Mrs. Anita Bernice Gorman McGarity, 85, of Brookside Drive, Elberton, died peacefully on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at her residence with her family at her side.
A native of Athens and longtime resident of Elberton, Mrs. McGarity was born on March 11, 1936, the daughter of the late Melvin Carlton Gorman and Jewell Frances Smith Gorman. She was a graduate of Elberton High School and also graduated from Lander University with a degree in Home Economics. Anita taught Home Economics in Elbert County for several years before becoming a full-time homemaker, and later worked as a substitute teacher.
Mrs. McGarity was an active member of the First United Methodist Church as long as her health permitted. She served as Chairman of the Altar Guild, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, nursery worker, and Sunday school teacher. An elegant southern woman, Anita took pride in being an excellent hostess.
Anita enjoyed tole painting, needlepoint, crocheting, playing bridge, cooking, and University of Georgia tailgating. Above all, her favorite thing to do was be "Grandmother" to her favorite granddaughter, Allison.
Survivors include her son, Michael Allan McGarity and his wife Lisa of Elberton; granddaughter, Allison Michelle McGarity of Elberton; twin sister, Juanita Gorman LaConte and her husband Dr. Perry of Moultrie; niece, Margaret and Andy Chapura; nephew, Len and Melinda LaConte; and very special family member, Mrs. Annette Rucker.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Allan Eaves McGarity.
Mrs. McGarity will lie in state at Berry Funeral Home on Saturday, March 27, and Sunday, March 28, from 10:00a.m.-2:00p.m. for those wishing to pay their respects and sign the guestbook.
Funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Sunday, March 28, at 2 o'clock in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Rev. Jim McCollough officiating. Private entombment will be in the McGarity Mausoleum at Elmhurst Cemetery.
The family is at the McGarity residence on Brookside and will greet friends at Berry Funeral Home immediately following the service on Sunday.
The family extends their sincerest appreciate to ACT Home Health Care for their care to Mrs. McGarity.
Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to First United Methodist Church of Elberton Playground Fund, 132 E. Church Street, Elberton, GA 30635.
Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.
Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Anita Bernice Gorman McGarity.
Courtesy of Coile and Hall Funeral Directors of Hartwell.