Georgia Wray Willding's Obituary
Loving wife, mother and grandmother, Georgia Wray Muckleroy Willding passed away peacefully two days before her 90th birthday, having enjoyed a joyful celebration in her honor several days earlier with her five daughters and many of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Beautiful and dignified at any age, Georgia will always be remembered for her impeccable sense of style and grace, which she carried with her throughout her life. Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, Georgia was the first child of Ivy Green and Bassett Ray Muckleroy. Following high school, she moved to Dallas at the age of 25 to design clothing for a manufacturing company. It was during this time that she met “a wonderful young man in the same business,” ultimately marrying the love of her life, Thomas Eugene Willding, on May 31, 1952. Tom and Georgia had five daughters over the course of their long marriage, with Georgia focusing her attention at home until her girls were grown. Her cooking was legendary, especially among her son-in-laws, and she also applied her expert seamstress skills, sewing frequently for everyone. She would later become a much sought after bridal consultant, working first at Francine’s and then Neiman Marcus until her retirement. Georgia is preceded in death by Tom, her husband of 44 years, who died on June 17, 1996; as well as her parents, Ivy and Bassett; her brothers, Bobby and Emory (Bud); her granddaughter, Devon Noble Jefferson; and, her second husband, Landon Wade Morrison, who died in 2005 following their marriage in 2001. She is survived by her sister, Juanita Katherine Giles and Lloyd; and, her daughters: Theresa Diane Willding; Mary Kathryn Carter and Rex; Elizabeth Elaine Robbins and Danny; Patricia Ann Rhea Newton and Thomas (Chip); and, Janice Christine Kolb and John. Surviving grandchildren are: Lauren Rose Shekari and Darius; Rachel Elizabeth Robinson and Nicholas; Thomas Gabriel Robbins; Davis Allen Rhea; Sarah Ruth Robbins; John Phillip Thomas Jefferson; and, Nathaniel Key Kolb IV. Great grandchildren are: Kathleen Rhea, Harper Jane and Cash Wyllis Robinson. Pallbearers are: Davis Rhea, Jack Jefferson, Darius Shekari, Nick Robinson, Danny Robbins, John Kolb, Rex Carter and Hal Boggan; honorary pallbearer, Tom Robbins. The visitation for Georgia Willding will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Restland Funeral Home with a Rosary at 7:00 PM in The Memorial Chapel at Restland Funeral Home. The service for Georgia will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church in Dallas with Father Marco Rangel officiating. Reception to follow at 7045 Helsam Way, Lane D, Dallas, TX 75230. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75243.
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