Contact Information
105 Lower Harmony Road
Eatonton, GA 31024
Phone: 706-485-4144
Map & Driving Directions
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Lura Patricia “Patti” Ballew was born on November 23, 1939 in Fannin County, Georgia to Fred
and Minnis Couch. She is preceded in death by her sister JoAnn Davis and brother Jimmy Couch.
She is survived by the love of her life, her husband of 64 years, Lake Frank “Benny” Ballew,
identical twin sister, Margaret Ponedia “Penny” Welch, and daughters, Kim Sharee Smartt, Tracy
Dawn Whitehead (Brad), and Tricia Ann Sumpter (Andy). Patti’s six grandchildren were
extremely special in her heart, Sydney Barnes (Morgan), Logan Spindle (Lauren), Tristan
Sumpter (Becca), Nicole Smartt, Trinity Sumpter, and Colton Sumpter.
Patti grew up in Ducktown, Tennessee. Upon graduating from Copper Basin High School, Patti
and Penny moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where she met Benny shortly afterwards. They married in
1960 and bought their first home in Clarkston, a home they resided in for 43 years. Patti worked
for Puritan Chemical Company, and later the IRS. Her favorite place of employment was at
McLendon Elementary School, the same school where her three daughters attended. She was
an active volunteer before she accepted a full-time position as a Media Center Clerk. She retired
from the school system after 19 years.
Her later years were spent at Lake Oconee where Patti and Benny built their second home. She
loved fishing off the dock and was quite good at it. They have made countless memories with
dear friends. On any given day, Patti could be found at Bunko, Couple’s Cards, or exercising with
her friends. They often traveled with family and friends to Biloxi where you could find Patti
having fun at the Blackjack table or on the slot machines. Patti and Benny made their church
home at Crossroads Baptist. A celebration of life will be held at Crossroads Baptist Church on
Saturday, December 21, 2024. The visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, followed by the service at 11:00, 106 S Wesley Chapel Road, Eatonton, GA. In Lieu of flowers the family has requested donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital in her memory.
To plant a tree in memory of Lura "Patti" Patricia Ballew, visit the Tribute Store.
21
Dec
Sparta Highway
Eatonton, ga 31024
SERVICE WILL FOLLOW AT 11 AM
Vining Ivy Hill Chapel
105 Lower Harmony Road | Eatonton, Georgia 31024 | Phone: 706-485-4144
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