Georgia’s life began on May 8, 1945, in French Camp, Miss., the daughter of Earlie and Lucille (Thompson) Murff and the youngest of 11 children.

She was a graduate of Marshall High School.

She was united in marriage to Levy Garrett on April 16, 1966, in Chicago.

Georgia, 64, of Dowagiac, was employed as a nurse’s aide at the Leaverman Jewish Home in Skokie, Ill., and worked for the Cass County Council on Aging.

She loved to travel, but she also loved being at home.

Georgia crocheted, watched westerns and loved cartoons.

Georgia’s greatest joy was spending time with her sisters and family.

Her loving family includes: her children, Michelle (Robert) Williams of Indianapolis and William (Dolinda) Lynch of Chicago; nine grandchildren, including one she raised as her own, Andre Ratliff-Dillard; and eight great-grandchildren, including one she raised as her own, Veronica Ratliff; sisters, Margaret Edwards of Dowagiac, Mary Hawkins of Chicago and Mildred (Henry “Jim”) Murray of Dowagiac; a host of nieces and nephews; special friend, Mildred Fleming; and special niece and sister, Pat Farrow.

Georgia passed away on Sunday Nov. 15, 2009, at Metro Health in Grand Rapids.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; her husband, Levy Garrett; three brothers, Horace Murff Sr., Floyd Murff Sr. and Junior B. Coleman; her sisters, Jerlean Smith, Jerldean Murff, Mary Black, Floestine Murff; and a grandson, Kenyatta Ratliff.

Her family will receive friends on Saturday from 11 a.m. to noon at Second Baptist Church, where the Rev. Tyrone Pace will lead her Home Going service at 12 p.m.

Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the family in care of Michelle Williams.

Yazel-Clark Chapel is serving her family.

Please sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Georgia at www.yazel-clark.com.