Noahs Ark Animal Sanctuary founder Jama Hedgecoth dies after battling cancer
Henry County, GA – The community mourns the loss of Jama Hedgecoth, the visionary founder of Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Henry County. After a valiant struggle with cancer, Jama Hedgecoth, aged 65, departed on Monday, November 20, 2023.
Established in 1978 in Ellenwood and later relocating to its current 250-acre site in Locust Grove in 1990, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary was a testament to Hedgecoth’s compassionate mission. Inspired by the biblical Noah’s Ark, it served as a refuge, safeguarding both children and animals from the perils of neglect and abuse, as described on the sanctuary’s website.
Jama Hedgecoth’s legacy is celebrated not only for founding the sanctuary but also for her dedicated commitment to rescuing and protecting animals of all sizes. Her profound impact on the lives of both animals and the community will endure, as she leaves behind a cherished legacy that will continue to thrive.
Acknowledging her significant contributions, her family, in an obituary, expressed gratitude for the time spent with her during her final days and assured that while she would be dearly missed, her legacy would endure.
Plans for her funeral service, scheduled for Sunday afternoon at Bridge City Church, aim to honor her remarkable life and the immeasurable impact she had on both the sanctuary and the lives she touched.
Throughout its existence, Noah’s Ark faced challenges, including recent controversies highlighted by Channel 2 Action News. Notably, the sanctuary partially reopened to the public following closure due to an outbreak of bird flu in August 2022, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of hundreds of vultures on the grounds.
While the sanctuary encountered difficulties, including leadership controversies and animal cruelty charges, Jama Hedgecoth’s legacy remains intertwined with the sanctuary’s mission and the profound impact it has had on the community. Her compassionate spirit and dedication to animal welfare have left an enduring mark that will be remembered and cherished by many.
Allison Hedgecoth shared on facebook,
Jama Marie Hedgecoth
(February 13, 1958 – November 20, 2023)
Countless lives have been saved because of your heart and hands, animals and humans alike. Imagine all the creatures in Heaven lined up to welcome you at the end of your short battle with cancer.
You gave sanctuary and healing to the lost and broken, myself included.
Thank you for sharing your dream, your love and your family with me. Thank you for being the original human and animal advocate! You will be greatly missed but your legacy will live on. I guarantee it.
We will be celebrating Jama’s amazing life Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 4pm, at Bridge City Church in Stockbridge, GA.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to her church in her memory.
Jama Hedgecoth Obituary
Mama Jama. Granny.
A beloved mom, sister, grandmother and great grandmother. With mixed feelings of joy and sadness, granny entered Heavens gates. With a short battle of cancer, we are rejoicing that she is fully healed. The Lord has been so gracious to us allowing family and friends time with her in her last days. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on. We guarantee it ❣️
We will be celebrating the life of my Jama on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at 4pm, at Bridge City Church.
If you would like to send a tribute- encouraging words, a video, pictures of animals that she helped, please send them to (770) 557-2786.
In loving memory of our dear mom (Jama) who touched countless lives with her kindness and warmth, we kindly ask for your support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, she requested contributions to ensure a bright future for her young children. Your generous donation will help provide them with the care and opportunities she wished for them. Thank you for honoring her legacy and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she cherished most.
Click on drop down menu titled “tithe” and select “Jama” to donate at (https://bridge-city.church/jama/).
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