For 75 years, the Elberton Granite Association has stood as a reflection of what can be accomplished when individuals and companies come together with a shared commitment to an industry, a craft and a community. As we celebrate this milestone, it is only fitting that we pause to recognize the people whose service, vision and dedication have shaped the Association through the decades and continue to position it for the future. Anniversaries naturally invite reflection, but they also call us to look ahead. The strength of the EGA has never rested solely in its history, but in the willingness of each generation to build upon the work of those who came before. That spirit remains as important today as ever. Over the years, countless members have given their time through volunteer leadership roles that often require quiet commitment behind the scenes. Presidents, Vice Presidents and Treasurers have helped guide the direction of the Association, often balancing those responsibilities alongside the demands of their own businesses. Their leadership, along with the service of board members, committee members and other volunteers, has helped sustain the programs, advocacy and sense of purpose that continue to benefit our membership. The work of committees and boards has long played a vital role in supporting the Association’s mission. From education and training initiatives to events, outreach and long-range planning, these efforts reflect the understanding that a strong association depends on active participation. That has been true for 75 years, and it remains true as we look toward the future. There is much to be proud of in what this Association has accomplished together, but there is also much to look forward to. As our industry continues to evolve, opportunities remain before us to strengthen workforce development, support the next generation, encourage innovation and preserve the craftsmanship and values that define this industry. Programs that invest in training, mentorship and engagement will continue to be essential to ensuring the strength of both the Association and the industry it serves. Our 75th Anniversary is a reminder that the EGA has endured because of its members. It has grown through the support of companies willing to contribute, individuals willing to lead and volunteers willing to serve. That foundation remains our greatest strength. On behalf of the Association, I want to express sincere gratitude to all who have served over the years - those whose names are well known and those whose contributions may have taken place more quietly but were no less important. Every leadership role filled, every committee served, every hour volunteered and every member who has supported this Association has helped make the EGA what it is today. As we celebrate 75 years, we do so with appreciation for the legacy behind us and confidence in the future ahead. The direction we take next will be shaped, as it always has been, by the commitment of our members. With that continued support and shared purpose, I believe the future of the Elberton Granite Association remains strong. Roberts Contracting, Inc. was recently tasked with the fabrication and installation of a massive overhead crane system inside a local Elberton manufacturing plant, showcasing both the scale and precision required for modern granite production facilities. With roots dating back to 1994, Roberts Contracting has built a reputation across the Southeast as a trusted provider of metal fabrication, crane systems, and full-service contracting. As a family-owned company specializing in “all things metal,” their work spans from structural steel and machinery fabrication to the planning and installation of complete crane systems tailored to industry needs . This particular project centered around a 60-ton capacity overhead crane, designed and built by Roberts Contracting before being transported to the job site. The system includes dual hoists, with capacities of 45 tons and 25 tons, providing flexibility and strength for handling large granite loads within the plant environment. The installation process required careful coordination and strict adherence to safety protocols at every stage. Due to the crane’s size and weight - approximately 58,000 pounds - specialized lifting equipment was brought in to execute the placement. A section of the building’s roof was opened to allow the crane to be lowered into the structure, a process that demanded precision rigging, controlled lifting, and constant communication among crews. Once inside the facility, the crane was lifted into position and set onto the runway system, where it will serve as a critical component of daily operations. Every phase - from fabrication and transport to final placement - reflects the level of planning and execution required for projects of this scale. While it has been described as one of the largest crane installations of its kind in the Elberton area, what is certain is the impact such equipment has on production efficiency and plant capability. Installations like this continue to demonstrate how local expertise and specialized contracting play a vital role in supporting the granite industry’s evolving needs. Through projects like this, Roberts Contracting continues to deliver solutions that combine engineering, fabrication, and field installation - reinforcing their role as a key partner in the infrastructure behind granite manufacturing. Since the release of Volume 2 Clip Art, Design Mart has continued to add the entire collection of more than 3,000 pieces to their Online Monument Designer for their subscribers. Currently they have added 81 Angels, 405 Animals, 152 Borders, 40 Buildings, 32 Children, 202 Crosses, 234 Emblems, and now 252 floral designs. These 252 floral designs include daisies, dogwoods, grapes, irises, ivy designs, lilies, lotuses, magnolias, maple leaves, oaks, orchids, cultivated roses, wild roses, shamrocks, trees and wheat designs. This expanded selection of artwork in the Online Monument Designer provide users with even more choices when