Emma Grace Fairbanks passed away at age 92 on Friday, August 27, 2021. She was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-one years, Robert Douglas Fairbanks, parents Earl Ross Garretson and Julia Ann Walker Garretson, brothers Isaac Thomas Garretson, William Charles Garretson, and Frank Dome Garretson, and infant sister Betty Ross. She was originally from Coffee County, Tennessee, was a graduate of Central High School in McMinnville, and a graduate of the UT Extension.
Mrs. Fairbanks spent several years in the field of accounting and banking prior to becoming affiliated for 29 years with the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors and retired in 1997. She also managed the first Middle Tennessee Multiple Listing Service. As CEO of the Realtor Association, she traveled to conventions and meetings throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii.
In 1994, Grace was the first in Tennessee to receive from the National Association of Realtors the prestigious William R. Magel Award of Excellence for exceptional meritorious contributions to Real Estate Association Management executive officers. She was later employed by Zeitlin & Company Realtors. Grace also served as a member of the Metropolitan Nashville Industrial Development Board for thirty-seven years. She was a member and Past President of the Nashville Chapter of Executive Women International and in 1993 was named its Woman of the Year. She was also a member of the Board and past Chairman of Hospital Hospitality House; a 50 plus member and past Matron of Claiborne Chapter #144 Order of Eastern Star, and was a member of West End Church of Christ. From rural life to boardrooms, she was often described as “Amazing Grace”
Surviving are a brother, David Stone Garretson and wife Amy, Asheboro. NC, sisters-in-law Jane Moore Garretson, Barbara Hobbs Garretson, McMinnville, TN, and Carolyn Gaffin Garretson, Viola, TN, nieces: Sherry Garretson, Teresa Dinwiddie, Jennie Garretson and Tonya Sink, nephews: Frank Dome Garretson, Jr. and Thomas Alexander Garretson, several great nieces and nephews, and cousins: Grace Walker Albright, Joyce Greeter Henley and Katharine Pearsall Goodson. Grace cared deeply for her beloved Cocker “Bonnie”. Her faith in God and great love of family and friends were what she cherished most in life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wesley Chapel Cemetery Association or to a charity of choice. Graveside service will be held at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Hwy 108, Viola, TN on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at 4:00 P.M. Matthew Sink will officiate. Active pallbearers: Mark Dinwiddie, Frank Garretson, Jr., Thomas Garretson, Matthew Sink, Jeff Goodson, John Priest, Tristan Reish. Honorary Pallbearers: Nashville Association of Realtors, members of Nashville Chapter of EWI, James T. Baker, Jr., Clara Priest, Nita Bailey, Linda Woods, Sue Chilton, Doris and Tina Hale (caregiver).
Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com
