Essie Mae Purcell Foster

Essie Mae Purcell Foster, age 99, of Cornelia, died peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2013, at her residence.



She was born November 11, 1913, in Banks County to late John and Minnie (Watkins) Purcell. She was married to Haskal Calloway Foster (deceased) for 66 years. She was a lifelong member of Level Grove Baptist Church.



Also, preceding her in death are brothers and sister, Claude Purcell, Walter Purcell, Clarence Purcell, Clay Purcell, and Elizabeth Brown.



Surviving are son, John (Bobbie) Foster of Cornelia and daughter Betty Jane (Leon) Gage of Cornelia; grandchildren, John Clayton (Kim) Foster, Flowery Branch, David (Leslie) Foster, Cornelia, Pamela Fain, Cornelia, Susan (Ed) Gilliland, Hiawassee, Robin (Dennis) Pruitt, Chesnee, SC, Ann Palermo, Baton Rouge, LA, Leslie (David) Haynie, Jonesboro, Laura (Ryan) Carlton, Dallas, GA, Bobby (Bonnie) Foster, California, and Jamie Anderson, California; great-grandchildren, John Clayton Foster III, Ella Foster, Katie Foster, Taylor Hyde, Mackenzie Key, Paul Barnes, Joshua Gilliland, Caleb Gilliland, Gabe Gilliland, Emma Gilliland, Clay Pruitt, Tyler Pruitt, Bobby Foster, Katie Foster, Libby Anderson, and Mia Anderson; numerous nieces and nephews; and sister, Mozelle Dover, Michigan.



She loved to garden, grow flowers, rock on her porch, and can fresh vegetables. Family and guest that visited never went hungry. She was a dedicated homemaker who worked diligently beside her husband on their farm for many years. She took pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and their accomplishments. A true legacy is left by this matriarch.



Funeral services are scheduled for 4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia with Rev. Billy Burrell and Mr. John C. Foster officiating. Interment will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens.



The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at the funeral home.



In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International, Habersham South Gideons, P.O. Box 195, Baldwin, Georgia 30511 or to Level Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 416, Cornelia, Georgia 30531.



Those wishing to express online condolences to the Foster family may do so by visiting www.whitfieldfuneralhomes.com.



Arrangements are in the care of Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel, Demorest, Georgia.