On December 7, 1913 the world quite simply became a much better place, for this is the day God sent Mamie Beatrice Pridgen Fountain into this world. From simple beginnings on a farm in Catlin, Georgia with her mom, Annie Cobb Pridgen, and her father, E.W. Pridgen, sister Doris (Shepard) and brother Edwin Pridgen, to eventually meeting the love of her life, Edward Claxton Fountain, and starting her own family, she impacted the world around her. She became the quintessential mom. The mom of all moms. She became everyone's "Mama Bea".

The memories created in her 102 years of celebrated life are endless. The grandchildren and great grandchildren in particular carry the memories that seem to be the most precious, for their memories are of a woman who loved them unconditionally, who raised them with a Godly spirit and who always made them laugh. She loved the outdoors and especially loved fishing. And for all the fisherman in the world, let it be known a fish did jump in her boat one sunny afternoon. Her hobbies included word search and crossword puzzles. Very rarely was she seen without a puzzle book in her hand. She also loved her church family and her church family loved her. She became a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in 1924 and had been a faithful member without pause, and was also the oldest living member. There, too, she took on a motherly role, having taught the Nan Linder Sunday School Class for 42 years. Mama Bea truly loved without question and was an inspiration to us all.

On February 18, 2016, the world quite simply became a solemn place, for this is the day God called Mamie Beatrice Pridgen Fountain home into his world. But if there is one thing we have all learned from Mama Bea, we will celebrate life, we will rejoice in Heaven, and we will be thankful for family, but most of all we will love God.

Mama Bea was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Claxton Fountain, mother, Annie Cobb Pridgen, father, E.W. Pridgen, sister, Doris Shepard, brother, Edwin Pridgen, son, Tommy Fountain, and son-in-law, Grady Wilkes.

She is survived by her children, Edward Fountain (Gina) of Dublin, Ga., Patricia Fountain Wilkes of Dublin, Ga., Barbra Garnto (Ervin) of Scott, Ga., Ricky Fountain (Theresa) of Jasper, Ga. , and daughter-in-law, Elaine Fountain of Dublin, Ga. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Robin Williams, Tina Bracewell, Jamie Fountain, Jonathan Fountain, David Wilkes, Stan Wilkes, Teresa Sandlin, Allen Fountain, Tracie Mallette, Jason Fountain, Noel Consalta and Jonathan Consalta. She is also survived by 17 great grandchildren and was able to hold in her arms her first great-great grandbaby, a memory truly held dear to all.

Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Bethlehem Baptist Church on Saturday February 20, 2016 with service to follow at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Bluewater Baptist Church Cemetery in Dublin, Georgia. Rev. Matt Haywood, Rev. Mike Wynn and Rev. Tommy Pulliam will officiate.

Pallbearers will be David Wilkes, Stan Wilkes, Jason Fountain, Jamie Fountain, Jonathan Fountain and Josh Williams.

Ronnie Wilkes, Leslie Henderson, Dee Cullen, Hall Outlaw, Hugh McCord, Monroe Shepard, and Larry Shepard will serve as honorary pallbearers.