designing monuments from scratch or customizing existing monuments. Design Mart also adds custom artwork by special request. To inquire about custom artwork please contact Design Mart at d-mart@designmart.com or by calling 800-736-7455. You may also ask questions and sign up for a free 30-day trial at https://www.designmart.com/online-catalog-and-monument-designer/monument-designer/about-online-monument-designer/. You may also scan the QR code to learn more. As digital storytelling becomes an increasingly important part of remembrance, the memorial industry faces a critical challenge: ensuring that digital legacies endure over time. In December 2025, Porcelains Unlimited addressed this need with the launch of the Eternal Timekeeper Security Trust—a pioneering fiduciary structure created to protect and preserve digital memorial profiles for generations. Developed by Porcelains Unlimited, Eternal Timekeeper™ connects enduring memorial craftsmanship with secure digital access. The program pairs the company’s premium porcelain memorial products with patented NFC technology, allowing visitors to access a loved one’s digital memorial by simply tapping a smartphone to the cameo. What truly distinguishes Eternal Timekeeper is its commitment to long-term preservation. Porcelains Unlimited has partnered with Argent Financial Group, a nationally respected fiduciary services firm, to serve as Trustee of the Eternal Timekeeper Security Trust. A portion of each Eternal Timekeeper purchase is contributed to the Trust, where funds are professionally managed and legally designated to support the ongoing maintenance of memorial data and related digital assets. This structure ensures continuity even as technology and platforms evolve. “Families deserve absolute confidence that their loved one’s story will be preserved long into the future,” said Tanner Lewis, Founder of Eternal Timekeeper™ and CEO of Porcelains Unlimited. “This trust structure brings the security of traditional perpetual care into the digital age.” Founded in 2014, Eternal Timekeeper has continued to advance the intersection of technology and memorialization. Each digital memorial supports meaningful storytelling through photos and videos, with optional features such as GPS grave location mapping and integrations for music or social media. “Our focus has always been on permanence,” said Shauna Lewis, Vice President of Porcelains Unlimited. “By combining our memorial products, patented NFC technology, and a dedicated preservation trust, we’re giving families a digital memorial solution they can rely on for generations.” As demand for digital preservation continues to grow, the Eternal Timekeeper Security Trust sets a new standard for accountability and longevity—ensuring that digital memories receive the same enduring care families expect from traditional memorials. As digital storytelling becomes an increasingly important part of remembrance, the memorial industry faces a critical challenge: ensuring that digital legacies endure over time. In December 2025, Porcelains Unlimited addressed this need with the launch of the Eternal Timekeeper Security Trust—a pioneering fiduciary structure created to protect and preserve digital memorial profiles for generations. Developed by Porcelains Unlimited, Eternal Timekeeper™ connects enduring memorial craftsmanship with secure digital access. The program pairs the company’s premium porcelain memorial products with patented NFC technology, allowing visitors to access a loved one’s digital memorial by simply tapping a smartphone to the cameo. What truly distinguishes Eternal Timekeeper is its commitment to long-term preservation. Porcelains Unlimited has partnered with Argent Financial Group, a nationally respected fiduciary services firm, to serve as Trustee of the Eternal Timekeeper Security Trust. A portion of each Eternal Timekeeper purchase is contributed to the Trust, where funds are professionally managed and legally designated to support the ongoing maintenance of memorial data and related digital assets. This structure ensures continuity even as technology and platforms evolve. “Families deserve absolute confidence that their loved one’s story will be preserved long into the future,” said Tanner Lewis, Founder of Eternal Timekeeper™ and CEO of Porcelains Unlimited. “This trust structure brings the security of traditional perpetual care into the digital age.” Founded in 2014, Eternal Timekeeper has continued to advance the intersection of technology and memorialization. Each digital memorial supports meaningful storytelling through photos and videos, with optional features such as GPS grave location mapping and integrations for music or social media. “Our focus has always been on permanence,” said Shauna Lewis, Vice President of Porcelains Unlimited. “By combining our memorial products, patented NFC technology, and a dedicated preservation trust, we’re giving families a digital memorial solution they can rely on for generations.” As demand for digital preservation continues to grow, the Eternal Timekeeper Security Trust sets a new standard for accountability and longevity—ensuring that digital memories receive the same enduring care families expect from traditional memorials. The Elberton Granite Association was born from a simple but powerful idea: that Elberton’s craftsmen, quarrymen, and manufacturers could accomplish more together than they ever could alone. In the early 1950s, as Elbert County’s granite industry continued to grow, local business leaders recognized the need for a unified voice - an organization that could protect the reputation of Elberton granite within the monument industry, promote the quality of Elberton-made products, and strengthen the industry for future generations. That vision began to take shape on March 29, 1951, when industry leaders gathered for the first formal meeting to discuss forming a granite association. From those early conversations, plans quickly moved forward, and on June 2, 1951, the Elberton Granite Association officially began its first full day