Marcile Hooks Bird

Marcile Hooks Bird, of Metter, passed away peacefully at her home early Thursday morning, April 3, 2025.

Born in Emanuel County, she was the daughter of Elder Vendie Hudson Hooks, Sr. and Fleetie Youmans Hooks. Mrs. Bird spent most of her life in Candler County and was a devoted member of Metter Primitive Baptist Church, where she taught Bible study for many years.

She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1949 with a degree in Home Economics and began her career as a teacher in Emanuel County. After marrying George Mack Bird, Jr., she moved to Metter and later opened Metter Floral Shop. She then dedicated several years to raising her family before returning to work with the Department of Family and Children’s Services. Her 30 years of service culminated in her role as director before she retired. Even in retirement, Mrs. Bird remained active, opening “Miss Marcile’s Biscuit Shoppe.”

A leader in her community, she was the first female member and president of the Metter Kiwanis Club. She was deeply involved in the Metter Garden Club, where she became a Master Flower Show Judge. She was also the first female on the Hospital Board, and the Board of Bethany Lodge. She was on the Board of High Hope, Women of Achievement from Metter Business and Professional Women, Director of the Year 1988, Georgia Co. Welfare Association, Child Lobbyist for the state of Georgia, and Retired Women of Achievement for the state of Georgia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Bird; her son, Joe Hudson Bird; three brothers, V.H. Hooks, Gerald Hooks, and Donald Hooks; and her sister, Celeste Reese.

She is survived by her daughter, Lennie Bird Boatwright (Norman) of Florence, South Carolina; her son, Dr. George Mack Bird III of Roswell, GA; her daughter-in-law, Linda Bird Overstreet of Henderson, NC; and her sister, Betty Underwood of Jasper, AL. She is also survived by eight grandchildren: Ike Boatwright (Leanna), Julia Boatwright Hunt (Reed), Haley Bird Robinson (Burgess), Hilary Bird (Matt), Geordy Bird, Macy Bird, Marci Bird Overstreet, and Libby Bird Overstreet; her great-grandchildren, Arlo Purucker, Margot Robinson, Grey Boatwright, Ann Sutton Boatwright, Allison Hunt, and Wells Hunt; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, in Metter. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Lake Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Metter Primitive Baptist Church, 545 South Kennedy Street, Metter, Georgia, 30439 or Bethany Homes, Inc., 345 Walnut Street, Statesboro, Georgia 30458.

Arrangements are entrusted to Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, Metter.