Lonia Mae Pilgrim Gunter

Lonia Mae Pilgrim Gunter, age 93, of Demorest, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Saturday, January 9, 2021. 

Born on April 2, 1927, in White County, she was a daughter of the late William Henry and Della Viola Freeman Pilgrim.  Lonia was a member of Macedonia United Methodist Church and was a homemaker.  She was a loving mom and granny who enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially preparing meals and everyone gathering around her kitchen table. Lonia was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. 

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husbands, Marvin McAllister and Royce Gunter; daughters, Marilyn McAllister and Linda Lee; granddaughters, April Lee and LaNa Freeman; great grandchildren, Tori Dodd and Kylen Stamey; siblings, Hamp, Lester, Rob and Dovie Pilgrim, Cora Kinsey and Bessie Gerrells. 

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Don and Janice McAllister of Cornelia; daughter, Carolyn Wade of Mt. Airy; daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Gary Free of Clarkesville, Nikki and Keith Pritchard of Jackson, TN and Stacy and Ronnie Freeman of Clarkesville; 16 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. 

Special thanks to granddaughter, Hannah Cheek, for the love and care given to Granny during her declining health. 

Funeral services are 11 am Monday, January 11, 2021 in the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Mr. Bucky Lee and Rev. Garvis Kinsey officiating.  Interment will follow in Fairfield Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Caleb McAllister officiating. 

The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm on Sunday, at the funeral home. 

Those in attendance are asked to please wear a mask and adhere to public health and social distancing guidelines regarding COVID-19. 

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. 

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.