Carol Jean “Jeannie” Garber, 84, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on December 13, 1940, in Granite City, Jeannie was the cherished daughter of the late Earl and Clara (Walz) Harrison. On August 18, 1956, she married the love of her life, Anton “Tony” Frederick Garber, in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Together, they shared a beautiful journey of love, laughter, and devotion until his passing on September 26, 2013.
Jeannie was a devoted wife, mother, and a beloved grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She left a lasting impression on everyone who met her.
She found joy in the simple pleasures—shopping, traveling, cooking, doting on her grandchildren, and cherishing every moment spent with family, especially at the family barbeques. Her presence was felt in every room, and her absence will be deeply felt by those whose lives she touched.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband, Jeannie was preceded in death by her sons, Michael Garber and John “Butch” Garber; siblings William Harrison (in infancy), James Harrison (in infancy), Barbara Pettersson, Linda Tennant, Marilyn Burdzilauskas, Elizabeth Crone, Ruth Harrison, Rosemary Ensor, Ralph Harrison, and Donald Harrison.
Left to cherish her memory are her devoted children: Cynthia (Frank) Dorris of East St. Louis, IL; Katherine McDavid (Scott Byrum) of South County, MO; and Charles Garber of Litchfield, IL; daughter-in-law, Charrie Garber of Port Orchard, WA; dear siblings, Esther “Sis” Wagner, Patricia (Pat) Jeske, and Richard Harrison; cherished grandchildren, Derrick (Sarah) Fitzhugh, Joshua Garber, Frank Dorris, Charles Garber, and Collin McDavid; great-grandchildren, Julia Garber, Andy Garber, and Athon Fitzhugh; several great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
A celebration of Jeannie’s remarkable life will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Irwin Chapel in Granite City, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.irwinchapel.com.