Denise Matthews

CARNESVILLE, GA — Denise Lynn Gay Matthews, 58, of Carnesville, Ga., passed away Friday afternoon, February 5, 2016, at her residence. Born March 24, 1957, in Landstuhl, Germany, she was the daughter of James Edward "Jim" Gay and the late Charity Elizabeth "Libby" Puckett Gay. She was a Magna Cum Lauda graduate from Brenau College. She and her husband, Guy, were married August 18, 1979, in Snellville, Ga. She was a news editor with the Franklin County Citizen for 23 years and was recently named Editor Emeritus for her many achievements with the paper. During that time she earned several awards and honors for her writing and editing. She was active in many organizations especially the Power of Hope, and was a member of the Lavonia First Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband Guy Matthews; son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Laurel Matthews, Martin, Ga.; two daughters and son-in-law, Ashley and Dustin Drake, Baldwin, Ga.; and Whitney Leigh Matthews, Carnesville, Ga.; her father, Jim Gay; and grandson, Beckett Carter "Kit" Matthews. A celebration of life was Monday morning at Lavonia First Baptist Church with Dr. Larry Finger. Interment was in the Lavonia City Cemetery. Those wishing to make memorials please do so to the Power of Hope, Lavonia, Ga. Condolences may be sent to the family at ginnfuneralhome.com.