Mrs. Jerline Evans Farist, age 80 of Ellijay, GA, went home to be with the Lord with her family by her side on Monday, April 27th, 2026.

Mrs. Farist was born on October 10, 1945, in Ellijay, Georgia, to the late Bennie and Leola Evans. She was one of six children, raised in a close-knit family where she learned early the importance of faith, hard work, and loving others well. Those values stayed with her throughout her life and shaped the way she cared for everyone around her. She was a graduate of Gilmer High School, Class of 1963.

Mrs. Farist was a faithful member of Clear Creek Baptist Church, a place that meant so much to her. She was a virtuous deacon's wife who carried a deep burden for the lost and a sincere desire to see others come to know the Lord. She did not just speak about her faith, she lived it daily. She often went out of her way to bring others to church so they could sit under the preached gospel, believing wholeheartedly in its power to change lives. Above all, she loved the Lord with all her heart and often shared her testimony of being saved as a young girl at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church. That faith shaped her life and was evident in the way she loved and treated others each day.

Mrs. Farist found great joy in cooking and caring for those around her. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and togetherness, where meals were shared, stories were told, and the love of Christ was always felt. She took great pride in caring for her home, her husband, and her family, always placing the needs of others before her own. Her family meant everything to her, and she cherished each moment spent with them. She had a gentle, humble spirit and a heart that was always open to others, making every person feel important, seen, and loved as if they were part of her own family. Her kindness, encouragement, and steady faith left a lasting mark on so many lives, and her legacy is one of unwavering faith, selfless love, and a life truly poured out for others, just as Christ's was for hers.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Farist is preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Jessalyn Heaton, and three sisters, Fairy Hyde, Shirley Crooke, and Frankie Ingalsbe.

Mrs. Farist is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Mr. T. Jerry Farist of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Cindy (John) Heaton of Ellijay, GA; son and daughter-in-law, Joe (Valecia) Farist of Ellijay, GA; sister; Sue Evans Reece of Ellijay, GA; brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie (Mona) Evans of Ellijay, GA; grandchildren and spouses, Cole (Emily) Farist, Jared (Chasity) Heaton, Carson Farist, Carder Farist, and Caden Farist; great-grandchildren, Bellamy Heaton, Kullen James Heaton, and Munson Farist; a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends also survive.

Funeral Services to honor the life of Mrs. Farist will be held on Thursday, April 30th, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. from the Clear Creek Baptist Church with Bro. Caden Farist, Rev. Scott Watkins, and Rev. Billy Dotson officiating. Emma Whitworth, Amy Banks, and the Clear Creek Church Choir will perform vocals. Graveside Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Rev. Scott Chastain officiating. The following gentlemen will be serving as pallbearers: Cole Farist, Jared Heaton, Carder Farist, Carson Farist, Smitty Dotson, and Tommy Ingalsbe. A meal, prepared by the church, will follow in the fellowship hall.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 29th, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted; however, the family respectfully asks that no food be brought to the funeral home.

The Farist family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Compassus Hospice, Maria Walker, and Chquita Baugh for the exceptional care and compassion shown.

"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." Proverbs 31:30 KJV.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay, GA is entrusted with these arrangements for Mrs. Jerline Farist.