Georgia Budinich

Ms.Georgia Lin Budinich of Meridian, died peacefully early Monday, August 16, 2021. Ms. Georgia, as she was affectionately known, was born in Port Gibson, Mississippi December 24, 1934. Her parents were Merlin Lawrence (Maxwell) of Brookhaven, and Elmer Leon Lawrence of Port Gibson. The family moved to Biloxi in search of employment opportunities in the mid 1940's. Georgia graduated from Biloxi High School in 1953. During her childhood, Georgia and her younger sister Geradine (Gerry) enjoyed spending time with their horses and riding on Biloxi beach.  Ms.Georgia's first love was the art of dance. She formed classes and began teaching in Vancleave, MS, at the age of 16. She along with her and previous husband George R. Budinich (deceased) moved to Meridian in 1963. She went to work at Southeast Lauderdale High School as Office Secretary. She shared her love for dance and taught after school for over 30 plus years. She leaves a legacy of dance through her “Georgette Dancers” She became President and served for 8 years of NADAA where she helped organize Conventions and Dance Competitions. In 1991, she accepted a job with Anderson's Regional Hospital where she worked in Patient Admissions until her retirement at the age of 80!. Ms. Georgia was an active member of Oak Hill Baptist Church where she enjoyed her Sunday School Class and singing with the Jug Band. Georgia’s giving spirit will be greatly missed by her family, friends, co-workers, and dance students.

Ms.Georgia is survived by her sister Gerry Carso (August), by her son, Wiley Joseph Haab, (Melinda)  and daughters, Gerry Lin Motley, and Glynese Merlin Irby (Leland). Georgia was known as "Geep" to her seven grandchildren; Anthony Joseph Haab, Micheal Blake Thomas, Jonathan Maxwell Haab, Justin Lyle Irby, Lana Leigh Irby, Daniel Sheppard Haab, Jenna Lin Motley, and Jacob Clark Irby. And two great grandchildren; Briggs Martin Thomas,

Hadley Lynn Thomas and loving nieces and nephews.

She is proceeded in death by her parents.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Friday at 12pm at Stephens Funeral Home, 2800 Old North Hills Street.

The family will receive friends from 11am to 12 pm the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Ruth Sunday School Class at Oak Hill Baptist Church or the American Heart Association.

Friends may sign the online register at www.stephensfunerals.com.