Georgia Ann Sullivan, 75, of Safford, Arizona passed away on August 11, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.
Georgia was born on February 4, 1948, to George and Faye Baker in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Her family then moved to Lamar, Colorado where her parents established Baker Motor Company. It was at the Ford dealership where she learned the value of hard work and spending time with her father. After graduating from Lamar High School in 1966, Georgia moved to Colorado Springs. She spent some time working as a waitress before obtaining a job as a cashier at Safeway, while enjoying her newfound independence.
In 1968, Georgia attended the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley. She then took some time off to live with her Aunt Vera and Uncle Jerry. On May 13, 1969, Georgia gave birth to her first daughter, Lisa, in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Georgia later moved to Alamosa, Colorado to attend Adams State College. She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in 1971. While attending Adams State, she met Robert Joseph Kane. They were married in July of 1972, and together they had a daughter, Kari, on February 4, 1973.
Georgia spent her first year as a teacher in Lamar, Colorado. She then moved to Silver City, New Mexico and served as a second-grade teacher at Harrison Schmidt Elementary School for three years. Georgia met Doyle Edd Sullivan during these years, and the two were married in July of 1978. Shortly after, they moved to Safford, Arizona. Their first son, Bret, was born on August 3, 1979. They had another son, Nelson, on July 18, 1981. Georgia was able to stay home with her children during their early years.
Georgia returned to teaching at Dorothy Stinson Elementary in 1985. She was a Kindergarten teacher there until she transferred to Lafe Nelson Elementary School in 2002. She spent 33 years teaching Kindergarten in total and had a deep passion for instruction. Georgia had a passion for teaching. She enjoyed dressing up for different themes to make learning more exciting for the kids. You’d often see her around town in her puff paint t-shirts. Pupils and non-pupils alike felt that she cared for them as if they were her own.
After retiring in May 2018, Georgia spent most of her time volunteering in classrooms at Lafe Nelson. She also spent a lot of time with her children and grandsons. Georgia never knew a stranger and always loved to surprise people with an act of kindness.
Georgia was predeceased by: her father, George; mother, Faye; and sister, Janet.
Georgia is survived by: her daughters, Lisa Claire Butler of Novato, CA, Kari Lynn Stewart of Tucson, AZ; her sons, Bret Doyle Sullivan of Safford, AZ, Nelson Ray Sullivan (Victoria) of Morenci, AZ; grandsons, Riley Joseph Monthule, Ryan Ray Sullivan, Jaxon Lee Sullivan, and Cameron James Sullivan.
A Celebration of Georgia’s Life will be conducted Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m., at the Safford Unified School District David M. Player Center for the Arts by Pastor Kevin West of the True Hope Fellowship.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
