Jeanette Martha Wilder

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Jeanette Martha Wilder, affectionately known as “Granny Jeanette.” She departed this life in her sleep on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the age of 91, while residing at the Heritage Inn Nursing Home in Barnesville, Georgia, where she had lived since June 2021.

Born in Cuthbert, Randolph County, Georgia, on July 15, 1934, Jeanette was the cherished daughter of Marcene Daniel (1912–1979) and Hassie Mae Rowland (1916–1945), both of whom preceded her in death.

Jeanette’s life was marked by enduring love and resilience. She married Luther Marion Peterman in 1955, and together they welcomed their only son, Walter Robert Peterman, in 1956. Tragically, Walter passed away in infancy, and Luther preceded Jeanette in death in 1973.

Later that year, Jeanette married Jimmie Lee Wilder, and after their divorce in 1977, she found lasting companionship with his brother, Marion Edker Wilder. They were married in March of 1977. Jeanette and Marion remained devoted to one another until his passing in 1995. A few years later in life, she was blessed with a newfound loving friendship and companionship with Bobby Smith and his family. After the passing of her dear friend Bobby in 2019 from Griffin Ga., she remained a loving part of the Smith family from Griffin & Barnesville GA.

Jeanette is survived by a loving family who carry forward her legacy:

Daughter: Martha Carol Graham and husband Lawton A. Graham Sr. of Naylor, GA

Grandchildren: Lawton Jr. (wife Melanie) and daughters Regan & Sophie of Hahira, GA

Chris Graham of Valdosta, GA

Daughter: Julia Ann Alderson and companion Keith Desroches of Nashville, GA

Grandchildren: Todd Sewell (wife Maranda) and son Kaden of Conyers, GA

Todd’s children: Kris and two daughters of Jefferson, GA

Marion Lee Peterman of Griffin, GA

Marion’s son: Corbit Peterman (wife Erin), also of Griffin, GA

Stepchildren:

Dennis Senft-Wilder of Sorrento, FL

Dianne Senft-Wilder Daly and husband Rod Daly of McDonough, GA

Grandchildren:

Marnita Morgan-Lowry and sons Chance Morgan & Channing Lowry

Stephen Morgan Jr. (wife Kathleen) and children Ansley, Stephen “Parker” III, and John “Carter” Morgan

Summer Morgan Absher and children Matthew Stoher, Annabelle Absher, and Avery Absher

Jeanette’s warmth, strength, and unwavering love touched generations. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the wonderful care Jeanette received at the Heritage Inn Nursing Home in Barnesville, Georgia. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date, where family and friends can gather to honor her memory.