Edwina McMahan

Edwina Bruce McMahan of Dawsonville, Georgia, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was the devoted wife of Robert “Bob” McMahan, with whom she shared over six decades of marriage and partnership.

Born at Crawford W. Long Hospital and raised in Decatur, Georgia, Edwina and Bob built their home in Stone Mountain, Georgia and raised three children together. After a distinguished career at Egleston Children’s Hospital—where her kindness and expertise touched countless people—she retired and embarked on a new chapter with Bob in Dawsonville.

In Dawsonville, Edwina and Bob found a nurturing community at Bethel United Methodist Church. Edwina became an active member, participating in Bible studies and forging deep friendships that brought her immense joy and spiritual fulfillment.

Edwina’s greatest treasure was her family. She was known as “Wein” by her grandchildren and rejoiced at the arrival of each of her seven great-grandchildren. She delighted in seeing her family gather for any occasion. Their laughter and company filled her heart and home with boundless love. They were her greatest treasure.

A Master Gardener, Edwina had a magical green thumb. The ferns in her yard thrived and grew rivaling prehistoric sizes, her irises bloomed in vibrant profusion, and any struggling plant she touched would flourish. She was quick to dig up a fern or bulb to send home with family and friends with a little advice to make sure it thrived.

Edwina also had an eye for hidden treasures. She loved spending Saturday mornings with her dear friend Mary scouring garage sales, uncovering vintage finds, and sharing her discoveries with friends. Some of her most memorable finds included a collection of bowling balls that she purposely planted in her front flower bed. She had quite an eclectic style. She could always be counted on to have a pitcher of her famous sweet tea ready, a Corning Ware dish of her decadent macaroni and cheese or peach cobbler if she knew you were coming over - comfort fare that drew people back again and again.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; three children, Robby (Susan), Ricky (Be Be), Joellen Standifer (Terry); five grandchildren, Grafton (Lauren), Lee (Kady), Crawford (Emily), Maggie, and Sam and seven great-grandchildren, Henry, Eleanor, Graham, Mac, Lucy, Margaret, and Madeline.

Please join us in honoring the life and legacy of Edwina at her Celebration of Life, to be held on Saturday, November 22 at 11:00 AM at Bethel Methodist Church in Dawsonville. Together, we’ll gather to share memories, offer love, and celebrate the beautiful spirit she shared with all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you plant an iris bulb or fern in Edwina’s memory or make a gift to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, so her legacy of growth, love of children and beauty may continue to bloom. Memorial gifts can be made online at choa.org/tribute or mailed to children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, 1575 NE Expressway, Atlanta, Georgia 30329.