Wilda Sutton Jarrett passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 20, 2016 surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Wilda Jo Sutton 71 years ago to Vera Frances Bryan Sutton and Joe Elrod Sutton in the cotton mill town of New Holland near Gainesville, Ga. The pretty brunette grew up there loving time spent with her cousins and friends. She enjoyed attending church, roller skating and playing with her beloved cats. While in high school, her cousin introduced her to Richard Howell Jarrett. At that very first introduction, he told her that he was going to marry her . . . and he did. She finished her degree at Gainesville High where she was an honor graduate. She also received the Athletic Award for girls’ basketball and was voted one of the “Top Ten Beauties” in her senior class. After graduating, she attended business school so that she could start a career as a legal secretary.
Richard and Wilda were married in September of 1963 and moved to Atlanta to start their careers and lives together. In 1966, Richard was drafted into the Navy and served in Vietnam while Wilda worked at a legal firm in Atlanta for Fryer, Harp and Turk. Upon Richard’s happy return, the couple decided to start a family. Wilda Richelle Jarrett was born in 1968 and Revonda Michelle Jarrett was born in 1973.
Richard worked as refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic while Wilda was a full-time homemaker. Together they sought to give the girls a happy life as they made time for special events as well everyday things such as meal times as a family. Her favorite vacations included visiting Hawaii, Alaska, the Bahamas, the North Georgia Mountains and the East Coast lighthouses.
As a young girl, she was an avid pianist and delighted her dear father by playing “Black Hawk Waltz” for him. As a mother, she then faithfully took Revonda to piano lessons for seven years where her daughter also learned to play this beloved song.
Wilda enjoyed giving back to the community she loved. For many years, she volunteered at the Born Again Bargain Thrift Store in Fairburn where the proceeds benefitted Southwest Christian Hospice. The hospice was particularly special because her father Joe and former son-in-law Scott Jordan, both passed away there. To further give back, she and Richard usually helped decorate the hospice for Christmas.
The couple has always been very involved in church and attends Liberty Baptist in Fayetteville. Wilda especially enjoyed being part of the Women’s Sunday School Class and the JOY Club. As well as spending time with her church family, she also treasured the moments she enjoyed laughing with the ladies of the Riverdale Chapter of the Red Hat Society.
She loved to crochet blankets and do embroidery to give to others and to beautify her home. In addition, she enjoyed sending cards to people in times of sadness or joy.
Despite illness in her later years, Wilda continued to have a loving spirit and sweet smile. With great faith, she shared that she was not fearful in her final days.
She was preceded in death by her both her parents. Wilda is survived by her husband, Richard Jarrett. They were married 52 years. Daughter Richelle Jordan Mathis lives in Fayetteville, Ga. with her husband Michael Mathis and children Ryan and Katherine Jordan. Daughter Revonda Jarrett Zurn lives in Eden Prairie, Minn. with her children Jack and Beau Zurn. This wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend will be deeply missed. We take comfort in knowing she is in the loving arms of her Lord.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Southwest Christian Car, 7225 Lester Road, Union City, Ga. 30291.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel of Parrott Funeral Home with Dr. Randy Wood officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.parrottfuneralhome.com. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 4 until 7 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home & Crematory, 770-964-4800.
