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Michelle Gortner, 55, of Griffin, GA passed away on January 27th, 2025, at her home shortly after midnight.
Michelle, born and raised in New Jersey, moved to Griffin, GA with her husband and children in 2005.
Michelle was a sweet, kind woman who made friends with everyone she met. She always wanted to see the good in everyone. She did not know a stranger. To know Michelle was to be loved by Michelle.
Michelle had friends that had become bonus family to her. (Thank you to Bonny, Sonny and Severin Minor for all the time spent and loving my Mama.)
There is also Scotty and Brittany Bowles and their 6 children. They referred to Michelle as Mom and Nana.
Michelle married her husband Buddy on February 12, 2000. Together they had a beautiful, blended family. They also decided to have their own children together.
There was a beautiful baby girl, Veronica, who unfortunately passed shortly after birth due to health complications.
Then, there was the final one to complete their family. Christian. He was the last child for the both of them. The family was completed until their children started giving them grandchildren.
Children: John Gortner, Amber Thomas, Jessica Hightower, Veronica Gortner, Christian Gortner.
Survivors include Michelle’s parents Catherine and Robert Smith.
Her husband Bernard Gortner (Buddy) of nearly 25 years.
Daughters Amber Thomas (Kyle Thomas), Jessica Hightower (Christopher Moon), son Christian Gortner.
Also included former daughter in law, Jacqueline Supinski (John)
Michelle has 10 grandkids, Tyler, Brooklyn and Brice (John)
Braylan (Amber)
Emily, Kaylan and Hunter (Jessica)
Scarlett, Emberly and Saylor (Christopher)
Also surviving are twin brother Mark Smith (fiancé Margaret O’Leary), sister Cherilynn Smith (husband Jay) and sister in love, Lisa Smith.
Nephews, Travis and Mark. Niece, Serenity
Preceded in death by children Veronica, John and her beloved Grandmother Stevenson.
The family has an account set up to accept donations, that will go towards funeral home expenses and a memorial.
Please reach out to Jessica if you would like to donate. (470-916-6641)
And as always, prayers are appreciated.
Leanna Berry says
We love you Michelle and you will truly be missed! You were always the sweetest lady around and I loved talking to you even though we didn’t talk much. Now you are in heaven pain free!
Lilly says
You were always a Sweetheart to everyone
Rest in Peace.Your nephew,Mark really misses you,he often mentioned his “Aunt Shelly” He loved you very much♥️
Cherilynn says
Sis I don’t know what to say. You left us way to soon, I’m not ready to say goodbye to my big sister. I will cherish all of the memories, I will never forget you or stop loving you. Im so grateful of the time we had together just wish it was longer. Thank you so much for being the best big sister I love you so much, you will always be in my heart and my thoughts. Love you sis