Betty Juanita (Nita) Gay, was born in Rocky Ford, GA on March 25 ^th , 1928 to Claude and Lila Morris.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Joe W. Gay, Sr.

She is survived by her children Joe (Terri) Gay, Jr, Danny (Dianne) Gay, Marty (Dana) Gay, Chris (Lisa) Gay, and Tonya (Jay) Hillis as well as 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren, two sisters Ouida Sutton and Dot Collins, and a gaggle of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

If you knew our mother, you already know she was small, but mighty.  Apparently, this started when she was a young child as she acted as guardian and protector of her sisters, and a child who always pushed the limits.  This same fierce attitude followed her into adulthood and into her role as a mother of 5 who was no-nonsense and commanded respect.

Mother loved as fiercely as she ruled.  Her house was a revolving door of children and grandchildren who were always welcome to walk in, enjoy a meal, and stay a while.  Every one of Mother's grandchildren was her favorite.  If you don't believe it, just ask any of them and they will each confirm that it's the truth. Toys, TV, snacks, hugs and kisses were always plentiful.  And honestly, if you've never received a hug from Mother, it's likely you've never received a proper hug. It's amazing such a small woman could hug you tight enough to crack a rib!

Nita, or "Ms. Nita" as she was lovingly known by many, was an extraordinary lady.  She was locally famous for her 9-layer chocolate cakes, and during the holidays, she would have call after call with orders for as many as 50-60 chocolate cakes in the months of November and December.  One of best parts of the chocolate cake was only shared with her children and grandchildren – crumb cake!  Crumb cake consisted of the crumbs left in each of the pans from each of the nine layers she individually baked and just a bit of the chocolate icing on top all collected in a little brown bowl. Such a simple thing that she made seem special.

Mother was a long-time member of Rothwell Baptist Church in Pooler, GA where she served in many capacities over the years.  She sang in the choir, was in charge of refreshments for Vacation Bible School, taught a Discipleship Training Class, and served on the hospitality committee.  Both at church and at home, all of her children were taught to love and serve God and to love and serve people.

Over the last few years, Mother had the beginning stages of dementia.  Sometimes there was more clarity than others, but one thing held true: LOVE.  When Mother's mind would tire, and she needed to self soothe, you would hear her repeat again and again, "L-O-V-E, L-O-V-E, L-O-V-E".  It calmed her, made her feel more secure, she would even chant it in her sleep.  In the last few days of her life, when she couldn't say anything else, her chant of L-O-V-E continued until she was completely unresponsive.  How poignant that her dying anthem was a verbal reiteration of what she has lived and taught her entire life.  As you remember our Mother, we hope the display of her message is what you remember most about her: L-O-V-E.

A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Rothwell Baptist Church in Pooler.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes - West Chatham Chapel - (912) 748-2444