Kadeen Martin Pirkle

Kadeen Martin Pirkle, 86, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2020, at Gold City Convalescent in Dahlonega, GA following an extended illness.

Mrs. Pirkle, lovingly known to most as “Granny Dee”, was born June 8, 1933 in Hall County to the late Kader and Sallie White Martin. In addition to her parents, Granny Dee was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Claud Pirkle, daughter Sandra Pirkle Phillips, and sisters Carol Conrad and Mary Walden.

Granny Dee is survived by son and daughter-in-law Arlen and Colleen Pirkle of Gainesville, GA; son-in-law William Phillips of Forsyth County; grandson Christopher Phillips of Forsyth County; granddaughter and husband Cassie and Morgan Shealy of Rome, GA; grandson Benjamin Phillips of Forsyth County; grandson Bryan Pirkle of Gainesville, GA; her "adopted" son Cory Voiles of Gillsville, GA; sister and brother in law Eula Mae and Bobby Graham of Murrayville, GA.; sister-in-law, Maevilene Pirkle; and several nieces and nephews.

Granny Dee was saved as a child at Belmont Baptist Church, then later joined Chestatee Baptist Church where she was a member for 52 years. These are memories she held onto throughout her extended illness. She graduated from Perry Business School and then worked as secretary to General Sandy Beaver, President of Riverside Military Academy. She worked for Riverside Military Academy at both the Gainesville, GA and Hollywood, FL campuses. She later worked in the offices of Gainesville Hosiery Mill, and later for Retail Credit Corporation in Gainesville, GA.

Granny Dee loved tending to her two gardens and cutting grass both at home and Peaceful Valley. She loved to cut the “lower 40” because she said it was her time to be alone, “just me and the Lord”. Granny Dee loved each of her grandchildren individually, never comparing one to the others; except for her “favorite granddaughter” (Granny Dee would be beside herself if we didn't clarify she only had one granddaughter). Many days were spent counting cars on the front porch, swinging to the tune of “Home at Peaceful Valley”, and having late night sleepovers. She pretended all the ice cream was for them...but we now know better. She was their number one advocate and fiery when she needed to be.

She loved the Lord and her church family. You could always find her on the 5th pew to the right, urging her grand kids to play the guitar and sing in the choir (as well as sit still and stay quiet). She will be missed by all whose lives she touched. The family wants to thank her A-Hall team at Gold City Nursing Home for their attentive care over the past six years.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines will be followed. A drive-by visitation will be held Thursday, June 4, 2020, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Chestatee Baptist Church.  The funeral will be graveside, Friday, June 5, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Tony Howard, Rev. Chad Dale, and Rev. Dwayne Ryals will officiate.  Umbrellas are encouraged for sun and/or rain protection. Please distance yourself from those outside your family. The family asks that anyone in a risk group refrain from attending and watch on Facebook Live Stream. The link is public, but you must be a Facebook member to watch live. The link is https://www.facebook.com/colleen.pirkle . The family will not be hurt if you watch from home. Granny Dee would want you to be safe! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chestatee Baptist Church Building Fund in care of Melvin Woodruff 3630 Ledan Road Gainesville, GA 30506 or the Alzheimer's Association.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.