Ester Ann Hardiman Garland, age 80, of Lawrenceburg TN passed away Saturday, November 16, 2024 at her home with her family. She was born on Sunday November 5, 1944. She was preceded in death by her parents, Smith and Leona Hardiman; her brother, Coy Hardiman (Brenda); sister, Marie Harrison (Ronald); two sisters-in-law, Opal Haywood and Dorothy Walters; brothers-in-law, Virgil Garland, Junebug Garland, Donnie Garland, David Garland, John Riddle, Leon Haywood and JB Staggs.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Ted Garland; two daughters both of Lawrenceburg, Sharon Smith (Steven) and Jackie Fleeman (Johnny); one son of Columbia, Stephen Garland (Troy McGowan). She was Granna to two extraordinary grandchildren, Cheyenne Keeton of Lawrenceburg and Riley Smith (Hillary) of Nashville; one great-grandson, Ocean “Opie” Smith of Nashville; one sister, Patsy Frazier (Tony) of Summertown; and one aunt, Virginia Nash of Lawrenceburg. Also survived by several sisters and brothers-in-law in the Garland family: Joy Staggs, Sue Riddle, Sandra Pierce (Jerry Don), Mable Patterson (Charles), Wilma Johnston (Henry) Brenda Bohn (Bob), Doris White (David), Judy Davis (Randy), Billy Walters, Jerry Garland (Donna), and Lanny Garland (Rena). And last by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family extends a very special thank you to the caregivers and Hospice staff during her time of illness.
Mrs. Ann worked 29 years as a bus driver for the Lawrence County School System, served as a door greeter at Wal-Mart for several years and was also once employed at Murray Ohio. She was a faithful member of Summertown Baptist Church and Butch Clark’s Sunday School Class. She was honored and took pride in having perfect attendance in Sunday School until her health declined. Mrs. Ann was a servant her entire life, she loved hard and unconditionally. She prepared many meals in her kitchen, countless hours cooking her delicious squash dressing. She baked many chocolate pies with perfect meringue every time, and no telling how many dozens of M&M Cookies she prepared for people over the years. Mrs. Ann loved having a clean car, was a loyal Cincinnati Reds fan, and was proud of each of her children. She was a selfless lady and not boastful of her duties. She was a servant for the Lord and did everything in honor of him. Besides her love of cooking she sewed many, many dresses for family members, curtains, quilts and also taught several family members how to drive.
Paul describes our walk with God as a race that we must continually run. This race is not a competition against other people, but it’s about keeping the faith. The best way to describe it is to look at it as running a marathon. Mrs Ann kept her faith while on earth, and her race is won.
I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully. 2 Timothy 4:7
Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM Monday, November 18, 2024, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 2:00 PM Monday, November 18, 2024, with Tommy Lee Kidd officiating. Interment will follow at Macedonia Cemetery in Lawrenceburg, TN. The family suggests memorials be made to Abigail’s Plan.
