Jewel "Bert" Griner

Mrs. Jewel “Bert” Griner, age 92, of Lyons, GA, entered her heavenly home on Sunday, January, 10, 2021.  Mrs. Griner was a native of Tattnall County.  She was the first of her family to graduate high school, graduating from Collins High School on May 26, 1947.

She married Benjamin W. Griner in 1948 in an elopement on Christmas Eve.  The story of this night has always been a favorite for her family to hear reminisced.  They were married for 49 years and had two beautiful daughters, Linda and Mabel. 

Jewel was an entrepreneur with a heart for children.  In 1958, she opened Tiny Tots Kindergarten on South Victory Drive in Lyons, GA.  She later moved her business to its well known location on Columbia Avenue.  Here she expanded to add The Gingerbread House Daycare and Nursery.  Mrs. Griner was an amazing early childhood educator for over 60 years. Tiny Tots graduation programs were always something to behold!  The productions were all planned, taught and led by this wonderful teacher.  Each child donned costumes and participated in a special piece prepared just for them, leaving each child feeling so very special.  She poured great love into all of the children and staff she encountered through the years.  She retired at age 88.

As a member of the First Baptist Church of Lyons, GA, she taught Sunday School to children for several years. One of her greatest gifts was the gift of music.  She played the piano with amazing joy and extraordinary talent.  She used this talent to glorify God all of her days.  She served in music ministry at several churches in our area. Most recently, she led worship at Pinegrove Primitive Baptist Church and Rome Primitive Baptist Church, both in Reidsville, GA.  She served in this capacity until age 87. 

She loved her family fiercely.  Our matriarch protected, advised and provided for her family throughout her whole life. This gorgeous soul taught us to laugh. She lived with a laugh that could light up the entire room and warm the coldest places. She could often be heard lifting her family up in her prayers for strength and guidance.  She leaned into her Lord hard in her struggle.  Her family will hold this memory of her in their hearts forever. 

Well done “GG”, well done!!  You ran this race so very well!

Jewel (Bert) Griner, is preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin W. Griner; her parents, Reverend R.H. Kennedy, Sr. and Mabel Waters Kennedy of Reidsville. As the baby of the family, all 12 of her siblings and several favorite nieces and nephews have preceded her in death as well.

She is survived by her daughters, Linda(David) Moran of Vidalia, and Mabel(Greg) Williamson of Reidsville; her grandchildren, Candi(Kelly) Newton, Todd Padgett, Nicolas(Pam) Worthy, Jared(Kelley) Worthy and Benjamin Worthy.

She leaves a legacy of love and service to 12 wonderful great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

All services will commence on Wednesday, January 13, 2021.

Visitation for friends of the family and those wishing to pay respects will be held at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home from 12:00-2:00pm.  Please wear masks for the safety of all during this time.

At 3:00pm, there will be a private family funeral service at Ron Hall Funeral Home with Christian Jay and Reverend Kelly Newton officiating.

This service will be streamed live on Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home Facebook page.

A graveside service for friends and family will take place at 4:00 p.m. at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Vidalia, GA.  The family is asking anyone choosing to attend to social distance and wear masks per CDC guidelines.

Contributions in memory of Mrs. Jewel Griner can be made to the following organizations:

REAL Discipleship Ministries, www.realdm.org or mail to 109 Morningside Drive, Vidalia, GA, 30474 or the Community Hospice Foundation, P.O. Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475.

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