Martha Angelyn Hearn

Martha Angelyn Sims Hearn, age 81, of Jackson, Georgia passed away peacefully on June 18, 2025. Angelyn was born in Griffin, Georgia to the late Edwin and Martha Dell Sims. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1961 and earned degrees from Tift College, Mercer University, and the University of Georgia. Her story changed forever when she was introduced to her future husband, best friend, confidant and light of her life, Frank, in the Butts County Courthouse in February 1964. The two married in December 1964. After being stationed in Germany, they moved to Fort Ord (Monterey), California where their daughter Betsy was born. With her husband serving his first tour in Viet Nam, Angelyn and Betsy moved back home. Once Frank returned, the family moved to Columbus, Georgia, where their second daughter, Cindy, was born. When Frank was sent to Viet Nam again for his second tour, Angelyn demonstrated the well-known fortitude of an Army wife, managing two toddlers and a home.

In 1973 the family returned to Jackson where Angelyn began a lifelong career in education, teaching sixth grade. She later taught at the high school level and then in administrative roles for many years. She also served in the instructional technology department and was an adult educator. Angelyn was a life-long learner and enjoyed every minute spent educating children and supporting students and teachers. Teaching and learning were truly her passion and calling. She loved music, helping in her church, and treasured her time in the Jackson United Methodist choir. She helped coordinate the church's Thanksgiving shut-in meal program for many years, helped with Sunday school and VBS, and served on the Board of Trustees. Recently, Angelyn truly enjoyed Wednesday Bible study. Always service-minded, Angelyn was a founding member of the Azalea Garden Club. She volunteered to make deliveries for Meals on Wheels and helped with the summer food program. She and Frank loved traveling, especially to St. Augustine, Florida. Loyal Georgia Bulldog fans, they attended countless football and basketball games. However, their favorite trips were those they made to watch and support their granddaughters compete in sports. Angelyn is survived by her devoted husband Frank C. Hearn, daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Lawrence Biles; daughter and son-in-law Cindy and Bo Baugher; granddaughters Lauren Biles Fish (Andre), Olivia Biles, Ivy Baugher, and Zoe Baugher; and great grandson, J.J. Fish; brother and sister-in-law Joseph and Anne Sims of Florida. Several beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive. Angelyn was preceded in death by her brother and sister-in-law, Charles S. Sims, Sr. and June Sims. A memorial service for Mrs. Angelyn Sims Hearn will be held at Jackson United Methodist Church on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11 AM, Rev. Philip Demore will officiate. Interment will follow at Jackson City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, between 4 and 6 PM. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Butts County Retired Educators Association - Scholarship Fund (Marsana Briscoe, Treasurer); 157 Hope McClure Road, Jackson, Georgia 30233. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfuneralhome.com. Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 E. College Street, Jackson, GA, is serving the Hearn family.