Judge Joseph H. Booth

Joseph Henry Booth was born on September 19, 1952 to parents General William Howard Booth and Jean Hood Booth. They raised him in Apple Valley, GA. alongside his three brothers, Bill, John, and Alex. He spent his childhood picking peaches, raising show cows, working the family farm, raking leaves – all this to instill in him a sense of service that he carried throughout his life. He attended Commerce High School and participated in FFA, 4-H, and played football and basketball. His summers were spent as a camp counselor at Rock Eagle, where he developed life-long friendships. After high school, Joe attended North Georgia College where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, a founding member of Sigma Nu (Rex) fraternity, and fully enjoyed college life. During his junior year at North Georgia, Joe had a motorcycle accident and became paralyzed. Friends report that while his spirits took a natural dip, he didn’t let the injury keep him down, but adapted and resolved to learning new ways of living his life. Joe continued enjoying nature and sports – kayaking, camping, playing basketball and tennis. He returned to college and graduated before moving to Atlanta to attend Atlanta Law School. He practiced law in Dekalb County for 12 years, where he met Susan. Susan and Joe were at each others’ sides for 45 years. Their early years together were filled with adventure of all kinds– from coaching youth wheelchair basketball teams to spending time with their families, playing tennis to traveling. In 1986, their daughter Whitney was born, and just before her 3rd birthday in 1989, the Booths moved back to Apple Valley. He practiced law in Jackson County, first in private practice and then with Davidson, Hopkins, & Booth in Jefferson for 12 years until 2002 when he was appointed by Governor Roy Barnes to serve the Piedmont Judicial Circuit as a Superior Court Judge. We celebrated his retirement one year ago, after 22 years serving on the bench. To say that his work mattered deeply to him is an understatement. Joe had a love for the law and a well of compassion for those whom he served. In the courtroom, he acted out of great empathy for parties on both sides of the room, seeking justice, healing, and wholeness for all. But that level of personal investment and care wasn’t limited to the legal sphere or his professional life. Among his friends, with his family, in his church, on community/organizational boards— if he was doing something, he was doing it at a level that truly honored the people around him, that sought fairness, and that gave glory to God. He taught Sunday School, led youth retreats, shared gifts of music, and shared his journey with young people who were just beginning their own. In everything he did, his own story of hope and healing shone through. He adored his family and his friends and he gave every ounce of energy he had toward being with the ones he loved and the commitments he had made. He loved traveling to new places and learning about the world, but nothing was as sweet to Joe as an evening on the porch in Apple Valley with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend– his kindness and warmth emanated in ways that made us all feel uniquely loved. But no role or relationship fit him quite as well as being “Pop” to his granddaughter Josephine (named after him), who added brightness to his light for the last 4 years. He is survived by his wife Susan, their daughter Whitney Booth Lockard, son-in-law Mark, and granddaughter Josephine Louise Lockard. Survivors also include his brothers Bill Booth (Jackie), John Booth, and Alex Booth (Fran) and their families, in addition to Susan’s siblings Mike Allen (Page Airheart), Cynthia Estill, and David Allen (Heather) and their children and grandchildren. The family will receive visitors at Little-Ward Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 17 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. A Service to the Witness of the Resurrection will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Athens on Thursday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m., followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the 4-H Foundation or the University of North Georgia Foundation: Corps of Cadets Military Leadership Academy. Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce is in charge of arrangements.

Judge Joseph H. Booth

September 19, 1952 - December 9, 2025