Georgia Ann Corwin

The rock of her family, Georgia Ann Corwin was beloved by the family she adored. She cared for her family deeply, and through them she found her greatest joy. A woman of faith, Georgia Ann was generous with her time and talents, and ever giving, saw to the needs of her family, never forgetting the special days of anyone. A friend to all and a stranger to none, she was an encourager of peace, hope, faith, and above all, love.

Born on December 7, 1942 in the small community of Mikado, Michigan at the height of World War II, Georgia Ann was the daughter of George Fredrick and Dorothy Jane (Olds) Palmerlee. The oldest of four, Georgia Ann was later joined by her younger siblings, Louis, Daniel and Marilyn. Her family later moved to the riverfront city of Grand Rapids where her father worked for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and her mother remained at home as a homemaker. As a family they attended Fairhaven Baptist Church where Georgia Ann grew in faith from her earliest years.

Georgia Ann attended Harrison Park Elementary School and went on to graduate from Union High School in 1960. A year after high school, she married Kenneth Troyer. They made their home on Liberty Street NE where they welcomed the blessing of their only child, Christopher in April of 1963. They later moved to a home on 36th Street in nearby Wyoming. Although her marriage to Ken ended after five years, Georgia Ann did what she needed to make ends meet. She relied on her faith, and with strength of heart, happily raised her son. She worked at RC Allen for 15 years, and later Lear Siegler, Jett Electronics, Bennett Pump, and eventually B.F. Goodrich from where she retired.

There was no comparison to Georgia Ann's delicious biscuits and gravy, beef roast and baked ham dinners, and the way she prepared a good steak. She loved listening to the sounds of the Gaithers, Booth Brothers, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton. On TV she especially enjoyed watching the Grand Ole Opry. She seldom missed watching the evening news, Wheel of Fortune, and Jeopardy!, and also liked the Animal Planet and Discovery Channel. Georgia loved to shop and did so often as a great “QVC Enthusiast". When it came to dining out, some of her favorite places included Outback, Chili’s, the Olive Garden, and I-Hop. The most important things to Georgia Ann were found in her faith and family. She always had a church to call home, and attended faithfully. Her life was a testament to her unending faith which gave her much strength. Level headed and a fair woman, she was a great arbitrator, a wonderful listener, confidant, and problem solver. Her children trusted her council, and greatly valued and respected her input.

While attending Metropolitan Baptist Church, Georgia Ann met Clarence Corwin. They began dating, and were eventually blessed in marriage. Along with her son, Clarence had seven children she took on as her own. They were happily married for 29 years until he sadly passed away on June 8, 2013. She later became a member of Faith Fellowship Church. Georgia Ann always looked to her faith, and loved her family deeply. She was a constant in the lives of those she loved, and in all ways was a pillar of strength with whom her family relied. She would go to great lengths to bring her family together all while taking in the joy and company of those she loved.

On Christmas Day, Georgia Ann suffered a debilitating aneurysm. Although her family remained by her side, she was never to recover. Georgia Ann Corwin , aged 72 of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Tuesday, December 30, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Corwin, and her brother, Louis Palmerlee. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Teressa Troyer; grandchildren, Nicholas, Tasha and Christopher II; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Connor and Braxton; stepchildren, Debra, Denise, David, Donald, Dean, Darren and Duane; several step- grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; her sister, Marilyn (Carl) Pratt; her brother, Dan (Peg) Palmerlee; nieces, nephews and many friends.

A service to celebrate Georgia Ann’s life will be held on Friday, January 2, 2015, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 AM until the service begins at 11:00. Contributions in her memory may be made to Friends of Grand Rapids Veteran's Homes. To sign Georgia Ann’s guest book and to leave your own memory of her, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.