Imogene Robertson Smith
Jesup—Imogene Robertson Smith, 76, died peacefully Feb. 15, 2024, at home surrounded by her loving family under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, she was born on Dec. 27, 1947, to the late Othell Lee Robertson and Ruydine Manning Kelton. After graduation from Jesup High School in the Class of 1966, she continued her education, receiving an associate’s degree from Brewton- Parker College and later a bachelor’s degree from Mercer University.
She worked as a first- grade teacher at T.G. Ritch and James E. Bacon elementary schools until her retirement.
She was a loving and devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. Her children were blessed by her understanding and supportive nature, as were a countless number of students who were placed in her care over her years of teaching, her family said. She was a longtime member of the Crossroads Church of God, and she enjoyed playing bingo and buying and selling antiques in her spare time.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Taylor Brooke Smith, and two daughters-in-law, Deborah Winn Smith and Angie Landon Smith.
Survivors include her husband of 56 years, William Shelton “Cookie” Smith Jr.; three children, Shelton (Kathy) Smith, Chris Smith and fiancée, Courtney, and Jennifer (Steve) Beasley, all of Jesup; two sisters, Wanda (Tommy) Johnson of Sugar Valley and Dinah (Bobby) Ogden of Jesup; five grandchildren, Zachary Smith, Zoe Smith, Mallory (Josh) Dixon, Stephene Williamson and fiancée Luke Harrell, and Allison Counts; four great-grandchildren, Zander Williams and Braydon, Paris and Jameson Counts; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended-family members.
Services will be private.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph “Joey” Irwin Watson
Jesup—Joseph “Joey” Irwin Watson, 73, of Jesup died Feb. 14, 2024, following a brief illness at his favorite place—his home.
He was a native of Lanier County but had lived the last four decades in Wayne County. He began his career at Southern Railroad and then owned and operated a residential paint and construction company for many years. More recently, he was happily retired with many hobbies, including gardening, caring for animals, fishing, woodworking, repairing motors and general tinkering.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Tracy Watson, and his two beloved dogs, Freckles and Sassy.
Survivors include his wife and best friend of 16 years, Elaine Papain of Long Island, New York, and Jesup; his two sons, Joseph “Cody” (Megan) Watson of Richmond Hill and Clinton “Clint” (Amber) Watson of Jesup; his pets, Spanky, Lily and Romey; his nine grandchildren, Gavin, Parker, Krissi, Zaylee, Marlee, Millie, Noah, Corbin and Carli (each who inherited a bit of his witty personality); his two brothers Lee (Paulette) Watson and Charlie (Barbara) Watson of Lakeland; and several nieces and nephews.
Affectionately known to his grandchildren as “Papa Joey,” he was proud of his family. He was an animal lover and advocate. He had spent the last 17 years of his life living in sobriety and was known for supporting others impacted by addiction. A personal motto of his was, “I’ll get better as soon as I’m able.” He was a generous donor to various causes.
Celebration-of-life services will be held Saturday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church’s social hall. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior in the social hall.
In lieu of flowers, and aligned with Joey’s wishes, memorials are requested to Fair Haven, 488 S. West Broad St., Jesup, GA 31545.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Irene O. Carter
Odum—Irene O. Carter, 90, of Odum died Feb. 20, 2024.
The Wayne County native was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking, yard work, sewing and playing the piano. She was a member of Piney Grove Church of God and later attended Friendship Baptist Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Verlin E. Carter; her sisters, Mary, Aletha and Ida; and brothers, Buddy and Ludwin.
Survivors include a daughter, Theresa (Tim) Kegebein of Fitzgerald; three sons, Steve W. (Jeannie) Carter of Odum, Don L. (Kathy) Carter of Forsyth and Reed Carter of Jesup; five grandchildren, Ryan (Amber) Carter, Issac (Meredith) Carter, Leah (Matt) LaFountain, Derek (Heather) Carter and Clayton Carter; six great-grandchildren, Ford, Lilly, Laney, Molly, Kaplan and Sawyer; a sister, Tera Lambert of New Hampshire; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. in Friendship Cemetery with Pastor Kevin Johnson officiating.
Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Friendship Baptist Church.
The family wants to express its gratitude to her caregivers and staff of Cotton Grove Estates.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.