Rachel Garlands’ favorite hymn was “Victory in Jesus”. She fully recognized His victory in her life and in eternity because of His victory over death offered to her through His grace. She was joyfully anticipating a celebration in Heaven and reminisced about her reunion with loved ones. She had questions for those giants of our faith and the Bible- especially David, the man after God’s own heart. On Tuesday, September 8th, Rachel was peacefully embraced in the loving arms of the Father-just one day after her 89th birthday. The family greatly appreciates the love and care of both Fellowship Home Brookside and Hospice.

Rachel Ann Garland was born in Darlington, South Carolina, to Elizabeth and Boyd Polson on September 7, 1937. She grew up quite mischievously in Hartsville, South Carolina, and attended Hartsville High School and Coker College. She was employed as a hospital receptionist and as secretary at Sonoco Products Company. As a leader in the Girls’ Auxiliary (GAs), she guided girls (ages 9-17) in their faith through scripture, values, and fun events.

After moving with her family to Orlando in 1969 where they lived for 30 years, Rachel was Vice President of Personnel for Sun Trust Bank. Her last employment was with Campus Crusade for Christ (employee insurance benefits) where she also had opportunities to serve on mission trips and events with Josh McDowell. Mrs. Garland was a member of First Baptist Church in Orlando where she taught 3rd Grade Sunday School –the grade her mother taught for many years. She also attended “Clown School” where she was credentialed to visit with hospitalized children.

Rachel and Ray Garland retired in a cabin they built at the top of a mountain in Burnsville, North Carolina (near Asheville) where they lived for 18 years. Her passion was teaching Adult Sunday School and volunteering at Tri-County Pregnancy Center. Her humorous wit blossomed into joke and storytelling at various events –especially her role as “The Cleaning Lady” (Carole Burnette) the mountain version. Mrs. Garland enjoyed much traveling with friends and family (favorites –Hawaii, Costa Rica) and mission trips (even to Russia)

Port Orange, Florida, was Rachel’s (the beach bum) home for about 8 years.

(And she remained “prissy” until her last days!)

Many well fed and entertained visitors graced those N. C. and Florida homes.

Two grandsons were blessed to experience a variety of adventures while building treasured memories with their Gramma and Boppa. Yet, Rachel Garland’s lasting legacy is her faithfulness to Jesus, her Savior, and her utmost desire for everyone to know Him.

Mrs. Garland is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jacki and Willie Beasley of Hahira; son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Colleen Parnell of St. Cloud, Florida; grandson and his wife, Brett and Missy Beasley of Marietta and their children, Davis and Daisy. She was preceded by her husband, Ray Chandler Garland and her grandson, Ryan Beasley.

A close knit gathering in North Carolina will be a time of celebration of Rachel and Ray with their ashes left on the mountain they both loved.

Donations in her memory may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Hospice of South Georgia.

Condolences may be conveyed to the family on the obituary page of Carson McLane Funeral Home www.mclanecares.com