Irma Southern Small

Irma Southern Small, age 92 of Winder, Georgia passed away on February 5, 2026. Born on November 2, 1933 in Spartanburg, S.C., she was the daughter of Luther Toy Southern and Ramoth Porter Southern. An only child, she grew up in Lyman, S.C. surrounded by loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Irma studied piano and voice at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C. and met William (Bill) Small, (who played football at Wofford College) while working one summer at a peach farm. They married soon after.

Irma dedicated her life to her husband and three children. As the wife of an army lieutenant, a teacher and coach, and an American Red Cross worker, Irma moved about twenty times including moves to Okinawa and Germany (three different times totaling over ten years.) While in Germany, she visited other European countries enjoying their beauty and cultures. She and her husband retired in Toccoa, Georgia and then resided at Magnolia Estates in Winder, Georgia.

Irma will be remembered for her dry wit and “one-line zingers” as well as her love of playing the piano, singing in the church choir, knitting, reading and her tireless letter-writing, especially while overseas.

Irma is survived by her daughter Lisa (Ernesto), six grandchildren and two daughters-in law (Charlene and Sherry). Her husband and her sons, Bill and Mark predeceased her.

Arrangements by Lawson Funeral Home, 4532 Hwy 53 Hoschton, Ga., 30548. Lawsonfuneralhome.org. 706-654-0966.