Elizabeth Annette Ethredge Zolecki

Elizabeth Annette Ethredge Zolecki, lovingly known to her family as Mom and Ma — and by a few, Molly — was born on November 30, 1933, in Baker County, Georgia, and passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. surrounded by love. With grateful hearts, her family remembers a life marked by devotion, warmth, and quiet strength.

Annette was the daughter of Vivian “Billie” Ethredge and Aldean Ethredge and grew up in Baker County, where her caring nature and love for conversation were evident from an early age. Family was always at the center of her life, and she poured herself fully into caring for those she loved.

She met the love of her life, Rich Zolecki, at a Marine Corps Ball in Albany, Georgia. It was love at first sight, and the beginning of a lifelong partnership rooted in love and shared purpose. Married for 72 years, Annette and Rich planted deep roots, building a home that was always at the heart of their lives — a place centered on family and togetherness. They raised their daughters with care and intention, encouraging both academics and athletics, and fostering a place of comfort, Southern charm, and unwavering support. While home anchored her, Annette and Rich also embraced adventure, traveling across the country in their RV, often joined by the family and close friends, and cherishing the relationships that brought meaning, laughter, and lasting joy to their marriage. Among their favorite memories was treasured trips to Hawaii and Alaska. A reflection of their shared love of discovery and time spent side by side.

A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Annette had a gift for hospitality and carried a true Southern sass beautifully alongside a deep warmth and kindness. She never left the bedroom without her hair perfectly coiffed, her pants neatly pressed, and her attitude always in high spirits. Sunday dinners, holidays, and everyday gatherings around her table became cherished traditions, and no one ever left her home hungry or feeling like a stranger.

She is survived by her husband, Rich Zolecki; her daughters, Sandi Morris and Marcia Burrell (husband Steve Burrell); her grandchildren Richard Burrell (Samantha), Jason Burrell (Katie), Caroline McKown (Joe), Christopher Morris (Natalie), Daniel Morris, and Rebecca Alvarez (Andrew); and her great-grandchildren Brooklyn, Jack, Vivian, Courtney, Paloma, Brian, and Noah. She was preceded in death by her parents, Vivian “Billie” Ethredge and Aldean Ethredge; her brothers Billy Dean Ethredge and Theo Ethredge; her granddaughter Baby Sandy; and her son-in-law Tommy Morris.

Annette will be laid to rest at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia, a place of honor for those who have served. A plot beside her has been reserved for her beloved husband, Rich a U.S. Marine veteran so they may one day rest together.

Her life was a blessing, her home a refuge, and her memory a treasure.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

“Now that I see what love must be, I know you gave it all to me. With Grateful heart, I say it true. The best of all of us Mom came from you.”