Fulton Vice Chair Joan Garner dies after battling breast cancer
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. - Joan Garner, Fulton County Commission Vice Chair, passed away Tuesday morning after a lengthy battle with breast cancer, according to a statement from Chairman John Eaves.
Commissioner Garner joined the Board of Commissioner in 2011, and worked tirelessly to fight against health disparities.
“We will miss her thoughtful service, her passion for equity, and, especially, her smile and her warmth. Our thoughts and prayers are with her spouse and our friend, Judge Jane Morrison, as well as the rest of her family,” said Eaves.
Garner co-founded the Fulton County Task Force on HIV/AIDS and championed numerous other health initiatives. She also sponsored numerous programs for young people, including the annual “Don’t Touch The Fire” conference for at-risk youth, where she attended just last month.
“In the midst of our sorrow, I am so glad we took the opportunity to honor Joan and her work on behalf of citizens of Fulton County at our meeting last week. As a group, we were able to let her know how much we cared for her as an individual, and how much we admired her exemplary service to citizens. Her courage and unwavering commitment to service during her long health battle has been an example to all of us.”
A memorial fund has been established in her honor.
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