Georgia Merle Lewis, affectionately known as “CooCoo”, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She left this earthly home to fly into the arms of Jesus, reunited with her mother, father, and the many loved ones who went before her.

A lifelong resident of Harrisville, Mississippi, in the Old Pearl community, and a member of Unity Baptist Church, she left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. CooCoo was the heart of her home and a steady presence in her community—someone you simply didn’t forget.

If you were lucky enough to sit at her breakfast table, you knew you would never leave hungry. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and love. She took pride in the simple things and did them better than anyone—whether it was making the perfect grilled cheese, a gallon of sweet tea, or scrambling eggs just right.

CooCoo was a lover of the outdoors and a true caretaker at heart. She spent countless days tending to the land she cherished—cutting grass, weed eating, gardening, picking up sticks, or just riding around, keeping a watchful eye on things. Her presence was known on every road she traveled. Folks in the community knew to keep their heads on a swivel—you never quite knew which lane she might be in, whether she’d give a friendly wave, or share whatever was on her mind in that moment.

CooCoo had a special place in her heart for animals, especially the many hunting dogs she cared for throughout her life and her beloved Jake, Shadow and Buddy. Her CB handle “dog catcher” was proudly positioned on her license plate for years.

Above all else, she loved her family deeply. She was a fierce protector of them all. She devoted her summers to caring for her grandchildren, teaching them not just how to do things—but how to live. From building fires to cooking simple meals to playing dominos, she passed down wisdom, strength, and love that will carry on for generations.

CooCoo is preceded in death by her parents, Lemuel Preston Cliburn and Minnie Athlona Barlow Cliburn; son-in-law, Roland Bush; and grandson, Robert Tabor. She is survived by her children, Louie F. Garrett (Nancy), Fay Garrett Bush, and Pamela Lewis Kimery (David); grandchildren, Becky Berry Loyd (Mark), Jennifer Garrett Brown (Justin), Tally L. Berry II, Louie F. Garrett II (Carrie), Donald J. Garrett (Margo), Lemuel Preston Garrett (Mikaela), Richard Tabor, Sharon Smith (Lyle), and Edward Tabor; great grandchildren, Stevie Garrett (Caycee), Autley Loyd (Laney), Megan Loyd Stein (Bryce), Louie “Trace” F. Garrett III, Brylee Brown, Mary Ruth Garrett, Georgia Reese Garrett, Donald Joseph Garrett II, Shelby Tabor, Savanna Smith, Landan Smith, James Robert Tabor, Aaliyah Tabor, and Mya Tabor; and great great grandchild, Beckham Bryce Stein.

The family wishes to thank Bedford Care Center of Mendenhall for the amazing and loving care they provided CooCoo for the last 4 1/2 years.

She will be remembered for her fierce independence, her generous heart, her unmistakable presence, and the way she made everyone feel at home.

Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the land she tended, and the countless lives she touched.