benjamin dedicated his life to serving his community and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. As a devoted pastor of Ignited Church in Lavonia and president and founder of World Outreach Ministries, he was passionate about making Christ known to everyone he encountered. Many will remember his inspiring Sunday radio broadcasts on WLHR, which touched the hearts of countless listeners.

Benjamin was deeply committed to mission work, preaching in 17 nations and touching his favorite nation, Cuba. He cherished his travels, always seeking to bring hope and faith to those in need. Yet his greatest joy was found in the moments shared with family and friends.

Benjamin leaves behind a loving family, including his devoted wife, Jennifer Gunter Faircloth, and their children: Joshua Faircloth, Judah Faircloth, and Abigail Faircloth. He is also survived by his brothers, Jeffrey (Deborah) Faircloth, Paul (Natalie) Faircloth, and Emmett (Karen) Faircloth, along with his extended church family at Ignited Church and numerous other family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Benjamin was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Faircloth.

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of Benjamin’s remarkable life. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

A memorial service celebrating his life and legacy will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Ignited Church, 580 E Main St, Lavonia, GA 30553.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Benjamin’s honor to Ignited Church’s Mission or Outreach Fund, continuing his passion for serving others.

Arrangements are in the care of Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia. To share your memories and condolences, please visit the online guest register at http://stricklandfh.com.

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02/07/2026

Marcel Brady

Marcel Roberson Brady, age 92, of Lavonia, passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at her home.

She was born on July 1, 1933, in Lavonia to the late Thomas Lee and Eurith Umbehant Roberson. Before retirement she worked for Monroe. Mrs. Brady was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church in Hartwell. Marcel loved reading, going to church, and watching movies.

She is survived by her daughter: Linda Brady of the home; grandchildren: Roderick M. Bennett, Amy Sims, and Carrie Bolin; great grandchildren: Claire Bennett, Chloe Bennett, Anna Sims, Olivia Sims, and Cameron & Dillon Page; great-great grandchildren: Michael Bennett, Lucas Page, and Natalia Page; daughter-in-law: Angela Brady of Evans; siblings: Winston Roberson (Wilma) of Lavonia, and Roselle Roberson Dove (Charles) of Royston; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: John Morris Brady; daughter: Pamela Abbott; son: William Brady; brothers: David Roberson, Crawford Roberson, Swain Roberson, Leland Roberson, Doug Roberson, Ed Roberson, Clinton Roberson; and one sister: Ruby Caudell.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, February 9, 2026, at the funeral home chapel with Rev. Sean Payne officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens - North. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning 11:00 a.m.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.

View Marcel Brady's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/03/2026

Loren Smith

Loren Earl Smith, aged 78, of Lavonia, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, at Bountiful Hills Assisted Living in Commerce.

Born on July 17, 1947, in Watseka, Illinois, Loren was the son of the late Robert Allen Leroy Smith and Faye Blossom Smith. A proud Vietnam era veteran of the United States Navy, Loren was dedicated to serving his country. Following his military service, he found fulfillment in his work as a truck driver, from which he eventually retired from AutoZone.

Loren had a deep love for music, often spending his leisure time strumming his guitar and singing. He found solace in the simple pleasures of life, such as fishing, reading a good book, and watching movies. Loren's greatest joy, however, came from the precious moments spent with his family.

In addition to his parents, Loren was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Janie Burgess Smith, and his daughter, Jackie Smith. He leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Mary Smith, as well as his grandchildren: Christian, Joshua, and Ashlynn Smith, and Christine Adams.

Loren will be laid to rest in Sheldon, Illinois, a place that he and Janie called home for many years. The family plans to honor his life with a private celebration at a later date.

Arrangements are being handled by Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia. To share your condolences and memories, please visit the online guest register at http://stricklandfh.com.

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

02/02/2026

Ann Monnier

Mrs. Ann Carey Monnier, age 82, of Royston, passed away Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her home.

Born February 11, 1943, in Royston, she was the daughter of the late Carval Cary and Annie Ruth Cary Chapman. She was owner and operator of Monnier Farms of Hartwell, Ga. She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and attended the Hartwell Congregation.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Robert Monnier; grandsons: Nicolas Monnier and Sabastian Monnier; daughter-in-law: Debra Wallace; sister: Janice Isbell; and brother: Herbert Carey.

She is survived by sons: Robert Monnier, Jr. of Hartwell and Eric Monnier (Rhonda) of Hartwell, David Collins of Gainesville; daughter Kristel Cox of Anderson, SC; grandchildren: Valerie Monnier Graves, Taylor Cobb, Kristen Cobb and Alexis Cobb; great grandchildren: Kaiden, Stryder Lyric, Karsan, Sophia, Daniel, Addy, Freya, Floki, Harlem, Kaysin, Dawson, Jacob and Rylan; step-father: Boyce Chapman of Royston; siblings: Anthony Cary (Grace) of Royston, Virginia Chapman of Sandy Springs, SC, Sandy Stephenson (Josh) of Royston, Ronald Carey of Royston and David Chapman (Teresa) of Sandy Springs, SC.

Mrs. Monnier’s request was to be cremated, and no public services are planned at this time.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.

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01/30/2026

Alma Roberts

Alma Wilson Roberts Norris, of Lavonia, passed away January 30, 2026, five days shy of her 88th birthday, surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. Her goal was to live to 90, but the good Lord and Savior needed her home and pain free before she reached that milestone.

