Vila Mae Garrett

Mrs. Vila Mae Garrett, age 88, of Dahlonega, GA died Sunday July 19, 2009 at her home following an extended illness.

Mrs. Garrett was a native and lifelong resident of Lumpkin County.

In addition to being a homemaker, she worked at the Burlington Pinetree Plant, Gold City Convalescent Center, and at Camp Glisson, all in Dahlonega, during various parts of her life. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lumpkin County.

Mrs. Garrett was the daughter of the late George Washington Rider and Lillie Shelton Rider and was also preceded in death by brothers, Guy Rider, Ralph Rider, and Ray Rider.

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Elmer Garrett, Dahlonega, GA; daughters and son-in-law; Bertha Mace, Dahlonega, GA, Barbara and Jimmy Fitzgerald, Sharon, TN; sons and daughters-in-law, Frank and Betty Garrett, Dahlonega, GA, William and Lisa Garrett, Gainesville, GA, James and Neva Garrett, Dahlonega, GA, sisters, Mamie Reid, Cumming, GA, Mary Fay Edmondson, Dahlonega, GA, Fannie Gaddis, Dahlonega, GA; brother, Roy Rider, Dahlonega, GA; grandchildren, Darlene Waters, Jana Burnette, Angela Crane, Danny Fitzgerald, Diane Stacks, Kane Garrett, Kyle Garrett, Jason Garrett, Shana Garrett, Shea Garrett, Shannon Garrett, Shelly Garrett, Jordan Garrett, and Shari Garrett; great-grandchildren, Stephen Waters, Derek Waters, Matthew Fitzgerald, Brandon Stacks, and Andrew Stacks. A large number of other relatives also survive.

Funeral services for Mrs. Garrett are scheduled for 1 PM Thursday July 23, 2009 at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Lumpkin County. Rev. Jerry Whitlock and Rev. Dean Bryant will officiate.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6 PM until 9 PM, all day on Wednesday, and again on Thursday until the time of the service.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.