Eldon Lee (George) Vanatta

Eldon Lee Vanatta age 81 of Smithville passed away Sunday, April 5, 2026, at St. Thomas DeKalb Hospital. She was born on December 21, 1944, to her parents Eldon and Jessie Lee Williamson George. She was the oldest of four siblings. She grew up on Liberty Hill Road in Wilson County. Eldon Lee loved farm life and being with her family and neighbors. Eldon Lee also enjoyed all her school years. She was valedictorian of the graduating Class in 1963 at Liberty High School. She was married to Shirely Robert Vanatta for 63 years after meeting on a blind date. Kim, their only child, came along in 1964. She worked several years for the DeKalb County School system. First, as an aid at Smithville Elementary, and then as the cafeteria manager at DeKalb Middle School. She loved working and being around children. Eldon loved to plant flowers, cross stitch, canning fruits and vegetables, and decorating her home for all the different seasons. She loved her church family at Indian Creek Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for several years. Lastly, she loved to talk about her pride and joy, her grandson Derek and his wife Kylie. She was extremely proud of them both. She was preceded in death by her parents Eldon and Jessie Lee George, her sisters Janette (Jim) Moss, Gearline (Garlin) Jones and her brother Melvin George. She is survived by her husband Shirley Robert Vanatta; daughter, Kim (Richard) Young; grandson, Derek (Kylie) Young; nephews, Randy and Greg Moss along with their families. She is also survived by many friends, co-workers, church family and neighbors. Funeral services will be 4 PM Thursday, April 9, 2026, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Ric Lee and Bro. Michael Hale officiating with burial to follow in DeKalb Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday 2 PM until 8 PM and Thursday 10 AM until the time of the service at 4 PM. In addition to flowers the family ask that donations be made to Indian Creek Baptist Church. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is honored to care for the Vanatta family. 

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