Donna Garrett Keith, long-time resident of Athens, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 28, 2018, in her home, surrounded by her loving family and caregivers. A devoted follower of Jesus, she began each day with devotions and prayer, which remained a constant joy all her days.
Donna cherished her family; she was a loyal daughter, faithful sister, and loving mother throughout her life. She especially thrived as a grandmother and great aunt. Donna is survived by her beloved sisters, Leandra Garrett Armour (Robert) of Victoria, TX, and Dunnsville, VA, and Ellisa Garrett of Athens, GA, and Fripp Island, SC, and her daughters, Bonnie Keith Green of Charlotte, NC, and Susan Keith Justice (Kyle) of Lithia Springs, GA. She held special love for her grandchildren: Janie Green and Daniel, Zachary, Zoe, and Drew Justice. Her loving nieces are Elizabeth Armour Orsbon, Pamela Midden Conlin, and Rebecca Midden Clark. Donna enjoyed a special bond with her late uncle, William Pope Booth, a World War II veteran. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother-in-law, Jerry Midden, and her son-in-law, Fulton Green. She will be missed by her beloved cat Lulu, who was consistently by her side through the last eight years.
Donna, the daughter of Ellis and Mildred Garrett, was born July 23, 1944, in Athens. She was a 1962 graduate of Athens High School and attended the University of Georgia, the Medical College of Georgia, and the University of Florida, earning a bachelor of science in nursing. As someone who always loved and cared for those around her, especially children, she was extremely proud of being a nurse. After working in the healthcare field, Donna became a business woman and property owner in Athens, using her humor and organization to help the family business grow. Donna enjoyed being involved in the community as a member of many historical societies and an active alumna of Athens High. Wherever she went around town, she was sure to see a friend whom she would always greet with a smile and an inquiry about the friend’s family or work.
Donna expressed her deep faith in Jesus to all those whom she knew. A long-standing member of Athens First United Methodist Church, Donna also enjoyed fellowship in churches with different worship styles. She attended many Bible studies and encouraged others to pursue the Lord. Donna loved singing and music, played the piano, and listened to hymns and worship music every day.
The family is extremely grateful for the excellent care Donna received in her last years from her caregivers, especially Tedra Thomas, who was a devoted support and companion to Donna for many years both personally and in her business endeavors.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 6, at Marswood Hall, 3761 Mars Hill Road, Watkinsville, GA. The family requests that guests join them for a reception in the Banquet Hall at Marswood following the service. Interment will be private. Memorial gifts may be made to the Children’s Ministry at Athens First United Methodist Church, 327 N Lumpkin St, Athens, GA 30601, or to the Athens Community Council on Aging, 135 Hoyt St, Athens, GA 30601.

Lord and Stephens, West is in charge of arrangements.

www.lordandstephens.com