Mary Davis Garrison of Cornelia passed away September 5 in Atlanta with her three children by her side.
Mary was born on March 1, 1929 to Margie and Ross Davis in Otto, North Carolina. She lived most of her life in Demorest, moving to Cornelia in 1992.
Mary attended Montreat College and graduated from The University of Georgia. Her college career was interrupted for marriage and her role as a full-time mother, and she resumed her studies when the children began elementary school, commuting to Athens each day and returning each afternoon to her responsibilities as a devoted homemaker. She earned her Home Economics degree with a concentration in Early Childhood Development from UGA in 1967.
She was very active in the Habersham County community as a member and leader in the Demorest Women’s Club, PTA, Habersham County Medical Center Auxiliary, Three Arts Club, CASA, Christian Learning Center and Cornelia Garden Club, where she received many blue ribbons for her beautiful arrangements. She was also affectionately remembered as a Girl Scout leader and Cub Scout den mother.
Mary’s Christian faith was central to her life. She was a lifelong member of the Cornelia First Presbyterian Church, where she served as elder, Sunday school teacher and frequent organist, was active in the Women’s Circle and always made sure the sanctuary and narthex were decorated for important occasions.
Mary enjoyed singing in the church choir and the Piedmont College Chorale. She was known for her talent as a pianist and enjoyed performing classical music for various events in Habersham County and for her neighbors in the Atlanta community of Sunrise at Huntcliff Summit.
Mary is survived by a son, Stanley Garrison of Atlanta, daughters Susanne Hoder (John) of Tiverton RI and Sandra Reyna (Darryl) of Mt. Pleasant, SC, a brother, Howard Davis (Lucy) of Toccoa, a sister-in-law, Jackie Walker of Hendersonville, NC, a brother-in-law, Kent Garrison of Toccoa, six grandchildren, Ross and Frank Hoder, John and Celeste Reyna, and Christopher and Kelly Garrison, a great grandson, Kieran Garrison, and many nieces and nephews. She was recently preceded in death by her husband, Oland Garrison.
A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Cornelia on Sunday, September 10 at 2 pm. Family will receive visitors at McGahee Griffin Stewart Funeral Home in Cornelia on Saturday evening from 6 to 8 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Prevent Child Abuse Habersham or Habersham Christian Learning Center.
An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com.
McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
