Mrs. Niki Julias Tranakos, age, 97, the matriarch of the Tranakos family, passed away on Monday, November 22, 2010.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter A. Tranakos.

Mrs. Tranakos and her late husband were retired owners of the Palace Restaurant and she continued her Covington ties by opening the Craft Shops of Covington in 1995.

She was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church since moving to Decatur, GA in 1982.

Mrs. Tranakos is survived by her son, Arthur P. Tranakos and her 102 year-old sister, Mary Kostel of Clifton Forge; five beloved grandchildren, Peter Tranakos, Laura Trask, Caroline Hanna, Sarah Katherine Tranakos, and Elizabeth Whirrett; and ten great grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation, Atlanta, GA on November 29, 2010.

A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2010 from the chapel of Loving Funeral Home with Father LeBaron Taylor officiating.

The family suggests that memorial tributes take the form of contributions to Boys Home, 306 Boys' Home Road, Covington, VA 24426. Those wishing to send condolences online, please visit www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.