The Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge announces the death of Mrs. Mary Ann Panter, age 73, of Blue Ridge, GA who passed away on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at Heritage HealthCare of Blue Ridge, GA. She was born in Blue Ridge, GA on January 14, 1938 to the late Fred and Kitty McKinney Stewart. Mrs. Panter was in the first graduation class at West Fannin High School. She was retired from United Community Bank as a teller. Mrs. Panter was a member of Harmony Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Max Stewart.

She is survived by her husband of fifty-five years, Clifford L. Panter of Blue Ridge, GA; sons and daughters-in-law, Alan and Christie Panter of Chatsworth, GA and Jeff and Pam Panter of Blue Ridge, GA; daughter and son-in-law, Karen P. and James “Ron” Beavers of Maryville, TN; brother and sister-in-law, Roy and Imogene Stewart of Blue Ridge, GA; sister-in-law, Bettye Stewart of Hot Springs, AR; seven grandchildren, Jenna Panter, Jeremy Panter, Cliff Alan Panter, Kristian, Jesse McCall, Kyle Panter and Colby Panter; one great grandchild, Natalie Panter.

Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. from the Akins of Blue Ridge Chapel with Rev. Terry Thrasher officiating. Music will be by Joyce and Rodney Panter and Patsy Beaver. Pallbearers will be Cliff Alan Panter, Jeremy Panter, Kyle Panter, Colby Panter, Scott Stewart and Caleb Stewart. Interment will follow in Chastain Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, November 28, 2011 after 4:00 p.m. but especially from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge is in charge of the arrangements.