Georgia Hess, 84, died peacefully on March 19, 2024, after a recent illness.

She was born on May 21, 1940, a long time resident of South Charleston. She had many friends and family in the area. She held several jobs over the years, including as a mail carrier and at a flower shop before working for the State of West Virginia in Child Support Enforcement as a worker and later as a supervisor until her retirement. Along with her work, she volunteered tirelessly for animals, including many years with the organization, Kanawha Action for Animals and on the board of Kanawha-Charleston Humane Society.

Georgia was special and made an impression on everyone she met with her unique personality. She was very open minded and ahead of her time. To her kids she was the "cool mom" that everyone wanted. She was very protective of her family and friends. She would support you but if she thought you'd done something you shouldn't have she could make you wish the ground would swallow you up. Despite this, she made no judgments and just wanted to help. She had many animals at all times. Usually a menagerie of all sorts. She even raised a deer from a spotted baby to a four point buck. She loved the outdoors and her yard and house were always full of plants and flowers. She would often demand to stop the car so she could climb in the weeds and ditches to dig up a plant to take home. She attracted strays like she was holding up sign, both animals and people in need: she never turned anyone or anything away. She had very definite opinions and did not hesitate to make them known, but she was a smart lady and if you listened she would give you great advice. She most definitely made a lasting impression wherever she went, but what you would make of that impression would be up to you. There aren't enough words to describe her so we will just leave it at this. She had made her mark on this world and will not be forgotten.

Georgia is preceded in death by her parents, George and Margaret Blackwell; her sister, Sandra King; and her brother, Bob Strickland; also her ex-husbands, Gerald Wood and James Hess.

She is survived by her daughter, Theresa Mollohan (Walter); her son, Gerald Lee Wood (Debbie); grandchildren, Chasity Walke, Stephanie Mollohan (Karl Goldstrohm), Devon Hoffman, Ryan Farley (Stacey), Austin Wood (Katelyn Johnson), and Courtney Thomas; 15 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; and many special cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

www.kellerfuneralhome.net