August 5, 1926 – May 30, 2008

Ouida Cheney, 81, of Dawsonville died at her home on May 30, 2008 surrounded by her family.

Born in Cobbtown, GA on August 5, 1926, Ouida was raised and graduated from high school in Tattnall County, GA before training as a Cadet Nurse for the U.S.Army at Georgia Baptist Hospital in Atlanta.  She was a registered nurse who ran her own business, Sun-Ray Supply, from her home until her death.  She has been a property owner in Dawson County since 1965 and a resident since 1990.  Ouida was a founding member of both St. Bede’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta and St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church in Dunwoody where she remained a member.  She is remembered by her friends and family as a strong woman who was devoted to her family, direct with her opinions, and always trying to help others in need.  Ouida was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest Stephens and Maudie Hall Stephens as well as her husband of 57 years, Paul Ray Cheney, Sr.

Ouida is survived by Paul Ray Cheney, Jr. and wife Holly with granddaughter Lubya; daughter in law, Jean Balderson Cheney and grandson Scott Cheney and wife Laura, granddaughter, Kate Cheney Davidson and husband Mark; Diane Cheney Harrell and husband Buddy with grandsons, Mark Harrell and wife Niki, Greg Harrell and wife Emily with great granddaughter Addison; Stephen Roger Cheney and wife Terri with grandsons, Grayson and Christopher; Cynthia Cheney Ray and husband Richard with grandsons, Ryan, Dylan and Kevin.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2008 at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Cumming, GA.  Interment service will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2008 at Reidsville City Cemetery in Reidsville, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to United Hospice, your local hospice, or your favorite charity.

Bearden Funeral Home, Dawsonville, GA.