Obituary for Mitzi Taylor Studstill

Mitzi Taylor Studstill, age 66, passed away peacefully on the morning of January 7, 2026, at Emory Winship Cancer Center in Atlanta, Georgia, following a three-month fight with an aggressive form of endometrial cancer. She was born on December 29, 1959, in Eastman, Georgia, where she grew up and developed the values of care, diligence, and thoughtfulness that defined her life.

Mitzi spent her formative young adult years at Berry College in Rome, Georgia, where she pursued a business degree and immersed herself fully in campus life. During her time at Berry, she embraced the opportunities the college offered, forming long-lasting relationships, building lifelong friendships, and developing the strong personal compass that guided her throughout her life.

She later earned a master’s degree in business education from Valdosta State University, reflecting both her intellect and her dedication to excellence. Mitzi was exceptionally sharp and endlessly curious, with a genuine love of learning and research. She believed deeply in understanding things fully and in doing them the right way.

After she and Jay were married, they began their life together in Valdosta, Georgia. There, Mitzi and Jay built lifelong friendships and welcomed the births of their two sons. They later lived in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where they formed even more lasting friendships before eventually settling in Statesboro, Georgia. It was in Statesboro that they raised their family, became deeply involved in the community, and where their sons grew up.

In recent years, Mitzi and Jay made their home in Dublin, Georgia, a community that became especially meaningful to them. No matter where she lived, Mitzi invested deeply in her family, her friendships, and the communities around her.

At the center of Mitzi’s life was her family. She is survived by her devoted husband of 42 years, Jay Studstill; her sons, Jason Studstill (Annie DeAngelo) and James Studstill; her grandchildren, Daniel, Noah, and Dawson Studstill; and her siblings, Clarence (Lori) Taylor, Fay (Tim) Reich, and Lee (Gerry) Taylor. Mitzi’s love for her family was steady, generous, and unwavering, and she took immense pride in each of them.

Mitzi was known for her huge and loving heart, as well as her keen attention to detail. She approached every task with care, preparation, and intention, and she was often asked by others to organize, edit, and refine their work, a reflection of both her skill and her reliability.

Professionally, Mitzi was accomplished and capable, and she was also a steadfast and supportive partner to her husband throughout his career with Georgia Power. She balanced her own pursuits with unwavering encouragement and quiet partnership, always willing to work behind the scenes to support her family.

Mitzi was deeply involved in her children’s schools and activities. She served in leadership roles with elementary school PTO organizations and academic booster programs in Statesboro. She actively supported Statesboro football and band programs, helping develop brochures, awards programs, and related materials. She also contributed her time and talents to community fundraising efforts, including editing and supporting the Women of Georgia Power cookbook, which generated significant revenue for those in need. In everything she took on, Mitzi brought organization, precision, and follow through.

One of Mitzi’s most cherished skills and passions was planning travel for her family. She took great joy in researching destinations, building detailed itineraries, and anticipating every need before it arose. These trips were not simply vacations, but carefully planned experiences that brought her family together and created lasting memories.

In her later years, Mitzi was a member of Dublin First Baptist Church. Her faith was important to her, and the church held a special place in her life and in the life of her husband, family, and community.

Above all, Mitzi will be remembered for her generosity, intelligence, meticulous care for others, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. She showed love through action, preparation, and presence, always making sure the people she cared about felt supported and valued.

Mitzi’s legacy lives on through her family, her grandchildren, and the many lives she touched through her kindness, dedication, and steady example. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home in Dublin.

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 PM, Sunday January 11, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Dublin. Burial will follow the service at 4:30 PM at Old Daniel Baptist Church Cemetery in Eastman, GA