Essie D. Gunder Tarver

Obituary For Essie D. Gunder Tarver

Mrs. Essie D. Gunder Tarver was born on December 3, 1919, to the late Julius Gunder and Sarah Scott Gunder. She peacefully entered into eternal rest on November 29, 2025, at the remarkable age of 105.

A Celebration of Life Service honoring Mrs. Essie D. Gunder Tarver will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the Saint Paul Primitive Baptist Church, located at 17760 GA Highway 242, Bartow, Georgia 30413.

From an early age, Mrs. Essie devoted her life to Christ and became a faithful member of Jones Chapel CME Church. Though she made her home in Georgia, she spent many seasons working in Florida, building lifelong friendships and joyful memories along the way. She later dedicated several years of service as a Machine Operator at Keller Manufacturing, where she was known for her strong work ethic and commitment to excellence.

Mrs. Essie lived a full and vibrant life. She was a skilled and enthusiastic card player who especially enjoyed Duce Is Wild and Skin—games she played with both competitive spirit and laughter. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life, especially cooking in her kitchen, where her famous peach tarts became a treasured family favorite. She loved spending time outdoors, whether gardening, fishing, or picking cotton, connecting with the land and finding peace in nature.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, George Tarver, Sr; her sons, Julius Tarver and George Tarver Jr; her sisters, Donnie Mae Smith, Ella Mae Tarver, Cora Lee Williams, and Lestee T. Jenkins; and her granddaughter, Brenda Jean Hill.

Cherishing her memory are her grandchildren: Felicia Robinson of Bartow; Judy Ann (Jimmy) Bass of Bartow; Theresa Williams (Willie James) of Louisville; and David Carlyle of Davisboro. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren: Derrick Tarver of Bartow; Lakisha Hill of Bartow; Rapheal Bass (Tabitha) of Bartow; Nyeisha Hill of Bartow; Dextavious Hill of Grovetown; Deairan Dixon of Louisville; Kiana Dixon of Swainsboro; and Kidarian Dixon of Columbus. She is additionally survived by her son-in-law, Dexter Hill of Bartow; her daughter-in-law, Jearlean Tarver of Bartow; nineteen great-great-grandchildren; and her dedicated caregivers, Shymethia Daniels and LaKisha Hill, who lovingly supported her in her later years.

Mrs. Essie leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing and loving her.

Davis Funeral Home of 725 Beech Street, Louisville, is in charge of the arrangements for 105 year old Mrs. Essie D. Gunder Tarver.