By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Betty Neal Johnson
Betty Johnson

The family of Betty Neal Johnson of Covington, GA sadly inform the community of her passing this past Tuesday evening, July 18, 2023.

“…no way could I have ever made it through this life without the love, guidance, presence, promises and comfort of my Heavenly Father.”

At 91 years of age, you could say she lived a long and fruitful life. And now she has the comfort of Everlasting Life. But the family still feels her absence, and the anguish of their loss.

Betty is survived by her children, Jeff and Laurie Bailey of John’s Island, SC, David and Bonnie Bailey of Covington, GA, and Laura and Phillip Gregory of Snellville, GA.

The grandchildren and families that she leaves behind are Seth Bailey (sp. Jana, d. Mabel), Ian Bailey (sp. Kati), Serah Nock (d. Skylar, s. Trey), Eric Murphy and family, Matthew Murphy, and Taylor Gregory.

Born June 8, 1932 in Wilmington, NC, Betty was the youngest of 8 children of her beloved parents, Jesse and Geneva Neal.

A resident of Covington for over 60 years, Betty raised her 3 children here. They enjoyed all the benefits of small-town living including playing ball, piano lessons, scouting, church youth choir and more! She was a very much engaged and involved mom.

Her funeral service was held Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Highpoint Baptist Church (where she served as Church Secretary for 9 years), with Rev. Tom McElhaney officiating. Interment followed at Lawnwood Memorial Park. Friends were invited to visit with the family at the church one hour prior to her service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

This obituary was prepared with love and affection by Betty’s family.


Obituary: Homer Parker Borders
obit

Homer Parker Borders, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025, at the age of 82 in Athens, Georgia. Born on August 17, 1942, in LaGrange, Georgia, he was a cherished son to the late Martha and Homer Borders. Homer was a loving husband to his wife, Pattie Newton Borders, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Luci and Steve Leach, and Cindy and Jason Waasdorp. His grandchildren, Parker, Andrew, Anna, Lucas, and Leo, will fondly remember their grandfather's love and kindness. Also mourning his loss is his sister, Judy Suckman and nephews, Brian and Kevin. He was a graduate of LaGrange High School, attended LaGrange College, and graduated from the University of Georgia. He spent his career with the Georgia Department of Transportation and retired in 1996. A respected member of the First Presbyterian Church of Covington and a former elder of the congregation, Homer lived a life of faith and service. He volunteered many years at the Covington Food Pantry and loved trips to the beach and spending time with his friends and neighbors. Family was the cornerstone of his life; he loved nothing more than being in their company. His last years were spent at Presbyterian Village in Athens, GA, where he continued to make new friends and bring a smile to everyone he met. Homer will be remembered as a loving, kind, and generous man—the embodiment of a life well-lived. His gentle spirit and warm heart have left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

A Funeral Service for Mr. Borders will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 2:00 P.M., at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road, in Covington, with Pastor Neely Rentz-Lane officiating and interment following in New Covington Cemetery, in Covington. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home, one hour prior to his service, from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M.