Thomas Ethridge Jefferson

Mr. Thomas Jefferson age 65, of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away Thursday at Coffee Regional Medical Center in Douglas, following a short illness. A native of Willacoochee, Ga., Mr. Jefferson was born August 21, 1945 son of Clarence and Ruth White Jefferson. He worked as a heating and air technician before retiring and served in the U.S. Army and a member of Christian Covenant Church. Mr. Jefferson was preceded in death by two brothers, Perry and Waldo Jefferson, two step-sons, Michael and Bobby Jo Stripling, and one step-daughter, Debra Ashley. Survivors include: Wife: Linda Jefferson of Willacoochee, Ga. 3 Sons: Greg Sutton of Austin, Ark. Tommy Sutton and wife Allison of Mayflower, Ark. Johnny Jefferson and wife Tammy of Lonake, Ark. 1 Stepson: Carlos Stripling of Kalamazoo, Mich. 2 Daughters: Melissa Monday and husband Glenn of Ward, Ark. Sarah Lynn Snell and husband Ronald of Nashville, Ga. 3 Stepdaughters: Darlene Moore of Jacksonville, Fl. Doris Rhymes and husband Ronnie of Fitzgerald, Ga. Patricia Heath and husband Kenneth of Willacoochee, Ga. 1 Brother: William Jefferson and wife Linda of Jesup, Ga. 2 Sisters: Linda Heath and husband Jr. of Alapaha, Ga. Shelia Purvis and husband Raymond of Alapaha, Ga. Special Friend: Cathy Meade of Willacoochee, Ga. 13 Grandchildren, 40 Step Grandchildren, Many Great Grandchildren and several Nieces and Nephews also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Jefferson were held at 2:00 P. M. Saturday, July 9, 2011 at the Willacoochee Holiness Baptist Church with Rev. David Rowe and Rev. Jerry McKinnon officiating. Special music selections included "Old Rugged Cross", "Just One Rose Will Do", and "Until We Meet Again" rendered by Mike Paulk, Betty Joiner, and Jessica Griffin. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was provided by Betty Joiner, pianist. A special song "Daddy's Hands" was played at the graveside on cd. The interment followed in Live Oak Cemetery. Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.