of operation. From those beginnings emerged a member-driven association built on cooperation, craftsmanship, and community service. The founding members represented a cross-section of Elberton’s granite world: quarry operators, manufacturers, equipment builders, sandblast shops, wholesalers, and related businesses. They committed themselves to shared standards, educational programs, and an organized effort to showcase the exceptional quality of Elberton granite to the nation. From the beginning, the Association placed strong emphasis on education and quality. Technical training classes, still recognized today as some of the finest in the country, became a signature offering early on. The Association’s commitment to teaching proper monument setting techniques, sandblast methods, safety practices, equipment operation, and design standards has shaped countless careers throughout the industry. Today the EGA continues a class every fall with a week long agenda of topics to help the industry maintaining its strength. At the same time, the Association worked to ensure Elberton was recognized nationwide. Sales representatives and monument retailers across the United States grew familiar with the Association’s hallmark: dependable craftsmanship, honest manufacturing, and a tradition rooted in American-quarried granite. In 1956, the Association launched The Graniteer magazine, a publication that has since become a cornerstone of the monument industry. Created as both a marketing tool and an educational resource, The Graniteer introduced retailers and distributors across the country to new memorial designs, advances in manufacturing technology, quarry developments, and profiles of member companies. It serves as a historical timeline in many areas. Through its pages, the legacy of Elberton’s craftsmen has been preserved, sharing stories of monumental projects, innovative machinery, family-owned manufacturers, and the individuals who shaped the community. Today, The Graniteer remains one of the longest-running ad-free trade publications dedicated to the monument industry - a testament to the Association’s dedication to craftsmanship and storytelling. Throughout its history, the Association has played an important role beyond manufacturing. It has sponsored scholarships for local students, supported civic projects, and partnered with the Elberton Granite Museum to help preserve the area’s granite heritage. Its Board of Trustees, composed of elected representatives from member firms, continues to guide the industry with a focus on integrity, service, and long-term growth. The Association has also served as a consistent advocate for the granite industry during changing economic climates. Whether navigating shifts in domestic quarrying, foreign imports, transportation logistics, OSHA regulations, or evolving supply chain demands, the Association has stood as a reliable and knowledgeable voice for its members. As the industry has evolved, so has the Association. Today’s membership includes everything from traditional quarrying operations to state-of-the-art laser etching shops and machinery manufacturers whose products are used and exported around the world. Technical training programs, often including plant tours and manufacturer showcases, continue to unite these diverse sectors and ensure the next generation is equipped with the skills and knowledge to carry the industry forward. Today, the Elberton Granite Association remains deeply rooted in its founding mission. With numerous members, the Association continues to promote craftsmanship, protect quality standards, preserve heritage, and foster collaboration throughout the region. The story of the Elberton Granite Association is ultimately the story of the people who shaped it. From the earliest hand-set monuments to today’s precision CNC machinery, generations of skilled workers have contributed their talent and pride to an industry that remains vital to Elbert County. Through unity, education, and pride in craftsmanship, the Association carries forward a tradition that is quite literally carved in stone - one that honors the past, strengthens the present, and ensures the granite industry continues to stand strong for decades to come. The Elberton Granite Association was proud to welcome the School of Hard Rocks back to Elberton for its 2026 session, continuing a tradition that brings together craftsmanship, creativity and hands-on learning in a way few programs can replicate. Held once again at Tanner Lewis’ facility, the multi-day workshop followed a structured, hands-on format that allowed attendees to fully immerse themselves in the craft. From morning orientation at the Granite Museum to days spent on the platform shaping stone, the schedule provided a steady rhythm of instruction, practice and collaboration. Guest instructor, Jim Peterson, added to the depth of the program, sharing his experience and techniques with the group throughout the session. One of the highlights of the week was a visit to Beaverdam Quarry, where attendees were able to step away from the platform and see firsthand how granite is strategically removed from the earth. Standing at the overlook offered a broader perspective of the material they work with each day, reinforcing both the scale of the industry and the importance of precision from quarry to finished memorial. One of the most meaningful aspects of this year’s class was the presence of multiple generations working side by side. Fathers and sons, along with fathers and daughters, could be seen learning, teaching and encouraging one another throughout the week. It was a powerful reminder that this craft is not only learned, it is passed down. Throughout the session, the focus remained on more than just technique. Attendees were encouraged to think beyond standard designs and explore ways to incorporate depth, texture and individuality into their work. Whether shaping a clean edge, refining a pitched surface or stepping back to evaluate the overall composition, each project became an opportunity to build both skill and