Dell Johnson Dove, 77, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at Irwin County Hospital in Ocilla.
Funeral services will be held, 2 PM, Saturday, July 18, 2015, at the Ocilla Baptist Church, Ocilla, Georgia, with the Rev. Robert Couey, the Rev. Gerald Thomas and the Rev. Blane Jacobs officiating. Interment will follow in the Irwinville Cemetery in Irwinville, Georgia. The family will receive friends from 1 PM until 2 PM, in the sanctuary of the church.
Ms. Dell was born July 12, 1938, in Dooly County, Georgia. She grew up at the Georgia Baptist Children’s Home and later attended Truett McConnell College, where she met the love of her life, Herman Lamar Dove. Ms. Dell retired with 48 years of service as the secretary of the Ocilla Baptist Church, where she helped oversee church operations and played an instrumental role in establishing the Ocilla Baptist Preschool. She was currently working for the Dove Law Firm in Ocilla. She enjoyed the yearly reunions at the Children’s Home and was passionate about fundraising to provide for any needs of the children living in the homes. Additionally, she enjoyed playing cards with her friends and spending time with her family. Ms. Dell loved supporting and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; likewise, they enjoyed spending as much time as they could with Granny Dell. She was an active member of Ocilla Baptist Church.
She is survived by her son: Anthony & Marilyn Dove of Ocilla; three grandchildren: Dennis & Emily Dove of Statesboro, Andrew & Katie Dove of Tifton and Abby & Garrett Griffin of Ocilla; eight great-grandchildren: Riley Dove, Grayson Dove, Mary Frances Dove, Claire Dove, John Michael Dove, Rhett Griffin, Cole Griffin, Bo Griffin; and two sisters: Johnnie & J.L. Moxley of Lizella and Sarah & Tommy Phillips of Ocilla. Several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband: Herman Lamar Dove and a sister: Mamie Martin.
The family suggests those desiring to send memorials may send them to Georgia Baptist Children’s Home, 9420 Blackshear Highway, Baxley, GA 31513.