Margaret Jane Abernathy of Jasper, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2026. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose warmth, creativity, and love for family touched everyone who knew her.

Margaret had a passion for art, spending her time drawing and painting, and found joy in bird watching, often sharing the quiet beauty of nature with her ever-growing family. Being next to her meant being a place of laughter, love, and creativity, reflecting the generous spirit she shared with all. She was an incredibly strong woman, unshaken even when faced with the impossible. She never wavered in her faith. Stubborn as a mule. Feisty. Hilarious. She truly was a mountain of a woman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John "Junior" Abernathy; her parents, John Emory and Magnolia Chastain; her brother, Terry Joe Chastain; and her half-siblings, John Efford Chastain and Edna Mae Carlton.

Margaret is survived by her four children-- John Pendley (Cruz Pendley), Ronny Pendley, Patsy Pendley, and Francis Shelton (Frank Shelton)-- seventeen grandchildren, thirty seven great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren, each of whom carry forward her legacy of love, kindness, and artistic spirit.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 21st at 2 pm from the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Long  Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 19th from 4 pm until 9 pm at the funeral,  Wednesday, May 20th from 9 am until 9 pm, and again Thursday, May 21st from 9 am until the service hour at 2 pm.

Margaret's presence, creativity, and love will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of these arrangements.