Lorna M. Venker

Lorna M. Venker, age 82, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2007. She was born in St Louis, Missouri and subsequently moved to Avondale Estates, Georgia, with her late husband Ralph Venker in 1964 where she raised her two sons. She had a long career with the Ethan Allen Carriage House in Avondale Estates where she was a leading interior designer for over twenty years. As a self-educated person, she became an expert on antique furniture and porcelain. She loved her clients and delighted in helping them create a beautiful place to live and work. University of Georgia design students interned with her. Many became her friend. She was a magnificent wife, mother and grandmother. She was also a wonderful friend and mentor to many. She loved people in all shapes, colors and sizes. She was never shy about speaking her mind and always had something meaningful to say. She was extremely energetic, intelligent and always younger than her years. She loved to learn. She had several sayings that are worthy of memory for living a good life: "I never liked women in bunches", "People who think they are inferior usually are", "Them that works eats", and "Parents are the biggest bunch of amateurs in the world with the most important task they will ever have." A tough task was often described as being "like pulling your hair, it will feel good when you stop". She believed in the power of positive thinking, hard work and felt good manners should not be reserved just for strangers. She loved the East Lake Golf Club and the staff that were so nice to her for so many years after her husband passed away. She is survived by her sons, Tom and his wife Jennifer Venker, Jim and his wife Mary Venker. She is also survived by her grandsons, Sam, Alex and Elliott; and her granddaughter, Laura Rea, the wife of Brent Rea. She asked that her epitaph read "To Be Continued".  The family will receive friends on Monday. September 24, 2007 at A. S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home, 2773 North Decatur Road, Decatur, Georgia 30033 (404) 292-1551 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The funeral service will also be held there at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 25. 2007. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the East Lake Foundation. 2606 Aiston Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, 30317. A. S. Turner & Sons