Evelyn Jeanette Goodman Handy

Evelyn Jeanette Handy,89, lovingly known as Jeanette, passed peacefully on August 11, 2024, at Legacy Village of Tifton. Born on June 7, 1935, in Tift County to the late Jimmie Lee and Vera Eason Goodman, she grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and siblings. Jeanette was a devoted Christian whose life exemplified kindness and compassion in every interaction. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Leonard V. Handy, Buddy Ellis (Father of her children), Terry Ellis (Son), Joey Ellis (Son), James Travis Goodman (Brother), Ruby Lee Stone (Sister), and Bo Handy (Stepson)

Funeral services will be held at Albritton Funeral Directors, 1020 Tift Ave N., Tifton, on August 14, 2024 with Rev. Keith Norris officiating and Haley Vick delivering the eulogy. A visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. Jeanette will be interred with her late husband Leonard at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Joe Ellis, Brandon Ellis, Trent Ellis, Adam Brooks, Dwayne Hobbs and Trey Cole will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Stone, members of the JoAnn Luke Sunday School Class, along with The Staffs of Legacy Village, and Traditions Health & Hospice.

In her youth, Jeanette attended Tift County High School before pursuing passion for beauty by attending Tifton Beauty School. She became a revered beautician in Tifton, serving the community for over fifty years with skill and dedication. Her commitment to her craft was evident in the countless lives she touched through her work. For many years, Jeanette was a proud member of the Tifton Hairdressers Association.

Aside from her illustrious career, Jeanette's true joy came from being with her family. She cherished every moment spent with her loved ones, creating lasting memories that will be treasured forever. Jeanette's nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family to her church community at Eastside Baptist Church. She actively participated in church events, found solace in her Sunday School Class, and was a valued member of the Order of the Eastern Star Blanche Chapter 8 of Tifton, where she held several distinguished state offices.

Jeanette's kindness, faith, and unwavering love will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She was a steadfast matriarch and a pillar of strength for her family. 

She is survived by her children: Sandra Ellis, Mike Ellis (Kay), Patricia Brooks (Joseph), and her late husband Leonard V. Handy’s children; Brenda Edwards (Vonn) and Barbara Handy (Andy) her sisters, Doris Blanchard and Dianne Giddens; her sixteen grandchildren, including Adam Brooks (Brittany), Haley Vick (Carrie), Trent Ellis, Brandon Ellis, (LeahAnn), Autumn Cole, Trey Cole, Joey Ellis, Kala Ellis, Alisha Nugent (Ricky), Shasta Johnson, Shanna Ellis, Jake Ellis, Joseph Ellis, Crystle Smith, Elaine Sands, and Helen Nelson; her many great-grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends.

Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Traditions Health and Hospice, 126 South Access Road, Chula, Georgia 31733, or to Eastside Baptist Church, PO Box 540, Tifton, Ga. 31793. 

Albritton Funeral Directors is in charge of the arrangements.