Sarah Jo Combest departed this life on Saturday, February 10, after a 2-year valiant battle with cancer and the resulting complications. Even on the worst of days, she was "clothed with strength and dignity." (Proverbs 31:25) and maintained her faith over fear mantra.

Jo was born in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. When she moved to Watkinsville, she developed a love for Georgia Bulldog Football; however, her allegiance to the Tar Heels during basketball season never wavered. She was well known as a great cook, especially her blueberry cake. It was a combination of her cooking skills and her beautiful blue eyes that won the heart of Keith 33 years ago.

Jo was a true steel magnolia. She possessed all the charm, beauty, and hospitality of a southern belle. When life demanded it, she was also strong and courageous. If you knew Jo, you loved her. She was such a gracious person who genuinely loved and cared for others. She was a wife, mom, sister, friend, and a proud Jaycee to her two beautiful grandchildren. Jo always looked out for the best interests of her family and made each of them feel special.

Jo was a strong Christian, well grounded in her faith. She faithfully attended and served at her church, First Baptist Church of Chatsworth. She served as the Women's Ministry Director as well as on the Hostess Committee. She loved to plan and decorate for events. Jo found her life's vocation 9 years ago when she joined the family at Dalton Dermatology and Day Spa. Jo was instrumental in the opening of the stand-alone spa facility, The Spa on Cuyler where she served as manager. Jo's warmth and genuine love for people created an atmosphere where guests felt valued and loved.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Ray and Sarah Mae Rumfelt as well as her in-laws, Maxie and JoAnn Combest.

Jo is survived by her husband of 30 years, Keith Combest, who has been devotedly by her side during this difficult journey. Jo is also survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kristy and Julian Mazeika and her son, Chris Biddy. Jo's memory will be treasured by her two precious grandchildren, Sophia Mazeika and Jackson Mazeika. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Scott and Jacki Rumfelt and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Steve and Kathy Combest.

Jo touched so many lives with her kindness, generosity and resilience in the face of adversity. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will live on in the life she lived and the positive impact she has had on the lives of others.

Proverbs 31:30-31 is a perfect summation of Jo's life: Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Services to celebrate Jo's life will be at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, February 13, 2:00 p.m. Reverends Gary Smith, Tommy Crider, and George Ross will be officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from noon until the funeral hour.

In lieu of floral tributes, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church, Future Needs/Building Fund. Donations may be made via the church's website firstchatsworth.org or mailed to the church at 121 West Market Street, Chatsworth, GA 30705.

Peeples Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements for Sarah Jo Combest.