Jemmie Helen (Arrendale) Van Winkle, 91, of Franklin County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Jemmie was born on November 27, 1934, in Clarkesville, Georgia, to the late Frank Arrendale and the late Eunice Watts Arrendale. As her mother passed away shortly after giving birth to Jemmie’s twin brothers, she was raised by her steadfast Grandmother Arrendale and her beloved Aunt Ethel.
Growing up on a working farm, Jemmie was no stranger to work. Throughout high school, Jemmie worked as a telephone operator during nights and summers for Standard Telephone, where she manned the switchboard, knowing every telephone number for her entire community. She attended Berea College in Kentucky, where she earned a degree in Business Administration and met the love of her life, Bobby Winston Van Winkle.
Bob enlisted in the Army, and she followed him domestically and abroad. While they were stationed in Kentucky, she worked for the Army at the Bluegrass Army Depot. While they were stationed at the Panama Canal, she worked in the Army’s administrative offices. After Bob was discharged from the Army, Bob and Jemmie moved to Florida, Indiana, and South Carolina before purchasing a 240-acre farm in Franklin County, Georgia, where they raised four rambunctious boys. Until their farm income could sustain them, Bob was a teacher at Franklin County High School, while Jemmie was a teacher’s aide at Carnesville Elementary.
Jemmie and Bob were married for 65 years before he passed in 2019. Together, they built a life centered on family and hard work while operating their cattle and poultry farm for 50 years. During the summers, Jemmie and Bob were well known in the community for teaching swimming lessons, sharing both time and patience with more than 6,000 children over 22 summers.
Above all, Jemmie’s greatest joy was her family. Her pride was her grandchildren, whom she doted on and loved deeply. She will be remembered for her warm heart, her ever-ready laugh, her gentle spirit, and the beautiful smile that could brighten any room. Her memory will be cherished, and her love will remain with us always.
Jemmie is survived by her four sons and their families: Mike Van Winkle (Sandy) of Clarksville, Georgia; Steve Van Winkle (Lise) of Clay, Alabama; David Van Winkle (Kristie) of Dunwoody, Georgia; Jon Van Winkle (Anna) of Cham, Switzerland; along with grandchildren Clayton Hardy (Victoria), Aubree Van Winkle (Josh Pierson), Andrew Van Winkle, Ian Van Winkle, Jaren Van Winkle, Rachael Johnson (Steven), Erik Van Winkle, Jacob Van Winkle, Gabriella Van Winkle and Rebecca Van Winkle and two great-grandchildren Kourtney and Scarlette Hardy. She is also survived by her brother, Ronald Arrendale (Mamie) of Clarkesville, Georgia.
In addition to Grandmother Arrendale, aunt Ethel Arrendale, parents, and husband, Jemmie was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Arrendale.
Due to the possibility of inclement weather, services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Hillside Memorial Chapel and Gardens with Reverend Jimmy Van Winkle officiating. Burial will follow the service in Hillside Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service on Saturday from 1-2 PM.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at HillsideMemorialChapel.com.
Arrangements are in the care and professional direction of Hillside Memorial Chapel & Gardens, Clarkesville
