Every week, The Henry County Times publishes submitted obituaries and death notices of Henry County citizens.
Jo Ellen Bell Mercer
Jo Ellen Bell Mercer, age 79, of McDonough passed away from pancreatic cancer on Tuesday, December 18, 2018. Jo was born in Brownwood, Tex., to the late Arthur Jackson and Maurice “Reecie” Durham Bell. Graduating from Brownwood High School in 1958, she went on to receive her teaching certification in art and physical education from Howard Payne College, also in Brownwood. While in college, she served on the team that designed and created the horse reliefs on the exterior of the recently constructed Coliseum. She began her teaching career in San Antonio, Texas until 1963 when marriage brought Jo to her new home in McDonough where she resumed her teaching career in Jonesboro. After her first child was born, she left the classroom to raise her children and assist in running the family’s tractor dealership and equipment auction businesses. Eventually, Jo returned to her first love – being an educator. She held both Master’s and Specialist’s degrees in Education and she cherished her career with the Henry County School system that spanned two decades. She poured herself into the students as mentor, counselor, disciplinarian, and friend. Jo served as sponsor of the cheerleading squads, time keeper at track meets, bus monitor on countless field trips and athletic events, and numerous other roles in support of both the student body and the faculty. First Baptist Church of McDonough provided many years of faith and friendships, through singing in the choir, leading Sunday School classes, and chaperoning youth ski trips. Jo was also called to prison ministry, going behind the bars to listen to and counsel with women serving up to life sentences. Jo didn’t slow down after she retired. Planning the annual Brownwood High School reunions every spring was a highlight of her year. She trained with the Stephen Ministries, a one-to-one lay caring ministry that supports pastoral care, most recently implementing the program in McDonough Presbyterian Church. No matter where she called home, she quickly became active within the community serving in many capacities for civic, government and nonprofit projects that benefited the world around her. Over the years, she enjoyed shoe shopping, white water rafting, hosting guests in her mountain home, and her recent passions included traveling to places far and wide as well as simply spending time with her grandchildren. Jo’s friends will treasure the memory of her quick sense of humor, her great laugh and her unique ability to draw people to her.
Jo is survived by her children, Jay (Kassie) Mercer and Ellen Mercer (Bert) Foster; grandchildren, Ellie Mercer, Jamie Ann Mercer, Callan Foster, and Alex Foster; sister, Patricia Bell (Roger) Parker and nephew, Mike (Meghan) Parker of Baird, Tex.; and dear friend, Tom Mitchell, of Morganton, Ga.
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 27, 2018 in the Sanctuary of McDonough Presbyterian Church with a reception immediately following the service. In the coming weeks, the family will also plan a service in Brownwood, Tex., to celebrate with Jo’s childhood friends and family. Memorials may be directed to local organizations that promote faith and education, including the HCREA Scholarship Fund c/o Ann Jones, 1380 Lake Forest Lane, McDonough, GA 30253, the McDonough Presbyterian Church, and the Henry County Cancer Services. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannon clevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
Joyce Anne Goodner
Joyce Anne Goodner, age 73, of Jonesboro, Ga., died Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
Lessie Eloise Coody
Lessie Eloise Coody, age 84, of Tucker, Ga., died Wednesday, December 19, 2018.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
Billy Wayne Moody
Billy Wayne Moody, age 75, of Stockbridge, Ga., died Thursday, December 20, 2018.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www. cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
G. R. (Bobby) Foster, III
G. R. (Bobby) Foster, III DMD, age 72 of McDonough, Ga., died Saturday, December 22, 2018.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
James Frederick Collins
James Frederick Collins, age 79, of McDonough died Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
Beverly Jean Echols
Mrs. Beverly Jean Echols, age 73, of Stockbridge passed away on December 23, 2018.
Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www. cannonclevelandfunerals.com. Cannon Cleveland Funeral Directors, 770-914-1414.
Bonelle Crumbley Turner
Mrs. Bonelle Crumbley Turner, age 94, of McDonough, Ga., passed away December 24, 2018 which was her favorite day of the year. Mrs. Turner was born in Henry County the daughter of the late Florence Elizabeth Rich Crumbley and George Lawrence Crumbley. She was a member of First Baptist Church of McDonough since 1947. Mrs. Turner was a resident at Westbury for the last five years and greeted everyone. She was known for her sense of humor and making people laugh. In her younger years she liked to fish and go to the beach with her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Ernest Jackson Turner. Mrs. Turner was the last of her 10 siblings.
Survivors are her daughters and son-in-law; Jackie Lunsford of Athens and Nan and John McGarity of McDonough; grandchildren, Keith and Robin Lunsford, Andy and Laurie Lunsford, Adam, Nathan and Reed McGarity; 8 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends that loved her.
Funeral services for Mrs. Turner were held on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in McDonough with Rev. Tom Bergman officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30-11 a.m. prior to the service and interment will be at the Locust Grove Cemetery. Haisten Funerals and Cremations, 1745 Zack Hinton Parkway S., McDonough, Ga 30253 770-914-8833 www.haistenfunerals.com
