Virginia Claire Golden

seasoned age of 92. She went by many names. Most of you knew her as “Jenny.” But several referred to her as “Mama,” even more as “Meemaw,” and a select few chose the endearing title “The Box.” If you know, you know. She was known by many names, but none captured who she really was better than her last name: Golden.

Her style, Golden. Her makeup, Golden. Her mannerisms, Golden. Her eyes, Golden. Her love, Golden. Her unmatched skill at “tickling backs,” of course, Golden. Her life, in a word, was Golden. She was and is a treasure to us all, because her life was lived invested not in herself, but in the lives of those she loved. Without questions. Without conditions. The Golden Girl gave her life for the sake of others.

She was born on May 6, 1932. She was a cheerleader in high school, but was also known to

showcase her skills in tap and jazz dancing classes. Of course, there were many a gentleman

who sought Jenny’s hand, but there was only one who was up for the task. His name was

Bobby Golden. Let the record show, that Bobby had won her heart so quickly that he made the

audacious decision to propose to her on their very first date. Yes, you read that correctly. In

case you were wondering, she said “yes!”

Jenny, or as I call her “Meemaw,” was a member of First Baptist Church in Athens for at least

one hundred years, and a choir member for even longer (if my math is correct). It’s safe to say,

she loved her church, and added to its beauty through worship and song for decades. Her faith

left an indelible imprint on the lives of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren,

siblings, nephews, friends, and even foes (though she had none that I’m aware of).

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bobby Golden. She is survived by her four

children: Melinda Johnson, Robin Stephenson, Fraser Golden, and Richey Golden; her nine

grandchildren: Erin Baird, Clint Baird, Robin Lowe, Leila Golden, Hannah Golden, Bobby

Golden (aka “Little Bobby”), Shanna Stephenson, Dash Stephenson, and Chase Daws; and her

thirteen great grandchildren: Jade Lowe, Madison Beshires, Kennedy Golden, Jorden Golden,

Jaden Golden, Caleb Hargrave, Rico Spurlock, Ellis Shubert, Avery Shubert, Bella Moffatt,

Gabe Daws, Bo Daws, and Griffey Daws.

The funeral service will be Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Chase Daws officiating, and visitation from 1-2. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Clint Baird, Perry Ray Culbreth, Bobby Golden, Chase Daws, Andy Balch, and Wade Lowe.

Honorary pallbearers will be Richey Golden, Fraser Golden, Dash Stephenson, Andy Culbreth, Perry Culbreth, Clark Culbreth, Blair Culbreth, and Joel Culbreth.