Garnet Geneva Mays

OAKWOOD – Garnet Geneva Mays, 94 years old, of Oakwood, fulfilled her earthly duties at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at her residence surrounded by her family and her dogs, Josie, Buddy and Harley.

Garnet was born on April 27, 1930, in Grahn, Kentucky to the late Robert "Bob" and Lina (Carroll) Tackett. Later she married Russell Junior Mays, and together they raised their family of three daughters: Debra Ratliff, Gwyn Kohls and Raye Williamson, in their home just outside of Melrose.

Garnet retired from Philips in Ottawa. Not enjoying retirement just sitting at home, she decided to go back to work at Stokely's located in Paulding and Napoleon and also Campbell Soup Company in Napoleon during seasonal packs.

Garnet enjoyed traveling and visiting new places with her family such as, Germany, Hawaii, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, New York, Mardi Gras, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and many other places. She was always up for an adventure and having fun!

The last few years, Garnet has lived with her granddaughter and her family. On the weekends she enjoyed family game nights, Veggie Boys on You-Tube, and catching up on watching her soap operas. She really liked to snack on cheese puffcorn. Anyone that knew granny could vouch that most any day of the week, you could see her smuggling cheese puffs under her blanket to feed to the dogs, Buddy, Harley and Josie.  In the warmer months, Garnet enjoyed gardening and sharing stories of gardens and harvests of years past, feeding the hummingbirds and enjoying their flights, but most of all, Garnet loved visiting the casino! Slot machines were a true enjoyment for her. Her favorite game was "The Quick Hit Fever!" She would say, I didn't come here to lose, so give me the money! Lots of Quick Hits and Stars! What wonderful memories to cherish.

Garnet is survived and missed greatly by her three daughters: Debra Ratliff of Grover Hill, Gwyn Kohls of Continental and Raye Williamson of Sherwood; eight grandchildren: Mark, Myra, Karla, Kaylee, Daniel, Adam, Travis and Brandon; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; her sister, Helen Patton of Olive Hill, KY and her brother, Charles Tackett of Olive Hill, KY; and many nieces, nephews, and great friends that she made while enjoying her many adventures in life.

In addition to her parents, Bob and Lina Tackett & John Hayes, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Russell Junior Mays; two sons-in-law and good buddies: Wesley Ratliff and David Williamson; four grandchildren: Holly Thompson, Kennedy Kohls, Gene Kohls and Larry Russell Ratliff; and seven siblings: Betty Duncan, Aileen Duncan, Gladys Binion, Robert "Bob" Tackett, Lottie Smith, Blanche Carter and Othal (Bud) Tackett.

I can't imagine what a reunion granny's homecoming must have been.

Garnet's family would like to share a very special thank you to the wonderful and caring nurses with Elara Caring and friends and family that shared well wishes and prayers. Most importantly, we are thankful and grateful to God for loving us and sending us His son, Jesus Christ for saving us. Be the Light!

Funeral service will begin 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Oakwood with Pastor Joshua White officiating. Burial will follow at Sherman Cemetery, Oakwood. In celebration of Garnet Geneva Mays, there will be a visitation held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday and one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home. Guests are encouraged to wear patriotic or Trump apparel.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Tunnel to Towers Foundation www.t2t.org.

Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Web: http://www.t2t.org