Homer Alva Head, age 84, of Monroe, died April 8, 2013. He was born in Walton County on May 4, 1928, to the late Vallie Crosby Head and the late John Frank Head.
Surviving are: wife, Martha “Mot” Queen Head of Monroe; numerous nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.
Funeral services were held Thursday, April 11 at 11 a.m. at Harmony Baptist Church with the Rev. Brant Callaway officiating. Interment followed at Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery.
Meadows Funeral Home, Inc. was in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook online at www.meadowsfuneralhomeinc.com.

Printed in the April 18, 2013 edition.

Mattie Malone Shepherd, 81, of Covington, passed away peacefully at her home, April 9, 2013, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Shepherd was the matriarch of her family which she loved dearly. She enjoyed bird watching, NASCAR, watching the Atlanta Braves, cooking, and spending time with her family – especially during the holidays. In addition, she loved working in her flower garden and enjoyed her African violets. Mrs. Shepherd was an avid environmentalist, and often donated to many charities, helped the homeless, the less fortunate, and needy animals. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Shepherd; parents, Walker Thrower and Mattie (Saye) Malone.
Survivors include her daughters and sons-in-law, Vickie S. and W. Grady Bryans of Newborn, Kathy S. and Wesley Johnson of Covington; son, Alan Shepherd of Newborn; grandchildren, Brian S. and Amie Bryans of Suwanee, Ashley Saye Hammonds, Chrissy J. and Kyle Hall, all of Social Circle, Merideth Bryans of Newborn, Melody B. and Justin Morgan, Michael and Sandi Johnson, all of Covington; great-grandchildren, Emma Grace Bryans, Beau Shepherd Bryans, Tucker Wallace Bryans, Ella Kate Hall, Macy Mallette Morgan and Kylie Grace Hall. 
Funeral services for Mrs. Shepherd were held Friday, April 12, 11 a.m., at Pennington Methodist Church, in Newborn, with Rev. Billy Lewis officiating, and interment followed in the church cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home Thursday, April 11, from 6-8 p.m. Flowers were accepted, or donations may still be made to the Newton County Humane Society, 210 Lower River Road, Covington, GA 30016; Pennington Methodist Church, 1160 Broughton Road, Newborn, GA 30056; or the Georgia Equine Rescue League, Ltd., P.O. Box 328, Bethlehem, GA 30620.
Visit www.caldwellandcowan.com to place online condolences; 770-786-7062.

Printed in the April 18, 2013 edition.

Charles Michael Martin, 64 of Madison died April 11, 2013. Mr. Martin was the son of the late Joel Martin and Frances Bingham. He was born on March 3, 1949 in Atlanta. He was married to Karen Rigsby and had lived in Madison for 26 years. Mr. Martin had recently retired from the United States Post Office in Monroe. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a member of Centennial Baptist Church. He enjoyed camping and square dancing. He also enjoyed gardening but most loved time spent with his granddaughter, Alyssa.
Mr. Martin is survived by his wife, Karen Martin and their children, Abby Martin Smoak & Chris and Russ Martin, one grandchild, Alyssa; a brother, Jim Martin; nieces, Holly Garcia and Ellen Ianelli and a nephew, Michael Martin and great nieces and nephews.
The family received friends on Monday from 6 until 8 p.m. at A.E.Carter Funeral Home. The funeral service was  held Tuesday at 11a.m. at Centennial Baptist Church. Interment followed at the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Centennial Baptist Church Youth Program.
A.E. Carter Funeral Home had care of arrangements.

Printed in the April 18, 2013 edition.

Christopher Penrose Cave-Bigley, 63, of Shady Dale died April 2, 2013. He was a native of Seattle, Washington. He was born July 7,1949 to the late Peter Cave-Bigley and Jacquelyn Cave-Bigley. He was a private pilot and enjoyed fishing and building radios. He was employed as a freight broker.
Mr. Bigley is survived by one daughter Katelyn Cave-Bigley, a brother David Cave –Bigley and his mother Jacquelyn Cave-Bigley.   
A memorial service will be held at A. E. Carter Funeral Home Friday, April 12 at 2 p.m. Memorials may be made to Pound Puppies and Kittens at PPNK.org.
A. E. Carter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the April 11, 2013 edition.

Robert Gerald “Jerry” Durance, 69, of Greensboro, died Monday, March 25, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones.  Born in Miami, FL, on October 9, 1943 he was the  son of Lois Cecile Hamlin Durance of Madison, and the late Alfred Durance.  He received his education  from Morgan County Schools.  On February 13, 2011, he married the former Marsha Greer and they made their home in Greensboro. He was a painter working with his brother Larry Durance until he retired in 2007.
In addition to his mother, Cecile Durance of Madison, he is survived by his wife, Marsha Greer Durance of Greensboro; children, Lisa Michelle Patterson, Bobby Jiles Durance, Suzanne Jerri Durance, Johnny M. Greer, Jr., Michael W. R. Greer and Robert A. L. Greer; three sisters, Betty Serran, Barbara Long and Kathy Brewer; a brother, Larry Durance; grandchildren, Bradford A. Long, Casey S. Long, Austin T. Greer, Devon A. Greer,  Kandice E. Greer and Shelby L. Greer; and a great grandchild, Briley P. Long. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronnie Durance.
The family will have a memorial gathering at a later date.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

Printed in the April 4, 2013 edition.

Doris Aurena Akins, 88, of Cumming,  died March 27, 2013.  Born in Marietta, she was the daughter of Morris and Maude Groover.  Her beloved husband, Herbert Akins and her brother, Jimmy Groover also predeceased her.
Doris was a loving mother and grandmother and will be greatly missed by her family.
She is survived by her daughter, Claire Akins of Winder; sons, Rick (Teresa) Akins and Bobby (Carol) Akins of Rutledge; grandchildren, Sheri, Mindi, Tiffany, Jay, Kristy and Lauren; great-grandchildren, Michelle, Maci and Sadie; and great-great-granddaughter, Charlie.
A graveside service was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30 at Resthaven Cemetery in Decatur.  The Rev. Bryan Alexander officiated. The family received friends on Friday, March 29 from 6 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.mcdonaldandson.com.
Arrangements by McDonald and Son Funeral Home & Crematory, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming, GA 30040  (770) 886-9899.

Printed in the April 4, 2013 edition.