Shelby Jean "Jeanie" Lance

Mrs. Shelby Jean “Jeanie” Lance, 79, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Manor Lake Assisted Living in Athens, Georgia. Born on December 23, 1946, in the serene town of Hiawassee, Georgia, Jeanie lived a life defined by love, kindness, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Jeanie was the beloved wife of the late James Fulmer Lance. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward Nicholson and Ruth Ledford Moore, who lovingly raised her in the embrace of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Jeanie worked for many years as a secretary, where she was known for her dedication and careful attention to detail. In her free time, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and watching game shows, hobbies that kept her mind active and brought her many hours of enjoyment. Jeanie was also very close to her dear sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, cherishing the time they spent together.

Jeanie’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her two daughters, Renea Smith and her husband Anthony of Athens, Georgia and Sasha Quarles and her husband T.J. of Glennville, Georgia. She was a proud grandmother to Alicia Quarles, Della Quarles, and Camden Quarles, each of whom brought immense happiness and light to her life. She is also survived by her loving brother, Dale Nicholson and his wife Twyla of Young Harris, Georgia, and her nephew, Matthew Youngblood and his wife Melissa of Young Harris, Georgia.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Friends and loved ones are invited to join the family for visitation beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the graveside as they gather to celebrate Jeanie’s life and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, in honor of Jeanie’s compassion and deep care for children.

Hopkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Shelby Jean Lance.