Orlene McCarty Garner

Mrs. Orlene McCarty Garner, age 89, of Gay, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, at her home.

Mrs. Garner was born February 2, 1937, in Omaha, NE, daughter of the late Orrin and Dorothy Wilkening McCarty. A resident of Norcross before making her home in Meriwether County, she was employed in the cafeteria of Norcross High School and later in the cafeteria of East Coweta High School. She was a member of Haralson United Methodist Church, where she had served on the Administrative Board, and in Norcross she had been a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, had served as a mother advisor for Rainbow Girls, and had coached softball. Mrs. Garner was an avid Atlanta Braves fan, enjoyed watching football with her husband, loved collecting dolls, was a good cook, and made great cakes.

Survivors include her daughters, Cheryll Cotten (Rick) of Lawrenceville, Cindy Wilson (Mike) of Senoia; son, Chuck Garner of Gay; grandchildren, Melissa Downey (Nathan), Jeffrey Cortten, Tricia Stockwell (Matt), Trinia Garner, Tristan Garner, Jason Wilson (Jennifer); great-grandchildren, Thomas Taylor, Natalie Taylor, Gracelyn Downey, Daylayna Stockwell, Keelan Stockwell, Addy Stockwell, Brayden Henry, Charleigh Henry; Landon Wilson, Peyton Wilson; her sister, Thelma Porter of Bellevue, NE. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie “Buddy” Garner; daughter, Crystal Garner; grandson, Casey Jones; and sisters, Marleen McCulloch and Charlotte McCulloch.

Plans for a memorial service at Haralson United Methodist Church will be announced later. A private interment will be in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in the Rocky Mount Community of Meriwether County.

Condolences may be expressed at www.mckibbenfuneralhome.com

Claude A. McKibben and Sons Funeral Home of Hogansville is in charge of arrangements.