Frances Margaret Roberts Minnix

Frances Margaret Roberts Minnix died of cancer at Emory Hospital, October 1, 2004. “Mamie” as she was called, was a powerful and generous spirit—a combination of television personality “Maude”, Mother Teresa, and the Queen Mum.  (She loved to tell stories, hold court, and do good.)  She talked with God (the Lawd) every day, was a great southern cook, could get up money and food in a matter of hours for people facing tragedy, could laugh with the best, made sure her grandsons always had a little gas money, and liked an occasional Margarita.  Mamie was born in Meriwether County in 1921.  One of nine, she was a child of the Great Depression and post-World War II opportunity.  She learned to share with others and make the most of tough circumstances.  She was married to the late William L. Minnix for 58 years.  Mamie loved her family and friends.  She is survived by her son, Larry Minnix; her daughter-in-law Kathleen; and two grandsons, John and David, of whom she was obnoxiously proud!  Mamie is also survived by four generations of family, including baby sister, Virginia Pinyan of Gainesville, GA.  Mamie was especially blessed by Rachel, Susie and Ashley in recent months.  She had more friends than law permits.  Among them are Doris Braddy and Peggy and Charles Harman, who saw to it that she made her numerous doctor appointments and trips to the mall.  Mamie grew up Baptist but became United Methodist.  She helped start Belvedere United Methodist Church, and subsequently joined Decatur First.  She was among the first volunteers of Wesley Woods, working with Alzheimer’s residents at Budd Terrace.  She also read stories to the visually impaired at Wesley Woods Towers, where she lived happily for the last four years.  Frances Minnix was a long time employee of DeKalb County, where she worked in the tax and tag departments.  Mamie fought cancer her own way.  Emory and Wesley Woods served her well over the years.  The care given by the good folks involved was especially inspiring as she faced the hopes, and disappointments that cancer inevitably causes.  Her philosophy was “I want until I die”.  I want quality of life as long as possible. God and I have worked things out.  Now, let’s talk about something else.  And talk she would! Mamie left no empty covered dish on the family reunion banquet table of life.  Her funeral will be at the Greenville Georgia Baptist Church 1706 Church St., Greenville, GA on Tuesday, October 5, at 11:00 a.m. with interment at the Greenville Cemetery followed by lunch in the church fellowship hall.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at A. S. Turner & Sons Monday evening, October 4th.  Come laugh, cry a little and wear something bright.  Mamie asked that contributions in lieu of flowers be sent to the Chaplaincy Fund at Wesley Woods, 1817 Clifton Rd., N.E. Atlanta, GA  30329, or the Greenville Baptist Church.  A. S. Turner & Sons