Georgia Lee Goins

Georgia Lee Goins (known affectionately as “Jo” to her family) was born on October 8, 1939, in Pineville, Kentucky, to Leonard and Dovie Davis. As the second oldest of eleven children, Georgia grew up surrounded by a big, lively family and learned early on the values of resilience, loyalty, and taking care of the people, you love.

She passed away peacefully on Monday, June 2, 2025, surrounded by family.

Growing up in Pineville, Georgia took pride in helping raise her siblings, looked after the younger ones, and learned how to cook, clean, and hold a household together, skills she carried with grace throughout her life. As a young woman, she served as an in-home caretaker.

Family meant everything to Jo, and the bond she shared with her sisters was something truly special. Whether it was their nightly check-in calls or “women’s weekend” in Kentucky, time spent together was always full of laughter. They were more than sisters, they were best friends, and when they got together, a little mischief was almost always guaranteed.

Georgia loved fiercely and shared her love with everyone. Never judgmental, she was quick-witted, and her smile could brighten any room. Her heart belonged first to her family; her husband of 37 years, Isom, their children, and grandchildren. She built a home that was full of warmth, laughter, and always something good to eat. She made sure everyone felt welcome, and once you stepped into her home, you were family too.

She was most at home in the kitchen, where she turned simple ingredients into legendary biscuits and gravy, cornbread, or delicious desserts. Georgia loved watching sports and specifically loved cheering on the Atlanta Braves and the Tennessee Vols and would often stay up “past her bedtime” to make sure her team won. Her competitiveness did not stop there and if you ever played a card game with her like Yahtzee, Fill or Bust, or Rook you knew this woman meant business. If she played, she played to win.

At the same time, Georgia appreciated her quiet moments, curled up in her chair with a well-worn paperback and a cup of coffee or swinging on the front porch. She found joy in the small things and gave joy in big ways.

Georgia spent more than 30 years managing the Ingles bakery in Ringgold, where she was known for her dedication, and tireless work ethic. She took great pride in her job and rarely missed a day. Whether she was baking before sunrise or greeting coworkers with a smile, she brought the same care and consistency to her work as she did to her home life.

She is survived by her sisters Pat (Lowell) Wagner, Zola Hodge, Judy Bingham, Jan (Sandy) Davis, and; her brothers Clifford (Cindy) Davis and Jimmy (Shirley) Davis; her children Richard Goins, Billy (Elisia) Goins, and Elizabeth (Bruce) Coffman; her grandchildren Christin Masterson, Channon Evatt, Sean Goins, Dustin (Andrea) Bass, and Meagan (Cody) Keener, and Colby Goins; and her great-grandchildren Olivia, Aida, Jonas, Emmett, and Charlotte—as well as many nieces, nephews and other beloved family members.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Isom Lee Goins; parents, Leonard and Dovie Davis; her brothers Eddie, Bobby Clayton, and Clarence Davis; and her sister Annette Robbins.

A Celebration of Georgia’s life will be held on Friday, June 6, at Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel at 12:30 p.m. in the chapel. Her family welcomes all who knew and loved her to come share stories, memories, and a little laughter in her honor beginning at 9:30 a.m. Graveside service will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery proceeding the funeral.

Please share your thoughts and memories of “Jo” at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn., has been entrusted with the arrangements.