Mrs. Thelma Lorene Strickland Carruth, age 83, of Dahlonega, GA died Monday, October 1, 2013. Lorene was born and raised in Lumpkin County, spent 47 years in Watkinsville, GA with her husband, James, and then moved back to Dahlonega where she spent the last 8 years at Foothills Retirement Home with many friends and caregivers that loved her dearly. She was a homemaker, and a member of Freeman Creek Baptist Church in Oconee County. A very loving sister and friend, Lorene will be missed by all who knew her. She was the daughter of the late James "Morg" and "Lou" Fricks Strickland, and was also preceded in death by her husband, James Thomas Carruth; brother and sister-in-law, A.J. "T Model" and Allene Strickland; sisters, Fannie Wood and Mary Owens; and brother-in-law, Nathan Carruth. Lorene is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Juanita and William Dockery; sister, Jessie Wood all of Dahlonega, GA; and sister-in-law, Helen Carruth, Watkinsville, GA. Numerous beloved nieces and nephews also survive. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Perry and Glenda Weaver and their staff at Foothills Retirement Home for all of their loving care over the past 8 years. A graveside service for Lorene is scheduled for 11 AM Friday, October 4, 2013 at Antioch Christian Church Cemetery in Watkinsville, GA. Rev. Ronnie Dockery and Rev. Roger Owens will officiate. The family will receive friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 from 5 PM until 9 PM, and at Oconee Chapel Funeral Directors on Hwy. 53 in Watkinsville, GA on Thursday, October 3 from 6 PM until 9 PM.