confidence. The platform remained active from start to finish, with steady progress visible in every piece. As the days progressed, participants moved from foundational techniques into more refined work, gaining confidence with each project. Instructors and mentors remained engaged on the platform, offering guidance and encouragement while allowing each student to develop their own approach to the stone. The success of the School of Hard Rocks would not be possible without the continued commitment of the instructors and mentors who return each year. Taking time away from their own companies, they invest in the next generation of craftsmen, sharing knowledge that can only be gained through years of experience. Their willingness to teach, guide and encourage is what keeps this program strong and ensures that the skills of the trade continue to move forward. Support from industry partners also plays a vital role in the success of the program. Spartan Tool Company once again provided valuable collaboration and resources throughout the week, helping ensure that attendees had access to the tools and support needed to fully engage in the hands-on experience. Member-firms such as Childs & Childs Granite, Keystone Memorials, Majestic Marble, Mize Granite, Southern Granite, and Pyramid Materials graciously provided stone for the attendees to work with. Air Compressor Sales allowed the group to utilize an air compressor for the tools used while Waste Away provided community support. Matthews Granite sponsored the group dinner. Granite Sales & Supply and Miles Supply set up tables to ensure tools were available along with sponsoring lunches allowing a time for attendees, instructors and mentors to step away from the platform and enjoy fellowship together. Procelains Unlimited provided use of their facility pro bono allowing the team to focus on their attendees instead of finances. Without the help of companies such as these, the granite indsutry would not be where it is today. Beyond the work itself, the time spent together outside of the platform continues to strengthen the connections that make this industry unique. Shared meals, conversations and the exchange of ideas create relationships that extend well beyond the few days spent in Elberton. These moments, while less visible than the finished pieces, are just as important to the overall experience. The week also brought a strong sense of friendly competition. Heather Sturgill earned the Luken Mallet Award, while Daniel McLeish took top honors in Chipping for Distance, Caleb Luken in Hammer Throw, and Erik Nelson in Chipping for Accuracy. Vince Martinez won the Outstanding First Time Student Award. Each competition highlighted the skill, precision and steady hand that define this craft. The session concluded with a final art show, where each participant’s work was displayed as a reflection of the progress made over just a few days. The range of creativity, detail and execution on display served as a testament to both the program and the individuals who took part in it. Each year, the School of Hard Rocks continues to challenge traditional thinking while strengthening the foundation of craftsmanship within the industry. With new skills, new connections and a renewed appreciation for the work, attendees left Elberton carrying forward not only what they learned, but who they learned it with. In the Winter 2025/2026 edition of The Graniteer, we began a series highlighting granite colors quarried by Elberton Granite Association member firms. This series will offer readers a closer look at the character, geology, and craftsmanship behind two distinctive domestic stones in each edition. This issue continues the series by focusing on additional granite colors that reflect the diversity and strength of American quarry operations within the Elberton Granite Association. This edition highlights two well-known domestic granites: Desert Rose, quarried by Pyramid Materials, and Peerless Blue, quarried by Gold Eagle Quarries. Each stone represents the unique geology of its region and the careful quarrying practices that allow these natural materials to reach the monument industry with consistent quality and reliability. By spotlighting granite colors produced by EGA member firms, this ongoing series provides insight into the stones themselves while recognizing the companies responsible for bringing them from the quarry to finished memorials. Desert Rose and Peerless Blue demonstrate how domestic granite continues to provide both aesthetic beauty and dependable performance for monument craftsmen and designers. Future editions of The Graniteer will continue to feature additional granite colors and the member firms that quarry them, further highlighting the geological richness of American stone and the craftsmanship that defines the monument industry. Desert Rose - Pyramid Materials Desert Rose is quarried by Pyramid Materials from its operations in Granite, Oklahoma, a region known for producing distinctive warm-toned granites with strong character and durability. Desert Rose reflects that tradition, displaying a rich rose-pink base accented by darker mineral movement that creates natural depth and variation across the surface. The grain structure is medium and well balanced, providing visual interest while maintaining the consistency required for precise memorial fabrication. The stone’s warm coloration and natural variation make it especially appealing for monuments that call for a softer aesthetic while still maintaining the strength and durability expected of domestic granite. When polished, Desert Rose develops a smooth, reflective surface that enhances its natural color while highlighting the subtle contrast created by its mineral composition. The uniform grain allows for crisp lettering, detailed carving, and well-defined sandblast work. Peerless Blue - Gold Eagle Quarries Peerless Blue is quarried by Gold Eagle Quarries and is recognized for its cool blue-gray coloration and consistent crystalline structure. The stone features a balanced blend of gray