Georgia Mae Tedford Eager, 93, of Abilene passed away on July 12, 2015 in Abilene.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at the Clyde Church of Christ with Cecil Eager officiating. Burial will follow in the Clyde Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at the funeral home.

Mrs. Eager was born May 11, 1922, to Dorr DeMelvin Tedford and Mary Naomi Beal Tedford in Jones County, Texas. She was next to the youngest of 12 children, and at age 13, her family moved to Clyde where she attended school. “Tuffy Tedford” was a nickname she was given by class mates, which served as a standard for her life story. She was an unwavering Christian, independent woman, creative artist, and a hard worker.

She married Merwin Lynn Eager on December 20, 1939 and graduated from Clyde High School in May of 1940. World War II broke out shortly after they started their family, and when Merwin was sent to Oregon for basic training, Georgia followed him by train with their small child. She quickly found work, a place to live, and a babysitter. She and their daughter Lynda lived near the Army base, visiting Merwin often until he was sent overseas. Her assertive, confident, determined, and resilient nature was demonstrated many times when challenging situations arose in her life.

She modeled a strenuous work ethic in her role as a homemaker. Her organization and thrifty character resulted in a well-run household. Later she worked outside the home as a Tax Assessor/Collector for Clyde ISD, and then as a substitute rural mail carrier followed by some part-time work for the U.S. Census Bureau. In her spare time, she enjoyed playing golf and working in the yard. She was a member of the Clyde Garden Club for years and used her creative talents making flower arrangements and pictures from dried flowers. With her artistic eye, she had a knack for turning the ordinary into something unique and beautiful.

She and Merwin raised three children in Clyde. She had unwavering convictions that the family should work together as a team, nobody should go to bed angry with each other, and Christian faith be exemplified in her children’s lives.

Painting became her passion after her husband’s premature death. She painted many beautiful landscapes and won numerous awards for her talents. As was her style, she would use unusual things to create a rare piece of art. She was keenly aware of the colors of nature and was continually in awe of the beauty around her.

A persistent chuckle was part of her disposition, along with a quick wit. Even when her memory diminished, her sense of humor remained. Her laugh was distinctive and contagious.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lynda and Thomas Goble of Abilene, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Cecil and Judi Eager of New Braunfels, Texas; daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and John Baker of Abilene, Texas. Her grandchildren are VaLynda Miller of Clyde, Texas, Aimee Colley of Abilene, Texas, Chelsea Eager of Nashville, Tennessee, Alana Tollett of Abilene, Texas, Shane Bowen of Nashville, Tennessee, Ashley Murphy of New Braunfels, Texas and Stephen’s wife Pam McCombs. Georgia’s great grandchildren Chanda Miller, Jakeb Miller, Stephenee Miller, Paatan Gailey, Connel Colley, Gavin Colley, Josphine Bowen, Garrett Bowen, Baines Bowen, Emma Mayo, Jack Bo Mayo, Griffin Mayo, Georgia Grace Mayo and Cullen Tollett. The great-great grandchildren are Mason Miller and McCray Miller.

Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, Merwin; a grandson, Stephen Goble; her parents, Dorr and Naomi Tedford; brothers, Neal Tedford, Willard Tedford, Duward Tedford and John Beal Tedford; sisters, Bessie Wilson, Jewell Lipham, Letha Tatum, Seth Willis, Wanda Chaney, Ruby Jones and an unnamed baby girl.

Please consider doing an act of intentional kindness in her honor. Memorial contributions can be made to World Bible Study at Clyde Church of Christ.