Zada Margaret Baxley

Blakely, GA - Zada Margaret Baxley, a beloved member of the Blakely community, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, at the age of 72. Born on March 20th, 1953, in Blakely, Georgia, Zada spent her entire life in the town she loved, surrounded by family and friends.

Zada was a fixture in the community, despite her disability from early in life. Her spirit was unbreakable and her determination made her disability invisible as she navigated life's challenges with ease.

She was always known for her unwavering support of the Early County Bobcats, whether it be academic or sports. She could always be found cheering and supporting her Mighty Bobcats wherever the road led them. Her love and support was unmatched for her community, school and especially her class of 1972.

To know Zada was to love her. This was especially shown to her babies. Despite her not having any children of her own, she made each of her extended family feel cherished, seen and incredibly special.

Zada was preceded in death by her parents, William Ray Baxley and Elma Ruth Baxley, and her siblings Patricia, Tolbert, Oree, Priscilla, Connie, Walter, Cornelia, and Edith. She was dearly loved by 23 nieces and nephews, 38 great nieces and nephews and 63 great, great, nieces and nephews and their families, who will forever cherish her memory and the love she shared with them.

Funeral services will be held at Manry Jordan Hodges Funeral Home on Monday, January 12th, 2026, at 3:00 pm, with Rev. Wade Spooner officiating. Visitation will take place at the same location on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Zada will be laid to rest at Colomokee Baptist Church Cemetery.

Pallbearers honoring Zada's memory will include her nephews and honorary pallbearers will be devoted classmates from the Early County High School class of 1972.

Zada Margaret Baxley will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the entire Blakely community. Her legacy of love, kindness, and community spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home, who have provided compassionate care during this difficult time.

The family would like to extend a deep thank you to her many friends, family, caregivers, nurses, providers and staff that have helped to care for her over the years especially those from the Early County Nursing Home.