Gloria Collins Mercer

Gloria Collins Mercer, Age 81, of Cobbtown, Georgia died on January 3, 2016 after an extended illness. She was married to the late Louie Mercer for 52 years. Mrs. Mercer is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Mercer and special friend, Delma Cowart of Savannah and Louisa Hensley and her husband, Jimmy, of Metter; a brother, Remer Collins of Cobbtown; a sister, Sally Thompson of Vidalia; two grandsons, J.B. Hensley of Denver, Colorado and John Mitchell Hensley of Statesboro; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Base and Gertrude "Charlie" Thrift Collins; and a son, Guy Mitchell Mercer.

Mrs. Mercer, affectionately called "Mrs. Gloria" by those who knew and loved her, was blessed to live a very active life. Her work experience included Metter Stockyard, Hagan Stockyard, Department of Family and Children's Services, Bowen Peanut Company and Hensley Warehouse. In addition she worked in the family businesses involving farming, logging, hardware and Westside Foods. Mrs. Gloria had a real talent and love for cooking, especially for family and friends. She loved to share good food and fellowship.

Mrs. Mercer was an active church member of the Cobbtown Baptist Church where she participated in various church activities. Her Sunday School Class, the Golden Circle Class, meant a great deal to her and was such a blessing in her life.

"Mrs. Gloria" had the honor of being named the Grand Marshal of the Annual Cobbtown Christmas Parade in 2014. This honor meant so much to her as she would often tell you how much she loved Cobbtown and what it meant to her to be a part of the Cobbtown community.

Fishing was a well-known passion for Mrs. Gloria and she has some trophy catches to prove it- in addition, in her later years, she enjoyed reading and watching the "Braves and the Bulldogs."

Mrs. Gloria had an extra special affection for her two grandsons, J.B. Hensley and John Mitchell Hensley.

She would tell you, "family means everything" and she was especially thankful and blessed by the love and care of her daughters, her brother, family and friends during her extended illness.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 11:00 am, at the Cobbtown Baptist Church with Rev. Doug Weisel and Jeff "Chic" McArthur officiating. Burial will be in the Sunlight Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, 4:30-8:00 pm, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Billy Freeman, Randy Brown, Josh Powell, Jerry Powell, Danny Olliff and Danny Humphery. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Monroe, Randy Hendrix, Willis Sikes, Dale Fordham, Faye and Vaughn Lanier, Billy Hess, Angie Powell, Lucy Jarriel, Mary Williamson and the Golden Circle Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Alee Temple Shriners, Morris Slotin Fund, POB 14147, Savannah, GA 31416 (transportation of children and families to Shriner's Hospital) or Tattnall C.A.R.E.S. (Cancer) POB 2356, Reidsville, GA 30453. Please sign guest book: www.kennedyfuneralhomes.com.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.