Harriette Willene Garner

Harriette Willene Garner, beloved mother, grandmother, and nana was called home to Heaven Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024, peacefully in her home. A longtime resident of Cumming, GA, Harriette was a treasured member of Cumming Second Baptist Church where she raised generations of her family with her late husband, Nelson Garner. Harriette loved ice cream, “The Waltons”, bird and squirrel watching from her window, pictures of her family, and visiting with the people she loved. 

Born October 8, 1944, to Charlie and Mary Emily Combs, Harriette was one of five siblings (Emily Combs Ramey, Julianne Combs, Billy Combs, and Johnny (Paulette) Combs). Throughout her life, she became a matriarch for her extended family loved by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Harriette made her life’s work loving her family. As a mother to four (Richard Ballew, Dale Ballew, Darlene Ballew (Gilbert), Beth (John) Gomez and stepsons, Travis Garner and Kevin Garner), she quickly became a grandmother to 11 grandchildren and later a great-grandmother to 20 great-grandchildren. She dedicated her days to loving and raising many. For years, she could be seen driving a van full of children with a license plate that read, “Ask me about my grandchildren!” Her home and her heart were always open, and she was lovingly known as Grandmother or Nana to countless friends that Harriette loved and considered family.

Only greater than her love for her family was Harriette’s love for the Lord. She made it her mission to invite everyone to church, and for years, she arrived to every event with a carload. Though she faced many heartaches including the tragic loss of her husband, the passing of numerous loved ones, and years of health decline, she never lost her faith in Jesus nor did she ever stop telling others about all He had done for her. Harriette testified to His goodness until her very last days.

The family will receive visitors at Ingram’s Funeral Home in Cumming, GA on Sunday, May 19,from 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM and Monday, May 20 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. 

Funeral services will be held at Cumming Second Baptist Church at 1 PM on Monday, May 20 with Rev. Sam Rickett, Rev. Richard Martin, and Rev. Marcus Bottoms officiating. Harriette will be laid to rest at Sawnee View Memorial Gardens following the services. 

Ingram Funeral Home, 210 Ingram Ave, Cumming, GA is in charge of arrangements.