Johnell “Joni” Maltby Summerford, 74, of Folkston, Georgia, passed from this life on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 at Folkston Park Care and Rehab following an extended illness. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, she was raised in Putnam County and graduated from Palatka High School in 1966. She graduated from Valdosta State College in 1969 with her degree in Early Childhood Education. Joni then moved to Moultrie, Georgia where she taught and was instrumental in launching the ESL program there. In 1996, she moved to Brunswick, Georgia where she taught until her retirement following 35 years of dedication to education. She had been a member of the First Baptist Church in Moultrie. In her leisure time, Joni loved the beach, enjoyed reading, traveling and following current events. She was also an avid Florida Gators fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John H. “Jack” Maltby and Nell Bryan Maltby.
Joni is survived by 2 sons, Thomas Brett Summerford of Winchester, VA and Bryan Maddox Summerford of Murfreesboro, TN, a sister, Judy Porter of Hyattsville, MD, a grandchild, Audrey ILona Summerford, several nieces and nephews including Dawn Sauls Bauer of Brunswick, GA, Melissa Sauls Wood of Tifton, GA, Reid Porter (Laura) of Washington, DC and John Porter of Denton, TX as well as several great-nieces and nephews.
Services celebrating Joni’s life will be at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Pastor Don Burnett officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Hill East Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2:00 P.M. until the time of services at 3:00 P.M.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Joni’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.