Mary Elizabeth Gilreath

Mary Elizabeth (Karhoff) Gilreath passed away peacefully at her home in Augusta, Georgia, on August 2, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born on September 30, 1938, in Labette, Kansas. The Funeral Mass will be held from St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 12:00 PM with Father Francisco Gamboa officiating. The Rosary will be recited at 10:30 AM and a visitation will follow from 11:00 AM until the hour of the service. Mary attended St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School and later graduated from Altamont High School in Altamont, Kansas. After high school, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she earned her business degree. Shortly after graduating, Mary moved to Washington, D.C., to work as a secretary for the Department of Defense. It was there that she met the love of her life, Melvin Ross Gilreath. They were married in February 1957 and shared 59 wonderful years of marriage until Melvin’s passing in 2017. As a proud military wife, Mary traveled the world while raising their two children, Denise Gilreath-Schultz and Dennis Gilreath. Mary later retired from Carol Fabric Co., where she worked for twenty years. Mary was a strong, independent woman with a spirited personality. Her family and friends lovingly described her as a little sassy, and wherever she went, she lit up the room. In her later years, she found great joy in caring for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She also enjoyed camping, kayaking, and spending time at Clarks Hill Lake. Mary was a devoted Catholic and a faithful member of St. Theresa of Avila Catholic Church. Mary is proceeded into death by her husband, Melvin Gilreath and parents, Lawrence and Elma Jane (Davis) Karhoff. Mary is survived by her daughter, Denise Gilreath-Schultz (Bob), and her son, Dennis Gilreath (Marcella); her three grandchildren, Curtis (Kristen Teffeteller), Kenneth, and Melissa (Jacob) Morken; and her four great-grandchildren, Logan, Laiden, Waylon, and Scarlett. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the CSRA, Humane Society, 425 Wood St, Augusta, GA 30904. The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all those who provided compassionate care and support during Mary’s final days. Chance & Hydrick Funeral Directors, 2502 Richmond Hill Road, Augusta, GA, 30906. www.chanceandhydrick.com

Mary Elizabeth Gilreath

September 30, 1938 - August 2, 2026