Joyce Jenkins Eason

Mar 28, 2026

Mrs. Joyce Jenkins Eason, age 90, passed away at Ogeechee Area Hospice in Statesboro, GAon February 28, 2026. Mrs. Joyce was a native of Tattnall County, living all of her adult life in Evans County. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living member of Eason Chapel Church. Mrs. Joyce was a homemaker while her daughters were young. She then worked in retail at The Squire Shop, The Village Square, and Just Jane's in Claxton until her retirement.

Mrs. Eason was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Henry; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.W. Jenkins; two brothers, Curtis and Warnell Jenkins; six sisters, Louise Holland, Beatress Collins, Mildred Boyette, Thurla Boyette, Winnie Boyette, and her twin sister and best friend, Joy Eason; and son-in-law, David Tootle.

Survivors: her two daughters and son-in-law, Trish Tootle of Statesboro and Julie and Gil Mincey of Claxton; Grandchildren, Matt and Talette Tootle, Clint and Catherine Tootle, Natalie Mincey, and Angela and Ty Swindell; Great-Grandchildren, Athan Tootle, Marley Tootle, Tyson Swindell, and Addison Swindell; and a host of other family members who were dear to her heart. Mrs. Eason is also survived by her special friend and caregiver, Lucy Walden. Mrs. Eason spent the last year of her life residing at Southern Manor at Candler in Metter, GA.

The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to Ralph Cowart, Blake Nobles, and their staff for the exceptional care they provided for Mrs. Eason.

Visitation: Monday, March 2, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m. at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.

Funeral: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 11 a.m. at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home. Chapel with Rev. Charles Fiveash and Ralph Cowart officiating.

Burial: Eason Family Cemetery.

Pallbearers: Matt Tootle, Clint Tootle, Keith Bradley, Ellis Conley, Bo Eason, and Freddy Ruarks.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the staff and residents of Southern Manor at Candler and members of her Sunday School Class at Eason Chapel.

Remembrances: Eason Chapel Church at 5356 Rufus Sapp, Claxton, GA 30417 or Ogeechee Area Hospice at P.O. Box 531, Statesboro, GA 30459.

Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements