Georgia Kendrick Wiggins

Georgia Kendrick Wiggins passed away peacefully on November 22, 2022, at Morning View Village in Maryville, Tennessee at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, George Welton Wiggins; as well as her brothers, Bob and Albert Kendrick; grandson, Tommy McCoig; and great-granddaughter, Elliana Wiggins. Georgia’s greatest source of pride was her 6 children: Karen, Kevin, Kenny, Kay, Kristi, and Kelly; 15 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Georgia moved to Maryville with her mother and brothers in 1934 following the death of her father. She grew up assisting her grandfather who was custodian of Fort Craig School. She graduated from Maryville High School and went to work as a telephone operator for Southern Bell. She married in 1951, and the young couple provided a home, care, and support to Georgia’s mother, Mamaw Kendrick, until her death in 1976. Through the years Georgia was fully devoted to the raising of their 6 children and their many assorted household pets including dogs, kittens, rabbits, snakes, fish, chickens, a parakeet, plus a hamster or two.

Georgia enjoyed travel and often joked her middle name was “Go”. In the years before dementia took its toll on her health, she traveled on family vacations and enjoyed extended visits with her out-of-state children. She remained a dedicated member of Madison Avenue Baptist Church for over 60 years and served in many roles there. Her homemade jams and jellies were the best, and she was a master baker of pecan pies, though she would deny this. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to her children in the raising of her grandchildren and never met a pair of slacks she couldn’t mend or stack of laundry she couldn’t iron.

Georgia will forever be remembered as a devoted daughter, dedicated wife, loving mother, fun-loving companion, and doting Mom-Mom. Per her expressed wishes, the family will be marking her passing privately and request that no flowers be sent. Memorial donations may be made to The GATE (Gateway to Independence), PO Box 6023, Maryville, TN 37802; Madison Ave. Baptist Church, 1918 Madison Ave., Maryville, TN 37804; or to the charity of one’s choosing.