Mrs. Geneva Ralston Cantrell, “Big Mama” to all who knew her and loved her, departed this life Nov. 30, 2017 at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Jasper after a brief illness, she was 96.

She was born in Gilmer County on January 16, 1921 to the late Josie Bearden and Covell Ralston. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 ½ years Clinton R. Cantrell, daughter; Sybil Ellis Rogers and sons –in-law Gene Ellis, and Harold Rogers. Brothers and sister-in-law’s; James and Rose Ralston, David and Martha Ralston, and Parks Ralston. Sisters and brothers-in-law; Audrey Johnson, Irene and Kenneth Nicholson, Frank Prichett, Lorene and Jim Weeks.

She is survived by devoted sons and daughters-in-law: Clark and Shirley H. Cantrell, Ellijay, Randy and Beth Cantrell, of FL and Eddie Cantrell, Ellijay. 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 10  great-great grandchildren, sisters Joycene Prichett, Douglasville, Betty Jean James, Chatsworth several nieces and nephews.

She worked at Apple Valley Center for many years and is still remembered, with fondness, by the many clients she worked with. She was an avid quilter, making many quilts for her family and friends. She won Blue and Red ribbons for her quilts at the county fair. She was a woman of many talents, a great seamstress, gardener, and homemaker. She was a member of the River Hill Baptist Church for over 74 yrs. No one loved her church and church family more. In 2016 she was voted Queen of Gilmer County Nursing Home and represented them in the State contest.

Funeral services were held Sunday December 3, 2017 at 1:00pm from the River Hill Baptist Church with Rev/ Billy Cantrell, Rev. Daniel Hyatt and Rev. Russell Hood officiating. Music was by Shirley Suddeth, Leta Hood, Ronald and Linda Hyde and Angie Ringwalt. Pallbearers were; deacons of River Hill Baptist Church, Euel Southern, Phillip Davenport, William Stover Jody Crump, Mark Autry, Lewis Cantrell, Robert Garrett and Roy Stover.  Interment was in the church cemetery.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.