Mary Gilmer Duty, 86, wife to the late Frank Duty, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Mary was born December 2, 1938, in Athens, Georgia to Wilton Dorsey Gilmer and Frances Huff Gilmer. She was also the stepdaughter of Una Thaxton Gilmer.
Mary is survived by her brothers: Jimmy Gilmer, Keith (Pam) Gilmer and the late Charles Gilmer. Surviving children include David (Kim) Russell of Colbert, Georgia and Debra (Donald) Holmes of Eva, Alabama. Grandchildren include Sam Gill of Colorado, Sydney (David) Saucier of Starkville, Mississippi, Luke Holmes of Cullman, Alabama, Jonathan (Julie) Russell, Ben (Hannah) Russell, Joseph (Mary Grace) Russell, Caroline Russell and Thomas Russell, all of Colbert, Georgia. Great-grandchildren include Nathan and Jason Russell, Judah and Mae Saucier; along with many nieces and nephews.
Mary was a talented seamstress, sewing for the public at I Do, I Do Bridal in Athens, Georgia, as well from her home. She spent many hours sewing treasures for her beloved children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was a wonderful cook, always baking goodies for family and friends. Banana Nut bread, shortbread cookies, and coconut pies were some of her specialties. One of her last acts of kindness was baking brownies for a neighbor. She loved gardening, bird watching and puzzles. She was a devoted member of St. Andrew’s Global Methodist Church in Cullman, Alabama.
Funeral services will be held Friday, February 28, at 11 a.m., in the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, Georgia 30606. Entombment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park, 3655 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, Georgia 30606.
Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wesley Jubilee Sunday School class at St. Andrew’s Global Methodist Church, 615 Main Ave., SW, Cullman, AL 35055.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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