Jeannene Ann (Simonds) Riddle

Mrs. Jeannene Ann Riddle, age 61, of Hazlehurst, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

She was born on January 12, 1964 in El Paso, Texas to the late Robert Simonds and Patricia Muncy Simonds. As part of a proud military family, she spent her childhood moving often, living in places as far as Greece and California—experiences that shaped her open heart and resilient spirit.

She met the love of her life while working as a house parent at the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home. They married in 1992 and shared a life of service, often relocating for his ministry. Jeannene was a devoted pastor’s wife and a faithful member of Hazlehurst First Methodist Church, where she gave generously of her time and heart.

A dedicated educator for 35 years, Jeannene most recently taught sixth grade at Toombs County Middle School. She held a master’s degree in Information Science and was widely respected for her passion, patience, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and honors, but her greatest joy came from reaching students others had given up on. She never stopped believing in the power of education—and in the children she served so faithfully.

Outside the classroom, Jeannene loved to quilt, crochet, and spend hours lost in a good book. She was a woman of quiet strength, creative talents, and deep compassion, who gave of herself wholeheartedly to her family, her church, and her students.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her sister, Denise Simonds, and her grand-daughter, Shaila Lott Riddle.

Jeannene’s family includes her husband of 33 years, Steven Riddle of Hazlehurst; her daughters, Holly Corbitt (Shane) of Pearson, and Makaila Riddle of Hazlehurst; her grandchildren, Georgia Corbitt and Jackson Corbitt, both of Pearson; her in-laws, who loved her deeply- mother and father-in-law, Cynthia and Walt Riddle of Palatka, FL, sister-in-law, Mindy Gelis (Burt) of Fernandina Beach, FL, and brother-in-law, Ian Riddle (Kelly) of East Palatka, FL; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Hazlehurst First Methodist Church.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home and the Riddle family are in charge of arrangements.

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