Mother Zimma C. Jones Obituary

Mother Zimma Chivers Jones, 91, was born December 31, 1934, in Tallapoosa, Georgia. She entered eternal rest on June 7, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, Talton Herley Chivers and LouBertha Stinson Chivers, a younger sister, Kathryn Lorraine Chivers, and an older brother, Homer Herley Chivers.

A lifelong resident of Georgia, Ms. Jones’ childhood was spent in Tallapoosa where she joined Mt. Newley Baptist Church at an early age. After graduating from Carroll County’s George W. Carver High School, Ms. Jones attended Fort Valley State College where, in 1956, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology.

After college, Ms. Jones moved to South Georgia and joined Springfield Baptist Church in Reidsville. She began her teaching career in 1958 in Metter. Her post-collegiate education included coursework at Tennessee’s Oak Ridge Institute of Nuclear Studies, Virginia’s Hampton University, Atlanta University, Savannah State College, and Georgia Southern College.

Beginning in 1959, Ms. Jones taught chemistry, physical science, and biology in the Tattnall County School System and coached several girls’ basketball teams. During her career, Ms. Jones received several teaching awards. Most notably, she was named the Student Action for Georgia Teacher of the Year five times.

Although Ms. Jones officially retired at the end of the 1988 school year, she continued to serve the staff and students of Tattnall County High School for an additional 20 years as a substitute teacher.

After completely leaving the classroom, Ms. Jones devotedly served as the Georgia Retired Educators Association’s Regional Director of Area 5 before becoming the organization’s president in 2004.

During Ms. Jones’ one-year term as GREA president, she traveled throughout the state addressing the rights, needs, and concerns of retired educators. Any day of the year, she could be found advocating for retired educators with then-Governor Sonny Perdue. At the time of Ms. Jones’ passing, she was an emeritus member of the Georgia Retired Teachers Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the GREA.

After returning to Tallapoosa in 2020, Ms. Jones reconnected with Mt. Newley Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as an Adult Sunday School Teacher until she was no longer able to do so.

In retirement, Ms. Jones enjoyed various creative projects for relaxation. Those projects included sewing, crocheting, painting ceramics, and completing jigsaw puzzles.

Celebration of Life Service for Mother Zimma Ann (Chivers) Jones will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Mt. Newly Baptist Church, 4360 Stone Mountain St, Tallapoosa, GA 30176, Pastor Freddie Parham, Eulogist. Interment will follow in the churchyard cemetery. Viewing will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 10:00- 11:00AM, one hour prior to service. Final arrangements entrusted to Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Carrollton Chapel. 770-836-0044.