India Inez Dyer Lumsden, 92, died March 1,2018. Mrs. Lumsden was born August 25, 1925 in the Choestoe Community of Union County, Ga to Herschel A. Dyer and Lillie Collins Dyer.
She moved with her family to Cornelia Ga at an early age. She graduated from Cornelia High School in 1942, and earned a degree in nursing from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1947. Later she graduated cum laude from Brenau College earning a B.S. in social work. She began her nursing career at a doctor’s office in Atlanta. In 1947 she married her husband, of 66 years, Dr. Thomas N. Lumsden. She spent two years in Germany as a military wife while her husband served in the U. S. Army Medical Corps. They enjoyed their time in Europe and have prints from Regensburg in their home today.
In 1953 the Lumsdens (now a family of four) moved to Helen Ga. India provided unending support to her husband as he set up his medical practice. In 1955 the family (now five, and soon to be six) moved to Clarkesville Ga. India quickly became an active participant in her new community. She was the consummate chauffeur and cheerleader for her four children. During her 38 years in Clarkesville she was involved in numerous local organizations including elementary school room mother, PTA officer, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, North Habersham Band Booster, Habersham Arts Council, Habersham County Caring & Sharing, Soque Garden Club, Soque Squares (square dancing group), Daughters of the American Revolution and Habersham County Medical Auxiliary. In addition to community activities, India was deeply involved in the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville. She volunteered in many capacities and served on many church committees. She served as church treasurer, was the first elected female deacon at First Presbyterian Church, as well as church elder. For her many years of service to her church, she was recognized by her church family as an Elder Emeritus in May 2017. India enjoyed working for many years as a part time sales person at The Book Cellar in Clarkesville. She enjoyed her patrons and being surrounded by many books. Her hobbies included reading, gardening, traveling extensively with her husband, and hiking. She and Dr. Tom hiked to the top of Mt. Katahdin in Maine on her 55th birthday. After moving to Nacoochee Valley in 1992, she continued to participate in various community organizations among them Sautee Nacoochee Community Association Chorale, White County Historical Society and Friends of White County Library. In addition, India was a member of the planning committee for the 2011 Georgia Literary Festival called Valley Voices. She was a loyal volunteer for the annual White County Fire Station 3 Pig-Out.
One of her greatest joys was spending time with her six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She claimed the title of professional grandmother. Mrs. Lumsden was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Tom Lumsden, her parents, her siblings Otis C. Dyer, and Valera D, Rish, and her son Thomas Newton Lumsden Jr.
She is survived by her brother H.A. Dyer, Jr. (Bud), children India (Bunny) Winter (Steve), Mary Geidel (Chris), John Lumsden (Kay); grandchildren – Clint Winter (Allyson), Sarah Summers (Matt), Ben Geidel (Danielle), Lisa Schuchman (Russ), Jesse Lumsden, and Avery Lumsden; great grandchildren – Ty and Ruby Winter, Holden and Willa Geidel, and Wes and Liz Summers and numerous cousins.
Memorial services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville on Saturday March 10 at 11AM. Visitation will be Friday, March 9, at Barrett Funeral Home in Cleveland GA from 5-7PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 354, Clarkesville, Georgia 30523 or Regency Hospice, 236 S. Main Street, P.O. Box 494, Hiawassee, Georgia 30546.