Alma was married to Rafe Roberts of Lavonia and had eight children. Rafe and three sons preceded her in death; Stephen Dale Roberts and Micheal Rafe Roberts, both of Lavonia, and an infant son. After Rafe's passing, she married Kenneth C. Norris of Canon. After nine years of marriage, he passed away on November 25, 2025. She was also preceded in death by four brothers; Butch Wilson, Cecil Wilson, Glenn Wilson and Jesse Wilson; as well as her parents, J.J. and Eva Wilson of Lavonia. She has two living brothers; Ted Wilson and Ray Wilson.

Alma is survived by her children, Marie Hendrix of Lavonia, Donna Walker of Ila, Patsy (Dan) Adams of Lavonia, Beth (Tim) Andrews of Maxeys and Danny (Keri) Roberts of Comer. She greatly loved and was so proud of her 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Alma was an avid Master Gardener who loved to grow and preserve vegetables from her large garden. Rafe and Alma owned one of the last dairy farms in Franklin County and received the ‘Farm Family of the Year Award’ in 1973. Alma never met a stranger and would carry on a conversation with anyone, especially if interested in gardening. She worked as a sign language interpreter for the Franklin County School system before retiring. Alma also had a degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia. When time allowed, she enjoyed traveling and reading. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lavonia, GA. As a tribute to Alma, her daughters and the women in the family will be wearing her grandmother, Ethel Nesbitt's, vintage jewelry.

Funeral services will be held on February 4, 2026 at Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia, GA. Ken Hendrix, her grandson, will officiate. Family and friends will gather at The Shed at Pappa's Creek, 210 Thomas Rd, Lavonia, GA, following services for a time of remembrance.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons; Bryan, Luke, John and Joe Walker; Kyle, Kelby and Blake Andrews.

Strickland Funeral Home in Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. Alma will be laid to rest at Franklin County Memorial Gardens in Lavonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or 1-800-227-2347 or cancer.org/donate.

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01/27/2026

Jerry Lane Jackson

Jerry Lane Jackson, 75, of Bowersville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and craftsmanship. He was born on July 24, 1950, in Westminster, South Carolina, to the late Nannie Mary Campbell Jackson and D.C. Jackson.

Jerry dedicated much of his life to the trade of carpentry, where his skilled hands helped create commercial buildings and beautiful homes that will stand for generations. He was also employed with SCTAC in Greenville, South Carolina, for more than twenty years.

Above all, Jerry was a devoted family man and a man of strong faith. He deeply loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived his life guided by that faith. He found joy in cheering on his Clemson Tigers, listening to music, admiring cars, savoring banana pudding, chocolate, and fresh biscuits, and he had a special affinity for cats. Most of all, Jerry treasured time spent with his family.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Nannie Mary Campbell Jackson and D.C. Jackson; his sister, Sarah Jackson Winkler; and his brother, James Jackson.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Sheriff Jackson; his son, Nathan Jackson; and his daughters, Elizabeth Jackson Howard (Zach) and Lisa Jackson Rouby (Michael). He was a proud grandfather to Quay and Amelia Howard, and Life and Willow Rouby, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon Spearman; his brother-in-law, Donnie Winkler; his father-in-law, Howard Sheriff; his sister-in-law, Danette Duncan (Barry); along with countless nieces, nephews, and cousins who will cherish his memory.

Jerry will be remembered for his strong work ethic, gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the deep love he had for his family.

The memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026 at the funeral home chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Friends Preschool or Celebrate Recovery at Lavonia First Baptist Church.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.

View Jerry Lane Jackson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/26/2026

Billy Vickery

Billy Floyd Vickery, age 88, of Bowersville, Georgia, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.

Born on January 13, 1938, in Hart County, Billy was the son of the late James Tye Vickery and Sara Nell Floyd Vickery. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Billy was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Janice Moorhead Vickery; his son, Brent Vickery; his sisters, Gale Burgess and Malinda Welborn; his sister and brother-in-law, Jackie and Wilton “Punk” Morgan; and his brother-in-law, Darby Welborn.

A graduate of Lavonia High School, he worked as a poultry farmer and was a devoted member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Lavonia. His service to the church was extensive; he served as a deacon, song leader, and was an active participant in the Brotherhood. Billy had a deep love for the great outdoors; he especially found joy in hunting and fishing. He was also a gifted painter and woodworker, where he spent countless hours perfecting his craft.

He is survived by his grandson, Ethan Vickery; brothers-in-law, Mike Moorhead and Truman Burgess; nieces and nephews, Michelle (Jeremy) Jorschumb, Molly (Josh) Harris, Chuck (Renee) Burgess, Lyndon (Robin) Burgess, Gina (Joseph) Weaver, Donna (Jerry) Riggins, and David (Ashley) Morgan; and many great nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Lavonia. Rev. Brandon Crunkleton will officiate the service. A private burial will follow at Nancy Hart Memorial Park in Hartwell. The family will receive friends at the church from 3:00 p.m. until the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church at 250 Pleasant Grove Road, Lavonia, GA 30553.

Strickland Funeral Home of Lavonia is in charge of the arrangements. To sign the online guest register please visit stricklandfh.com.

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01/26/2026

A friendly reminder that service for Ms Linda Whitworth has been postponed until Wednesday at 12:00 pm.