Emma Dean Whitmire, 72, of Dawsonville, died March 18, 2011.

Born June 18, 1938 to the late Bernard and Nellie Martin, she was a lifelong resident of Dawson County.

A homemaker at her death, she was loving and devoted to her family and friends.

Emma Dean was a member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Her son, Donald Whitmire; and brothers, Arbin Martin and Hugh Martin, preceded her in death.

Survivors include her husband of 54 years, J.C. Whitmire of Dawsonville; sons and daughters-in-law, David Whitmire and Jennifer Cash of Dawsonville, Dale Whitmire and Teresa Headrick of Flowery Branch; grandchildren, Courtney Headrick, Jennifer Satterfield, Taylor Cash; brothers and sisters-in-law, C.B. and Dorothy Martin of Dawsonville, William and Betty Martin of Gainesville; sister-in-law, Betty Martin of Cumming; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ricky and Jeanette Whitmire, Bobby and Amy Whitmire, all of Dawsonville; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. March 20 at Liberty Baptist Church with the Revs. Mitchell Rickett, Stephen Davis and Bobby Whitmire officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.