Fannie Ridley Lunsford

Fannie Ridley Lunsford, age 95, of Dahlonega, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023. She was born on May 29, 1927, to Frank Wesley Ridley and Missouri Head Ridley. She was a member of Yahoola Baptist Church. Fannie was born and raised in Dahlonega. After marrying her husband, Velman O. Lunsford, they moved to Suches, Georgia. They later returned to Dahlonega where her and Velman owned and operated Cane Creek Ace Hardware in Dahlonega, North Hall Ace Hardware in Clermont, and Leisure Acres Campground in Cleveland. 

Fannie is survived by her two daughters, Joyce Simmons (Robert) and Jennifer Payne (Jim Lane); three grandchildren Chris Watkins (Rhonda), Priscilla Seabolt, and Zach Payne (Jordan); four great-grandchildren Christen Chumbler (Ricky), Graham Watkins, Chloe Seabolt, and Nate Seabolt; and one great-great-grandchild, Scout Chumbler. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives also survive. 

She loved her family dearly, and had the great fortune of seeing five generations of her family grow up during her life. Nothing made her happier than spending time with them, sharing stories about the past and present, and hearing about whatever was happening in their lives. Her sharp mind and quick humorous wit brought a smile to the face of everyone she met. It was truly a blessing from God to have her in all of our lives. We are thankful for the wisdom she shared with us, the undivided time she gave to us, and the amazing homemade meals she made and shared with us over the years.

Daughter, sister, wife, grandma, great grandma, great-great grandma… She was all of these things and was wonderful at each one, loving and serving her family and others. Galatians 5:13 tell us by love to serve one another- and although she certainly would never say so, her friends and family will be the first to tell you that she was a good and beautiful servant to all and expected nothing in return. Just last Sunday she said, “I am ready to go and it will be alright”. We know Heaven is a beautiful place and even more so now! She is with the Lord now and not because of anything she did, but because of what Jesus did for her. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff, caregivers, and the many special friends that she made at Dahlonega Assisted Living, NEGAMC Hospice, Linda Caldwell and Marie Harkins for the compassion and love expressed during this time. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Yahoola Baptist Church. The Rev. Kris Butler will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery where she will be laid to rest beside her loving husband. The family will receive friends at Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Yahoola Baptist Church. Those donations may be sent to 12 Jarrard Drive, Dahlonega, Georgia, 30533.