Okie Hendrix Colson

CLAXTON: Okie Hendrix Colson, 85, of Metter, formerly of Claxton, GA., and Charleston, SC, began her new life with Jesus, Thursday, February 14, 2013. She was born on June 2, 1927, in Manassas, GA, the youngest of seven children of Cleve and Cora Hendrix. Okie graduated from Collins High School and Georgia Teachers College (now GSU). She lived in Buffalo, NY briefly, San Francisco, CA., Savannah, GA., and Charleston, SC, before retiring and moving home. Okie taught seventh grade in Claxton many years ago and loved her students her entire life. She was married to Albert Colson and they lived their life together on Ellis Creek on James Island, SC. She worked for the boating division of SC Wildlife for many years, as well as the James Island Piggly Wiggly and Winn-Dixie stores. Once retired, she still worked at the Claxton Winn Dixie and Bernie’s in Bellville. She fought colon cancer and a heart attack and was victorious in both battles. Dementia, however, was the adversary she couldn’t beat. Although it took its toll on her, she always knew the answer to the question, “Who loves you more than me?” Her answer was simply, “God”. She lived the last two and a half years of her life at Grace Gardens Assisted Living in Metter and was lovingly cared for by their precious and amazing staff. They are part of our family now.
Okie was a proud Christian and member of Cobbtown Methodist Church in Cobbtown, GA. Her pastor, Joey Holloway and his wife, Monice, were special to her, taking her to church on Sunday mornings and loving her every day.
SURVIVORS: Okie leaves to cherish her life and memory: a daughter, Marsha Colson of Metter; a stepson and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Jean Colson of Charleston, SC; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Hendrix of Manassas, GA., Anna Hendrix of Jacksonville, FL., Eula Lee Rogers and Mattie Boatright both of Claxton, GA; many cousins, nieces, and nephews, who were the lights of her life; special cousins, Geneva Breland and her son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Cherri Breland of LaGrange, GA.
VISITATION: Friday, February 15, 2013, 5-8:00 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in Claxton.
FUNERAL: Saturday, February 16, 2013, 12:00 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
BURIAL: Anderson Church Cemetery.
REMEMBRANCES: Okie preferred memorials be sent to Cobbtown Methodist Church, P. O. Box 65, Cobbtown, GA., 30420, or James Island Presbyterian Church, 1632 Fort Johnson Rd., Charleston, SC., 29412.