Annette Taylor Westberry

Annette Taylor Westberry, 82, affectionately known as “Nettie” or “Mrs. Westberry,” to many passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at home under the care of Hospice of South Georgia and her loving family.

A resident of Jesup since 1959, Annette was born on September 17, 1938 to the late Randall and Louise Lynn Taylor.  She spent her early years in Pierce County and graduated from Patterson High School in 1956. She married the love of her life, Bryant, in 1959. Annette was a devoted stay at home mother before helping her late husband open what became successful family businesses for many years, Superior Body Shop and South Georgia Septic Tank. Although she was instrumental in the operation of the businesses, she was driven to achieve her dream of being an educator.  Annette joined her daughters in attending college. She began her studies at Brewton Parker College and graduated from Tift College with an Early Childhood education degree. She taught for several years with the Long County School System before moving to the Wayne County School System where she taught until her retirement in 2005. 

Annette always tried to see the good in everything and everyone. She put the needs of others before her own and volunteered countless hours as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, a 4-H Volunteer and a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Missing her students and fellow educators, she returned as a long-term substitute teacher after she had retired.  Annette was a long-time member of the First Freewill Baptist Church and enjoyed sewing, cooking, square dancing, collecting antiques, canning and reading in her spare time.

In addition to her parents, her husband, Bryant L. Westberry and her siblings, William Taylor, Robert Taylor, Donald Taylor and Sylvia Brown all preceded her in death.

Survivors include her children, Pam Westberry Powell and husband, Jim of Valdosta, Georgia, Tammy Westberry Burroughs and husband, Nick of Eatonton, Georgia and John Westberry of Jesup; grandchildren, Meredith Powell and husband, Dr. Matthew Nunnelley of Fairfax, VA, Christopher Powell of Valdosta, GA, Taylor Louise Burroughs of Atlanta, GA, Bryant Nicole Burroughs of Athens and Alexis Westberry of Jesup.  A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive as well as her beloved cat, Frisky Carter.

Visitation will be from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 11, 2021 at First Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend David Bohannon officiating.

Interment will follow in Jesup City Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Bob Boy, Tony Taylor, Randy Taylor, Robbie Taylor, Eddie Taylor, Will Murphy, Phillip Brown, Larry Priester, Gene Lane and David Fulmore.  Honorary pallbearers will be the Patterson High Class of 1956, fellow members of the Order of the Eastern Star, former students and staff of Long and Wayne County School Systems, Members of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Jesup, former Girl Scouts and fellow troop leaders, Pam and Mark Williams, Grant and Tammy Lewis, Bill and Diane Murphy, Pam Williamson, Danny and Kathy Carter, Janis and Len Hauss, John and Sherry NeSmith, Liz and Joe Mansfield, Gerry Bohannon, John David Wells, W.D. Altman, Mary Lynn Tanner, Shirley Priester, Kermit and Kathy Moody and Faye Aspinwall. 

The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff of Hospice of South Georgia for the loving care they have provided during Annette’s final days.  Special thanks are also given to Dr. Lance Hendrix, Dr. Savita Bidyasar and Dr. Joe Johnson for providing excellent medical care during her illness.

Annette influenced so many lives, young and old with her unwavering love for God, quiet demeanor, her gentle smile in the midst of her illness, and her genuinely humble and giving nature. Many children and their families were recipients of her anonymous donations of shoes, clothing, school supplies, Christmas toys and payment of their school meals.  She was a rare soul and leaves a remarkable legacy behind.

As we continue to navigate our lives here on earth without her, we are so thankful for God’s promise through Jesus Christ that we will see her again. What a glorious day that will be when we too meet Jesus face to face.

 In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Annette Taylor Westberry Education Scholarship c/o Prime South Bank, 375 West Cherry Street, Jesup, Georgia 31545.