First Presbyterian Church of Quitman

04/21/2025

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Edna McElroy, 78, of Quitman, GA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her husband, Frank Hamilton McElroy, Jr.; her daughter, Alasha (Lee) Mikell; her son, Hamilton (Charlsie) McElroy; her granddaughters, Mercedes McElroy (fiance Stephen Maddox), Cayden McElroy, Morgan Mikell, and Savannah Mikell, and grandson Dennis Mikell (Sarah); along with many brothers and sisters-in-love, nieces, and nephews.

Edna Kay Mayo was born on May 17, 1946, in Sandersville, GA, to Paul Mack Mayo and Mildred Stone Mayo. Her grandfather, Bonnell Stone (Mildred) is considered the Father of Georgia Forestry and instrumental in securing the Chattahoochee National Park at the head of the Appalachian Trail in Neal’s Gap, GA. She was the middle sister to Arie Heard and Susan Almond.

Edna graduated from Valdosta State with a degree in Elementary Education and two Master's degrees in Special Education and K-5 Education. She taught special education kindergarten for 20 years in Brooks County at Walker Street School and another 12 years in multiple other grades. Following retirement from the school system, she began another 10-year career as the Director of the Brooks Service Center.

Edna was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Quitman. She served many terms as an Elder and a Deacon. She was always involved as a leader in Vacation Bible School, Sunday school, bible studies, and Wild-n-Wacky Wednesdays. She sang beautifully in the choir and often played the organ or piano.

Edna was a committed member of the Hannah Clark Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She served as Regent for many years and contributed to the solid growth of membership. Her friend, Fraser Baker stated, “Edna got things done, sweetly and calmly.” She served on the Board of Trustees for the Brooks County Museum and Cultural Center for many years as well as being a faithful member-at-large for even more years.

When you met Edna, you knew she loved her family and adored those grandchildren. Her home overflows with photos and notes from her children and grandchildren who returned that love and adoration. She was also blessed with a large extended family. Sister-in-love, Martha Bennett, said, “She was a gift to the McElroy clan, and she welcomed all at Thanksgiving or any other time for that matter. She was one of us.”

Frank Hamilton McElroy was the love of her life, and she was his. They met in psychology class at Valdosta State College, married, and built a life of love and legacy to be proud of. They were married for 57 years.

Finally, if you knew Edna, you loved her. She lived out her life with quiet grace that always exemplified the love of Jesus, her Lord and Savior.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Quitman. Fellowship with the family will follow immediately in the Fellowship Hall.

02/21/2025

09/04/2024

Florida Couple returns to church where they were married 66 years earlier.

With Ronald and Mary Lucy Turner Walker retired, Mary revealed that they had a bucket list for their retirement days. One of the most significant items on the list was visiting the First Presbyterian Church in Quitman, where their journey as a married couple began 66 years ago. Mary Lucy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Berrian Turner, who were former residents of Quitman, and church records show their names on the membership rolls in the 1950s.
After several phone calls to Quitman, the Walkers were overjoyed to discover that First Presbyterian still conducted Sunday morning services. The idea of driving from their home in Mount Dora, Florida, to the church where their married life began was a decision filled with nostalgia and longing.
The Walkers arrived in Quitman on Sunday morning with wedding pictures in hand. They soon met some of the congregation and shared stories about the wedding day and former church members they remembered from those days. They remembered Brad Shealy as a toddler in the church and reminisced about his parents, Iris and Dr. Shealy. To their surprise, Brad is now pastoring the church.
Before driving back to Florida the couple even posed for a picture in the exact same spot they shared their wedding cake at their reception on that special day.
In a text to the Church Ronald Walker wrote “Going to the church and being welcomed just made our trip worthwhile. Mary just can’t quit talking about it to friends and relatives down here. Thank you so much for the large picture of your church. We are having it framed for our living room. We wish you all the very best.”

09/26/2023

First Presbyterian Church of Quitman is happy to introduce Clell Wright as our Musician, Clell brings a wealth of musical talent to this historical church. Clell is Director of Choral Activities at Valdosta State University and is married to Angela Wright. They currently reside in Valdosta, GA.

08/17/2023

Quitman First Presbyterian Church is seeking a full time pianist and or organist to play for Sunday morning services and other occasional services as needed. If interested please leave a private message with your name and telephone number.

06/07/2023

Chuck Day is known worldwide as one of America’s favorite singers and songwriters. He is co-writer of “Midnight Cry”, which is recognized as the most recorded song in popular Christian music history. Chuck’s music career spans 55 years and he has penned more than thirty #1 songs, such as “Child of the Light”, “Angels in the Room”, “I’ll Stand Up and Say So”, “Low Enough” and many more. Chuck is a multi award winner with honors such as being presented, “Entertainer of the Year”, “Male Vocalist of the Year”, “Songwriter of the Year” and “Living Legend” at the Inspirational Country Music Awards in Nashville, TN. Chuck is also an inductee into the International Country Gospel Music Association’s Hall of Fame and The Texas International Music Hall of Fame! Chuck tours all across America and the World sharing his music and his message of God’s love! Please plan to join us on Sunday June 25th !!