Marge Gannaway

Margaret Jean “Marge” Stermer Gannaway, 93, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, November 15, 2025. She was born to the late George Elmer and Margaret Elizabeth Vance Stermer on December 21, 1931 in Joliet, Illinois.

In her last several years of high school, Marge Stermer, took on the role of governess for the children of the Illinois Senator Barr, then later married Charles Gannaway in Biloxi, MS while he was in the US Air Force. After his time in service, they settled in Aiken, SC, and then in North Augusta, SC. Later the Gannaway family moved to Valdosta where she has been for the last 54 years. Marge Gannaway spent 10 years as a secretary for the S.L. Mason School before working with her husband, Charles “Bud” Gannaway at C.E. Gannaway & Associates as an administrator.

A woman who valued being active in her community and faith, Mrs. Gannaway has been involved in the Park Avenue Church as a choir member and as part of the Fellowship Sunday School Group, as well as a member of local DAR Chapter name: General James Jackson/ DAR National # 748910. She also loved to be active in her hobbies, enjoying ladies golf at both Stone Creek and Valdosta Country Club, playing bridge, and gardening.

Mrs. Gannaway is survived by her loving husband, Charles “Bud” Gannaway, of Valdosta, GA with her daughter, Susan Downing, of Hahira, GA; her daughter-in-law, Desi Gannaway, of Ormand Beach, FL; her beloved granddaughter, Kelli Downing (Cameron) Prevost, of Valdosta, GA; her two beloved great grandchildren Vann Charles Prevost and Mary Margaret Prevost; sister- Jeanette Glenn of Cliffton, IL and sister in law, Nancy Kendall of Houston, TX; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her son, Charles “Kim” Gannaway II; brother and sister-in-law, Lester & Colette Stermer; brother, Kenneth Vance Stermer; sisters, Juanita Stermer Matelgan, Carol Stermer Schilling, and Gracie Stermer Krob.

A memorial service for Mrs. Gannaway will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 11am in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family welcomes online condolences and memories shared on the obituary page at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane. 

The family wants to give special thanks to Hospice of South Georgia, especially Stan, Chelsea, and Sherry and In lieu of flowers, donations may be accepted at Hospice of South Georgia/Langdale Hospice House here in Valdosta at 2263 Pineview Dr, Valdosta 31602 and Park Avenue Church.