Marian Shepherd Caraker, Age 79, Passed in Alpharetta, GA on September 26 ^th , 2018.  She was being cared for by her youngest daughter Elizabeth and succumbed to Colon and Breast Cancer.  Marian was born June 6 ^th , 1939 in Griffin Georgia where she spent her youth.  Parents Theodore and Faye Shepherd, Brother Bobby.  In High School Marian and friends would go to the Varsity after church and that is where she met the love of her life; the persistent student of Oglethorpe University, George Thomas Caraker… they were married on May 11, 1956.  Tom enlisted in the Military and the two had their first child in North Carolina shortly thereafter.  Tom's heart would not be equipped for active duty so the two moved to Florida and then back to Atlanta utilizing Tom's degree in business to support the family.  The two raised three children and Marian somehow found time to care for all of the neighborhood children as well.  Marian also managed to assist with foster children as her heart proved too big for her tiny body.  Marian had a deep affection to any and all animals she came into contact with.  If you spent any time with her you know that the animals often ate better than she did, and nothing would get in her way to assure that her "babies" received the best accommodations at the Caraker homestead.  It was the strength of Marian's character and virtue that stood behind Tom in all he did to provide for the family.  However, It would be Marian's business savvy that saved the two from economic malaise when Tom was in the hospital and Marian orchestrated the sale of Tom's store which allowed them to retire to Blue Ridge Georgia.  Tom passed shortly after moving, but Marian carried the Caraker baton for the past 15 years and successfully transitioned their dream in Blue Ridge into a home for her and all of her furry children.  Marian was an excellent seamstress and spent hundreds of hours tracing the family lineage and mapping the family tree.  This was before the internet where she would call and send letters to possible family members, gaining more and more information which continued her journey across the many branches of the Family Tree.
Marian is survived by her eldest daughter Janet Waldrop and husband Eddie, also by Kenneth Mclellan and Janet's children: Melodie Mclellan, wife Angie and son Brody.  Melanie Mclellan, children Brandon, Austin and wife Heather and their son Westin.  Shelley Lawson and husband Jeff, children Erin and Jackson.  Kristen Rosales and husband Steven, children Tristan, Morgan, and Breydan.  Marian is also survived by her son George Thomas Caraker Jr. "Tommy".  Also survived by her youngest daughter Marian Elizabeth DeLaHunt and husband Tyler, children Blake and Brooke.  Marian is also survived by her beloved dog Lacey whom gave her comfort and companionship when she needed it most.  We are all better people having the privilege to have been with in contact with a woman so powerful yet selfless, so determined yet soft spoken, and so beautiful yet modest.  She walked the walk and lived a life that should serve as an example to all.  Marian - You were loved and adorned, and will be missed and revered the way you deserve.  Thank you for setting the mold for others to follow.  God Bless!
Viewing Service will begin Friday September 28 ^th , 2018 at Lakeside Funeral Home in Woodstock GA. from 4:00 to 9:00 pm.  A funeral procession will begin Saturday September 29 ^th , 2018 at 10:00 a.m. from Lakeside Funeral Home to Blue Ridge where a service and burial will take place at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Blue Ridge.