Mrs. Bobbie Gary

Bobbie Jean Lamar was a native of Rockdale County and was born on March 12, 1944, to Jodie Lamar (farmer) and Lucile Lamar (nurse) who proceeded her in death. Bobbie Jean, as she was affectionately known, was the first child born to this union. Jodie and Lucile later had two more girls – Josephine and Rose Ellen (who died shortly after childbirth). Bobbie was also blessed to have an older brother named Joe Alonzo Smith. Bobbie Jean had a knack for learning, and was Valedictorian of the 1961 class of J. P. Carr High School in Conyers, GA. She would take her learning prowess to Howard University in the Fall of 1961 and obtained a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1965. Bobbie Jean launched her career at Citizens Trust Bank (CTB) in Atlanta as an accountant. While at CTB, Bobbie pursued her MBA at Atlanta University in 1967. At that same time, a young gentleman named of Emery I. Gary, Sr. caught her attention. She completed her MBA and married Emery, Sr. all in 1969. After completing her MBA, she continued to work on CTB. Then Bobbie and Emery decided to start a family and Emery Lamar was born in 1973. While working at CTB, Bobbie wanted to experience a variety of career choices and began working at the Atlanta Housing Authority (AHA). While at the AHA, Bobbie and Emery had another son, Anthony Duval. Bobbie was career focused and very talented in the areas of finance and auditing. She became the Comptroller at the AHA (the South’s largest housing authority). Bobbie’s business acumen was evident in her skills, knowledge and experience. She knew how to make good decision and analyze data for outstanding results. After accepting early retirement from the AHA in 2001, she started working at GA Pacific. She then retired for a second time in 2011 from GA Pacific to take care of her ailing mother. Spirituality In addition to her professional life, Bobbie knew Jesus Christ. Bobbie Jean, accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior at the age of 14. Bobbie participated in the gospel choir at Howard University. Bobbie was also very active in two churches – Summer Hill Baptist Church (Loganville) and Mt. Olive Baptist Church (Atlanta). At Mt. Olive, Bobbie was a member of Ladies Ushers Ministry #1, Deacon’s Wives, Co-Chairperson of the Brick Project, Bereans Sunday School Class and most recently selected to be a part of the Mother Ministry in 2023. She also Chaired the Emery I Gary, Sr. Scholarship fund. This fund gives deserving high school and college students a book stipend each year that they are in college or trade school. At Summer Hill, Deaconess Bobbie organized the church’s inaugural Church Conference. She organized the Deaconesses and was their first president. Bobbie was director of Vacation Bible School and treasurer of the church. From her previous scholarship fund experience, Bobbie stared the Summer Hill scholarship fund. Service and Social Bobbie was actively involved in The American Business Women’s Association. Bobbie became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc in 1977 by way of the Decatur, GA Alumnae Chapter. During her time in Delta, she was the co-chair of the Economic Development Committee with the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter. Bobbie was also a member of the National Drifters Association. Peacefully, on Monday January 20, 2025, God Almighty sent forth his angel to earth for he needed a devoted and loyal servant to help him with his glorious work in heaven. Thus, Bobbie Jean Lamar Gary entered eternal rest. Bobbie Jean leaves to cherish her memory: Sons - Emery Lamar Gary (Anouk) and Anothony Duval Gary (Meaghan Williams); Bonus Son - Emery I Gary, Jr. (Twanda Black); Sister - Josephine Lamar; 4 Grandchildren – Jared Gary, Kadence Gary, Kiersten Gary, Layla Gary; Bonus Grand Children - Grace Gary and Veronica Gary; 1 Great Grandchild – Jessie Gary; Nephews (Claude Gary, Brian Gary, William Gary, Wendel Gary, Joey Lamar, Joseph Lamar) Nieces (Belinda Watson, Alva Lovett, Sandra Sizemore) and host of cousins, great nieces, great nephews In leu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Emery I Gary, Sr. scholarship fund at Mt. Olive Baptist Church via Cash App : $mtolivebapchurch2174

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Mrs. Bobbie Gary

March 12, 1944 - January 20, 2025