and blue tones highlighted by darker mineral flecks that create a subtle yet distinctive appearance. Its grain is fine to medium and tightly knit, contributing to a clean, uniform look that performs well across a wide range of monument styles. This consistent grain structure allows Peerless Blue to take a high polish while maintaining sharp contrast in lettering and artwork. The polished finish produces a reflective surface that enhances the stone’s natural color variations, while steeled and rock pitched finishes reveal the depth and texture within the granite’s crystalline composition. The result is a versatile stone that adapts well to both contemporary and traditional memorial designs. The stone’s durability, consistent grain, and refined appearance make Peerless Blue a dependable choice. There are monuments that mark a space, and then there are monuments that define it. This Savannah Gray estate memorial crafted by J & D Finishing stands firmly in the latter category. It was created for Liberty Monument Company. Rising 6 feet 4 inches tall, stretching an impressive 12 feet in length, and weighing nearly 30,000 pounds, the Hays family memorial is one of the largest monuments at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama. Its finished presence is commanding, but the true story lies in what it took to bring nearly 30,000 pounds of precision-cut Savannah Gray granite from raw block to finished estate memorial. Projects of this magnitude begin long before a saw blade ever touches stone. Finding the right Savannah Gray blocks to produce a monument of this size is no small undertaking. Large-scale estate work demands consistency in color, tight grain structure and structural integrity throughout the entire mass of the stone. When a die stretches twelve feet in length, variation cannot hide. J & D Finishing’s team understood that block selection would determine everything that followed. The granite had to be uniform, sound and worthy of becoming one of the most substantial memorials in the cemetery. Handling material of this girth requires both confidence and capability. A twelve-foot die demands equipment that can accommodate its length and weight without sacrificing accuracy. From primary cutting to surfacing, each stage of fabrication magnifies even the smallest deviation. Maintaining flatness across expansive surfaces is a technical challenge. Ensuring edges remain crisp and true along long spans requires careful setup and experienced hands. When working with Savannah Gray in pieces approaching this scale, there is no room for inconsistency. The material itself demands respect. The sheer mass of this monument influenced every fabrication decision. Nearly 30,000 pounds of granite must be moved, rotated, polished and finished within the plant with deliberate control. Every lift within the shop must be balanced. Every surface must remain square. Every polished plane must reflect uniformity from one end to the other. On smaller monuments, minor irregularities can sometimes be corrected with subtle adjustment. On a twelve-foot estate memorial, precision must be achieved from the start. Savannah Gray was a fitting choice for a memorial of this scale. Its durability and consistent appearance allow expansive surfaces to present cleanly and confidently. Across twelve feet of finished face, the granite carries a refined strength that enhances the monument’s commanding presence. The family name stands bold and dignified, supported by a centered decorative panel that provides vertical balance without competing against the monument’s impressive mass. The proportions are intentional, and executing those proportions required careful measurement and disciplined fabrication. The base beneath the die reinforces the monument’s visual authority. Its length and substantial thickness ground the composition and complete the estate footprint. Producing a base of this dimension requires the same level of precision as the die itself. Flatness between mating surfaces must be exact. The contact points must be true. When pieces of this size come together, tolerances must be tight and surfaces properly prepared to ensure long-term stability. For J & D Finishing, this project reflects more than size. It reflects growth in capacity and a willingness to take on work that tests both equipment and craftsmanship. Estate memorials of this magnitude are not everyday production pieces. They require determination, planning and confidence in one’s fabrication process. From selecting the proper Savannah Gray blocks to executing precise cuts across long spans, the team demonstrated that they possess the capability to handle large-scale custom work with discipline and skill. When standing beside this monument, the girth becomes unmistakable. It is broad. It is solid. It is anchored. The visual authority comes not just from height, but from the combination of width, depth and mass. Achieving that balance in granite requires more than machinery. It requires experienced craftsmen who understand how stone behaves at scale. Granite at this magnitude is generational. A twelve-foot estate memorial weighing nearly 30,000 pounds is built to endure centuries of weather and time. Its substantial girth resists movement. Its Savannah Gray surface will continue to present the Hays name with clarity for years to come. For J & D Finishing, the true accomplishment lies in transforming raw blocks of Elberton granite into a finished estate memorial that demonstrates both their determination and their expanding fabrication capabilities. When nearly 30,000 pounds of Savannah Gray granite are carefully selected, precisely cut and expertly finished, the result is more than large. It is a reflection of the strength, skill and resolve found within our membership. It is monumental not only in size, but in the craftsmanship that brought it to life. There is a level of craftsmanship in memorial design that simply cannot be replicated by machine, and this piece by Jenson Etching stands as a testament to that truth. Every element of this scene was