Allyson Cook McGraw

Glynda Allyson Cook McGraw (75), retired teacher and educator, of Hiawassee, GA passed away on December 1st, 2024 after a sudden and brief illness. Allyson was born in Lagrange, GA to Vivian E. Stephens and Claude Lee Cook, Jr. She was raised by a single mother in a suburb of Atlanta, GA while her mother worked for Delta Airlines. She attended Hapeville High School, where she was active in the band and many organizations. After graduating from high school, she attended Georgia Southern University, where she attained a 4-year degree. She then attained her Master's Degree in Family and Consumer Science from The University of Georgia. She and her late husband "Charlie" moved to Blairsville, GA in 1984 to open the Appalachian Locksmith Service.

Allyson worked for The University of Georgia as a county extension agent in multiple Georgia counties during her professional career until her retirement in 1996. During her career and life in North Georgia, Allyson was an instrumental volunteer in many professional and civic organizations, including The American Cancer Society, 4H Club, Relay for Life, American Heart Association, and Habitat for Humanity among many more. She was on the council for the Georgia Mountain Research and Education Center and the Union County Retired Educators Association as well as a founding member of The Glenda Gooch House. At the time of her passing , Allyson was President of the local Kiwanis Club for the past three years and was President of the Union County Retired Educators for the last two years.

Allyson was known for her contagious smile, her enthusiasm, her can-do attitude, brainstorming ideas and her compassion and kindness for both people and animals. She provided comfort, support and encouragement to anyone in need. She was a community leader who helped many in need with thousands of dedicated, volunteer hours. Her dedication to her 4H students inspired them to become engaged, involved and teachers as well. She was also a member of Harmony Grove Baptist Church.

Allyson McGraw was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Charles Elbert McGraw Jr., her mother Vivian E. Stephens of Blairsville, GA and her loving in laws, Charles Elbert McGraw Sr. and Helene Colette (Harber) McGraw of Bogart, GA.She is survived by her Stepson John C. McGraw (Tracie) of Chestnut Mtn, GA. Grandson Michael C. McGraw (Kimberly) of Gainesville, GA and Great Grandson Charles Edward McGraw; Grandson John Mark McGraw of Chestnut Mtn GA. Another Stepson Troy C. McGraw of Winder, GA Grandson: Sergeant First Class Marshall Edwin Woertz IV (Mary Louise) of Fort Liberty, NC and Great Grandsons Theodore Vaughn Woertz and Wyneken Isaac Woertz. Her daughter in law, Jane Brock McGraw of Baldwin GA. Grand daughters: SPC Miranda Brooke McGraw of Wiesbaden, Germany and Josie Colette McGraw of Baldwin GA. Brother in law William T. McGraw of Bogart, GA. Nieces (Marisa of Watkinsville GA and Megan of College Station TX) as well as many cousins from Georgia, Alabama and Texas.

A private burial and service has been planned by her loving family. A public celebration of life will be held at the Historic Union County Court House, 3 Town Sq, Blairsville, GA 30512, on January 11th, 2025 at 1:00 pm. If you would like to make a donation in remembrance of Allyson C. McGraw, please donate to the charity that touches your life or heart. 

Here are her favorites:

(any) Veteran based charitable organization

The American Cancer Society

The American Heart Association

Relay for Life

4H

Isaiah House 1:17 

Kiwanis Club