Georgia Lucille (Houtz) Gardner

Georgia (Jo) Lucille Gardner (95) went to be with Jesus and her beloved late husband, Karell, on their wedding anniversary, July 18, 2023.  She was a hospice patient at Chestnut Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Cumming, GA.

Georgia was born March 20, 1928 to the late Belvin Zacharias Houtz and Pearl Latisha (Hockenberger) Houtz in Bradner, OH.  She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers (Ervin, Floyd, Junior, Melvin and Robert) and sisters (Edna Mae, Mary Ella and Norene).

Georgia is survived by daughter and son-in-law Anita and Jack Hunt (Cumming, GA); daughter and son-in-law Jan and Mike Johnson (Dahlonega, GA); several nieces, nephews and their families; 3 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren and her sister-in-law Sue (Davis) Gardner.

Georgia’s adventurous spirit led her to CA, AL, GA, FL, Alaska and back to GA where she lived life fully with joy and delight.  She was a loving and kind Christian woman.  Her joys included spending time with family, gardening, artistic endeavors and “giving sugar.”  Georgia’s caring nature and sweet spirit will live on in the memories of her family and all who knew her.  To honor Georgia’s memory, never miss an opportunity to show love, seek adventure, love animals and help others when you can.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on August 12, 2023 at 2pm at Zion Hill Baptist Church (Buford, GA) where Georgia and Karell were members.  Reception/fellowship following the service.  Rev. Danny Newbern will officiate.  

The family requests that in lieu of flowers and other expressions of love, please consider a donation to Zion Hill Baptist Church (ZHBC) Building Fund in memory of Georgia Gardner.  This is a fund very dear to her heart.