Opal Southern

Mrs. Opal Southern, age 77, of Dahlonega, GA died Thursday December 29, 2011 at Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega, GA.

Mrs. Southern was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County. She was a homemaker and was a member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lumpkin County for most of her life. She was an avid quilter and loved flowers and her vegetable garden.

Opal was the daughter of the late Ed and Lela Chester Waters and was also preceded in death by brothers, Carlton Waters and Clayton Waters.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Harold Southern, Dahlonega, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Tommy Hunsinger, Dahlonega, GA; sons, Keith Southern and Brian Southern, both of Dahlonega, GA; granddaughter and husband, Amber and Jarred Ricketts; great-granddaughter, Sophia Belle Ricketts; sisters, Myral Frasure and Susie Kinnard, both of Dahlonega, GA; brothers, Ralph Waters, Gainesville, GA, Joe Waters, Kenneth Waters, and Wade Waters, all of Dahlonega, GA. A number of other relatives also survive.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM Sunday January 1, 2012 at the Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church in Lumpkin County.

Rev. Lyman Caldwell will officiate.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega on Friday January 30, 2011 from 5 PM until 9 PM, all day on Saturday, and again on Sunday until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the American Cancer Society or to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Susie Kinnard, 86 Fletcher Drive, Dahlonega, GA 30533.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.