Ina Ruth Johnson DePalma Madden

Mrs. Ina Ruth Johnson DePalma Madden, age 93, life long resident of Elberton, went to be with the Lord on Monday morning, November 6, 2023, at Magnolia Estates.

Born in Elberton on March 30, 1930, she was the fifth of seven children born to John Thomas Johnson, Jr., and Annie Ruth Warren Johnson. Ina married Camillo DePalma, Jr. (March 19, 1925 - November 16, 1975) on December 12, 1946, and they enjoyed nearly 30 years of marriage before his untimely death. The Lord blessed them with three children: Sherry Annette DePalma (July 13, 1948 - September 12, 1994), George Kenneth DePalma (February 3, 1950 - January 5, 1952), and Silvia Dale DePalma (July 3, 1953 - October 23, 1978). 

Ina later married Chandler B. Madden (February 16, 1918 - December 15, 2000) on March 14, 1982, and they enjoyed 18 years of marriage. In doing so, she gained three daughters that she loved as her own: Annette Madden Yeargin, Betty Madden Hopkins, and Carolyn Madden Wilson, all of whom survive. 

She was a member of West End Baptist Church for many years, and later joined Fortsonia Baptist Church where she was presently the oldest member. The Ina Madden Ladies in Faith Group is named in her honor and still meets regularly. 

Miss Ina had a servant’s heart, and was always willing to help out anyway she could. She delighted in spending time with her family and could always be depended upon to babysit, attend extracurricular actives, and extend a warm, reassuring hug to anyone in need. She enjoyed visiting shut-ins as long as her health permitted. A talented seamstress, she retired from the weave room at Elberton Mills. 

In addition to her step-daughters, she leaves behind her grandchildren: Traci Brown Thornton and her husband Steve and Kenneth Brown and his wife Brandi, all of Elberton; great-grandchildren: Silvia, Kelsey, Rylan, and Brantson; great-great-grandchild, Everett; step-grandchildren: Beth Cryder (the late Roger) Burdette, John and Sandra Cryder, Kent Yeargin, Kelly and Paul Scarborough, Mark and Stephanie Lee, Jimmy and Tammy Lee, Christina H. and Andrew Robbins; step-great-grandchildren: Lexi, Katelin, Coral, Kassie, Cameron, Christopher, Marlow, Madden, Abby, Kitty, Clayton, Averie and Caleb; step-great-great-grandchildren: Harper, Haiden, Hollins, Poppy, Weston, John Oliver, Skylair, Ava, and Benjamin; and a host of nieces and nephews. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Annie Ruth; husbands: Camillo and Chandler; children: Sherry DePalma Brown and her husband Jimmy, Kenneth DePalma, and Silvia DePalma Byrd; grandson, Josh Hopkins; and siblings: Frances Mairholtz, Hazel Dickerson, Joe Johnson, Clinton Johnson, Wilton Johnson, and Parks Johnson. 

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 8, from 1:00-1:45p.m. at Fortsonia Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2:00p.m. with the Rev. Andrew Danals officiating. Burial will be in Elmhurst Cemetery. 

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Fortsonia Baptist Church, 2616 Washington Highway, Elberton, GA 30635 or to West End Baptist Church, 811 Mercer Drive, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com. 

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Ina Ruth Johnson DePalma Madden.