Virginia Claire Roth Flatt

VIRGINIA CLAIRE ROTH FLATT, of Rising Fawn, GA, died in her home on Friday, September 19th. Ginny was a woman who rejoiced in her role as wife and mother. She adored her late husband, Charles Edward Flatt, Sr., and devoted her life to serving him and their family. She encouraged numerous young women who had questions about God, relationships, meaning and purpose. She preferred to serve in the background and loved to watch her husband thrive in the limelight. Together they opened their home for Bible studies, Sunday School Pot-Lucks, Christmas parties, Easter Egg Hunts and Family Reunions. For 20 years they hosted Ed Fest, a music festival that drew thousands of folks for an afternoon of music and fun. It was while attending Nell Davis’ Sunday School Class at First Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, TN, that Ginny began to understand the Bible; but it was her husband who helped her place her faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. For many years she served at First Presbyterian as a Sunday school teacher for the 2 and 3 year-olds, and later joined her husband when he taught young married couples. Ginny was a gentle woman with the soul of an artist and the heart of a servant. She loved to sing, write poetry and draw; in fact, her illustrations adorn several publications. She learned to knit as a child and enjoyed creating beautiful things for her family and friends. Her scissor-art and nature crafts entertained and inspired children of all ages; her handmade Christmas stockings were the envy of all. Ginny was born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1945, and was honored by her classmates as “The Cutest” and “The Best Dancer” among their Superlatives. Ray Hart, who taught Ginger Rogers to dance, also taught Ginny to tap dance. He was so impressed with her natural talent that he said he wished she had been on the West Coast, as she would have been “a certain hit”. Though her dream was to study Journalism at Syracuse University, she gladly left that behind to marry the love of her life, Charlie Flatt. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar John and Merrie Agnes LaNois Roth; her sister, Nancy Lee Roth Goerlach; her brother, Edgar John Roth, Jr.; and her husband of almost 66 years, Charles E. Flatt. Ginny is survived by her five children, Sharon (William) Bell of Dalton, GA; Diane (Jack) Parker of Trussville, AL; David Flatt; Charles (Louannah) Flatt, Jr., and Paul (Erin) Flatt all of Rising Fawn, GA; 12 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and numerous unofficially adopted children. Visitation will be at Ryan Funeral Home, 11415 S. Main Street, Trenton, GA, 30752 on Thursday, September 25, from 4:00-5:00 pm and 6:00-7:00 pm with the Funeral service at 5:00 pm. Internment at the Chattanooga National Cemetery will be Friday, September 26 at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, honorariums can be made to His Place Ministries at October Farms, a non-profit organization to carry on the ministry of Charlie and Ginny Flatt. Visit www.RyanFuneralHome.net to share memories and condolences.

Virginia Claire Roth Flatt

November 11, 1926 - September 19, 2014