Edith Gwendolyn Holden Skelton passed away after a long illness at her home near Blue Ridge, on November 02, 2024. She was born on June 12, 1934, in Eatonton, Georgia to M. Clifford and Edith Smith Holden. She spent her entire life in the Copper Basin.

She graduated from Copperhill, TN High School, and Auburn University School of Pharmacy. She and her husband were owners and operators of McCaysville Pharmacy for many years, and later Family Drug and Family Care, providing health and medical supplies to the area.

She was a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge. Before her extended illness, she led the choir and served on various committees. Gwen had an excellent solo voice and sang in many churches in the area.

Her artistic ability was very professional and she painted many pictures for family and friends. She liked to cook and entertain, and had an architectural talent which she used in remodeling her home and businesses. Her hobby was collecting and refinishing antique furniture for her home. Her main interest was in genealogy, and she spent several years in research and writing a huge publication entitled "Our Southern Holdens".

Gwen is preceded in death by her parents, and her husband, Robert Houston (Hoot) Skelton.

She is survived by two sons, Michael C. (LuAnn) Holden, and Richard (Susie) Skelton; a daughter, Belinda Skelton (Andy) Speer; her surviving grandchildren are Matthew (Maggie) Holden, Mark (Ashley) Holden, Carlyle Skelton, Adison Skelton, Brooks Skelton, William Meyer, and Andrew Meyer; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Patricia Kovsky-Dotson; and two nieces, Cynthia Kovsky Cox and Carol Kovsky. Loving heartfelt appreciation to her caregivers who have served faithfully though the years.

A memorial service and interment were held on Tuesday, November 12, at 12:00 PM, with visitation from 11:00 AM until 11:45 AM, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Blue Ridge, with Rev. Victor Morgan, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 1821, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or Donate Online Here.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.akinscobb.com

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge, GA is in charge of these arrangements.