Rachel E. Fitzgerald

Rachel E. Fitzgerald of Shady Dale died May 9, 2011. She was a lifelong resident of Jasper County, born July 2, 1966.

Her smile, heart, and laugh were known by many. She never met a stranger and if she ever came across someone she didn’t know, before you could blink, she knew his or her family history and likewise.

Ms. Fitzgerald was a graduate of Jasper County Comprehensive High School. She studied Early Childhood Education at Macon College and Georgia College. She had been employed by Dexter Axle for 20 years.

Her contagious smile and laughter could be recognized from across the square. The biggest love in her life was her son, T.C. Smalling. She was certain that he hung the moon. Her love for animals, skydiving, softball, music, children, her Irish heritage, community and God gave Ms. Fitzgerald a variety of friends and she was loyal to all of them.

Ms. Fitzgerald’s mantra could be summed up by lyrics from one of her favorite Wet Willie songs; Keep on Smiling.

A graveside memorial service is planned for Wednesday, May 18 at 7:45 p.m. at West View Cemetery in Monticello.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Rachel Fitzgerald Memorial fund at McIntosh Bank in Monticello.

Survivors include her son Thomas Clayton Smalling, and sisters, Sheila Fitzgerald and Kathleen Miller.

Rachel was preceeded in her death by her parents, Tom and Sue Fitzgerald.