Elaine Jardine Ricketson

Mrs. Elaine Jardine Ricketson, age 83 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Friday, September 09, 2016 at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, Ga. after a short illness.   A native of Coffee County, Mrs. Ricketson was born July 3, l933, daughter of James B. and Allie Lott Jardine. Mrs. Ricketson was retired from the Atkinson County Board of Education, where she was a teacher and librarian for thirty years.  She received her education at South Georgia College, Georgia State College for Women and later received her Master’s Degree from Penn State. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma.  Her church membership was at Pearson First United Methodist Church where she served as pianist for many years and was active in the UMW.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Payne Ricketson and 2 brothers J.B. Jardine, Jr. and Bill Jardine.     Survivors include: Son: Jeff Ricketson and wife Anita of Odum, Ga. Daughter: Ms. Chris Ricketson Shelnutt of Pearson, Ga. Sister:  Robbie Galloway and husband Bill of Clearwater, Fl. 2 Grandchildren: John Mark Shelnutt Jr. and Sarah Elaine Shelnutt   Care Givers:  Winnie Lott and Cheryl Dailey   Several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive. Funeral services for Mrs. Ricketson were held Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 3:00 P.M. at First United Methodist Church in Pearson, Ga. with Rev. Evelyn Duvall officiating. Shared memories were given by her children, Jeff Ricketson and Chris Shelnutt. Special music included “It is Well with My Soul” rendered by the attending congregation with Cindy Coppage leading and Phil Liles accompanying at the piano. A recorded instrumental “The Old Rugged Cross” played by Mrs. Ricketson was played at the end of the service.  Prelude and Postlude music was by Phil Liles, pianist.  The internment followed in Sweetwater Cemetery.   Serving as active pallbearers were:  John Mark Shelnutt, Ben Coppage, Dan Coppage, Bill Inman, Roger Taft and Andrew Taft.   Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.