A memorial service for Ronelle “Nelle” Brock Ballentine, known by most as Mema Ballentine, 86, of McDonough, Ga., and formerly of Bainbridge, will be held Saturday, Sept. 18 at 4 p.m. at Prosperity Primitive Baptist Church with the Rev. Marty Brock officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

Born Dec. 1, 1923, in Decatur County, Mrs. Ballentine passed away Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at her residence.

Mrs. Ballentine was the daughter of Carl and Rena Brock. She was a graduate of Mt. Pleasant School, where she had many years of fun with her brothers and sisters. In 1944, she moved to West Palm Beach, Fla., and stayed with her Aunt Ella Ree, her dad’s sister, to work at Jessip as a bookkeeper. There she met her soul mate, Ogden “Buddy” Ballentine, and they were married July 3, 1947. 

She recently moved from West Palm Beach to McDonough, to be closer to family and to hear the patter of little feet running through the house. Children were her heart healers and made her house a home. Mrs. Ballentine was a member of Union Congregational Church in West Palm Beach and all through her life she touched many hearts with her love and devotion to God, friends, and, most of all, her family. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy.

Survivors include one sister, Carlene Brock Andrew, out of a loving family of thirteen; four children, Ogden Ballentine Jr., Sandra (Baughman) Ballentine,  Rodney Ballentine, and Merle Ballentine; her six grandchildren, Karie, Rhonda, Chad, Regina, Roxanna, and Melisa; several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews whom she truly cherished.

Ivey Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.