MARY ALDRIDGE

Mary Belle “Betty” Aldridge, a lifelong resident of Charlton County, GA, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 11, 2014 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on July 10, 1921 and grew up with 5 brothers and 2 sisters.  Her family lived in the Sardis area of Charlton County at Hopkins in the Okefenokee Swamp and at Colerane where her father, Hamp Colson, worked for the Hubbards.  Betty worked for Gilman Bag Company for 10 years and for South Georgia Telephone Company for 15 years.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Folkston, a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the Garden Club and the Swinging Swampers Square Dance Club.  As a charter member of the Folkston Historical Preservation Society, she worked tirelessly in an effort to save the old Folkston High School Building.  Betty Enjoyed gardening, sewing and baking desserts for her family.  A true southern lady with a soft spoken voice, a bright smile, and a core of strength, she will be remembered by all who knew her for her gentle, loving spirit and eternally positive outlook on life.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years and love of her life:  Loyce C. Aldridge and her daughter:  Gayle Conner.
She is survived by her daughter:  Cherie Aldridge (Rod Stearns); Son-in-law:  Chris Conner; 4-Grandchildren:  September Carter (Sherwood), Scott Conner, Shannon Carter (Steve), Dylan Stearns; 7-Great Grandchildren:  Ryan Carter (Karen), Autumn Harvell (Charles), Brandon Carter, Melissa Fonzo (Freddy), Amelia Huntsinger, Derek Carter (Brittany Taylor) & Savannah Carter; 4-Great Great Grandchildren:  Jackson Fonzo, CJ Harvell, Hannah Carter, & Alexander Fonzo; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends Thursday, November 13 at Shepard Funeral Home from 6-8 PM.  Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14 at 11:00 AM at the Folkston United Methodist Church with Rev. Jack Varnell officiating.  Burial will be in Pineview Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest registry at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home in Folkston, GA.