Nadine I Ham, 88, of Gainesville, Georgia passed away Monday, April 20, 2015, after a brief illness.
Nadine was born March 17, 1927 in Maysville, Georgia and was preceded in death by her mother and father Allen (Al) and Codie Irvin. Nadine was one of ten children all of whom were raised and lived in the North Georgia area and preceded her in death. She attended Maysville High School where she graduated and went on to attend Berry Business College. Nadine married the late Mark M. Ham III in 1951 and they were happily married for 50 years until Mark’s passing in 2002. Nadine had several interests in her life but her greatest love, outside of family, was as the owner of a local nursery “Nature’s Way” and in later years as an independent landscape consultant. She and Mark’s work can be seen throughout the Gainesville area in many beautiful gardens and landscapes. Most notable were their efforts at Wessel Park where, while still of good health, they planted and maintained a large flower garden. She took great joy in visiting friends and bringing flowers from her yard to brighten their day.
Nadine is a long time member of First Baptist Church and was thankful for Dr. Coates’ sermons and many visits. After Mark’s death, Nadine was blessed to have lived in an addition added to her daughter and son-in-law’s (Faith and Richard “Dicky” Huff) Gainesville home that allowed her to remain close to her family for these last thirteen years.
Nadine “Nana” is survived by her two children, Faith and Mark IV both currently living in Gainesville, Ga. Faith married Richard Huff also of Gainesville and Mark married Eugenia Langford of Athens. Faith and Dicky have three children Michele, Shannan and Richard. Michele is married to John Reiboldt and they have three children, Hudson, Porter and Nadine all living in Roswell. Shannan is married to Shep Caldwell and lives in Beaufort, SC. and Richard lives in Boone, NC. Mark IV and Eugenia have two children Jennifer and Mark V. Jenny is married to Scott Givens and they have two children Maddie and James and live in Suwanee. Mark V is married to Lesley Vo and they have two children Eli and Mary Katherine and reside in Gainesville. Nana’s great delight was her grandchildren and great grandchildren who filled many hours with joy. Nadine and Mark III had many loving brothers, sisters, and their spouses as well as numerous nephews and nieces who have remained a part of their lives over these many years. Before her passing Nana said that “she has had a beautiful and wonderful life but will miss her many friends and family dearly”. She will certainly be missed by us.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2015 in the chapel of First Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Bill Coates will officiate. Interment will be in Alta Vista Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Little & Davenport Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to The First Baptist Church Ministry of Caring, 751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501 in memory of Nadine.
Those wishing to leave online condolences may do so at www.littledavenport.com
Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Hwy, Gainesville, Ga. is in charge of arrangements. 770-534-5201