Mandi Lia Ballinger

Mandi Ballinger, a dedicated Georgia State Representative and tireless advocate for justice, children, and survivors of domestic violence, passed away on October 12, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 50 years old. She was born on April 14, 1975, and grew up in Forsyth county Georgia. Mandi grew up with a deep-rooted passion for her community, a love that would define her life's work. She channeled her empathy and resolve into a career of public service, beginning in the nonprofit sector where she worked at a domestic violence shelter. Mandi later served as a Victim Advocate in the District Attorney’s office in Cherokee and Forsyth counties before founding and directing a Child Advocacy Center. Mandi witnessed firsthand the profound impacts of abuse and the resilience of those it affected, experiences that would later fuel her legislative priorities. In 2012, she entered the political arena as a Republican representative for Georgia's 23rd District, encompassing Canton and parts of Cherokee County. Serving her sixth term at the time of her passing, she quickly rose to prominence as Chair of the House Judiciary Juvenile Committee. Throughout her tenure, she was a fierce proponent of legislation combating child abuse, strengthening protections for domestic violence survivors, and reforming the juvenile system. She was also a steadfast defender of Second Amendment rights. Mandi's personal life was a source of equal joy and strength. She was the beloved wife and mother to three sons and a daughter, instilling in them the values of compassion, service, and perseverance that defined her legacy. She faced her cancer diagnosis with the same grace and determination she brought to every challenge, continuing her advocacy work even as her health declined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Children’s Haven or The Cherokee County Veteran’s Treatment Court c/o the Cherokee Friends of Recovery, organizations Mandi held dear. Mandi leaves behind her husband, Allen Dee Morris of Canton, GA., her sons, Henry Ballinger of Canton, GA., David (Caroline) Morris of Woodstock, GA., Duncan (Megan) Morris of Charlotte, NC., her daughter – Alexandra (Kameron) Keene of Waleska, GA., and her granddaughter, Claire Keene. The family will receive friends at Darby Funeral Home, 480 East Main Street, Canton, GA., 30114, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 3:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, October 17, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at Canton First Baptist Church, 1 Mission Point, Canton, GA. 30114. Interment will follow at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens, 1390 Dahlonega Hwy., Cumming, GA. 30040. Mandi will be missed by all who knew and loved her. The caring staff of Darby Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ballinger family.

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Mandi Lia Ballinger

April 14, 1975 - October 12, 2025