Lena Earley

Mrs. Lena Abernathy Earley, age 86, of Blue Ridge, passed away December 24, 2021, at her home.

She was a native of Fannin County born to the late Luther H. and Elizabeth Hamlin Abernathy. She was the owner of Sugar Creek Equestrian Farms for many years. Lena was not only a civic but a public servant to Fannin County. Throughout the years, she worked with the census, Fannin County Courthouse and was an active member of the Democratic Party, both at the local and state level.

She was a compassionate person, often devoting her time to feeding and helping those in need in her community. Lena was a member of First Baptist Church, of Epworth, and the Morganton Chapter No. 394 Order of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George Melvin Earley Sr.; daughter, Manina Earley Collins; son, George Melvin Earley Jr.; and her siblings, Robert Abernathy, Frank George Abernathy, L.H. Abernathy, Lina Stepp, Sally Myatt, Nellie Stillwell, Charles Abernathy and Carl Edd Abernathy

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Mark Andrew Earley and Sherry Lynn Patterson, of Ellijay, Georgia; grandchildren, Cameron Burton, Anthony Baldridge, Patrick Earley, Lindsey Baldridge, Jody Earley, Quinton and Casey Earley and Lucas Earley; great-grandchildren, Kayla Earley, Adara Earley and Cole Earley; brother, Harry W. Abernathy, of Blue Ridge; Sue Akridge of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Elizabeth A. Simonds, of Blue Ridge; son-in-law, Leon Collins, of Blue Ridge; and daughter-in-law, Renee Walden Payne, of Blue Ridge.

Funeral services were conducted Thursday, December 30, 2021, at 1 p.m. from the First Baptist Church, of Epworth, with Dr. Tom Jordan officiating. Music was provided by Rev. Doug Simonds.

Interment followed in the church cemetery with the following gentlemen serving as pallbearers: Charles Hill, Lamar Simonds, Dave Champagne, William McClure, Frank Collins and Tony Baldridge.

Memorial contributions may be made to local chapters of Disabled American Veterans or to Morganton Chapter No.394 O.E.S. at P.O. Box 176 Morganton, GA 30560 if desired.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinsfuneralhome.com.

Akins Funeral Home, of Blue Ridge, was in charge of the arrangements.