Mary Elizabeth Graham Garner, 91, of Florence, passed away on June 16, 2024. Her family will receive friends in the Parish Hall at Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, August 5th. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the church with The Rev. Callie Plunket-Brewton officiating. The service will continue at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ethel Graham; her husband of 69 years, Joe Garner; and her half brothers and sisters. She is survived by her four children, Shirley Bickley (Don) of Tuscumbia, John Garner (Emiko) of Beaufort, SC, Neal Garner (Debbie) of Cataula, GA, and Martha Tucker (Mark) of Alexander City, AL; grandchildren, Lewis Yuille (Angela), Aoi Horn (Sean), Julia Higgins (Tony), Nina Garner (Chaz Straney), Micah Garner, Hannah Garner (Morgan Springer), Mary Rachel Tucker, Neal Tucker, and Nathan Garner (Kate Eberhardt); great-grandchildren, William Yuille, Fischer Springer, Charlie Straney, Joseph Straney, Maylee Springer, and Anna Grace Springer; and a host of extended family and friends as well as the many people who considered her their second mom.
Mary dedicated her life to taking care of others through her profession of nursing, her love of cooking, and serving others in her community.
She served in many capacities during her 43 years as a nurse, with the majority of those years in nursing administration. Deeply committed to the high standards of the nursing profession, she encouraged others to pursue the same. Mary was a mentor for many young girls who would go on to become nurses. She was known to come along side of others and to advocate for their care. She volunteered her time with hospice, the Caring Place of the Shoals, the Help Center, and various state and local nursing organizations.
With cooking being her favorite past time, Mary nurtured others with many delicious meals that she served in her home or took to others. There was always room at her table and in her home. In her later years she was very involved with cooking for the Shoals Community Soup Kitchen.
Mary was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church in Florence where she served in many of the ministries there during her lifetime.
Our mother modeled what it looked like to take care of others. During her last years, she showed us how to receive that care with grace.
The family would like to thank all of her wonderful caregivers, especially Paula Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Mary to the Community Meals program at Trinity Episcopal Church, 410 N Pine, St., Florence, AL 35630 or to the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professionals General Scholarship Fund, UNA, Box 5113, Florence, AL 35632-0001.
