Gwendolyn Paulk Yearwood
Gwendolyn Paulk Yearwood, 73, of Monticello, died Saturday, October 1, 2011, at her residence in Tifton.
Mrs. Yearwood was born in Willacoochee to the late Winnes H. Paulk and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Metts Paulk. She attended Valdosta State College and was a graduate of Georgia State College for Women in Milledgeville.
After teaching home economics at Putnam County High School for a few years, she and her husband, Jack Howard Yearwood, moved to Monticello. They were married for 45 years until his death in 2005.
They were among the founding families of Piedmont Academy where she taught third grade for 25 years. She was active in the Alpha Eta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, educational professional society, having served in numerous offices of that organization. She was a member of Monticello First United Methodist Church for over 50 years.
After retirement, Mrs. Yearwood presided over the Trisha Yearwood Fan Club for five years. Mrs. Yearwood, who was widely known as an excellent cook, also co-authored two cookbooks with her daughters, making the New York Times Best Sellers list twice.
Her brother, Marshall Edward Paulk, preceded her in death.
She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Beth and John Bernard of Tifton, and Patricia and Garth Brooks of Oklahoma; grandchildren, Ashley Bernard, Kyle Bernard, Bret Bernard, Taylor Brooks, August Brooks, and Allie Brooks; and brother, Wilson Paulk of Willacoochee.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at Monticello First United Methodist Church, with burial in West View Cemetery in Monticello. Dr. John Brown and Rev. Larry Pearson officiated.
Pallbearers were Steve Jordan, Don Kelly, Tony Tanner, Gene Spivey, Charlie Lane, and Billy Ozburn. Honorary pallbearers were Herb Hickey, Lanier Ozburn, Melton Davis, Maurice Jackson, George Deraney, Brad Moon, Mike Delk, and Tom Tillman.
The family suggests donations to Piedmont Academy, P.O. Box 231, Monticello, Ga. 31064 or Monticello First United Methodist Church, 651 College Street, Monticello, Ga. 31064.
Jordan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. For more information, visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.