Ella Mae Lunsford, 84, a resident of Athens, passed away Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, at the family residence.

She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was the daughter of the late William Riley Upchurch and Elizabeth Webb Upchurch. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Elizabeth Lunsford; and brothers and sisters.

Survivors include her husband, Luther Lunsford Sr., of Athens; children and spouses: Luther Lunsford Jr. and Martha Lunsford, both of Oak Ridge, Larry and Rita Lunsford of Athens, Marvin and Carolyn Lunsford of Englewood, Danny and Chris Lunsford of Ten Mile, Janice Winsett of Athens, Beverly Price of Decatur and Teresa and Steve Clark, both of Athens; 22 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home of Etowah with the Rev. Dean Fugate officiating.

Interment will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday in Sullins Cemetery with a white dove release ceremony concluding the service.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home prior to the service.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Lunsford family guest book at www.ralphbucknerofetowah.com.