Doranne Dody Jackson

Doranne “Dody” Jackson, a beloved wife, aunt, friend, and educator passed peacefully on September 24, 2025 at Haven Memory Care, Athens, Georgia.

Born on February 12, 1931, in Reo, Georgia, Dody grew up around a family of educators. She followed her mother into the field of education. After attending both West Georgia College and UGA she received a BSED in Early Childhood Education. It was at UGA where she met her husband, Hokey Jackson. Upon graduating, she married Hokey in 1952, and moved to several small towns in south Georgia to begin their teaching careers. They finally settled in Hinesville, Georgia in 1956, where her husband, Hokey, became head football coach at Bradwell Institute High School and Dody taught third grade at both Bradwell Institute Elementary and Bacon Elementary School. Dody became an integral part of the Hinesville community, as a teacher and participating in her husband’s football program. She also volunteered as a “Gray Lady” (part of the American Red Cross) at the local hospital. On occasion, she and her husband also housed and mentored several disadvantaged youth. She was a member of the First Methodist Church in Hinesville and Athens, Georgia. In 1970, Dody and Hokey moved to Athens, GA, where she began teaching at Gaines Elementary School until her retirement in 1981. Upon retirement, she helped operate her husband’s business, Hokey Jackson’s Driver Improvement School.

Dody was an avid golfer, winning countless golf tournaments, and acquiring three hole-in-ones during her lifetime. She also was enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of several bridge clubs during her life. Dody’s love for nature was always evident, whether creating a garden, or landscaping her yard. Dody was an avid bird watcher.

Dody was longtime, avid UGA football supporter. Alongside her husband, family and friends, she was a familiar face at either Stanford Stadium for home games or attending away games. She loved her UGA Dawgs.

Dody’s generosity was legendary. She was always there for her family, friends or anybody who needed a hand, famous for her line “Can I help you?” Dody was most dedicated to her husband Hokey and her family.

Dody’s legacy endures through her family, who remember her with great affection. Dody is survived by her niece, Becky Hendren of Crawford, Georgia; her nephew, Kim (Lynn) Hendren of Suches, Georgia; her great niece, Stephanie Hendren, Brunswick, Georgia, her great niece, Heather (Jon) Joiner; her great-great nieces, McKinley and Teagan Peisel; and several other nieces and nephews. Each family member carries forth the lessons of love, resilience, and community that Doranne instilled in all those fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Harold “Hokey” Jackson, her brother, Jim Tom Hunt, sisters Jane Hendren and Rebecca Brown, and cherished parents, Benjamin F. and Minnie Mae Hunt.

A visitation to celebrate Doranne’s remarkable life will be held on October 14, 2025, from10:00 AM to11:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes Athens, located at 4355 Lexington Road, Athens, GA. Burial will follow at Athens Memory Gardens. Friends and family are invited to come together, share memories, and honor a life dedicated to love, teaching, and unwavering support for others.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Agape Hospice. Agape Hospice

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com