Ernestine “Teene” Sullens Smith, age 78, of Lula, passed away on Friday, January 26, 2024.
Born on January 3, 1946, in Alto, she was a daughter of the late James Cecil “Pete” Sullens and Beatrice Thomas Sullens. Mrs. Smith was a lifelong member of Enon Baptist Church. She was also a retired bus driver with Gainesville City Schools, where she drove the Special Education bus, treating the kids as if they were her own. Additionally, she was a bookkeeper for the family business for a number of years. In her spare time, Mrs. Smith volunteered for the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, and Reach to Recovery. She loved her family dearly and lived by a “Family First” motto. However, she was truly a friend to all who knew her. Gardening, flowers, traveling, and cooking were just some of the hobbies that she enjoyed in life.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Lester Marvin “Red” Smith; brother, Ronald Sullens; sister, Cathy Sullens Colbert; special aunt, Lucy Wiley Waldon; nephew, Timothy Colbert.
Survivors include daughter and son-in-law Cindy Smith Fowler (Dale) of Cleveland; granddaughter Lauren Chambers of Cleveland; brothers and sisters-in-law Raymond Sullens of Cleveland, Wendell Sullens (Vicki), and Mike Sullens (Vicky) all of Alto; brothers-in-law, Rev. Ralph Smith (Ruby), Chillos Smith (Glenice), Clarence Smith (Jeanette), and Horace Smith (Debbie); sister-in-law, Virginia Banks; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services are at 2 pm on Monday, January 29, 2024, at Enon Baptist Church, with Rev. Jeffrey S. Worley and Rev. Scott Ledbetter officiating.
Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at the funeral home.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
