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ILLMA ABERNATHY


 

Illma Abernathy, 94, of Murphy died Wednesday (November 14, 2007) in a Murphy care facility. A native and lifetime resident of Cherokee County, she was the daughter of the late Jasper and Samantha Hampton Dyer and the wife of the late Forest Linford Abernathy, Sr., who died September 6, 2000. She was a homemaker and a member of the Marble Springs Baptist Church.
 
She was also preceded in death by a son, Dr. Forrest L. Abernathy, Jr., who died May 18, 2007.
 
Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Ginger Deweese Abernathy of Murphy;  a granddaughter, April A. Harper and husband, William H. Harper, III of Murphy;  a grandson, Wynn A. Abernathy of Cleveland, GA; three great grandchildren, Emma Abernathy, Matthew Harper, and Isabella Harper;  a sister, Jean Burch of Rabun Gap, GA;  a sister-in-law, Pat Dyer of Murphy;  and several nieces and nephews.
 
Her life will be celebrated at 2:00 PM Sunday (Nov. 18) in the Marble Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Fred Lunsford officiating. Interment in the Moss Cemetery.  Pallbearers:  Cal Stiles, Billy Edwards, Danny Burch, George Henry Burch, David Quinn, and Bill Watson.
 
The family will receive friends from 1:00-1:45 Sunday afternoon at the Marble Springs Baptist Church prior to the services.
 
Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of all arrangements.

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