Emerita Professor Octavia Garlington (Class of 1961) died peacefully on the afternoon of August 26th at her home in Evans, GA. Octavia, "Tavie" to her friends" was born April 26, 1927, in the Republic of Panama. She and her family—her parents, brother and sister—lived in the Panama Canal Zone until she left for college in 1945. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Converse College in Spartanburg, SC. Shortly thereafter she accepted a position at Agnes Scott College in the Biology Department and later worked as Assistant to the Dean of Students. Nine years and a few art classes later, she became a member of the Class of 1961 in the Medical Illustration Graduate Program at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). After receiving her Master of Science in Medical Illustration, Octavia become an Instructor in the program, eventually moving up the ranks to full Professor. She served briefly as Chief of Art Services, Division of Biomedical Communications at MCG , as well as Acting Program Director of the graduate program for a time. In 1968, she helped to design the faculty regalia for MCG, and in 1984 she designed the official MCG flag. Octavia retired from daily teaching responsibilities in 1990. As an Emerita Professor she participated in special seminars on the history of medical Illustration and in the development of the Medical Illustration Graduate Program. She was active in her professional organization, the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI), and was a Professional member since 1964. Octavia served on the AMI's Board of Governors for twenty years and held the offices of Vice Chairman, Vice President, and Corresponding Secretary. She also served as chair for numerous important committees. In 1988, she was elected a Fellow of the AMI. During her long and distinguished career Octavia received many awards and honors. She received the AMI's Outstanding Service Award twice, and in 2001 she received the AMI's Brödel Award for Excellence in Education. In 1990, she received the Ranice W. Crosby Distinguished Achievement Award from the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine at John Hopkins University School of Medicine. In 2000, Octavia received the Mary Mildred Sullivan Award for Outstanding Citizenship from Converse College. At MCG (now Augusta University), she was elected to Alpha Eta, the honor society for Allied Health Sciences. She received the Outstanding Service Award from the School of Allied Health Sciences, and in 2004 she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the school as well. In 2018, the Dept. of Medical Illustration, recognized her many contributions to the Medical Illustration Graduate Program by naming an ward in her honor, the Octavia Garlington Award for Instructional Design/Poster. After retirement in 1990, she volunteered with the Augusta Genealogy Society as a librarian and served on numerous committees. Despite all these honors and awards she was most proud of the successes of her many students. She is survived by six nieces and nephews. Graveside services will take place on Saturday, September 11th, 1PM at Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry, SC. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family here on her tribute wall. Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.