Georgia graduated from Kansas City’s Central High School in the Class of 1964. She was a cheerleader, debutante, a member of the student council, and editor-in-chief of the school newspaper—a role that foreshadowed her future as a communications professional and business leader. But first, she had to see the world.

At 19, while studying at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Georgia became one of the first Black ticket agents for Braniff Airlines—one of the world’s largest commercial airlines at the time—both to fund her education and to pursue her love of travel. She married in 1968 and had one child, Michelle.

Georgia rose through the ranks at Braniff to travel the world and become a regional director of marketing and sales. In 1981, she founded her own public relations firm, CPG Communications. What began as a PR firm soon expanded to include corporate event management and magazine publishing, with Georgia serving as editor-in-chief of seven publications focused on college and career development. Her magazines were pioneering at the time and could be found in high schools and on college campuses nationwide, offering guidance, resources, and scholarship information to help young people succeed.

Driven by her passion for leadership, Georgia later founded the National Eagle Leadership Institute (NELI), a professional development platform dedicated to recognizing and advancing Black and Hispanic leaders. Her work is credited with honoring hundreds of professionals and creating one of the nation’s foremost executive networks through NELI and the CareerFOCUS Eagle Award (named for one of her magazines).

In addition to running a successful business, Georgia served on nonprofit and civic boards, was a proud member of The Links, Incorporated, and received numerous accolades, awards and media mentions throughout her career.

One of her greatest joys was mentoring her daughter, Michelle, who joined CPG after graduating from Hampton University (a reflection of Georgia’s advocacy for HBCUs). They worked together for nearly 20 years before Georgia retired and Michelle continued her path beyond the company.

Georgia had an incredible talent for hosting—whether organizing national leadership summits or entertaining family and friends at home. She was quite the party planner and to this day, people still rave about her 60th birthday party and her Christmas Eve chili parties, a beloved tradition that lasted nearly 40 years.

Georgia was preceded in death by her parents and big brothers Everette and Milton, Jr. She is survived by her daughter Michelle, son-in-law Cornell, step-granddaughter Amara, her younger brother Dewey, Sr., sisters-in-law Regina, Ethel, and Brenda, nephews Dewey II (Aminah) and Derek (LaKendra), nieces Kris (Martino) and Makeva, and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

Georgia was truly one of a kind — her generous heart and entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting mark on everyone she met and she will be deeply missed. Please keep our family in your prayers and share your memories of her with us.