Laura Kathryn Garrard Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Dr. Garrard, age 88, passed away on Sunday, July 24 after an extended illness and entered into the presence of our beloved Lord. She was born on April 10, 1934 in Johnson County, Georgia to the late Paul Benjamin Lee and the late Mary L Underwood Lee. She was predeceased by her husband Robert Conns Garrard, Jr.; son Robert Conns Garrard III; brothers Jasper Wilson Lee and Ernest Eugene Lee. She is survived by her daughter Mary Rachel Garrard Simmons and husband Berry Simmons, son Lee Walden Garrard; grandchildren Kathryn Ramsey Malone and husband Bryan Malone, Robert Benjamin Simmons, Molly Elizabeth Simmons, William Matthew Simmons, Robert Campbell Garrard, Walden Young Garrard, and Joshua Paden Garrard; great grandchildren Lilly Jewel Malone, Edith Grace Malone, and Conns Carter Malone; sister Eleanor Walters; and an abundance of extended family and close friends. Dr. Garrard’s career in education spanned a total of 55 years working as a teacher, school administrator, Curriculum Director, and she spent many years working as a college professor. She experienced many happy years as a college professor at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. After retirement, she continued her work as a professor at Middle Georgia College, Brewton Parker College, and Brenau University. She loved higher level learning and earned five college degrees. She studied at Duke University at the graduate level and earned two doctoral degrees from the University of Georgia. Dr. Garrard earned countless awards in her years of strong leadership in education. She served as consultants for numerous national and state projects and was an active leader in many professional organizations. Another one of her great loves was providing service in her church. She served on the vestry at St. Mary and St. Martha of Bethany in Buford, Ga and Christ Episcopal Church in Dublin, Ga. For many years, she was the Program Leader of Parish Life, served on the Altar Guild, and served on the building committee for St. Mary and St. Martha of Bethany. She was a member of The Daughters of the King for over 20 years. Dr. Garrard was a devoted mother who was always present for her children and other family members and went above and beyond for them all the way through their adult life. Her love for family was always a prominent aspect of her life, and in her own words, “her love of them enriched her life above all.” A Memorial Service will be held in her honor in her home church, St. Mary and St. Martha of Bethany in Buford, GA on Saturday, July 30, at 1 pm with Presiding Priests Laura Masterson and Tom Mustard. A reception will follow the service in Garrard Hall at the church.

Laura Kathryn Garrard

April 10, 1934 - July 24, 2022