Bobbie Watson Gay

Bobbie Watson Gay went Home to be with her Lord and Savior at her residence on Gay Farm, in Leslie, Georgia, on January 23, 2023. Bobbie was born in Cuthbert, Georgia, on April19, 1931. She was 91 years young. Bobbie grew up on the family farm in Fort Gaines, Georgia. She attended Clay County Schools, where she was a cheerleader for the Clay County Blue Devils. Upon graduation from Fort Gaines High School in 1949, Bobbie attended Valdosta State College where she was a member of the Business Club. She graduated in 1951 with a degree in Secretarial Science. In 1952, she married the love of her life, William Lloyd Gay, Jr. After they married, Bobbie and Lloyd moved to Savannah, Georgia, where he served in the United States Air Force for the next four years, and she worked for the Corps of Engineers in Savannah, Georgia. In 1956, upon completion of his service in the Air Force, Lloyd and Bobbie moved back to Fort Gaines, Georgia; and resided on the Gay Family Farm where Lloyd partnered with his father, Lloyd Gay, Sr. on the farm. Bobbie worked for the Corp of Engineers in Fort Gaines, Georgia until daughter, Terri was born. In 1959, after completion of the Walter F. George Dam, the family farm was flooded by the Chattahoochee River. Lloyd, Bobbie, and Terri then relocated to Americus, Georgia; where Lloyd farmed with his father Lloyd Sr. and Brother, Gene at the newly established Gay Farm. In 1961, son Alton completed their family, and Bobbie supported Lloyd by staying at home and being a wonderful mother, housewife, and homemaker. She later worked for Sumter County DEFACS for a brief period until Lloyd moved the family from Americus, Georgia out to the family farm. Bobbie then, spent much of her time sewing, cooking, and preserving fruits and vegetables from the garden and fields. Bobbie was an active member of Central Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia, where she faithfully served in many capacities. She worked in the newborn nursery for many years; was a member of the Women’s Missionary Union; was a Girls in Action leader; helped her husband, Lloyd with the annual church fish fry; and served on the hospitality committee. Bobbie loved singing with the Central Baptist Silvertones, the Senior Adult Choir; and enjoyed traveling with them throughout the community to share the gospel through music. Bobbie was a Brownie Scout leader, where she would go around and pick up little girls whose mothers worked full time and take them to the various meetings. Bobbie was also instrumental in starting a fund to pay for the installation of a steeple on Shiloh Baptist Church in Fort Gaines, Georgia, the little country church in which she and her family attended when she was growing up. As long as good health allowed, one of Bobbie’s favorite pastimes was traveling with Lloyd and special friends to various destinations across the United States. She always looked forward to spending time with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved and cherished. She was so excited about the upcoming birth of her great grandson, William Westin Hinson, due to be born April 14, 2023. Bobbie is survived by one daughter, Terri Hinson (Bill), and son, Alton Gay (Pam). She was a beloved “Grandmama and Ma” to Heather Brewer (Jay), Bobby Gay (Danielle), LauraLee Barnes (Jeff), Wesley Hinson (Abby), Ashley White (Will), and Josh Morris. Great grandchildren include Elaina and Zoe Gay; Cole and Caleb Brewer; Brayden, Ella and Brooks Barnes; Zach Davis, Tucker and Levi White, and Jackson Morris. She is preceded in death by her husband, William Lloyd Gay, Jr., “Shug” as they affectionally called each other; her parents, Robert Alton Watson and Susie Mae McKinnon Watson; infant sister who died in childbirth; brother, John Wesley Watson; and infant great granddaughter, Chrislee Gay. A celebration of life will be held at Central Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia, on Saturday, January 28, at 11:00 AM. Dr. Bryan Myers will officiate. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at 2:00 PM, on Sunday, January 29, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Fort Gaines, Georgia. The family wishes to extend gratitude to Reflections Hospice in Cordele, Georgia, and all caregivers, including Roslyn Adams, Evelyn Floyd, Pat Fulmore, Pauline Luster, Clara Luster, and Cynthia Nix. The family requests that memorials be made to Central Baptist Church, or any charity of your choice. To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences to the family, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for Mrs. Bobbie Watson Gay.