Cornelia Jane Huskins Garbee

cornelia garbee

October 4, 1937 ~ December 14, 2023

Born in: Banner Elk, North Carolina
Resided in: Asheville, North Carolina

Cornelia Jane Huskins Garbee, 86, of Asheville, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023.

Born in Banner Elk, she was the daughter of the late Charles Cecil Huskins and Zula Thomas Huskins who raised her in Lenoir. She was also preceded in death by her in-laws Henry Clifton Garbee and Ethel Waugh Garbee, as well as her aunt, Madge Thomas Dickson, and her brother-in-law, Thomas Alexander Readling, Sr.

Cornelia was a graduate of Wake Forest University and an avid Demon Deacon fan. It was in Winston-Salem that she met Wes, whom she married the following year on July 17, 1965. Together they lived a vibrant, active, and busy life that included cycling on tandem bikes across the United States and many other countries, taking weekly walks together at the Biltmore Estate to enjoy the sunflowers, and listening to music at the Guitar Bar. Their daily actions reflected the love they shared and the bond created over 58 years, becoming an example for their children, grandchildren, and all of those fortunate enough to be part of their lives.

“Kena”, as she was affectionately known, was a central part of her grandchildren’s lives actively participating in everything they did, which was evident through the numerous photos that she shared with anyone willing to indulge her. Whether golf, tennis, baseball, cheerleading, or horseback riding, she was always there in person or spirit as their biggest supporter. As they progressed through college, she continued to cheer on all their teams, even that other school in North Carolina, unless they played her beloved Demon Deacons. This enthusiasm often extended to her nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, and the children of her friends.

She will be remembered as someone who always put the needs of others above herself – everyone else always came first. In addition to the numerous volunteer positions she held over her 51-year membership at First Baptist Church of Asheville, she volunteered weekly at Mission Hospital and the “Lunch At The Crossroads” program feeding the homeless. Her compassion and concern for others continued into her final days in the hospital as she ensured that all Christmas gifts were delivered as planned.

Cornelia is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Henry Welsey Garbee, Sr; one son, Henry Wesley “Hank” Garbee, Jr and his wife, Sarah; one daughter, Joanna Garbee Brumsey and her husband, Bill; five grandchildren, Thomas Henry Garbee and his fiancée, Emma Seckinger, Charles Wesley Garbee, Emma Elizabeth Brumsey, Paige Foreman Brumsey and William “Will” Brumsey V; one sister, Betty Jo Readling and her special friend Gary Gibson; her brother-in-law Steven Aubrey Garbee (Judy) and dear cousin Myra Alice Dickson. She is also survived by her nieces Sheree Readling Bissett (Jim), Teree Readling Crawford (Charlie), and Amy Readling Shaffer (Michael), and her nephews Thomas Alexander Readling, Jr. (Angela), Gregory Steven Garbee (Amaia) and Joshua Clifton Garbee (Rosalinda), as well as many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 20 at First Baptist Church of Asheville with Eddie Morgan, Bert Young, and Leah Brown officiating. Her family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 19 in the Chapel of Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.

In lieu of flowers, the family graciously asks that memorial donations be made to either Arts For Life, 7 Beaverdam Road, Suite 207, Asheville NC 28804 (www.artsforlifenc.org) or to First Baptist Church of Asheville’s “Lunch At The Crossroads” program, 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801.

Services

Memorial Service: December 20, 2023 11:00 am

First Baptist Church of Asheville
5 Oak Street
Asheville, NC 28801

(828)252-4781

Visitation: December 19, 2023 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. We have such wonderful memories of Cornelia through the years. She was a beautiful, caring, happy person whom we were proud to call a friend. We send love to each member of her family.

    • In the two short years I sang with her in the Reuter Center choir I came to love her warmth and joy, and looked forward to seeing her every week. She taught me so much in that short time and will be dearly missed.

  2. May this sweet lady rest in peace. She was a bright light for all who were fortunate to have known her

  3. I grew up on Powell Circle in Lenoir and my mother Louise House always told me that I was named after Cornelia Jane! The entire Huskins family was like a second family to us because our grandparents lived so far away. I cherish wonderful childhood memories and I am so sorry for your loss. Wonderful lady!
    Patsy Jane House Pilkenton

  4. Hank, I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, I appreciate you and your family and you will certainly be in our prayers:
    Garry Rogers

  5. Dear Family, l will be praying for and with you all as you go through these days and times ahead. Blessings

  6. Sending our condolences to the wonderful family of “Corny”. She was always met us with welcoming smile and warm heart . She will be greatly missed y her FBC family.

  7. Prayers for peace and comfort for all the family. Ms Garbee was a very special lady she will be greatly missed. She always had a smile and a sweet hello no matter where you saw her.

  8. Wes , Hank , Joanna
    Joyce and I are so very sorry for your loss .your wife and mother was bigger than life.
    Our thoughts and feelings are with you .

  9. Hank, Kristy and I want you to know you and your family are in our prayers and are sad to hear of your Moms passing.
    May God bless you in this time.

  10. My dear Cornelia, I will miss seeing your smiling face every Wednesday. You truly was a wonderful woman. Be at peace.

  11. Dear Wes, I am so saddened to learn of this. You both have been beacons of light for Harold & me through all kinds of adventures and misadventures. So many fond memories!
    May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

  12. I didn’t know her well, even though I worked with Dr. Garbee for 13 years at Asheville pediatrics. But when I did see her and speak with her, she was such a lovely, kind lady. She always made me feel like she’s known me for a long time. My heart goes out to Dr. Garbee and the family. God bless all of you.

  13. Such a precious lady that I was honored to know for 37 years!
    Prayers for the hearts of all the family who love her so much❤️🙏🏼

  14. Dear Dr Garbee and family, Your wife and mom was such a kindhearted lovely lady. I am saddened to hear of her passing. I am so sorry. You all will be on my heart and in my prayers.
    Love Martha Rader Sheppard

  15. I am so sorry for everyone who was lucky enough know her. As her hairdresser of 20 years I have watched everyone grow up, seen graduations and multiple pictures. You were all such a joy to her , she spoke with such pride of your achievements . You truly lived in her heart , may she continue to live in yours . Carolanne.


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