Miriam Sarah Garbett-Markley

Miriam Sarah Garbett-Markley age 92, was called to heaven March 9, 2010 from Jacksonville FL. She was born to February 6, 1918 in Nanticoke PA to English and Welsh parents George Garbett and Jane “Jennie” Thomas G. She married Charles Kenneth Markley (1914-1987) in Langhorne PA in 1940. They moved to Knoxville TN in 1943 to open a Rohm and Haas plant that made Plexiglas to support the war effort. Here they raised son Kenneth Charles Markley (1947-2006) and daughter Jane Beth M. Green. After 60 years in Tennessee, the “Yankee” moved to FL in 2003. “Mimi” loved God was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Her many joys and activities of her life included church, duplicate bridge, PTA, reading everything, swimming, boating, fishing, UT football and almost anything that didn’t involve airplanes. But the core of her soul was loving and giving to people. Whatever her children and grandchildren wanted to do, she helped make happen- scouts, Little League ball, camping, vacation bible school and on and on. Her gift of hospitality extended to dignitaries of Rohm and Haas to missionaries from church to almost everyone she met. Any given Sunday, dinner at the lake house would include 6 to 60 friends, young people or anyone who “just dropped by.” Giving was always more fun than receiving and she gave to everyone, even if it was only a smile and a handshake. Her philosophy was “There are no strangers, only friends you don’t yet know their name.” She is survived by daughter Jane Beth Green, grandchildren Crystal, David, Jason, Nicole, and Jon Markley, son-in-law Bert Green and daughters-in-law Marie Dolce and Kathy Huczko. A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, March 13, at Pinewood Presbyterian Church, where she was a member, 198 Knight Boxx Rd, Middleburg, FL 32068. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pinewood Church for the Whited Discipleship Center or to the Safe Animal Shelter of Middleburg. Inurnment will be at Highland Memorial Cemetery in Knoxville TN at future date. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL (904) 284-4000.