March 1, 1937 ~ August 12, 2026 (age 89)
Georgia Rooks Gardner, 89, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away on August 12, 2026. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, Georgia lived a life firmly grounded in her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Georgia was born on March 1, 1937 in Chattahoochee, Florida. She married Davis Lane Gardner, of Chipley, Florida, in 1955.
Georgia and Dave resided in Fort Walton Beach, Florida for about 40 years, where they worked and raised their family until retirement. Georgia was an administrative assistant at First Baptist Church, Fort Walton Beach for about 20 years during that time. In 1995, due to their love of Auburn and Lake Martin, they moved to Auburn, Alabama and enjoyed the community of friends they developed there. They were active members of First Baptist Church of Opelika, Alabama for many years.
Georgia is survived by her daughter, Cindy Golden (Bill) and by her son, Doug (Karen); by her four grandchildren, Jessica Golden Corman (Clay), Andy Golden (Richelle), Will Golden (Brianna), and Lauren Gardner Steele (Matt); and by six great-grandchildren, William, Davis and Sam Corman; Emery and Elliot Golden; and Archie Golden. Georgia is also survived by her sister, Bobbie Rooks Kimrey, sister-in-law Janelle Gardner Gilbert, and many nieces and nephews of her large family.
Georgia was preceded in death by her husband of almost 70 years, Davis Lane Gardner; her parents, Essie and Jesse Rooks; her sister, Juanita Rooks Gonsalves; and her brother, John Arthur Rooks.
Georgia taught her family by example to care for others. She was a great encourager, helped those less fortunate, and remained faithful to her Christian values. In her final few years, she battled with progressive dementia and ultimately succumbed to this at the end. She was blessed to be cared for by family and several loving caretakers during this period.
Georgia will be deeply missed, but her family finds comfort in knowing that she is reunited with her beloved husband and resting in the presence of her Lord. Her faith, compassion, encouragement, and devotion to family will remain a treasured legacy for generations to come.
Visitation is at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, Alabama, followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Town Creek Cemetery in Auburn, Alabama.
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