Heather Michelle Diaz Garner, age 45, of Dublin, passed away on Friday, December 21, 2018.

Heather was a 1991 graduate of John Milledge Academy, where she was a star basketball player with two state titles. After graduation, Heather attended Georgia College and played for the Lady Bobcats while pursuing her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing.  She graduated from Georgia College in 1995 and began fulfilling her gift as a nurse at Fairview Park Hospital. During her 21 years of service with Fairview, she received numerous recognitions and was a proud recipient of the 2005 Dr. Frist Humanitarian Award.

One of Heathers greatest contributions to the community was her gift of being bilingual. As a Certified Medical Interpreter, she assisted countless families who struggled with language barriers receive the health care they needed. Known for her infectious smile and contagious laugh, Heather never met a stranger and was always willing to help others in need. Heather attended Dudley Baptist Church. She loved her pets, and was a loving wife, devoted mother, treasured sister and friend to many.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Dr. Evelio F. and Tula Diaz, and maternal grandparents, Bill N. and Alma Weaver LeRoy, and special aunt, Maria Diaz Thompson.

Survivors include her best friend and husband, Tony Garner, of Dublin; daughters, Alyssa P. and Haley B. Garner, both of Dublin; mother, Elaine L. Diaz, of Dudley; sister, Candace Diaz, of Gordon; father, Diego Diaz, of Milledgeville, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 in the Chapel of Townsend Brothers Funeral Home. Services will follow at 2:00 PM with burial in the I.J. Duggan Cemetery in Dudley, GA. Pastor Clint Crozier will officiate.

Pallbearers will be Billy LeRoy, Jimmy LeRoy, Tommy LeRoy, Bobby LeRoy, Bill LeRoy, Cal LeRoy, Trent LeRoy, and Thomas LeRoy. Honorary escorts will be the Pediatric Staff of Fairview Park Hospital.