Mollie Geraldine 'Gerry' Kenemer

Mollie Geraldine (Gerry) Kenemer of Conyers, Georgia, age 85, passed away on August 23, 2024. Gerry was born December 1, 1938 in Greenville, South Carolina to the late Clara and Lemuel Morris. She was also preceded in death by her first husband of 15 years, Reverend James C. (Jim) Holmes, her second husband of 46 years, Colonel David S. Kenemer who died in 2023, and two brothers, Jerry F. Morris and Walter (Ted) Morris, both of Greenville, South Carolina. Survivors include her five daughters, Debbie Stewart (Chip), Kimberly Thornton (John), Carole Sosebee (Jimmy), Kim Black (Jody) and Lori Diddle (J.J.). In addition, she is survived by 18 grandchildren, 16 great-grand-children plus one on the way, and numerous nieces and nephews. Gerry graduated from Parker High School in Greenville, South Carolina in 1956. After graduation, she worked for a local insurance company. In 1958 Gerry married her boyfriend, Jim Holmes. Jim was a student at Carson-Newman College in Tennessee thus they made their home in Newport. While in Tennessee, Gerry also became a student at Carson-Newman and in 1960 she gave birth to their first daughter, Debbie. Their journey would soon take them to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas as Gerry supported Jim's calling into the ministry. Once Jim graduated from seminary in 1962, they moved to Camarillo, California as they answered God's calling for Jim to be the pastor of Temple Avenue Baptist Church. Gerry gave birth to Kimberly and later Carole while they served Temple Avenue for seven years. After Jim's mother passed away, they moved to Conyers in November 1969 to be close to his father. They immediately became active members of Rockdale Baptist Church. Sadly, Jim passed away in 1973, leaving Gerry to raise her three daughters as a single parent. Gerry's trust and faith in her Lord Jesus helped her and the girls through this difficult time. With the support of Rockdale Baptist and many other loved ones, God gave her the strength and determination to not only get by, but to thrive! In 1977, Gerry married David Kenemer. Gerry and David had known each other for years through RBC, but their true-love relationship was sparked through the singles ministry at Rockdale Baptist Church. God smiled on Gerry and David as they successfully blended their families consisting of her three daughters and his two daughters. They shared 46 wonderful years until David's passing on August 31, 2023. They shared the last 25 of these years in retirement together traveling in the US and abroad, enjoying grandchildren's activities among a host of other activities. Gerry was a devoted wife of two incredible husbands. Gerry always proclaimed that when it came to her husbands, 'I struck gold twice!' All of her loved ones, also, know that both husbands struck gold as well. Gerry had clearly read and followed Proverbs chapter 31! This chapter proclaims, 'An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil All the days of her life'. Gerry was a most excellent wife! Both husbands, unfortunately, became afflicted with incurable illnesses. Gerry was the ultimate care-giver to them both. 'She looks for wool and linen and works with her hands in delight.' (Pr 31:13). Gerry worked for 26 years in the Rockdale County School system at Flat Shoals Elementary school as a teacher's aide in the beginning and then as the secretary in the media center. 'And she stretches her hand out to the needy' (Pr 31:20). Gerry had a heart for those less fortunate than others. Gerry worked with the Special Ministries at Rockdale Baptist Church beginning in 1984 until Covid 19's disruption in March 2020. For 36 years Gerry worked tirelessly and faithfully to teach others about Jesus and to bring joy into their hearts. 'She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard.' (Pr 31:16) Gerry enjoyed a wonderful retirement beginning in 1998. She loved spending time in her yard. She was a self-taught master gardener. The beauty of her yard was always a reflection of her heart! Flowers were seemingly blooming year-round. Her summer vegetables were flawless. Her yard was her sanctuary, a place where she was close to God. 'Her children rise up and bless her.' (Pr 31:28). Five beautiful daughters and her five 'son in-loves' produced 18 wonderful grandchildren and 16+ glorious great-grandchildren! To all of us, she was known as 'Mom'. Family was everything to Mom. The chaos of crowded family gatherings on special occasions was right up her alley, the more the merrier. Mom couldn't wait until the next time! In February 2024, Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The prognosis was grim from the beginning. Mom chose to forgo treatment to enjoy as many good days as possible that remained here on this earth. She spent many of the remaining days in her sanctuary (her yard) and being with family and friends. Mom, just like Jim and David who had preceded her in death, put on an unprecedented display of courage and bravery. She never complained. She never said 'why me, Lord?'. Her faith in her savior Jesus Christ never wavered. Mom will be dearly missed by all. When Mom peacefully passed and stood before the Lord we have no doubt that she heard Him proclaim, 'Well done My good and faithful servant!' Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Rockdale Baptist Church with Dr. Billy Moss officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the church. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216.

Mollie Geraldine 'Gerry' Kenemer

December 1, 1938 - August 23, 2024