Jessie Mae Thompson Durden

Jessie Mae "Granny Dawg" Durden went to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on February 10, 2016 in Cartersville, Georgia. She was born September 11, 1935 in Oglethorpe, Ga. to Julia Payne Elza and John Slaton Thompson.

Jessie was married to the love of her life, Linton Durden, for 39 years. As the wife of a career military man, Jessie kept the home fires burning during Lin’s frequent deployments. In addition to managing the household and two children, Jessie worked in the hospitality industry in Brunswick and the Golden Isles for many years, managing restaurants including Crane’s at Ramada and later managing restaurants for Motel Properties until her retirement. She had a reputation as a hard-working and loyal manager with high expectations of everyone, most especially herself.

Jessie never met a stranger and had a gift for making lifelong friends wherever she went. Her favorite pastimes were visiting over a cup of coffee with any of her many friends, fishing, and cheering her beloved Georgia Bulldogs. She was a faithful wife and mother, loving daughter, devoted grandmother, and loyal friend.

Jessie was preceded in death by her husband, Lin, and her parents. She is survived by daughter Melony Carter, Rena Maples, granddaughter Rachel Carter, and great-granddaughter Chrissy Carter, all of Cartersville and by son Michael Durden and grandson Dalton Durden, both of Douglas as well as special family members nephew Lawton “Bubby” Durden, niece Marquita “Fancy” Durden, and cousins James & Gail Roberson.

A visitation will be held at Frye Funeral Home in Nahunta on Sunday, February 14th, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. The funeral procession will depart the funeral home in Nahunta at 12:40PM. on Monday, February 15th to the location for the graveside service with Brother Tony Bass officiating, at Highsmith Cemetery, one half-mile east of the intersection of US Hwy 82 and Browntown Road, on the south side of Hwy 82 in Waynesville.

Pallbearers will be James Roberson, Lawton “Bubbie” Durden, Dean Jewel, Dalton Durden, Michael Durden, Doug McDade, Rena Maples and Blake Bass.

Friends and family are encouraged to wear UGA attire to the service.

Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing our online registry at fryefh.com.