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Annie Lee Earnest Rentz, 99, of Bainbridge, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Born December 1923 to Alfred C. and Elizabeth Wynn Earnest. She was a graduate of Pine Hill High School where she was a member of the basketball team and was named Miss Pine Hill. Annie Lee worked at Southern Airways and then as a secretary for Farm Bureau until her retirement. She was the oldest member of Calvary Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for many years and was named Mother of the Year. She also worked to give back to her community with The Pilot Club of Bainbridge in her younger years.

Annie Lee loved to cook and was known for her cheese straws and mints enjoyed through the years at wedding receptions. She enjoyed “company”, even those that dropped by for only a few minutes. Her home was always open to anyone wishing to visit and there was always an offer of something good to eat. Annie Lee loved working in her flower beds, growing & canning vegetables, making jelly, and celebrating with others. She was known as “Ninnie” by both family and those she considered family. She was a loving, giving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her love for others made it easy to give unselfishly and guide others with a gentle word when they needed it most.

After a fall at home, she chose to live at Bainbridge Health & Rehab where she looked forward to BINGO and visiting with other residents. Annie Lee considered them and the staff her extended family. She was named Mrs. Bainbridge Health & Rehab in 2017, and though she spent her days making others feel special, this day honored her letting her know how special she was to others.

She will be missed by many on earth with heaven rejoicing at her arrival. In addition to her parents, Annie Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Enoch Rentz; her sisters, Jean Ward and Audrey Earnest; and her brother-in-law, George Ward. She is survived by her son, Tommy Rentz; her daughters Sandra Wilkinson (Haisten) and Gloria Trammel; her grandchildren, Jennifer & Russ Wylie, Teri & Greg Perry, Brett & Jennifer Wilkinson, Michael & Michelle Trammell, and Jena & Charlie Shell; her great-grandchildren, Summer & River Wylie, Emily & Madison Perry, Haylie & Haisten Wilkinson, Chip, Trammell, and Julia Leeann Shell; and her sister-in-law, Geneva Shiver.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. David Grubbs and Dr. Ron McCaskill officiating. Interment will follow at Bethany Baptist Church with Dennis Rentz, Kevin Rentz, Jimmy Rentz, Steve Rentz, Ernie Ward, and Phil Shiver serving as active pallbearers.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 601 Chason Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819.

The Rentz Family extends their sincere gratitude to the staff at Bainbridge Health & Rehab and Gentiva Hospice for their kind and compassionate care.

II Timothy 4:7: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)