Eleanor Lorene Amandolia

Eleanor Lorene Henry Amandolia crossed gently into eternity on Friday, October 25, 2024.

She was born in Atlanta, Georgia on March 13, 1939, the daughter of Clarence and Ruby Henry. Jesus and Family were her anchor and foundation throughout her entire life. She accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl at Riverside Church of God in Atlanta. Her young life revolved around church and school. 

At four years older than her, Johnny Amandolia was the student crossing guard at her elementary school. Years later on Christmas Eve of 1955, Johnny asked her to marry him. Upon graduating from Campbell High School in Smyrna, she and Johnny soon married at Oakdale Church of God on June 14, 1957. Throughout their 60 year marriage, he was always her hero, and she remained his sweetheart. Two sons were born, Al and Andy, followed by daughters, Cindy and Joy. From their births, Lorene pointed her children to Jesus. Her goal in life was to take them, and everyone else she possibly could, to Heaven with her. 

She cheerfully served and led with focus and intention: teaching Sunday School, serving with church Women's Ministries and Finance boards, and her favorite of leading and teaching Vacation Bible School. She sent cards and devotionals to countless friends and family, and befriended everyone, particularly those who were often overlooked. For her children, she was a room mom, scout mom and den leader, team mom, softball coach, seamstress, band booster mom, and theater mom. She was always in the bleachers or behind the scenes, supporting everything they did. As a grandmother, she multiplied her love and devotion exponentially. She knew how to build a strong family, because she was raised in one.

Growing up, her home life was filled with love and centered on deep devotion to family that was nurtured by her parents, Clarence and Ruby. Lorene was the middle child, and middle daughter, of her family. The five Henry Sisters, namely Carol, Bobbie, Lorene, Jane and Mayris, were each other's best friends throughout their lives. Their big brother, Carlton, and baby brother, Tony, were certainly outnumbered by the sisters, but both were quite simply adored by them all. Their legacy of devoted family has now carried down through four generations, and their legacy of faith has crossed into eternity. If Lorene knew you, you can be assured she prayed for you. First and most, her prayers were for you to come to know Jesus as your Savior. 

Upon leaving this world, first she met her Savior face to face. We rejoice that she was welcomed home by her beloved Johnny, her parents, Clarence and Ruby, son-in-law Steve Thomas, brother Carlton, sisters Carol, Bobbie and Jane, and most certainly many other souls for which she had prayed over the years.

Left to carry on her earthly legacy are her children, Al Amandolia (Dale), Andy Amandolia (Brooke), Cindy Saunders (Brian), and Joy Thomas-Hunt (Steve), as well as her cherished grandchildren Drew, Katie, Emily, Caroline, William, Sarah, John(Hailey), James, David (Laura), Ethan, Levi, Lauren (Mitch), Jacob, Jessica (Matt) Abigail, Micah, Aleigha, Shawn, Taylor (Madison) and Mary-Evelyn (Cody), as well as her sister, Mayris and brother, Tony (Faye) plus countless nieces, nephews and friends.

Her family wishes to thank the staff and caregivers at Legacy Ridge at Brookstone assisted living for these last few years of tender care and love for our precious Mom. You were a blessing to her, and to all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to a Vacation Bible School fund in honor of Johnny and Lorene Amandolia at Burnt Hickory Baptist Church in Powder Springs, Georgia.