Mrs. Bertha "Bert" Nell Harkins, age 84, of Dahlonega passed away Thursday, December 28, 2017.

Mrs. Harkins was born in Pickens County on August 10, 1933 to the late Nathaniel and Amanda Kincaid Petty. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her daughter Beverly Harkins and son Tony Harkins. Mrs. Harkins had lived most of her life in Suches. She retired from Burlington Industries after more than 30 years of work. Mrs. Harkins was a devoted wife to her husband, offering love and care to him up until the onset of her illness.  She was a loving mother and grandmother affectionately called "Grandma" by those who loved her most.  Mrs. Harkins was a member of Harmony Church of God.

Mrs. Harkins is survived by her husband of 60 years Mr. J. W. Harkins; daughter and son in law Gale and Larry Smith, Dawsonville; daughter and son in law Teresa and Roger Cantrell, Dahlonega; grandchildren Cody Wymer and Aliciah Farmer, Brooke and Matthew Gillespie, Melissa and Joey Evans, James and Daina Askea, Elisha and Mark Santiago, Brad Thompson, Chad Thompson, Chastity Cantrell, and Jennifer Hogan; 13 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services are scheduled for 3 PM Sunday, December 31, 2017 at the Banister Funeral Home chapel. The Rev. Phillip Robinson and the Rev. Chad Stewart will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery in Suches.  The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM Saturday at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made to the family at banisterfuneralhome.net.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega