Henry County Senior Services officials recently hosted a special event to honor the late Janie McGarity, who before her passing less than a year ago was a big supporter of the Miles of Meals Walk and also served on the board of the Henry County Council on Aging for three decades.

  A tree planting ceremony took place at the Heritage Senior Center. The new tree is a pink dogwood and was donated and planted by Wilson Brothers Nursery.

  McGarity, who was born in McDonough, died November 17 of last year at the age of 99. She retired from the Henry County Board of education in 1987 and began serving on the Council on Aging that same year, stepping down in 2016. She participated in the Miles for Meals Walk until age 97.

  This year’s walk, in May, was dedicated to her memory. Senior Services director Diane Reed called that move “an easy decision for anyone who knew her.”

  The tree was planted October 5 with several members of her family in attendance as well as Council on Aging members, Senior Services staff and friends. The ceremony dedicating the tree in her memory was led by Mildred Williams, a council representative from District 3.   “Members of the Council and the Senior Center wanted to honor her efforts and legacy in a way that best suited her memory,” said Reed. “As she was well known for being a gracious lady who was always kind, gentle and perfectly groomed, and loved the color pink, it was decided that a pink dogwood would be planted in front of the Senior Center in her honor.”