brought to life by Anne Jenson’s hand—each line, each shadow, each delicate highlight carefully etched using a rotary tool tipped with diamond chips. This is not just technique; it is patience, control, and an artist’s eye working in perfect harmony with stone. The scene itself flows seamlessly across multiple pieces, a true demonstration of vision and execution. Rather than confining the artwork to a single face, Anne carried the composition across three separate components, skillfully blending the imagery so the transition feels natural and uninterrupted. Even more impressive is how the design incorporates the chamfered curve of the sub base and base, allowing the waterfall element to cascade visually from one plane to the next. It is a subtle but powerful use of dimension that transforms the monument into a cohesive, living scene. From the soft rendering of the church to the lifelike presence of wildlife and the movement within the water, the level of detail achieved speaks to years of dedication to the craft. Hand etching at this level requires not only technical mastery but an intuitive understanding of how light interacts with granite - how depth, texture, and contrast must be built slowly and intentionally. Jenson Etching has long been known for this caliber of work, where artistry is never rushed and detail is never compromised. This monument is a beautiful reminder that true craftsmanship still lives in the hands of those willing to invest the time, skill, and heart required to create something truly lasting. Crafted by Coldwater Granite, this Georgia Grey monument presents a clean, refined composition rooted in balance and craftsmanship. Standing at a combined height of 4 ft. 8 in., the design features a fully polished tablet, allowing the tight grain of the granite to deliver a smooth, consistent surface for both lettering and design elements. A softly arched top and recessed panel create a gentle focal point, while the precision of the polished finish enhances contrast and readability. The base incorporates a polished top surface paired with rock-pitched sides, providing a subtle transition from refined to natural texture. Complementing the design, the vase features polished faces with slanted ends and matching rock-pitched sides, tying the piece together with continuity in both finish and form. The result is a timeless memorial that blends simplicity with thoughtful detailing, showcasing the natural beauty of Georgia Gray granite. Keystone Memorials crafted this distinctive memorial for Watson Signs & Monuments in College Station, Texas, combining American Black and Keystone Blue granite in a dynamic blend of polished, steel, and rock pitch finishes. The main tablet features a recessed panel with a raised initial, creating depth and emphasis for the family name, while the reverse side is fully laser etched with a detailed collage, adding a deeply personal element to the design. An intentional asymmetrical layout balances the varying tablet sizes, integrated bench seat, and offset vase, achieving visual harmony through contrast and proportion. From the refined finishes to the textured base elements, this memorial reflects skilled fabrication and a modern approach to memorial design. Georgia Mausoleums crafted this striking structure in Wichita, Kansas using Missouri Red granite accented with Jet Black granite and gold highlighting. The rich red tone provides a warm, consistent backdrop, while the Jet Black elements frame the recessed entrance and architectural features with bold contrast. The design combines polished surfaces with rock pitched margins, creating depth and texture throughout the piece. Fluted columns, enhanced with gold accents, support the entablature and add a refined level of detail, while incised lettering carries the same gold highlight for a cohesive finish. Clean arrises, tight joints, and precise fabrication are evident in every element, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Georgia Mausoleums’ work. Crafted by KEYSTONE MEMORIALS for Rensselaer Monument in Rensselaer, Indiana, this striking family memorial is executed in rich Rib Mountain Red granite, a material known for its depth of color and consistent grain structure. The tablet is all polished, featuring a clean steeled recess around the face that provides subtle dimension and draws attention to the lettering panel. The contrast between the smooth polish and the precise steeled recess enhances both readability and architectural definition. The sub base is all polished, creating a refined transition between the die and the foundation. The base features a 2-inch polished margin with the balance rock pitched, offering a classic combination of texture and craftsmanship. The rock pitched finish frames the memorial with strength and character while the polished margin maintains a crisp, finished edge. This memorial reflects a thoughtful blend of traditional design elements and precise fabrication, showcasing the quality workmanship Keystone Memorials is known for throughout the industry. Crafted with both purpose and care, this memorial stands as a lasting tribute to three young lives taken too soon. Created by CHILDS AND CHILDS GRANITE for Pyramid Marble and Granite in Effingham, Illinois, the monument honors three students whose memory continues to shape and unite their community. Executed in a softly contoured, multi-faceted design, the monument features a polished top with steeled faces that carry the individual dedications. Each face is accented with a colored heart inlay, offering a subtle yet meaningful distinction while drawing the eye to the personalized inscriptions. The phrase “Laugh Like Karly, Love Like Edie, Live Like Sienna” is thoughtfully integrated, reinforcing the individuality of each life while presenting a unified message of remembrance. Set at the Stewardson-Strasburg school, the memorial reflects not only craftsmanship, but the role granite plays in preserving memory, providing a place where reflection, connection, and legacy endure. In recognition of the upcoming 