Ellie Marie Miller Garrard was born on April 17, 1936, the daughter of the late Thomas Vernon and Missouri Jane Holland Miller. On October 17, 1952, she was united in marriage to William Grady Garrard, who preceded her in death on January 9, 2001. Ellie departed this life on November 1, 2017, at the age of 81 years, 6 months, and 15 days.
Ellie attended church on and off for several years during her lifetime and had accepted Jesus Christ as her savior several years ago. She had a close, personal relationship with him, which she showed by her love for gospel music and reading her bible daily. Before moving to Savannah, where she spent most of her life, Ellie lived in Missouri for several years. In Missouri, she was a home maker and cotton picker. When she moved to Savannah, she worked at Clifton Manufacturing and retired after working for over 20 years. Ellie was an avid quilt maker, and she used this talent to make each of her children and grandchildren a quilt. She also quilted for people all over Hardin County and surrounding areas. Ellie's family remembers her as a wonderful mother with the biggest heart who taught her family the true value of forgiveness and helping others. She was a strong woman that fought until her last breath.
Ellie is survived by her daughter, Debra Norman and husband Robert of North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; son, Donney Garrard and wife Sarah Ann of Savannah, Tennessee; brother, Rayburn Miller of Red Bay, Alabama; 13 grandchildren; and 22 great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Ellie was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna Sue Garrard Myrick; sister, Reba Jane Miller Pardue; and brothers, Vernon RoyLee Miller and Raymond Thomas Miller.