-- — One of Lanier County’s most respected matriarchs passed away Thursday afternoon ten months before her 100th birthday on October 18, 2012. Mrs. Jim (Mary) Threatte, known as mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend or ‘my fifth grade teacher’ to hundreds of Lanier residents during her 35 year teaching career.

Mrs. Threatte was known for her big smile and vivacious personality. Even as her eye sight began to fail she knew her friends and students - by their first name.

One who could easily wear the title of “Great American,” Mrs. Threatte would often proudly wear her red, white and blue sequined jacket, white Capri pants and her red baseball cap and stand upright with shoulders back as she would open her mouth wide to sing “Grand Ole Flag,” “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” or “God Bless America.” She did this at the last Historical Society banquet and brought the crowd to their feet.

When learning of the news Thursday evening residents, former residents and students commented on Facebook: “Heaven has gained a new angel today!;" "Sad to hear that, but I know they are rejoicing in heaven! And she is smiling with her big earrings on!;” “A beautiful lady with a big heart;” and “Mr. Threatte will be so happy to see her! They are probably singing “It’s a Grand Ole Flag!”

Another young woman remembered Mrs. Threatte: “When I was little I use to sit on the pew beside my grandmother at church. There was a lady in front of me with beautiful earrings in her ears and large rings on her fingers. She amazed me with her voice and always sang as though she and Jesus were the only two people in the room. As a child she inspired me. When I moved back as an adult she continued to inspire me. Today Mrs. Threatte is singing to Jesus with her same beautiful smile and large earrings. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to know her.”

Nell Roquemore of Lakeland, a life-long friend, said, “They (Jim and Mary) were the most loving people of anybody I’ve ever known -- of each other, their family and the community. She will be missed.”

Mary Threatte was born August 22, 1913 in Tifton to Walter W. and Rene (Poole) Reynolds, one of seven children.

She received her education to teach from Valdosta State College. During her career she taught primarily in Lanier County. She was the first Teacher of the Year in Lanier County the year of the initial implementation of the program by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. She was also the Eighth District Teacher of the Year.

As a part of First Baptist in Lakeland she served the youth through her work as Director of the Youth, and as principal of Vacation Bible Schools for many years. She attributed her longevity to her strong faith and belief in God because instead of worrying about problems, she put them in His hands.

She was initiated as a charter member of Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma in 1962 where she has played a vital part in laying a firm foundation for this professional group of women educators.

Mrs. Threatte married her late husband, Jim, in 1932. They were married for seventy-five years.

Survivors are daughters and sons in law Babs and Frank Gudger, Atlanta, Quay and Jimmy Allen, Tifton; Sister, Atha Threatte Hollomon, Panama City, FL; Grandchildren, Jaimie and Lynne Allen, Kim and Dake Boling, Frank and Emilie Gudger, Gerri and Tim Wilson, Gay and Ronnie Eades, Clint Paulk and Heather Gudger; great-grandchildren, Katie and Maggie Allen, Reyn, Autumn and MariAllen Boling, Lauren, Kami and Ross Gudger, Taylor and Cory Wilson, Jessica and Jena Wilson, and Jake and Ruth Davis. She is survived by many other relatives and close friends.

The Threatte family thanks our caregiving family: Loretta Dunlap, Peggy Johnson, Debra Fletcher and Ann Johnson

Active pallbearers are grandsons and nephews of Mrs. Threatte.

Honorary pallbearers are members of the Lanier County Retired Teachers Association and Delta Kappa Gamma.

A gathering of friends and family will be at the Jim and Mary Threatte Civic Center Sunday, 12:30 to 2 PM followed by the service. The Center is located at 201 South Hwy. 221, Lakeland.

Graveside services will be held at Oakridge Cemetery on GA 319 in Tifton at 5 p.m.

Memorial may be made to Grace Hospice of Valdosta, Oaklawn Foundation or church of your choice. — Music Funeral Services of Lakeland