250th Anniversary of our nation’s founding, a new granite bench now stands as a place of reflection, remembrance and patriotic pride. Travis of TRAVCO METAL WORKS played a key role in coordinating with the Sons of the American Revolution to help bring the project to life. Through collaboration and shared vision, the effort resulted in a meaningful installation that will stand for generations. Generously donated by BASTON MONUMENTS, the bench was crafted in timeless gray granite and engraved with The Sons of the American Revolution and the SAR emblem. Designed to serve both as a memorial and a gathering place, the bench offers visitors a quiet space to honor the sacrifices and enduring legacy of those who fought for American independence. As communities across the country prepare to commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary, projects like this remind us that history is not only preserved in books, but in stone - solid, steadfast and enduring. Crafted with precision and purpose, this striking military memorial was produced by CENTRAL GRANITE COMPANY for Gemstone Memorials of Ohio. The project was brought to Gemstone Memorials as an Eagle Scout project. Fashioned from timeless Central Gray granite, the monument rises an impressive 9 ft. 4 in. from the base to the peak of the obelisk, commanding attention while honoring service with dignity and strength. Both the base and obelisk are finished in an all-steel finish, giving the memorial a refined presence while preserving the enduring character of the stone. A gentle drop wash graces the top of the base, along with tapered sides of the obelisk thoughtfully echo the slope of the obelisk’s apex - subtle design details that unifies the composition and reflects the careful craftsmanship behind every element. Kevin Strong, Granite Sales & Supply Corporation with Zach Henson from Orlando, FL Chris Benoit, Perry, NY; Hillary Vaughn, Dixie Granite Company; Richard Syphens, Hampton, NY Jessica Wallis, Matthews Granite with Lori Ashwell, South Boston, VA Vito Pastore, Gainesville, FL, Beverly Smith, U-Blast Stencil and Debanne Stone, Littleton, NH Tanner Lewis, Porcelains Unlimited and Nathan Lange, Longville, NH Zach Henson and Dang Hoang, Orlando, FL; Storm Mills, Rhonda Williams, Tony Mills, Jr., L & M Granite Company, Tony and Jennifer LeCompe, Laurel, DE; Michelle and McCloud Mills, L & M Granite Company Hayden Sipe, Matthews Granite, Jennifer Boyer and John Atkins, Milford, DE; Steve Skeba Matthews Granite Tasha and Kris Hendrix, Kris Hendrix Etchings with Geoff Irwin, Frederick, MD Kelly Floyd Atkinson, Lumberton, NC; Melissa Dias, Southern Granite Company; Terry Floyd, Lumberton, NC Brady Turner and Shaun Ivey, Miles Supply with Zach Henson and Dang Hoang, Orlando, FL Ken and Nancy Dillon, Valhalla, NY; Kelly Hernandez-Phillips, Becca and Darrell Fordham, Dixie Granite Company and Mike Neu, Cold Spring, MN Marshall Rich along with Kurt & Becky Luckemeyer and Trudy King with King’s Monument Company Shaun Ivey, Evan Storrs, and Brady Turner with Miles Supply; Mike Sarlo, Clementon, NJ; Jeff Poirier, Miles Supply; Justin Gallagher, Bridgeport, OH; Craig Walters, Summit Hill, PA Jonathan Evans, Majestic Marble; Hayden Sipes, Matthews Granite; Tanner Lewis, Porcelains Unlimited; Andy Gingrich, Middletown, PA; Rick Burroughs, Manassas, VA; Nate Gingrich, Middletown, PA Tasha and Kris Hendrix with Kris Hendrix Etching; Tony and Jennifer LeCompe, Laurel, DE Chris Lankford, Mears, VA; Beverly Smith and Candice Dorsey with U-Blast Stencil Sean Longstreth, Galion, OH; Hillary Vaughn, Darrell Fordham and Kelly Hernandez-Phillips with Dixie Granite Company and Sharon Myers, Scottsburg, IN Kevin Strong, Granite Sales & Supply Corporation with Jim and Jennifer Robinson, Harrisville, PA Steve Skeba, Jessica Wallis, and Hayden Sipes, Matthews Granite; Jennifer Boyer, Milford, DE; Sanford Butler Matthews Granite, and John Atkins, Milford, DE Erich March, Baltimore, MD; Jessica Wallis, Steve Skeba, Hayden Sipes and Sanford Butler, Matthews Granite; Adam Sprung, Lindenhurst, NY; Connor Eline, Ollie Quinn and Mike Thompson from Hampstead, MD Gara Andrews, Pyramid Materials with Steve Carroll and Curtis Jones from King, NC Hillary Vaughn and Kelly Hernandez-Phillips with Dixie Granite Company and Nancy Dillon, Valhalla, NY Shaun Ivey, Jeff Poirier and Brady Turner with Miles Supply; Richard Schultz, Madison, TN Karlie Wilson, Allec Rowland Melissa Black and Chris Wilson, Wilson Industrial Electric Eric Chaloux, Hank Newton with Miles Supply; Tali Segev of Kadima, Israel Eric Chaloux with Miles Supply; Leonardo Checchin and Nicolò Scappin, Italy; Tia Emery, and Hank Newton with Miles Supply Natalie Makhnovskiy, Citrus Heights, CA; Debbie & Jed Hendrickson, CMA, Kelly Hernandez-Phillips, Dixie Granite Company and Bobby Mattos, Hayward, CA Candace Doresey, U-Blast Stencil and Regina Goncalves, Salina KS Jason Ray, Standard Granite Company and Paige Turpin, Hammond, LA Jake Smith, Central Granite Company; Nathan Watts and Zach Drake, Springfield MO; and Wesley McConnell, Central Granite Kelly Hernandez-Phillips and Darrell Fordham from Dixie Granite Company with Troy Caldwell from Kokomo, Tim Bronleewe, Glass Art Imaging and Troy Vincent, Lithonia, GAIN Gara Andrews, Pyramid Materials; Kathy Vaughn and Eric Gunnoe, Chillicothe, OH Nelson Blackmon, Darlington, SC and Ryan Albertson, Henry & Henry Trucking Katlyn Samples and Madison Orellana from Chattanooga, TN with Ross Oglesby from Keystone Memorials Greg Daniels, Rock Hill, SC, Tasha & Kris Hendrix, Kris Hendrix Etching Joshua Johnson, Clarksville, TN; Johnathan & Breanna Evans with Majestic Marble Lydia Johnson, Clarksville, TN; David Papandreas, Porcelains Unlimited; and Abbey Metcalf, Paris, TN Austin Keesee, Wichita Falls, TX; Hank Newton and Brady Turner, Miles Supply; Marla & Tony Scarborough, Granite, OK; and Matthew Stewart, Oklahoma City, OK Becky & Jeff Owens, Farmington MO; Stacey Drake, Granite Sales & Supply Company; Alex Porokhnia and Kelby Gray, Wilson, OK Eli & Sarah Karkowski, Missouri Falls, IO; Justin, Debbie and Roger Aholt, Washington, MO; Angie Ivester and Mandy Edwards, U-Blast Stencil Chad Brown with Standard Granite; Kris & Tasha Hendrix with Kris Hendrix Etching Mrs. Ina Juanita “Nita” Brown Hill, 85, of Lincolnton Highway, Elberton, wife of 59 years to the late Ezra ‘Calvin’ Hill, passed away on Monday evening, January 12, 2026, at her residence. The sixth of seven children, Mrs. Hill was born in Elberton on March 8, 1940, daughter of the late Ernest Irven Brown and Ina Mary Willis Brown. She joined siblings Charles Irven, Margaret, John Willis, Billy Ray, and Sherman Neal, and later welcomed Vicki to the family. Nita, along with husband Calvin, was the owner/operator of Hillcrest Granite Company. She was a member of Bethel E Baptist Church. