Sheila Griffin Gernatt

Sheila Anne Griffin Gernatt of Marietta passed peacefully in her home February 23, 2024, lovingly surrounded by family. Born at Crawford Long Hospital, November 10, 1933, she attended Morgan Falls School and Christ the King, graduating from Sacred Heart in 1951. There she made lifelong friends and memories which she cherished . Upon graduation she worked at Southern Railway until she met the love of her life, Paul Gernatt, a Georgia Tech man from Savannah. They married in 1955 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and faithfully attended until June 1973, when they became founding members of Holy Family. In 1957 she became a full-time Homemaker, her most beloved title. Along with his IE degree, in a separate Married Housing ceremony, she was conferred a “Mistress of Patience in Husband Engineering” from Georgia Tech. Her degree is still proudly displayed beside his. Sheila and Paul had 9 children (2 were AJC Cup recipients) along with 5 “in-loves” 23 grands and 28 greats! Family was her passion, second only to her Lord Jesus. Mrs. Gernatt, as she was known in the community, was well-loved for her singing, sharing meals, keeping sports stats, painting and drawing sketches. Chauffeur-Sheila took everyone to everything and had a loving smile on her face for all she met along the way! As a couple, their highest priority was getting the family to Sunday services Passionate about prayer, her church family was as big as her earthly. Paul preceded her to Heaven on December 1, 1983 and as a newly single mom, with 3 young kids, she began attending Mount Paran Church of God. She watched the Sunday service online, the week she transitioned and loved their worship. She faithfully attended BSF, Blue Ribbon Ladies, Lady Prayer Warriors and The Church of the Apostles Women’s Bible studies. Her most treasured prayer team was The Fearless Five, all of whom are now rejoicing together in Heaven! No matter where she was or whom she was with, Sheila was fully present. Nearing her passing, she was blessed by visits, both virtual and in-person. Her favorite flowers were daisies, hydrangeas, and lilacs. She came alive when people called or stopped by or sent flowers! Her great capacity to love made all feel welcome in her home. As content in a crowded room with bantering family, or as the center of attention on her 90th birthday, she loved people well. In her last days she sang, prayed, laughed, cried, hugged family, grands, greats and friends alike. It was Heaven on earth! She saw her beloved Kennesaw Mountain almost weekly and every drive was an oral history lesson of childhood memories, walking there from Alexander Circle. An original member of the first Girl Scouts Club in Marietta, her last trip out of the house was to the mountain. Mom was one in a million with a smile to light up this whole town. Her last conversation with grandchildren she said, “Surely I am of ALL men the most blessed! You all belong to ME!!!” One of her favorite sayings was, “The Lord knows all about it.” We look forward to seeing Sheila, Mom, Grandma, MeeMaw, Mrs. Gernatt again very soon! Sheila is survived by her children, Paul Gernatt Jr. of Tallapoosa, GA, Tom (Melanie) Gernatt, of Tallapoosa, GA, Anne (Greg) Kerr of Charlotte, NC, Jim (Julie) Gernatt Sr. of Woodstock, GA, Dan Gernatt of Marietta, GA, Kathy Gernatt of San Francisco, CA, Theresa Gernatt of Marietta, GA, David (Tracy) Gernatt of Marietta, GA, Patti (Beau) Brezina of Newnan, GA as well as her sister, Marie (Bob) Allen of Hiram, GA, brother Mickey (Sharon) Griffin of Marietta, GA, 23 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren (see below) as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews, and dear friends. Sheila’s beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren by family: The family of Tom and Melanie Gernatt: Josh and Summer Gernatt and their children, Judson and McKenna. Andrew and Tonya Gernatt and their children, AJ, Natalie, Charlotte, and Asher. Chrissi and Bobby Lyons and their children, Max and Haynes. Ashley and Matthew Hutson and their children, Junior, Colton, Tinsley, and Westin. Elizabeth and Josh Burfitt and their children, Jakson, Henry, Benjamin, and Wheeler. The family of Anne and Greg Kerr: Griffin and Amanda Kerr and their children, Annie and Davis. Lesley and Aaron Rich and their children, Welly and June. Meredith and Matt McGanity. The family of Jim and Julie Gernatt: Jennifer and David Tim. Jim and Holly Gernatt Jr. and their children, Piper, Miles, and a third child on the way. Laura and Chris Townsend and their children, Emma Brookes and Molly Kate. Steven Gernatt and Michael Gernatt The family of David and Tracy Gernatt: Alex and Corina Gernatt and their children Emerson and Finley. David Paul Gernatt and his son Cohen. Jonathan Gernatt and his fiancée Averi Visage. Anna Gernatt and Lilli Gernatt. Patti and Beau Brezina and their children Nate, Samuel, Elijah, Joel, and Lauren. Sheila is predeceased by her husband, Paul Gernatt, Sr., parents, Thomas and Marie (West) Griffin, sister Kathleen Hazell, and brother Pat Griffin. The Celebration of Life is 11:00 Am Friday, March 15, 2024 at Mount Paran Central Church, 2055 Mount Paran Road, NW Atlanta, GA 30327. Visitation will be 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. There will be a reception in the Great Hall immediately following the service that everyone is invited to attend. Sheila will be buried next to her husband with a private graveside service with her family.

Sheila Griffin Gernatt

November 10, 1933 - February 23, 2024