WARRENTON, Ga. - On Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011, God called one of His angels home, Mr. Willie Joe Bell.

He lived his last days at Warrenton Health and Rehab. He was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Wesley and Hattie Bell on Dec. 19, 1938, in Hancock County. He dedicated himself to 14 years as a custodian at M.E. Freeman Elementary School.

He leaves to cherish a wonderful wife of 50, Mrs. Urodee J. Bell; two daughters Bernstine Bell and Nicki Dukes, both of Warrenton; one sister, Susie Mae Bonner of Warrenton; two brothers, Robert Bonner of Lincolnton, and Terry Barksdale of Thomson; and a very special granddaughter, Na’kiara Rudy Dukes.

Dawsons Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.

THOMSON, Ga. – Mr. Jacob Hebert, 83, of Thomson, died Dec. 13, 2011, at McDuffie Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Hebert was born in Jennings, La., and lived in Columbia County and Richmond County, Ga., for many years. He retired as a music teacher and taught in many schools, including Evans High School. Mr. Hebert was also a Baptist by faith.

Survivors include his daughters, Polly Voshell and husband, Dean, of Warrenton, and Becky Norton, of Thomson; and four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Beggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

LINCOLNTON, Ga. - Mr. David Lynn McClain, 50, of Lincolnton, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011, at Wills Memorial Hospital, Washington.

Mr. McClain, son of the late Jack and Lonita McClain, was a native of Hendersonville, N.C., and had lived in Thomson until recently moving to Lincolnton. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked as a glazier. He was a member of Vine Community Church, Thomson.

Survivors include his wife, Robin Miller; sons, Chris Miller, Swainsboro, Michael McClain, Lincolnton, Jacob Miller, Macon, and Matt McClain, Cumming; daughters, Shannon Silvers, Gainesville, and Laura Gaines, Lincolnton; brothers, Steve McClain, Elijay, Mike McClain, Cumming, Scott McClain, Cumming; and 12 grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 2 p.m. at Vine Community Church, Thomson. Burial followed in Lincolnton City Cemetery.

Beggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Dearing, GA. – Mrs. Sylvia Ann Pate, of Dearing, died Dec. 11, 2011.

Mrs. Pate was a retired bus driver for the McDuffie County Board of Education.

Survivors include her son, Mike Pate, and mother, Sara Phillips, both of Dearing.

Beggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

ALPHARETTA, Ga. - Mrs. Myrna Steele Roberts, age 34, of Roswell, died Dec. 18, 2011. Myrna was a devoted wife and mother who balanced caring for her family, her faith and a successful career.

She graduated with a master’s degree in Business Administration from Southern Polytechnic University, and worked as a project manager for the Georgia Tech Research Institute. She was also pursuing a second master’s degree in Systems Engineering.

Myrna was a member of Gamma Phi Beta sorority and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society and was active with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Sickle Cell Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation, as well as a volunteer with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. She was an active member of Alpharetta First United Methodist Church and attended the Family Ties Sunday School Class.

Myrna is survived by her loving husband, Matt; two daughters, Olivia and Leila; parents, Brent and Debbie Steele; sister, Mya; grandparents, Myrna Copley and Mr. and Mrs. John Simpson; and many special friends.

Myrna was preceded in death by her beloved brother, Daniel.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 22, at 1 p.m. at Green Lawn Cemetery, 950 Mansell Rd., Roswell, GA 30076, followed by a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. at Alpharetta First United Methodist Church, 69 North Main St. Alpharetta, GA 30009. In lieu of flowers, donations may be offered to the Sickle Cell Foundation in memory of Myrna.

THOMSON, Ga. - Mr. Richard Lee Whitener, 70, of Thomson. died Dec. 13, 2011, at his residence with his family present.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Friday, Dec. 16, 2011, at the Beggs Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Paul Reviere and Grant Cantrell officiating. Interment followed in Resthaven Cemetery, Washington.

Mr. Whitener was born in Tignall, but lived most of his life in McDuffie County, where he retired from Thomson Company after many years of service. Mr. Whitener was also a Baptist by faith.

He is survived by his daughter, Lee Ann Whitener, Thomson; brother, Henry Whitener, Washington; sisters, Doris Burkhart, Dearing and Reba Edmonds, Thomson; and grandchildren, Mary Frances Richards and Ayden Lee Whitener.

Memorials may be made to Regency Hospice or Tabor Baptist Church.

Beggs Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.