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DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County’s oldest living resident has passed away. Relda Beatrice Bennett Mackins was 109 years old. She passed away on Saturday, June 3, two months before she would have turned 110.
In 2022, Mackins was honored by Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain, where she was a member. Her birthday was celebrated by her relatives and church family and she was honored by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and other state and local officials, who presented her with awards and proclamation.
Mackins was born on Aug. 7, 1913. She was affectionately known as Honey Bea by her neighbors at her former residence, Antioch Manor, because of her willingness to help others.
“God, in His infinite wisdom, dispatched an angel on the afternoon of June 3, 2023, with a divine message for Relda Beatrice Mackins. The angel whispered sweetly in her ear. “You ‘ve finished your course, now come on home & take your place in heaven’s garden. Move up a little higher claim you long white robe & golden starry crown,” Mackins’ obituary states.
Mackins was preceded in death by her parents, Seab and Minnie Bennett. Brothers, Howard, and Arthur. Sister,Joanna Bennett Talley. Relda’s undeniable imprint lives on as she leaves to cherished memories her daughter, Karen; granddaughter, Dawn Elizabeth Griffin; grandson, Maclawrence Griffin; great-granddaugters, Chelesa Eversole (Michael); Megan(DJ) Safari Sage and Raiona Martin (Chris; great-grandsons, Zachary Harmon, Jacob Griffin, David Green, and Michael Green. Niece, Billie Talley Browne(Stanley); Nephew, Bobby Joe Talley (Gail); and great niece Tia Talley.
Special friends of the family include Rebecca Long, Mildred Brown, Jean Stewart, Wanda Holmes, and Salle Stoval(Bobby).
In 2022, Mackins was honored by Antioch AME Church in Stone Mountain, where she was a member. Her birthday was celebrated by her relatives and church family and she was honored by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and other state and local officials, who presented her with awards and proclamation.
Mackins was born on Aug. 7, 1913. She was affectionately known as Honey Bea by her neighbors at her former residence, Antioch Manor, because of her willingness to help others.
“God, in His infinite wisdom, dispatched an angel on the afternoon of June 3, 2023, with a divine message for Relda Beatrice Mackins. The angel whispered sweetly in her ear. “You ‘ve finished your course, now come on home & take your place in heaven’s garden. Move up a little higher claim you long white robe & golden starry crown,” Mackins’ obituary states.
Mackins was preceded in death by her parents, Seab and Minnie Bennett. Brothers, Howard, and Arthur. Sister,Joanna Bennett Talley. Relda’s undeniable imprint lives on as she leaves to cherished memories her daughter, Karen; granddaughter, Dawn Elizabeth Griffin; grandson, Maclawrence Griffin; great-granddaugters, Chelesa Eversole (Michael); Megan(DJ) Safari Sage and Raiona Martin (Chris; great-grandsons, Zachary Harmon, Jacob Griffin, David Green, and Michael Green. Niece, Billie Talley Browne(Stanley); Nephew, Bobby Joe Talley (Gail); and great niece Tia Talley.
Special friends of the family include Rebecca Long, Mildred Brown, Jean Stewart, Wanda Holmes, and Salle Stoval(Bobby).