HARRIET LAVERNE CATES BAGBY Birth: 3/31/1942 Death: 3/18/2023 Spouse of 57 years Ivan Bagby, (deceased-4/11/2016) – Married 9/4/1959 Parents: Hugh and Rubye Cates (deceased) Siblings: Tommy and Pat(deceased) Cates, Good Hope GA; Velma and Tim Durden, Daytona Beach FL; Anita and Lloyd Ecklund, Lawrenceville GA. In-Laws: B.C. and Nellie Bagby (deceased), Iris King (deceased) and Charles King; Joyce Ewing (deceased) and Henry Ewing, Joan and Doug Nichols, Jane and Ronnie Matthews Children: Paul Bagby, (Jenny), Brookhaven GA; Rhonda Wilson (Randy), Dacula GA; Ceceilia (Cissy) Chin, (Hong), Decatur GA Grandchildren: Alanna Stephenson, Reed Wilson, Chris Bagby, Kadi Wilson, Ally Bagby Great-Grandchildren: Logan Dabbs, Everly Wilson, Jaxon Wilson Numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews

Mom spent most of her professional career as a tax preparer, working for the IRS, H & R Block and eventually opening her own tax preparation business as an EA or Enrolled Agent. She did not just prepare taxes; she became personally involved and took immense pride in helping her clients not only get a proper refund but tried to advise them on how to keep more of their money throughout the year. She also helped many people, not just clients, prepare for their future and retirement. "Just try to break even, do not let the feds use your money all year!"

Mom loved to travel and planned many wonderful family vacations. From our first National Lampoon Vacation trip to Yellowstone, where we endured a freak blizzard in June, to our last trip to Yellowstone when we finally saw a moose, we always had a wonderful time and have memories that are burned in our brains forever. That is all she ever wanted, to provide a once-in-a-lifetime memory for all those she loved. Mom also loved to crochet, as you can see, we have displayed some of her afghans here today. Mom was also, The Hostess with the Mostest! She loved to entertain, starting in the 70's with fondue parties and then on Lake Oconee with pig roasts. She even dubbed Friday nights, International Night and we would enjoy cuisine from around the world. Even going as far as dripping candle wax on wine bottles to give you the feeling you were in a bistro in Italy. We find it fitting that she chose to pass just as the flowers are beginning to bloom, she loved this time of the year. So please, plant an azalea or some bearded iris in her honor, because those were her favorite. If you are more of the indoor plant person, pick up an orchid or an African violet in her honor. We love you Mom

Celebration Of Life Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday March 22, 2023 from the chapel of Byrd and Flanigan Funeral Home. The family will receive friends on Wednesday March 22, 2023 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am and at a reception after the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to Cissy and Hong's non profit organization H2H Cambodia at h2hcambodia.com CLEAN WATER AND SANITARY CONDITIONS FOR ALL  Arrangements by Byrd and Flanigan Crematory & Funeral Service, Lawrenceville. 770-962-2200.