Sarah Jeanette Lumpkins
February 2, 1931 — June 21, 2020
Sarah Jeanette Lumpkins, 89, died peacefully Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Columbus Hospice after a brief illness.
Jeanette was born on February 2, 1931, in Dothan, Alabama to Virgil Lee Whatley and Sinnie Francis Laney Whatley. As a young bride she moved to Columbus, Georgia, with her first husband, James M. Spence. She lived in Americus, Georgia as well as Jonesboro, Georgia before finally moving back to Columbus. Jeanette worked as a bookkeeper for the Rothschild Company for many years as well as other businesses before her retirement. She was a very active member of the Muscogee ABWA for many years. After her retirement, she was an American Red Cross Emergency Services Specialist for the West Central Georgia Chapter providing help, hope, and comfort for countless families in our community. Her valuable service extended nationally with 911 and many hurricane disasters.
Jeanette enjoyed her continued volunteer work at the Springer Theater and River Center for several years. Being a member of the Azalea Garden Club for over 25 years, president 2005-2007, gave her much joy and lasting friendships. Jeanette enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, and dancing every chance she could. Her crafts and painting were exceptional. There were many lifelong friends with the Red Hat Peaches as well as the "Hula Girls" who performed at many senior living facilities in Columbus. Jeanette was a long time member of Living Grace UMC (formally Edgewood Methodist Church). She is predeceased by her husband, Roy G. Lumpkins; her parents; her brother, Horace Whatley and sisters, Eula Armstrong, Mary Francis Kirkland, and Elaine Williams.
She is survived by her daughter Debbie Rhodes (Gerry) of Columbus, Georgia, three grandsons, Rob Gnann (Robin), Jake Rhodes, all of Columbus, Georgia, and Joe Rhodes(Alex) of Palo Alto, California; great grandchildren: Wyatt Gnann, Gracie Gnann, Caroline Gnann and many nieces and nephews who fondly referred to her as " Mama Jenny "; special niece Kathy W. Holer and devoted friend and ballroom dance partner, Clarence Greer. Jeanette loved her family and we loved her.
The family is grateful to Shirley Dewhart who cared for her the last four years. She was a true Southern lady who will be deeply missed by her family and friends and by all who loved her.
To respect the wishes of her family, there will be no services or gatherings at this time due to the current Covid-19 crisis and with a desire to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
Those wishing to make a donation in her memory can do so to Living Grace UMC, 3936 Edgewood Circle, Columbus, Georgia 31907 or Columbus Hospice.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.
Jeanette was born on February 2, 1931, in Dothan, Alabama to Virgil Lee Whatley and Sinnie Francis Laney Whatley. As a young bride she moved to Columbus, Georgia, with her first husband, James M. Spence. She lived in Americus, Georgia as well as Jonesboro, Georgia before finally moving back to Columbus. Jeanette worked as a bookkeeper for the Rothschild Company for many years as well as other businesses before her retirement. She was a very active member of the Muscogee ABWA for many years. After her retirement, she was an American Red Cross Emergency Services Specialist for the West Central Georgia Chapter providing help, hope, and comfort for countless families in our community. Her valuable service extended nationally with 911 and many hurricane disasters.
Jeanette enjoyed her continued volunteer work at the Springer Theater and River Center for several years. Being a member of the Azalea Garden Club for over 25 years, president 2005-2007, gave her much joy and lasting friendships. Jeanette enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family, and dancing every chance she could. Her crafts and painting were exceptional. There were many lifelong friends with the Red Hat Peaches as well as the "Hula Girls" who performed at many senior living facilities in Columbus. Jeanette was a long time member of Living Grace UMC (formally Edgewood Methodist Church). She is predeceased by her husband, Roy G. Lumpkins; her parents; her brother, Horace Whatley and sisters, Eula Armstrong, Mary Francis Kirkland, and Elaine Williams.
She is survived by her daughter Debbie Rhodes (Gerry) of Columbus, Georgia, three grandsons, Rob Gnann (Robin), Jake Rhodes, all of Columbus, Georgia, and Joe Rhodes(Alex) of Palo Alto, California; great grandchildren: Wyatt Gnann, Gracie Gnann, Caroline Gnann and many nieces and nephews who fondly referred to her as " Mama Jenny "; special niece Kathy W. Holer and devoted friend and ballroom dance partner, Clarence Greer. Jeanette loved her family and we loved her.
The family is grateful to Shirley Dewhart who cared for her the last four years. She was a true Southern lady who will be deeply missed by her family and friends and by all who loved her.
To respect the wishes of her family, there will be no services or gatherings at this time due to the current Covid-19 crisis and with a desire to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible.
Those wishing to make a donation in her memory can do so to Living Grace UMC, 3936 Edgewood Circle, Columbus, Georgia 31907 or Columbus Hospice.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.mcmullenfuneralhome.com.
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