Ginna Gafnea

Ginna Dix Gafnea’s life was a quiet testament to strength, compassion, and enduring love. On May 2, 2026, at the age of 68, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by the family who meant everything to her.

Born on June 30, 1957, Ginna was a lifelong caregiver in every sense of the word. She followed that calling professionally, earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Kennesaw State University and dedicating many years to serving others as a registered nurse in West Georgia. She was especially known for her time working alongside Dr. David Helton, where her kindness, steady presence, and genuine concern for others left a lasting impression on both patients and colleagues.

But more than her career, it was the way Ginna lived her life that defined her. For over 30 years, she faced multiple sclerosis with remarkable courage. She carried her diagnosis with grace, never allowing it to diminish her spirit. Instead, she continued to pour into the people around her, encouraging, loving, and inspiring in both big and small ways.

At the center of her world was her family. She shared a devoted and loving marriage with her husband, Vance Gafnea, building a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering support. She was a proud and loving mother to Trey Gafnea and Meghan Gafnea Roby, and one of her greatest joys in life was being a grandmother to Robert, Jack, Sam, and Thomas. Whether through a handmade cross-stitched piece or time spent together, she found special ways to show her love, always creating, always giving, even when it wasn’t easy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Vance Gafnea; her mother, Virginia Dix; her children and their spouses, Trey & Laura Gafnea and Meghan & Edward Roby; her grandchildren, Robert Gafnea, Jack Roby, Sam Roby, and Thomas Roby; and her sister, Nanci Crockett. In each of them, her legacy of resilience, kindness, and love lives on.

She is reunited in heaven with her father, Troy Earl “Buddy” Dix Sr.; her brother, Troy Earl Dix Jr.; and her sister, Susan Dix.

A celebration of Ginna’s life will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026. The family will receive friends at Martin & Hightower Funeral Home from 11:00 AM until 12:30 PM, with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place at Carroll Memory Gardens.

Ginna will be deeply missed, but the love she gave so freely and the strength she showed so quietly will continue to shape the lives of all who knew her.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to serve the Gafnea family.