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Deane Stapp Smith
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Staff Report
Published: Sep 13, 2011, 11:40 PM

Deane Stapp Smith of Covington passed away Sept. 11. Survivors include her daughters Kelley Hall of Conyers, Kimberleigh Gebhardt of Panama City, Fla.; grandsons Samuel Hall and Riley Hall; sisters Janice Queen of Covington and Treasey Johnston of Monroe; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17, in the chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road. The family will receive friends from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a fund for her grandsons. For further information, call Advanced Retirement Planning at (770) 898-0300.
Obituary: Otis Daniel Criswell
Otis Daniel Criswell
Published: Apr 4, 2025, 7:06 PM

Otis Daniel Criswell, age 72, of Covington, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 3, 2025, surrounded by family. He was born on February 26, 1953, in Athens, Georgia to Melvin Daniel (Coach) Criswell and Veeda Claire Kirkland. 

A proud graduate of Newton County high school, class of 1971. Otis went on to join the army National Guard, serving 6 years. He dedicated 30+ years of his career as a senior Claims representative for George Farm Bureau.

Beyond his professional life, Otis was a passionate University of Georgia football fan. During football season, he could always be found on the deck grilling with family and friends with at least two TVs playing the game. He also loved traveling with his family for martial arts tournaments across the country and cherished time spent relaxing on the beach.

Otis is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Daniel (Coach) Criswell, Veeda Claire Kirkland and brother, Duane Criswell.

Left to cherish his memory or his children, Jamie (Tony) Pascale Loganville, Georgia, Brian (Carlie) Criswell of Barnesville, Georgia, and Matt Criswell of Covington Georgia; Grandchildren: Kayla and Emma; sister, Donna Criswell Hiett; brother, Dallas (Robin) Criswell; nieces and nephews, Michael, Kimberly, Kevin, Brandon, Preston, and Destiny. 

Otis will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. His memory will live on through the many lives he touched. A celebration of Otis ‘s life will be held at Faith Tabernacle Church. 631 Ralph Rd - Conyers, Georgia 30094 on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at 3:00 pm.