Laura Jean Denard

Laura Jean Denard, 91, of Dawsonville passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 following a period of declining health.

Born June 4, 1933 to the late Alvin and Thena Elliott, she was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.  Mrs. Denard was a graduate of Dawson County High School and North Georgia College where she earned a degree in Public Education.  She taught first and second grades in the Dawson County School System until her retirement following 30 years of service.  Laura Jean was a member of Bethel Methodist Church where she gave her life to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when she was 10 years old.  She attended Lumpkin Campmeeting for 91 years.  While teaching school, she and her husband were also poultry and cattle farmers.  They also had big gardens and canned vegetables and meat for the winter.  She enjoyed taking care of her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Also preceding her in death were a son, Cary Denard, and sister, Thelma Byrd.

Surviving are her husband of 70 years, Clarence Denard, Dawsonville; children, Sherry and Reggie VanHoozer, Roswell, Renee and Steve Wright, Dawsonville, Stanley and Angie Denard, Dawsonville; daughter in law, Michele Denard, Knoxville, TN; grandchildren, Tara and Tim Hamby, Colby and Amber Denard, Justin Denard and Jennifer Howard, Jessica Matthews, Matthew and Shelby Oravetz, Heather Crain, Stephen Howard; great grandchildren, Karley Hamby, Karson Hamby, Landyn Harris, Noah Oravetz; and her special caregiver, Michelle Gilreath.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 at 2 o’clock at Bethel Methodist Church.  Rev. Eddie Herring, Dr. David Sanders, and Dr. Orin Sampson will officiate.  Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 4 until 8 and Friday from 11 until 1 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bethel methodist Church Youth Group, c/o Bethel Methodist Church, 100 Lumpkin Campground Road South, Dawsonville, GA 30534.

Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.