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Monica Hill of Elberton; daughter and son-in-law, Patsy and Andy Johnson of Elberton; sister and brother-in-law, Vicki and Steve Johnson of Elberton; grandchildren and their spouses: Bentz and Jillian Johnson, Mylie and Sean Merfeld, McKay and Savannah Hill, Max and Ansley Hill, and Bain and Alyssa Johnson; great-grandchildren: Sawyer Johnson, Sutton Johnson, Finley Hill, Shiloh Johnson, Caroline Merfeld, Flora Hill, and Ezri Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Along with her husband, parents, and siblings, Nita is preceded in death by her son, Russell Hill. The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to Nita’s extended family of caregivers: Ruby Albea, Gearldine Allen, Latoya Cummings, Martha Huff, Jennifer Rucker, and Rachel Suttles. William McWhorter “Mac” Thornton, Jr. of Elberton, GA passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, and is now with his lord and savior Jesus Christ. Mac was born at the Thompson-Johnson Hospital in Elberton on August 9, 1946, and was 79 years old. He was the son of William McWhorter Thornton Sr. and Lucy Johnson Thornton, the husband of 52 years of Deborah Christine Williford Thornton, and father of Chrissie Thornton. His son, Dave Thornton, predeceased him in 2025. Mac was beloved by family and friends for his kind heart, sense of humor, and desire to serve others. He excelled in education, business, church, civic duties, and sports, but his greatest accomplishment was his faithfulness and steadfast devotion to his family and friends. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business administration in 1969 and a master’s degree in distributive education in 1973. He began his career as distributive education teacher at Elbert County High School where he was named Outstanding Young Educator. He entered the granite sales business and enjoyed a successful career with a number of companies including Comolli Granite, L & M Granite which he owned, and Granite Resources. He developed close relationships with many of his clients. Mac gave himself to his community with great dedication for decades. He served as Sunday School director and deacon at Elberton First Baptist Church, member of both the Elbert County Board of Commissioners and Elberton City Council, president of the Kiwanis and Jaycees, and Easter Seals chairman. He was a great athlete and played two years of baseball for Gordon Military College, won many trophies in tennis, coached both his children in baseball and softball, and umpired for almost 40 years in little league, major league, senior league, and softball. Mac’s impact on his community and his legacy is far-reaching. He was loved by so many people and will be missed and remembered forever. Mrs. Annie Lee Simmons, of Elberton, wife of 66 years to the late Willie Micier Simmons, Sr., passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Magnolia Estates, one month prior to her 96th birthday. An only child, Annie Lee was born in Elberton on April 22, 1930, daughter of the late Robert Lee Looney and Mae Garland Looney. She was co-owner and secretary of the family business, Supreme Granite Company. Annie Lee was a member of Francis Asbury United Methodist Church as well as the Rose M. Ashby Chapter of the Eastern Star. Affectionately known as “Nannie” to her family, she was a hardworking woman. She devoted herself to her family, home, and business. In her free time, Annie Lee enjoyed shopping and decorating. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, Mike Simmons; grandson, Brad Parker; and son-in-law, Tim Parker. Survivors include her children and their spouses: Donna Parker of Concord, NC, Phyllis and Rick Brady of Elberton, and Bill and Lanie Simmons of Elberton; grandchildren and their spouses: Shawn and Connie Parker, Adam and Amanda Brady, Amanda Brady, Josh and Stephanie Simmons, Crystal Dye, and Morgan Simmons; and great-grandchildren: Payton, Silas, Sawyer, Ellie, Madison, Lawton, Elizabeth Grace, and Rayleigh. The family wishes to extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff of Magnolia Estates as well as to Bristol Hospice for the care given to Mrs. Simmons. Mrs. Hilda Franklin Huguley, 85, of Carlton, wife of 61 years to the late George ‘William’ Huguley, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at her residence. The eldest of four, Hilda was born on May 1, 1940, daughter of the late Martin Bond Franklin and Dorine Smith Franklin. She was a graduate of Bowman High School. Along with her husband, Hillda was founder and owner/operator of North Georgia Monuments and Tiny Town Minit Mart in Carlton. She enjoyed working in her yard and never missed an opportunity to go to a flea markets. Surviving are her children: Timothy William “Tim” Huguley and his wife Tammy and Deborah Lynn Crawford and her husband Mark, all of Carlton; and siblings: Hazel Forrester of Elberton and Dennis Franklin of Carlton. Nanny also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren: BJ Stone and his wife Morgan, Jennifer Smith and her husband Neil, Shelby Huguley, and Ford Huguley; step-granddaughter, Jessica Holman and her husband Colt; and several great-grandchildren. Along with her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Jeff Franklin.