Thelma Tow

Thelma Faye Tate Tow, age 93, of Dahlonega, GA died Saturday, January 3, 2015 following a period of declining health.

Thelma spent most of her life in Lumpkin County and retired from Gold City Convalescent Center. She was a faithful and active member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, and spent many years ministering to the elderly in a variety of ways. She was known as the "banana lady" to the residents at Gold City.

The daughter of the late Hub and Stella Wimpy Tate, Mrs. Tow was also preceded in death by her husband, John Harton Tow; stepchildren, Juanita Gooch and J.W. Tow; grandchildren, Tony Pruitt and Joan Wilkins Beall; and brothers, F.W., Carlton, Clinton, and Ray Tate.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Alton Jarrard; son, Larry Tow; daughter and son-in-law, Stella and Melvin Head, all of Dahlonega, GA; stepdaughter, Alma Pruitt, Suches, GA; sister, Edith Higgins, Dahlonega, GA; grandchildren, Debbie and Jim Kelley, Danny and Kim Jarrard, John and Amy Jarrard, Jennifer and Jamie Moss, Roxie and Chris Lewis, Lara and Brandon Kern, Amy Blackstone, Ali Martin, Donna and Frankie Baker, Diane and Dorsey Brooks, Sharon and Frank Hickox, Steve and Marianne Pruitt, and Mark and Terri Pruitt. 31 great grandchildren, 15 great great grandchildren, and a number of other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Thelma are scheduled for 2 PM Monday, January 5, 2015, at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lumpkin County.

Interment will follow in the Bethlehem/ Jones Chapel Cemetery.

Rev. Michael Rogers, Rev. Gerald Edmondson, and Rev. Danny Jarrard will officiate.

Thelma will lie in state at the church from 1 PM until 2 PM on Monday.

The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega from 3 PM until 9 PM Sunday, January 4, 2015, and from 9 AM until service time on Monday, January 5, 2015.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Bethlehem Baptist Church cemetery fund.

Online condolences can be made at www.banisterfuneralhome.net

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of arrangements.