Ms. Shelvia Ann Southern Garland, age 80 of Ellijay, passed away on Monday, January 15th, 2024 at her home.

Ms. Garland was born on April 23rd, 1943 in Gilmer County to the late John Blumer Southern and the late Gertha Ellis Southern. Shelvia was retired from Whitepath Fab Tech and was a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. She loved her grandkids, loved to cook for other people, and she made the greatest banana pudding. In addition to her parents, Ms. Garland is preceded in death by her loving sister, Betty Chastain, and brother-in-law, Bill Nordmark.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Lisa (Johnny) Merrell of Ellijay; daughter, Pamela Garland of Ellijay; sister, Vickie Nordmark of Ellijay; brother-in-law, Claude Chastain of Ellijay; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, January 18th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. from the Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. Scott Chastain, Rev. Michael Cantrell, and Rev. Casey Richards officiating. Interment will follow in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Johnny Merrell, Devon Merrell, Johnathan Merrell, Eric Merrell, Avery Carroll, Robbie Evans, and Daniel Watkins. Conducting the music will be the Ebenezer Baptist Church Choir.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers will be accepted; however, the family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home in memory of Ms. Shelvia Ann Southern Garland.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is entrusted with these arrangements.