Emogene Hamby Hollingshed Garrett

Emogene Hamby Hollingshed Garrett passed away peacefully on January 7th, 2025, surrounded by family. Emogene was born July 14, 1934, to Stanley and Minnie Hamby. If there is one word, we would use to describe her, it would be fearless. She grew up in rural Violet NC. Shegraduated from Hiwassee Dam High School 1952. Shortly thereafter she moved to downtown Atlanta with two high school friends. This is where she saw her first TV set. She got a job with Southern Bell (Bell South -AT&T). A short time later, she met a tall handsome man from Dallas Georgia, Cecil Hollingshed, (the son of Julius and Addie Hollingshed) He was one of seven children. They were married 6 weeks later. Then came their 1st son Darrel Hollingshed followed 5 years later by Stan Hollingshed. The new young couple decided to move their small family to Smyrna GA. Life was going along then they got a call that would change their lives. Her Brother called and said he was in a pickle. He needed a home for his little girl. She looked just like him... Well, let's say that was not the case. When she laid eyes on this little girl with dark black hair, dark eyes and very dark skin. In 1970 they took on this little feral Hispanic girl that did not speak a lick of English. But again, she was fearless and took on the challenge. They moved the growing family to Marietta GA. The thing about Emogene and Cecil is they always had their doors open to anyone who needed a place to stay. She would pick up kids and take them to church with her. She taught Sunday school at Welcome All Baptist Church. They lived their lives as good Samaritans. If you were hungry, she would feed you. She was an amazing cook. If you needed a coat, she would give you one of hers or buy you one. Life Was good. Then in 1974 they lost their oldest son. But as always, she took this new chapter on fearlessly she traveled back to the holy land. When she retired, she started square dancing, and she was very good at it. She loved to garden and grow flowers. She drove across Europe and managed to drive across this great country more times than counted. She loved cruising and captain's dinners. She was always up for an adventure. Even if it was to the flea market in Murphy or a new Auction House, she was ready. We spent many days browsing Antique stores or just heading to the mall to see what trouble we could get into. In 2003 she married a childhood friend Oscar Garrett, they lived together in Copperhill TN. They were blessed with an amazing 19 years together until his passing in 2022. She then moved back to Georgia to be close to her family. Emogene leaves behind her children Stanley Hollingshed, Sylvia Anderson's son-n-law Dale Anderson. Her grandchildren Richard Head (Veronica Head), Cecil Head, Brittney Rose Hollingshed (Ana Soren Andersdotter). Great Grandchildren Gabriel Head, Daniel Head. Her nieces were a special part of her life. She loved them as her own children Kathy Gallaway, Rita Gambini, and Cheryl Searles. We are better human beings having her in our lives and she will be missed beyond words.