Bess M. Mabry

Bess Mabry, 90, widow of James S. (Jim) Mabry, of Watkinsville, died October 29, 2020.

Mrs. Mabry was born in Newton, NC and was the daughter of the late Leroy Talmadge McColl and Winnifred Missouri Ervin McColl and was preceded in death by siblings John Talmadge McColl, Don McColl and Wink Hammond.

Mrs. Mabry was a longtime resident and educator in Oconee County. She taught sixth and seventh grades for a number of years, then later became the school social worker. She was more fondly known as the “truant officer” and every student kept a lookout for her little, yellow volkswagen. Bess loved her job in the school system and loved children. She had a gift of making people feel special and loved.  She retired as vice principal of Oconee County Primary School in 1987.

Mrs. Mabry was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority at the University of Georgia. She was a member of the Watkinsville Garden Club and was in the Oconee County Teachers’ Hall of Fame. She was a charter member of Ashford Memorial Methodist Church and served as a youth leader for many years.

Additionally, Bess enjoyed playing Bridge with her long time friends, golfing at Green Hills, and painting beautiful bird houses that were featured in the Athens Banner Herald. Her real passion was gardening. She would spend hours on end in her yard. Suffice to say: she was gifted with many talents.

Her infectious smile, quick wit and love for people will not be forgotten by those who loved her. She had a tremendous impact on many lives and never met a stranger. Bess was a follower of Christ and her gift was encouraging others as well as always seeing the good in people. She loved her family more than anything in the world and is now rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and the love of her life, Jim.

Survivors include her daughters, Lynn (Dan) Waters of Griffin, Leigh Mabry Laurenzo of Watkinsville and Beth (Johnny) Prescott of Watkinsville; grandchildren, Chris (Julie) Colquitt, Kellie (Jason) Creel, Brian Waters, Ben Waters, Joe Waters and Riley Prescott; great grandchildren, Carter Colquitt, Eloisa Colquitt, Johanna Colquitt and Cooper Creel.

Public visitation will be Sunday, November 1, 2020 from 1:30 until 3:30 under the portico at Oconee Chapel, 2370 Highway 53, Watkinsville, GA 30677. Private graveside services will be in Oconee Memorial Park with Rev. Dick Hoard officiating.

Pallbearers will be Ben Waters, Brian Waters, Joe Waters, Riley Prescott, Chris Colquitt and Johnny Prescott.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lydia's Place https://lydias-place.com 565 Jerry Smith Drive, Watkinsville, GA  30677

For those attending visitation please wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.