• Howard & Jones
Diana Renee Burke
Jesup—Diana Renee Burke, 55, of Jesup died on Oct. 8, 2026.
She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and dear friend to many. Born to the late John D. and Inez Todd, she lived a life marked by kindness, humility and a gentle spirit that touched the hearts of all who knew her, her family said.
She had a meek and humble spirit and a special way of making everyone she encountered feel welcomed and loved. She never needed grand gestures or fancy things to find joy in life. She appreciated the simple blessings, such as spending time fishing, and treasured the moments shared with those she loved. Her greatest gift was the love she so freely gave to others, making each person feel seen, valued and cherished, her family said.
For the past several years, she bravely fought an extended illness with courage and perseverance. “Though her journey was difficult, today we find comfort in knowing that she is resting in the loving arms of Jesus, completely healed and free from pain, her family said. While her earthly presence will be deeply missed, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and the peace that comes from knowing she is home with her Savior,” her family said.
Survivors left behind to cherish her precious memory include her loving husband, John Burke; her children, Joshua and Katelen Burke; her sister, Kathy (Glenn) Takaki; her brothers, Charlie Todd and Melvin Todd; and a host of nieces, nephews, other extended-family members, and dear friends.
The family added, “though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in knowing that Diana is rejoicing in Heaven, completely healed and at peace in the presence of her Savior. We imagine her being lovingly welcomed home by her beloved parents, John D. and Inez Todd; her brothers, James and Walter Eddie Todd; and the many other cherished loved ones who went before her. While we grieve the loss of her earthly presence, we rejoice in the beautiful promise of Heaven and the hope of a joyful reunion one day. Until we meet again, Diana, may you rest peacefully in the arms of Jesus.”
Funeral services were held Oct. 11 at Turning Point Worship Center with Pastor Jordan Davis officiating. Interment followed in New Hope Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Greg Potts, Josh Burke, John Todd, Jordan Davis, Corey Todd and Troy Mercer.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Maxine Grace McCollum Bennett
Jesup—Maxine Grace McCollum Bennett, 72, died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2026, at Harborview Health Systems in Jesup after an extended illness under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
A native and lifelong resident of Wayne County, she was born on Sept. 24, 1954, to the late Baxter Lee McCollum and Sarah Arnett McCollum.
She graduated from Wayne County High School and was a homemaker. She spent most of her life caring for others. She enjoyed working part time at Howard & Jones Funeral Home after the death of her late husband, David R. Bennett. The employees there became more like family than coworkers.
She enjoyed buying gifts for her friends, and she spent countless hours with her crochet needles and thread crafting beautiful quilts for everyone she knew. She was dependable and outspoken, caring and thrifty. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching television, especially the Atlanta Braves and caring for her plants.
In addition to her parents and husband, her half-sister, Connie Dent, preceded her in death.
Survivors include her brother, Alvin (Mary Ann) McCollum of Cartersville, and numerous other extended family members, including her niece, Janice (Austin) Davis of Blackshear.
Graveside funeral services were held Oct. 13 at Flint Branch Baptist Church Cemetery.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Sherrie A. Griffis
Jesup—Sherrie A. Griffis, 65, died peacefully on Oct. 8, 2026, at Hospice of South Georgia surrounded by her loving family.
A resident of Wayne County for most of her life, she was born on Aug. 25, 1961. She was a loving wife and mother who devoted herself to her family first and foremost. She loved cooking and crafting when she wasn’t working, and she also loved flowers and taking trips to the beach. She was strong willed and was always determined, yet loving and caring.
She was a longtime member of Altamaha Baptist Church.
Her mother, Virginia Abney and father, Ronald Goodwin, preceded her in death.
Survivors include her husband of 28 years, Stevie Griffis of Jesup; daughters, Stevi (Kyle) Westberry, Stephanie (David) Wilkerson, Stacey Griffis and Harley Brumitt; grandchildren, Dalton Wilkerson, Hannah Wilkerson, Kyler-Ann Westberry, Gracie Westberry, Jovi Westberry, Bodhi Westberry and Boone Westberry; several siblings; numerous loving nieces and nephews; and a host of other extended-family members.
A memorial service was held Oct. 11 at Victory Tabernacle with the Rev. Keith Larisey officiating.
Family and friends may sign the guestbook online at www.jesupfuneralhome.com.
Howard & Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.