September 15, 2026

Mrs. Susan Annette Talley, affectionately known by many as “Mama Talley,” was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

Annette was born September 21, 1950, in Dalton, Georgia, a daughter of the late Cliff and Mae Bell Collins. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lewis Talley, who passed away September 5, 2013; her brothers, J.C. Collins, Wilburn Collins, Claudie Collins, and Houston Collins; and her sisters, Reva Godfrey and Shirley McKinney.

A 1968 graduate of Westside High School, Annette was a retired Para-Pro from Fort Hill Elementary School and was a faithful member of Mount Rachel Baptist Church.

Annette was known for being loving, caring, and never afraid to speak her mind. She had a personality all her own and recently received the “Most Likely to Speak Her Mind” award at Quinton Memorial Health Care and Rehab, an honor that perfectly reflected the outspoken and genuine person she was. While she was always willing to tell you exactly what she thought, those who knew and loved her best understood that her words came from a heart that cared deeply for others.

Above all else, Annette loved her family. Her family was the joy of her life, and she cherished every opportunity to spend time with those she loved. Whether she was known as Mama, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, or friend, Annette gave her love freely and deeply. The memories she created, the love she shared, and the special place she held in the hearts of her family will forever be treasured.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Bryan and Shannon Talley and Jeff and Hannah Talley; grandchildren, Triston Lawson and her husband, Brandon, Alyssa Britton and her husband, Colby, Brett Talley, and Ty Talley; and great-grandchildren, Knox Lawson and Cove Lawson. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Clayton and Debbie Collins; her beloved dog, Jazz; and many other loving relatives and friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to all the staff of Quinton Memorial Healthcare for the love, kindness, and wonderful care they gave Annette during the past five years.

Services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Susan Annette Talley will be held Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel, with her pastor, Reverend Tom Whitsett, officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband at West Hill Cemetery, with her close family and friends honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel after 12:00 noon Saturday until the service hour.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721, (706) 226-4002.

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