Georgia Delores Gann

Georgia Delores Bridges Gann passed away quietly at her home on January 8, 2025, from a five-year battle with dementia. Georgia was born June 18, 1943, in Powell, Tennessee and moved to Etowah, Tennessee as a child where she attended Etowah High School and then Cleveland State Community College. She met the love of her life, William (Bill) Gann and eventually moved to Cleveland Tennessee in 1970. Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, William Gann and parents George Bridges (aka Elmer McCree Moffett) and Helen Cutshall Bridges.

 Georgia was a devout Christian and was an active member at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church in Cleveland and served in many capacities during her lifetime. She was a well-known and much-loved commercial lender in the Cleveland and Bradley County community. Starting her banking career with Citizens National Bank of Athens as a teller and then to Cleveland Bank and Trust Company where she served as lender and Senior Vice President until she retired early to take care of her ailing husband in 2002. Later, she joined Southern Heritage Bank in Cleveland and retired in 2017.

 Georgia was also extremely active in the community and served in various capacities and on boards of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Bradley County, Cleveland State Community College Foundation, Cleveland Civitan Club, Habitat for Humanity, and many other non-profits over the years. She was a key participant in the building of the all-inclusive playground with Civitan and worked hard on many other projects to help Cleveland and Bradley County grow. This included her lending base where she was always willing to work with individuals and companies who were starting up or expanding their businesses. She also taught adjunct at Cleveland State Community College and always participated in the Junior Achievement programs and the Cleveland Special Olympics.

 She is survived by her devoted daughter, Marnie Donna Marlene Gann de Shaw of Cleveland Tennessee, foster son, Michael Paul Donofree and grandson, Connor Aslean Tristian de Shaw both residing in Washington State. She also leaves behind her two long-time friends, Beth Woodard and Veronica Fox.

 At the time of her passing she was receiving care from Hospice of Chattanooga. The family wants to thank all of the hospice workers for their care. A special thanks to the many parishioners of St. Therese and friends, who volunteered to work on her home and yard during her illness.

 Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 15 from 6 to 8 at the Fike Chapel. The Requiem Mass and funeral service will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1:30 by Father Mike Nolan at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church. (Masks are appreciated)

 Pallbearers are Connor de Shaw, Richard Burnette, Davis Morelock, Keith Barrett, Travis Henry. Honorary pallbearers are Sam McReynolds, Steve Ledbetter, Mike Sharp, Lee Stewart and Bill Martin.

 Interment will be at Pine Grove Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Greenback, Tennessee following the funeral on January 16, 2025.

 In lieu of flowers, please send funds directly to Poole Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Fike Chapel, 2415 N Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37311.