Christy Belflower

Mrs. Susan Christine “Christy” Kirkhart Belflower, 78, continued her path with God on August 2, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones while celebrating a family wedding at Denhamville Farm in Eatonton, Georgia. In her final moments, she was joyful—happily dancing with her beloved husband, Jeffrey Belflower—before going home to be with the Lord.

Born on March 7, 1947, to Margaret and Charles Kirkhart, Christy grew up with a deep love of family, beauty, and service to others. While attending Georgia Women’s College (now Georgia College & State University) in Milledgeville, she met and married her first husband, Brannen Sanders. Together, they shared 20 years and had three beautiful children: Aura-Leigh, Denham “Denny”, and William “Kirk” Sanders. Later in life, Christy met and married Jeffrey Belflower, gaining a stepdaughter, Ruth Belflower Midkiff. This union fulfilled her lifelong dream of having four children—two sons and two daughters.

Christy earned her Master’s Degree in Education and devoted her career to teaching middle and high school students throughout Georgia. She retired from Walton County Schools in 1999. Her love for flowers began as a teenager while working part-time in local floral shops. That passion blossomed into a lifelong talent, and she became known for her exquisite floral designs created for weddings, celebrations, and community events. In her later years, Christy joyfully continued as a Florist with Flowerland in Athens, GA, where she worked until her death.

Christy was known to all as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Her selflessness, generosity, and willingness to help others are legendary, leaving behind an unmistakable legacy amongst those who knew and loved her. In her free time, Christy enjoyed crocheting, sewing, gardening, reading, bird-watching and, above all else, making cherished memories with family, never missing an opportunity to capture special moments with her camera.

Christy leaves behind her husband of 28 years, Jeffrey Belflower of Athens, GA; her daughter, Aura-Leigh Sanders (John Jenkins) of Lawrenceville, GA; two sons, Denny Sanders (Traci) of Oxford, GA, and Kirk Sanders (Jennifer) of Eatonton, GA; stepdaughter, Ruth Belflower Midkiff (James) of Garfield, KY; eight grandchildren, Brenna and Leigh Jenkins of Lawrenceville, GA; Ryan, Matthew (Autumn), and Megan Sanders of Oxford, GA; and William, Jackson, and Logan Sanders of Eatonton, GA; and three great-grandchildren, Lala Sanders of Oxford, GA, and McKinley and Jason Sanders of Oxford, GA. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Ann Kirkhart of Athens, GA; brother, Thomas “Tommy” Kirkhart (Vicky) of Loganville,, GA; nieces Jessica Mullins Mitchell (Chris), Allison “Allie” Mullins Price (Chuck) of Greer, SC, Gina and Leslie Kirkhart of Loganville, GA; and Jenna (Josh) of Eatonton, GA and Kayla Sander of Decatur, GA; and sister-in-law, Juanita Saladino of Decatur, GA. Christy was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Charles Kirkhart of Athens, GA; brother, William “Bill” Kirkhart of Hartwell, GA; and first husband, Brannen Sanders of Eatonton, GA.

Christy’s life was one of love, joy, and steadfast faith. Her presence filled every room, and her absence leaves a space that can never be filled again. In honor of her wishes, Christy’s earthly remains will be cremated, and a memorial service will be held 3 PM Sunday, August 10th at the Christian Life Worship Center in Athens, GA. The family will receive friends and visitors from 1:30 - 3 PM at the church prior to the memorial service. The service will also be livestreamed online at https://www.youtube.com/@christianlifeworshipcenter.

Online condolences may be offered at https://www.lordandstephens.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Project Safe in Athens, GA by phone (706) 549-0922 or online at https://www.project-safe.org

Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.