Marie Elrod, 62, of Dawsonville passed away Thursday December 6, 2012 at Emory University Hospital. Born March 11, 1950 to the late Fred Sr. and Joy Stephens, she had been a resident of Dawsonville most of her life. A loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was thought of as a mother to many. Mrs. Elrod was a member of Rock Hill Congregational Church and was employed by Wal-Mart in Dawsonville where she had enjoyed her job as a cashier since its opening. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Jerry Elrod and a brother, Jimmy Stephens. Surviving are her sons, Jimmy Elrod, Dawsonville, Joshua Elrod, Dawsonville, Joey Almond, Dawsonville; daughters and sons in law, Tina Schandera, Dawsonville, Robin Elrod and Michael Stansbury, Flowery Branch, Tia and Thomas Chastain, Dawsonville; brothers and sisters in law, Robert and Kathy Stephens, Gainesville, Alvin and Judy Stephens, Gainesville, Terry and Wanda Stephens, Dawsonville, Darrell Stephens, Gainesville; sisters and brother in law, Oba Stephens, Gainesville, Patricia and Kent Purkey, Gainesville, Kim Haley, Gainesville; mother in law, Annie Mae Elrod, Dawsonville; sister in law and brother in law, Tammy and Michael Smith, Dawsonville; special friend, Bo Hicks, Gainesville; 21 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Funeral services will be held Sunday December 9, 2012 at 2 o’clock at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Phillip Wehunt will officiate. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Hill Full Gospel Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 7 until 9 and Saturday from 6 until 9 at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at www.beardenfuneralhome.com. Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.