Mary Wise (Lavender) Elder

Athens - Mary Wise Elder (Lavender), died at Athens Heritage Home on Wednesday morning January 11, 2006 after a lengthy illness. She was born in Oconee County, January 27, 1926, and lived most of her life in the Antioch community. She was the daughter of the late Elmer Wise Jennings and Magdalene Fambrough Jennings. She was preceded in death by a husband, Carl L. Lavender and a brother, James Thomas Jennings.
She retired from Belk Department Store where she worked for more than 20 years in retail sales as a department manager, buyer, and sales consultant. She was a member of Antioch Christian Church, Central Home Demonstration Club, and the Oconee County Pilot Club.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Sammy (Gwen Elder) Hansford and Mr. and Mrs. David (Martha Elder) Williams of Watkinsville, and two sisters, Mrs. Sara J. Downs of Watkinsville and Mrs. Ann Johnson, of Greenville, SC. She is also survived by four grandchildren Mr. and Mrs. Will (Holly Hansford) Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Hansford, Erin Williams and Tiffany Williams of Watkinsville, three great-grandchildren Haiden Zimmerman, Makayla Jackson and Hollis Jackson, a sister-in-law, Mrs. Annette Jennings, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, 2006 at 11 a.m. at Antioch Christian Church with the Reverend Steve Bryant and Reverend Ken Jennings officiating. The family will receive visitors Friday, January 13, 2006 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Lord & Stephens WEST. The family will be at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. David Williams.
Lord & Stephens Funeral Home WEST is in charge of arrangements.