Maysville, Georgia - Vira Jevene Yawn Garnto, 93, Maysville, was born to Henry D. Yawn and Frances Estella Yawn in Rhine, GA on July 26, 1933. She passed away on August 12, 2026, after an extended illness.

A native of Telfair County, GA, Mrs. Garnto graduated from Milan High School and Brewton-Parker College. She graduated as a Registered Nurse from Georgia Baptist Hospital School of Nursing and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Valdosta State University. Her nursing career spanned over 30 years, retiring after 27 years at South Georgia Medical Center in Valdosta, GA. While at SGMC, Mrs. Garnto was a nursing supervisor, Quality Assurance Coordinator, and Safety/Risk Manager. Her compassion for patient care was evident in all aspects of her life; encouraging young nurses and assisting physicians in difficult cases was a love of hers.

Mrs. Garnto was a faithful member of Maysville Baptist Church. Prior to moving to Maysville in 2012, she was a member of Morningside Baptist Church in Valdosta, GA. Her faith in her Lord was immense, witnessing about God's care and salvation. Married to Raleigh Garnto for 67 years, she took her role as a military spouse seriously - service to country included the entire family, moving around several states and the Philippine Islands. In her free time, Vira enjoyed her grandchildren, Bible study, baking, sewing, making peanut butter ice cream, gardening, and traveling with her husband Raleigh.

Mrs. Garnto is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 67 years Raleigh, brothers Roger B. Yawn, Roy M. Yawn, sister Hulda F. Cook, sister-in-law Florence G. Hawkins, brothers-in-law William C. Garnto, Rodney H. Garnto, and Frederick W. Garnto.

She is survived by her four children: Terrance Garnto Sr. and Gerald Garnto, both of Commerce, Patricia Schimpf (Happy), Chattanooga, TN, and Robin Parker (Michael), Gillsville; seven grandchildren: Terrance Garnto Jr. (Patre), Cory Garnto (Casey), Blair Eacret (Greg), Ashton Herndon, Henley Horton-Schimpf (MB), Georgia Blythe (Ben), and Ava Schimpf; and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Edith Fisher (NC), and brothers Henry (Linda) and James (Gail) Yawn, both of Georgia.

Funeral service: August 22, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Maysville Baptist Church with the Rev. Wayne Robertson and Dr. Shane Roberson officiating. Interment will follow in Sunrise Cemetery.

Family to receive friends: August 21, 2026, 6-8 p.m., Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce, GA.

Friends wishing to make a charitable donation in her honor may consider the Maysville Baptist Church Building Fund, 8875 SR-82 Spur, Maysville, GA 30558.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.