A Living Legacy: The Story of the Venita Tree
In 2002, Joe and Karen Williams experienced a heartbreaking loss when Joe’s sister, Venita Williams Palmer, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Venita was known for her warmth, creativity, and deep love for family and friends. Her absence left a void that words alone could not fill.
During that difficult season, Karen’s then-boss, Dr. Thomas Galloway, Dean of the College of Architecture (now the College of Design) at Georgia Tech, and his wife Sharon, sought a way to honor Venita’s life with something lasting. They decided to give the Williams family a gift that would grow and flourish for years to come - a living memorial in the form of a beautiful maple tree.
For this meaningful project, they turned to John Shearouse of Focal Point Trees. With his expertise and care, John carefully selected and planted the maple in the Williams’ yard. From the beginning, it was more than just a tree - it was a symbol of remembrance, love, and renewal.
Over the past two decades, the tree has grown into what the Williams family lovingly call “Our Venita Tree.” Each fall, its leaves ignite in shades of red, orange, and gold - a breathtaking display that reminds them of Venita’s vibrant spirit. “The spectacular colors which display every fall make us feel as though she is still with us,” Joe and Karen shared.
Memorial Trees: Living Tributes That Endure
The Venita Tree is just one example of the powerful role that trees can play in remembering a loved one. Unlike flowers or traditional memorials, a tree grows and changes with the seasons - reflecting the cycles of life and offering comfort through its enduring presence.
Planting a memorial tree provides families with:
• A Living Legacy – A tree grows stronger and more beautiful with time, creating a lasting symbol of a loved one’s life.
• A Place of Reflection – Memorial trees offer a physical space to gather, remember, and find peace.
• Beauty Through the Seasons – With blossoms in spring, shade in summer, color in fall, and form in winter, a tree marks time in a way that connects us to the rhythms of life.
• A Gift That Gives Back – Beyond their symbolism, trees provide shade, clean air, and habitat for wildlife, extending the legacy of a loved one into the natural world.
At Focal Point Trees, many families have chosen specimen trees as memorials, knowing they will not only enhance the landscape but also carry deep emotional meaning. Each tree becomes part of a larger story - one of memory, resilience, and hope.
The Heart of the Venita Tree
For Joe and Karen Williams, the maple in their yard has become more than a piece of the landscape; it is a daily reminder of Venita’s life and spirit. “We very much appreciate John’s talent and professionalism in growing, selecting, and planting this beautiful tree in Venita’s honor,” they said.
The Venita Tree continues to stand tall, not only as a living memorial but also as a testament to the power of trees to carry memory and meaning across generations.