Obituary of Natholyn Stephens Garvin

Natholyn Stephens Garvin, 88, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2019 peacefully at her home. Born in Bradenton, FL, she was a lifetime Floridian. Natholyn (Nat) graduated from Florida State University in 1953 and was an avid Seminole fan. She truly enjoyed all of college football and especially loved watching her Seminoles. After college graduation, Nat taught first grade for 2 years before getting married and raising a family. As her children got older, she began to substitute teach at Park Maitland School. This began a lasting and very special part of her life. She eventually became a school administrator and later Dean of Students at her beloved Park Maitland. Her family could never put into words what a tremendous joy and sense of fulfillment this gave Nat. She genuinely and deeply cared for each and every student, teacher, parent and staff member that crossed her path and continued to touch her life long after retiring from Park Maitland after over 30 years of dedication and joy. Nat especially loved to read, collect antiques and other treasures, and spend time with friends and family. She was a long time member of First Baptist Orlando. A loving and devoted mother, her family includes her son Jud III; daughter Liz (Richard); son Jeff (Trudy); daughter Jennifer (Peter); grandchildren Chris, Andrew, Jessica, Jacquelin and Buddy; and nieces, nephew, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by many of her extended south Georgia Harrell and Stephens family members. Nat was preceded in death by her husband Judson, loving sisters Pat and Gail and parents Emory Gus and Willie Belle (Harrell) Stephens. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday, December 14 at First Baptist Orlando – Henry Chapel, 3000 S. John Young Pkwy, Orlando. Gathering of family and friends immediately following the service will be held at the church and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested gifts be given to Rettsyndrome.org’s Steven G. Kaminsky Scout Program. Memorial contributions may be made to https://www.rettsyndrome.org.  Rettsyndrome.org’s Steven G. Kaminsky Scout Program is dedicated to proactively accelerating Rett syndrome research and 100% of your contribution goes to support the proprietary program. Your support accelerates treatment and a cure for those living with Rett syndrome. Contributions are in honor of Emerson Natholyn Dietz. Thank you!