Genie Lehmann

Augusta, GA – Genie Lehmann will be remembered for her keen sense of humor and sharp wit; for being a loyal friend, public servant, gardener, and historian – but most of all for being the matriarch to four generations of a large and loving family. She died at her home on Tuesday November 4, 2008.

There will be a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Augusta, Georgia with the Reverend Doctor Richard E. Sanders officiating.

Genie was born on January 3, 1908 as the only child of Dr. and Mrs. Jose Martin Selden. Her mother, Jennie Lee Walton, was a descendent of the signer of the Declaration of Independence, George Walton, and first cousin to John Walton, an early founder of what is now the Augusta Library. She was born in Sewanee, Tennessee but after the death of her father to tuberculosis, she and her mother moved to Augusta where she lived the majority of her life.

Genie was educated at St. Genevieve’s Convent School in Asheville, North Carolina. She made her debut in Augusta in 1928 with her life-long friends such as Elizabeth Ridgely, Anne Barrett and Betty Wallace.

In 1933, Genie married Albert Hazelton Lehmann, son of Dr. and Mrs. George H. Lehmann, at the Church of the Good Shepherd. He was affectionately known as “Chick” and later “Papa Chick” to his children and grandchildren. Genie and Chick were active members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where she was dedicated to the altar guild and initiated the junior altar guild.

The Lehmann’s became parents to three lovely daughters, Elizabeth Jones (Harris) of Baltimore, Maryland, Jennie Lee Acree (Dent) of Atlanta, Georgia and Mary Speir (William) of Augusta, Georgia. Genie now has eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren, almost all of whom were able to travel to Augusta and celebrate her 100th birthday earlier this year.

Genie was always committed to serving her community. In addition to membership in the Augusta Country Club, she was an active member for many years in the Sand Hills Garden Club, the Garden Club of America, Town and Country Garden Club, the Colonial Dames of America, a founding member of the Augusta Assembly, and an early supporter of the Augusta Symphony Guild.

As a niece of Elizabeth Cashin King (wife of Henry Barclay King) and cousin to their only child, Pendleton King (World War I veteran), she took much pride in preserving park lands for all of Augusta to enjoy. Genie devoted much of her time to Pendleton King Park serving on its board for many years. She was given an award by The Garden Club of America for her commitment to the Touch and Smell Garden for the Blind, which was later dedicated in her name.

Genie’s life began in the late Edwardian age and it continued through its many changes up to the 21st century. Her legacy is one of determination, civic duty, an endless desire for learning and an unfailing devotion to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church 605 Reynolds Street Augusta, GA 30901 or to the Pendleton King Park Foundation P.O. Box 40113 Augusta, GA 30909.