Margaret Pipkin Garner passed away October 16, 2022, at UAB Hospital. She was born May 31, 1948, in Waycross, GA. Margaret graduated from Georgia Southern College in 1970 with a BS in home economics and from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1972 with a MS in nutrition sciences. She began her career as Registered Dietician (RD) in St. Louis, MO as a public health nutritionist and joined the faculty of the University of Alabama in 1974.
At the University of Alabama, Margaret rose to the position of Associate Professor and Assistant Dean in the College of Community Health Sciences. From 1997-1999 Margaret served as Faculty Senate President. She was later appointed as the University’s representative to the Higher Education Leadership PAC Board for five years. The higher education Partnership presented Margaret with its Courage of Conviction Award. She was appointed the Director of the Department of Health Promotion and Wellness in 2005. She also served as Executive Director of the Student Health Center and Pharmacy from 2013 until her retirement in 2020. She was involved in numerous other campus organizations and initiatives. For her service, the University honored Margaret with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award in 2013.
In the community, Margaret was recognized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a Fellow (FAND) for her many years of service including a term as treasurer. In 2011, Margaret was presented the COPHER Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed upon any member in the Academy. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church for almost 50 years where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and served in many capacities.
Margaret was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she loved hosting family gatherings at her home in Tuscaloosa. She treasured the time she spent with her many friends, and she was a great fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide. Most importantly, Margaret was a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, showed His love to all, and trusted in Him for her salvation and life eternal.
Margaret was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Mildred Pipkin and her husband Robert Garner. She is survived by her sons Mark (Holli), David, Jon, Benjamin (Erica), Thomas (Rose); grandchildren Gibson, Mary Frances, Robert, Campbell, Emily, Lewis, Andrew, Isaac; brothers Marvin Pipkin (Carolyn), Kenneth Pipkin (Mary); many nieces and nephews, and special friend AC Harvey.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Margaret’s memory may be made to the Dr. Robert H. Garner Memorial Endowed Scholarship Fund at the University of Alabama (https://give.ua.edu/?d=80d4e6c8-06d0-4e95-a1d6-0c57a0cab9da).
The family will receive friends at Calvary Baptist Church on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Celebration of Life funeral services will begin at 11:00 at the church. A private family graveside will held at a later time.
Sunset Brown-Service Funeral Home, a Dignity Memorial Provider, is honored to serve the Garner family during their time of bereavement. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SunsetBrown-Funeral.com
