Tee Ilene Harbin, age 63, passed away on October 22, 2016 at her home.Born on December 2, 1952, Tee was reared on a farm in Martin, GA where she developed her love of animals and the skills that led to her career as a registered, licensed dietitian. This career development began on the family farm that provided much of the food for the family of seven.She enjoyed working the vegetable gardens, picking the fruit trees and wild blackberry bushes as well as other garden vegetables which then required canning and preserving. At that time the family raised and processed their own beef and pork. While Tee did not object to the raising part or the packaging part it was the in-between part she declined because of her love of the animals.
Tee graduated from Franklin County High School in 1970 and received her BS degree in Home Economics from The University of Georgia in 1974.Tee continued her education at Winthrop College receiving a Master of Science degree in 1977 and later receiving a Culinary Arts degree from The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, in 1991.
Tee resided in Greenville, SC for many years and was a dietician at The Saint Francis Hospital System there for over twelve years before returning to Lavonia as dietician for the Ty Cobb Hospital System in Royston and later at Stephens County Hospital in Toccoa.
Tee was a daughter of Frank and Nell Harbin, both of whom are deceased. She was predeceased by brothers Jerry Harbin, Warren Harbin and Mark Harbin. She is survived by her sister Jane Gipson and brothers Kenneth Harbin and Barron Harbin.
Tee had a sweet disposition and was very supportive and helpful in caring for her parents in their last few years.
Graveside service will be at 4PM, Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at the family cemetery plot at Rose Hill Cemetery in Royston, GA.
Strickland Funeral Home – Lavonia Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.stricklandfh.com.