Lena Mae Nathaniel, affectionately known as Mama Lena, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. Born in Faceville-Attapulgas, Georgia, in 1926, she attended the local public schools before moving to Macon, Georgia, to study at Ballard Hudson High School. Lena was first married to John Ford, with whom she had a son, William Ford. However, after their divorce and during World War II, she met and married Joseph E. Nathaniel, and together they had five daughters, one of whom, Chiquita Marie, preceded her in death. Lena was also preceded in death by her parents and twelve siblings.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, William Ford, and daughters Shirlynn Kelly (Jackie), Betty Joe Cox (Kenneth), Diana L. Hart (Gregory), and Veronica Nathaniel. She was a loving grandmother to 12 grandchildren, a great-grandmother to 33, and a great-great-grandmother to 7. Lena's memory will also be cherished by many nieces, nephews, and several devoted friends.

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