Estelle R deJarnette

Tobitha Estelle (Rooks) deJarnette passed peacefully and entered her eternal rest on Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Originally from Griffin, Georgia, she lived most of her life in Decatur and was currently a resident at Manor Lake Memory Care in Dawsonville, Georgia, where she was a favorite among the caregivers.

Estelle was preceded in death by her first husband Harold G. Merritt, her second husband John R. deJarnette (married 47 year) her son, Jonathan O'Neil Merritt, and great granddaughter, Trinity Cummings, also by her sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Colon Butler, and her brother, Harvey Rooks.

She is survived by her two daughters, Jan (Rick) Brumbelow, and Carol (Mike) Minotti and son, Mark Merritt; her four grandchildren, Elizabeth Darlene Cummings, Michael (Courtney) Brumbelow, Cristina (Steven) Story, and Michael Minotti; seven great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her little sister Carolyn Bohler (90), and numerous treasured nieces and nephews. Adding to her family, she is survived by her greatly loved step daughters, Linda Marcet, Laura Morgan, and Leila (David) Walsh; four step grandchildren, and five step great-grandchildren.

Estelle was born in Carrollton, Georgia on December 28, 1928, the oldest daughter of the late Leonard Grady Rooks and Gladys Mae (Milner) Rooks. The family moved later to Griffin, Georgia. After high school graduation, she briefly attended Tift College. Due to family responsibilities, she left college and began her working career as a secretary at Dundee Hosiery Mills. During her secretarial career, Estelle, worked for many businesses including: Escambia Chemical Corporation, Frigidaire, and ended her career as the Office Manager of the General Motors Training Center.

Estelle was a dedicated Christian and very active in church. As a young woman, she attended Devotee Baptist Church in Griffin, then she was a member of Peachcrest Baptist Church in Decatur. Later she attended Decatur First Methodist. Her earnest hope was that all would come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Estelle was a generous person and loved giving gifts. She was known for sending family and friends cards for all occasions with special encouraging quotes she printed. She kept a meticulous list of all the extended family's addresses and phone numbers to encourage everyone to stay in touch. She also supported many Christian organizations, Christian television, and anyone who was in need.

Estelle enjoyed fun activities and taking pictures. When her children were young teens, she enjoyed making wax candles, beaded jewelry and various decorations for Christmas gifts. She loved to picnic with watermelon at Stone Mountain Park and attend the fireworks display and the Easter Sunrise Service. She loved the beauty of nature and enjoyed trips to the ocean and the mountains. Later in retirement, she planted flowers throughout her yard and close to the street, so that the neighbors could enjoy them. She had numerous bird feeders in her yard and loved identifying the different varieties. She loved collecting many things - Christian and nature books, music boxes, collectible plates and beanie babies. This made her home an enjoyable place for the grandchildren to visit.

Estelle referred to herself as a people person and was involved with the Shamrock Forest Ladies group and the Frigidaire Retired Ladies. She enjoyed hosting special celebrations for St. Patrick's Day and other holidays. She enjoyed every occasion where family and friends were gathered together.

In her later years, conversations ended with her expressing how grateful she was to have such a large, loving family and when asked how she was, she always said "BLESSED".

A gathering of family and friends will be held Sunday January 05, 2025 from 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM at A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory 2773 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033. A Celebration of Life Service will begin at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of A.S. Turner & Sons Funeral Home. Interment will follow at the City of Norcross Cemetery, 211 S. Cemetery St., Norcross, GA 30071. 

Memorial gifts can be made to The Gideon Bible Society, Samaritan's Purse, Trinity Broadcasting Network, or an organization you prefer which supports the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ.