Abigail S. George

Abigail Sloan George lived with a rare blend of remarkable intellect, steadfast devotion, and pioneering strength. She died peacefully on Sept. 5, 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy built on deep faith, unconditional love, and a life joyfully shared with those who treasured her most.

Born in Warren, Ohio, on Feb. 17, 1938, Abigail was a cherished daughter of Orlan and Ellen Sloan. Her story truly began on a frozen outdoor ice-skating rink in Niles, Ohio, where she met the love of her life, Louis F. George. That winter day encounter grew into a beautiful partnership spanning 71 years together, including 67 years of marriage, three daughters and their families of loving partners, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Abigail’s life was fueled by the enjoyment and strength she drew from loving relationships with all of her family, including multiple nieces and nephews who remained close to her throughout her life.

Abigail and Louis exchanged vows at St. Stephen's Church in Niles, Ohio, on June 27, 1959, and they returned there 50 years later to renew their vows.

A woman of deep faith, Abigail was a devoted Catholic throughout her entire life and a founding member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Marietta, Georgia. Her dedication to community and service extended into every corner of her life, from guiding young minds as a Girl Scout leader during her daughters' childhoods to building strong bonds with Louis' church, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Marietta. There, as an active member of the Pinochle Club, she nurtured decades-long friendships that became a cornerstone of her social life.

A 1956 graduate of Niles McKinley High School, Abigail pursued higher education at Ohio University and ultimately earned her degree from Youngstown University in 1965. She began her career shaping young minds, teaching in the Cleveland school system from 1958 to 1959 and the Niles City School system from 1959 to 1964. As their family grew, Abigail and Louis lived in Columbus, Ohio; Nashville, Tennessee; and Decatur, Georgia before settling in Marietta, Georgia, where they built a vibrant life together for 51 years.

In 1974, Abigail and Louis co-founded Peach State Hardware in Marietta, a family business serving the commercial door and hardware industry. In an era when few women worked in commercial construction, Abigail became a true trailblazer. Long before algorithms and software platforms automated the trade, she devised a manual system to calculate and execute complex bids for major regional landmarks, including metro Atlanta churches, the Lockheed Dobbins facility, and The Southern Company. Her leadership and sharp mind earned her widespread respect, leading her to serve as an officer and president of the Atlanta chapter of Women in Construction.

After selling their successful business in 2004, Abigail and Louis embarked on a decade of adventure, traveling across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean, before officially retiring in 2014.

Above all her accomplishments, Abigail’s heart belonged to her family. She is survived by her beloved husband, Louis; her three daughters and their families — Julia George Hall, Galen Hall, and Rachel and Greg Maestas; Cynthia Gorley Miller, Edward Miller, Erin Gorley Ellingwood, Alex Royer, Chase Ellingwood; Joe Gorley, Nazly Susa Gorley and Cyrus Gorley; and Laura George Rolen, Bob Rolen, Megan Rolen, Christian Hyde, CJ Hyde, and Robert Rolen. She was reunited in death with her parents and her siblings, Roberta, James, Elaine, Mary Grace, and John.

A Catholic mass celebrating Abigail's extraordinary life will be celebrated on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, at 12:00pm, at Holy Family Catholic Church, 3401 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta, GA 30068. She will be laid to rest at Georgia National Cemetery on October 1, 2026, at 9:30am.