Oneta Paul Nation

Ruth Oneta Paul Nation, age 93 of Crawford, Ga. turned the final page in the chapter of her earthly life and began the glorious eternal chapter of life with her Lord and Savior as she passed away peacefully in her home on November 26, 2024.

A native of Oglethorpe County, Oneta was born on October 9, 1931 to the late Deward Anthony Paul and Irene Dillard Paul. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Franklin Nation; two brothers, William L. Paul Sr. and James M. Paul Sr.; her sister Jeanette P. Berryman; her grandson Glen Russell Gabriel; and her son-in-law, Miller Alton Tucker.

Oneta is survived by four daughters, Barbara Ann Nation Tucker (Alton), Gloria Janice Nation Gabriel (Gerry), Karen Dianne Nation Westbrook (Winston), and Paula Lynn Nation Wagnon (Keith); seven grandchildren, Melinda Lindmier (Dan), Ginger Baker (Stacy), Tonya Dangerfield (Jason), Crystal Daniel (Billy), Rachael Wagnon Priest, Nathan Wagnon (Crystal), and Michael Westbrook (De De); twenty-two great-grandchildren, and seven great-great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by one sister, Virginia Dare Paul Smith, and a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Oneta was a life long member of Clouds Creek Baptist Church where in her younger years she served as children's Sunday School teacher and VBS teacher, as well as serving on various programs and committees of the church throughout the years.

 She was a 1948 graduate of Oglethorpe County High School and at the age of 16 married the love of her life, Franklin Nation. The couple were married exactly 65 years when he passed away one hour before midnight on their 65th anniversary.

Oneta was a wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker first and foremost. She spent her life serving, loving, and helping her family and friends. An expert seamstress, Oneta could sew anything, with or without a pattern. Through the years she sewed many clothes for family and friends, including several prom dresses and a few wedding dresses. 

She was a very talented craftswoman as well, creating items in crochet, embroidery, and various other needleworks. After her children were all married she worked part time at the local flower shop for several years, always keeping her home and family as her first priority. She enjoyed gardening and yard work, with harvesting, canning, and freezing fruits and vegetables being a favorite pastime.

Oneta was always by her husband's side to help with his endeavors and adventures. Whether it was helping to build their home, farm, and pasture fences; helping to skin and process the many deer, fish, and other game that Frank brought home; taking care of him in times of sickness or trouble; or raising their family together, she was his trusted partner and companion.

She was, and still is loved by many, and will be greatly missed by all who truly knew her.

The family will receive visitors at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home East Chapel on Saturday November 30, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Sunday December 1, 2024 at the funeral home chapel with Reverend John Parker officiating. Entombment will follow at Athens Memory Gardens.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers.

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