Nona Washinger

Wynona “Nona” Bloodworth Washinger, born August 19, 1940 in Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully with family at her side on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Nona was raised in Atlanta, Georgia by her parents (the late Omer and Devonia Bloodworth) alongside her younger sister (LaVue Sanders of Forsyth, Georgia). Nona began working for Southern Bell as a telephone operator at the age of 16 before graduating from Bass High School in 1957. She met her spouse of almost 57 years, the late Allan Terry Washinger, in July of 1960, marrying in September of the same year. Nona worked for the Southern Bell/Bell South Companies her entire career, receiving several promotions and ending her career in Macon, Georgia with 30 years of faithful service. Retired but not stagnant, Nona served on Forsyth City Council and taught herself to paint after the age of 50. She sold her artwork in shops on St. Simons Island where she and Terry resided for 10 years following the onset of “empty nest.” Nona and Terry spent their last years living closer to family in Watkinsville, Georgia. Nona was quick to brag about her family.  Even when dementia claimed much of her memory, her offspring were never forgotten as she lit up when they entered a room. Nona was quick to say “things happen for a reason” and viewed life with optimism. She will be remembered by her loved ones as strong, intelligent, and capable, a woman who taught her children her unwavering faith and work ethic.

Survivors include her son, Toby Washinger (Taryn) of Vidalia, GA and daughter, Amy Arnold (Merritt) of Watkinsville, GA. She was known as “Nana” to Toby’s children: Anna (Ben) and Avery, and as “Nanny” to Amy’s children: Morgan, Cameron and Sadie. She treasured both of those names and was especially excited with the arrival of her great-grandchildren: Samuel, Emmaline, and Shepherd. Nona also leaves her four nephews, Clete (Angela), Clint (Ronda), Chad (Veronica), and Vern (Joy) as well as their children.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the BackPack Buddies program of Hubbard Elementary School (6908, 558 GA-83, Forsyth, GA 31029) inspired by her great niece, Madeline Monroe Sanders, whom she joined in heaven; or to further His kingdom through Nona’s most recent church affiliation: Briarwood Baptist Church-Vision 2025 Offering (1900 Robinhood Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677).

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, December 3 at Monroe Memorial Gardens in Forsyth, Georgia, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Gil McGinnis officiating.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com