Obituary for Gail Gillian Garland

Gail Gillian Garland, 72 of Bonaire, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2024, leaving a void her family cannot fill.

Gail was born in Murphy, North Carolina to C.S. and Lois Garland in 1952. Gail had a simple childhood in the mountains surrounded by a large extensive family filled with love. She graduated from Hiwassee Dam High School and received a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from St Leo University. Gail enlisted in the US Air Force in November of 1976 and was a trained civil engineer. She served abroad for seven years, 4 months and three days to include a tour in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. She was also a graduate of the NCO and Senior NCO Academy. She retired from the US Air Force as a Master Sergeant in September of 1994. After her retirement she moved back to her home to Murphy and served as a case worker in child protective services for Cherokee county.

She cherished family gatherings, enjoyed crossword puzzles, traveling, and loved old western TV shows.

Gail was a devoted mother to her children, Chrystie McIlwain (Chris), Jon Frederick (Kathleen) and John W. Snow III; siblings, Donna Dockery (Kenneth), Larry Garland (Marilyn) and Sharon Johnson (Randy); grandchildren, Jordan McIlwain (Katlyn), Savanna Biggs, Seayrra Reed (Coby), Ontee Biggs IV, Owenn Biggs, JP Frederick, Charlie Frederick, Rorik Snow; and great grandchildren, Rylee Shaw, Kayden McIlwain and Kace McIlwain. Gail was such a proud grandparent and they were her pride and joy. All of Gail's children and grandchildren felt the love and support she provided.

Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Charles (CS) Garland and Lois Beaver Garland; a sister, Angela Garland; and a grandchild, Bjorn Snow.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Townson-Rose Funeral Home, Murphy with her beloved nephew Darren Garland officiating. Burial will be in the Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Murphy. Pallbearers will be Ontee W. Biggs, IV, Jordan McIlwain, Coby Reed, Taylor Morris, Savanna Biggs, and Seayrra Reed.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the Townson-Rose Funeral Home, in Murphy, North Carolina prior to the services.

Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy, North Carolina is in charge of all arrangements and accepting flowers. Gail was a very proud veteran and donations to the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org) would be greatly appreciated.


You may send tributes to the family at www.townson-rose.com