Idilene Janie Pirkle

Idilene Janie Pirkle, 87, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024 following a period of declining health.

Born March 16, 1937 in Forsyth County to the late Judge and Effie Bennett, she lived most of her life in Dawson County.  She was the former bookkeeper for Lanier Vending, Dawsonville Pool Room, she ran the Corner Café and worked at Sweet Orr.  Idilene loved being a Grandma and Great Grandma the most.  Her other loves were reading, crocheting, going to church and loving on every person that walked through the door.  Her family believes she gave the best hugs in the county.  Her banana pudding was the most sought after holiday dessert.  A member of Liberty Baptist Church, she was also preceded in death by her sisters, Tensie Mills, Voncile Ledford, Edith Smith; brother, Bud Bennett; sister in law and brother in law, Frances and Wesley Spier.

Surviving are her husband of 63 years, Gordon Pirkle, Dawsonville; children, Lawton and Karen Reece, Frankie and Peggy Reece, Hayley and Mike Garrett, Gordon Pirkle, Jr., all of Dawsonville; grandchildren, Sandy and Jerry Dempsey, Michael and Callie Garrett, Karla and Mark Thomason, Kellie and John Keeney, Jordan and Kelley Reece, April Reece, Justin Jenkins, Keisha and David Frady, Kimberly Pirkle, Justin and Danielle Abernathy, Ashley and Dillon Holtzclaw, Glen and Sarah Pirkle; 20 great grandchildren; brother and sister in law, Rev. L. C. and Betty Bennett; brother in law and sister in law, Chillos and Gleniece Smith; a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 2 o’clock at Liberty Baptist Church.  Rev. Jason Hamby, Rev. Dennis Bottoms and Rev. Ruel Martin will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Monday from 4 until 8 at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.