Thelma Elizabeth Ethridge

Mrs. Thelma Elizabeth “Ted” Dillard Ethridge, 98, of Sherwood Drive, Elberton, GA, passed away Wednesday, September 9, 2026.

Mrs. Ethridge was born April 12, 1928, in Brookhaven, GA to Henry Harold and Louise Haines Dillard. She graduated from Stone Mountain High School at the age of 14 and received an associate degree from Andrew Junior College and an A.B. degree from Wesleyan College. At the age of 20, she became one of the earliest women graduates of the UGA School of Law.

Ted married John Cabell Ethridge on October 3, 1948, and moved to Atlanta. There she worked at the Fulton County Juvenile Court for 4 years before forming a legal partnership with her husband in Elberton, GA. She was a member of the Elberton Bar Association, the Northern Circuit Bar, the Georgia Bar Association, and was a vice president of the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers (1957).

While Ted was affiliated with the Fulton County Juvenile Court, both she and her husband developed a personal interest in helping troubled children and hosted them in their home and took them to entertainment events, weekend trips and beach vacations in Florida. Ted spoke frequently to civic, church, and professional groups in the Atlanta area advocating for children.

Ted continued her work with children in Elberton serving as a PTA president in both elementary and high schools and serving on several educational related community committees. She also conducted seminars for the school counselor and hosted school groups at her home.

Ted also was a Cub Scout den mother, a director of Elbert County Youth, a member of the Camp Harmony Board of Directors, and a member and officer of the Northern Circuit Family Center whose purpose was to identify and seek solutions to youth related problems in the five county area. She took exceptional pride in serving on the Elbert County Family and Children Services Board for 37 years, and was twice elected a regional president of the Georgia Welfare Association. She also served on the Elbert County Training Center Board which served developmentally delayed children and was on the organizational board of the Elbert County Council on Aging.

Ted and John were active members and volunteers of Elberton First United Methodist Church, where Ted taught children and youth in Sunday School for over 30 years and later taught adult classes. She served on numerous committees and she and John hosted an annual Christmas party for the youth for 17 years. More recently, Ted became a member and enjoyed fellowship at Grace United Methodist Church.

Her interest in young people never wavered. John and Ted enjoyed hosting the friends of children and grandchildren in their home and at the lake house. The doors to their hearts and home were always open to friends and to children and youth in trouble or in need of support at a difficult time.

Ted is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, John Cabell Ethridge, Jr. and Cindy; daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Jossey and Paul “Joe” Jossey; daughter-in-law, Cathy Ethridge; grandchildren: Lee Ethridge, Brian Jossey, Scott Nicholson (Chase), Laurie Truitt (Craig), Kathryn Henderson (Nathan), and Jessica Chicken (Ron); great-grandchildren: Max Truitt, James Truitt, Chandler Truitt, Lillie Chicken, Ridge Chicken, Marshall Henderson, and Ellen Henderson; brother and sister-in-law, John S.Dillard and Helene; sister-in-law, Naomi Dillard; and extended family: Greg McFarling and family, Aaron Biddle and family and Bob Schell.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John Cabell Ethridge, Sr.; son, Glenn Ethridge; grandson, Andrew Ethridge; siblings: Louise McMillan and Henry Dillard, sister-in-law, Doris Dillard; and brother-in-law, Lex McMillan.

Memorial services to celebrate her life will be held at 2PM, Friday, September 18, 2026, at Elberton First Methodist Church with Reverend Jessica Chicken and Reverend Jim McCollough officiating. A reception will follow the service at the Elberton First Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Elberton First Baptist Church ramp ministry, Grace United Methodist Church, or Elberton First Methodist Church.

Berry Funeral Home and Crematory of Elberton is in charge of the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Thelma Elizabeth “Ted” Dillard Ethridge.