Ann Avera Garrett, 85, of Tifton, died Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at Maple Court Senior Residence in Tifton, Georgia.

A private graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 6th at Nashville Old City Cemetery with the Reverend Chip Grantham officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service. Given the current health crisis, a celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date.

Ms. Garrett, or as her grandchildren called her "MaMa", was born on October 27, 1934 in Nashville, Georgia to the late Frances Tyson and Phin Austin Avera. After earning her real estate license in 1978, she began a passionate and goal-oriented career with Webb and Sims Realty Company. Friends and family recall how she not only listened and provided support in the search for the perfect home, but she also spent a great deal of time chatting with the potential buyers simply because she cared. Amidst the hustle and bustle of her successful career, she also prioritized spending time with her grandchildren. She adored her grandsons and granddaughter and enjoyed watching them play sports both in high school and college. Ms. Garrett was an original stakeholder in Springhill Country Club and an avid golfer. As a fierce competitor, she won many of the women's club championships. Friends and family recall her humble attitude and encouraging spirit to anyone who cared to join the game. Ms. Garrett also competed for many years in a highly skilled and well-experienced bridge group. She shared many memories of great talks and belly aching laughs alongside this close-knit group. Ms. Garrett was a lover of Diet Cokes that she referred to as "co-colas", a fashion critic, and entertained family and friends for hours with her quick wit. Using expressions like "oh my stars" followed by a chuckle, she warmed the hearts of those who had the privilege of spending time with her. Ms. Garrett loved her family fiercely. Always ready with a gentle smile, she supported, encouraged, and challenged all to be their best version of themselves. All the while, nothing pleased her more than a hug and a kiss from her great grandchildren. Ms. Garrett was a woman of strong faith who served as an active and supportive member of First United Methodist Church for decades attending both church services and Sunday School. Near the end of her life, she insisted that the Lord had prepared a better place for her and that she was ready to go when He called her home. Ms. Garrett is already missed by family and friends, but they feel comfort knowing that she has received her heavenly reward. She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Van Graves of Chula, Georgia and her great grandson, Briggs Van Graves of Tifton, Georgia.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra Garrett Graves of Chula, her son and daughter-in-law, Cliff and Angela Garrett, and her son Danny Garrett. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their children, Gant and Jessica Graves of Valdosta, Georgia and Avera and Jack, Will and Joanna Graves of Tifton, Georgia and Parker, and Sara Garman of Duluth. Pallbearers will be her sons and grandsons.