Darby Funeral Home

01/19/2026

A conversation with my friend, Rev. Michael Smith, Pastor of River Hill Baptist Church in Ellijay, GA. The topic is, "Things the Bible don't say", specifically, "Follow Your Heart". I hope you enjoy!

01/19/2026

Robert E. Rugg, 89 passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026. Bob was born on January 8, 1937 in Plymouth Massachusetts, to Fred and Annie Rugg. He will be remembered as a man of generosity, compassion and a great sense of humor, as well as for his mission to serve his community.

Bob...

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01/18/2026

Barbara Hendrix Burgess, 84, of Canton, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her residence on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Mrs. Burgess was born on April 4, 1941, in Ball Ground, Georgia, to the late Guy and Johnnie Hendrix. She was preceded in death by husband, Rev. Loyed C. Burgess and by her...

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01/16/2026

Did you know that at Darby Funeral Home, we livestream all of our services at no additional cost?

We understand how difficult it can be for loved ones to travel, especially during times of loss. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized just how important it is for families to remain connected, no matter the distance.

By offering livestreaming for every service, we help ensure that family and friends who cannot be present in person can still share in honoring a life and supporting one another.

At Darby Funeral Home, we’re here to help you stay connected when it matters most.

01/14/2026

Steven Aubrey Parker of Woodstock, Georgia passed away at home Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Steve was born in Moultrie, Georgia to Aubrey and Wylene Parker and was a 1964 graduate of Moultrie High School. He attended Valdosta State College before enlisting in the United States Army and serving in...

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01/13/2026

David Lene Kinsey, age 63, of Holly Springs, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Northside Hospital Cherokee., David was a cherished husband, brother, and family man.

Born on August 14, 1962, in Norfolk, Virginia David was the loving child of the late Franklin Delano Kinsey...

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01/13/2026

Dwana Jackson, age 87, of Ball Ground, Georgia, passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Dwana was a hard-working woman with a heart full of love. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished her family deeply. A woman of strong faith,...

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01/13/2026

As we reflect on 2025, we are filled with gratitude and humility, and after finally slowing down enough to pause and reflect, we wanted to share just how meaningful this year has been.

In 2025, Darby Funeral Home had the honor of serving 326 families right here in Cherokee County. Families entrusted us with their loved ones during some of life’s most difficult moments, and that trust is something we never take lightly. To care for your loved ones and help create a meaningful, personal final tribute is truly an honor.

Serving this community means everything to us. Cherokee County is not just where we work… it’s our home. These are our neighbors, friends, and families, and we are deeply grateful for the confidence you place in us.

Owners Earl and Olene Darby, with Earl also serving as a funeral director, along with funeral directors Todd and Saul, and our dedicated part-time staff, remain committed to serving every family with compassion, dignity, and respect. Every life tells a story, and it is our calling to help families honor those stories in a way that reflects a life well lived.

As we look ahead to 2026 and the years to come, we remain honored to be there for families in their time of need, ready to serve with the same care, integrity, and compassion our community has come to trust.

To the families we served in 2025: thank you for allowing us to walk beside you. It is a responsibility we carry with heartfelt appreciation.

01/12/2026

Nelda Medora Po***ck Ragan, age 86, died peacefully in her sleep on December 25, 2025.

Born and raised in Bainbridge, Georgia, Nelda married Curtis R. Ragan, and the two of them began a life of adventure that took them to all parts of the world with careers in government service. Nelda took...

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01/11/2026

Maurice Thurman, age 62, passed away on December 30, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1963, Maurice—known affectionately as Reese—answered the call to serve his country at a young age by enlisting in the United States Army. He dedicated more than 20 years of...

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01/09/2026

Thomas Harold Hodges, 79, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1946, in Rochester, New York, to the late Mary Jane Malick Hodges and Harold Frederick Hodges.
Thomas lived a life marked by quiet strength, devotion, and service to others. He proudly served his country...

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01/07/2026

Margaret Ann Reid Boustead, whose twinkling eyes, and kind soul made each person she encountered feel important and loved, died peacefully on December 18, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Born on November 11, 1939, in Glasgow, Scotland to John and Jean Peil, Margaret was a toddler during the...

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