Springfield – Emma Jean Blocker Deas, 91, passed away October 9, 2023 at Baptist Village in Waycross.

Born May 9, 1932 in Tattnall County, GA to the late William Clanton Blocker and Sinie Waters Blocker; she was also preceded in death by her husband, Rev. John W. Deas, Jr.; and siblings, Monroe Blocker (Thelma) of Little Midway, Eula Blocker Deloach (Curt) of Glennville, Ola Blocker Deloach (Marcus) of Little Midway, Olan Blocker (Lillie) of Brunswick, Ida Pearl Blocker Todd (Talmadge) of Claxton, Earl Blocker (Joan) of Valdosta, Edna Blocker Lanier (Oren) of Savannah, and Medra Blocker Purvis (Vondes) of Savannah.

She and her husband, Rev. Johnny Deas served in the South Georgia Methodist Conference for 28 years including churches in Jenkins, Screven, Calhoun, Ware, Wilcox, Dodge, Bibb, and Effingham Counties.

She worked in the school system as a para pro for 25 plus years having retired from Effingham County Board of Education.  She enjoyed making bread and jellies to share with friends and family, working with her flowers, gardening, making floral arrangements, and hosting her church women's society.

Survivors include her children, Barry Deas (Rosanne) of Manor, Gale Deas Hodges (John-deceased) of Waycross, Ricky Deas of Springfield, Tony Deas (Dana) of Waleska, and Dennis Deas of Springfield/Reidsville; 8 grandchildren, Brad Henderson, Mindi Deas Johnston (Kody), Johnny Hodges (Michele), Paula Hodges, Ginger Hodges Brown (David), Camille Deas, Carson Deas, and Colter Deas; 8 great-grandchildren, Jami Brown Moran (Frankie), Tyler Hodges, David Hodges, Troy Hodges, Trenton Miller, Lilah Brooke Brown, Breelyn and Bailey Johnston; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Owen, and Charlee Ann Moran; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2023 at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Springfield Oaks Church.

Graveside services will be 5:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Harmony Church, 1688 Harmony Church Road, Glennville, GA 30427.

Remembrances may be given to Springfield Oaks Church Missions Committee, 210 Cleveland Street, Springfield, GA 31329.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421