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Gwendolyn Brooks Holley Battle went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, April 6th, 2022. Gwen was born to Harmon and Ethel Brooks on July 13^th, 1947, in Bainbridge, Ga. Gwen lived her entire life in Bainbridge and married Dave Holley in 1961. Together they had four children. Gwen spent many years as a school bus driver for the Decatur County School System.

Gwen spent her life raising children. She spent many a day giving people advice on the subject as she assured them that she “had been raising children for longer than they’d been alive.” We lead with that because it is undoubtedly one of the things she was most proud of. She loved all of her children. That includes everyone down to the great grands. She taught her family unconditional love as she lived her life giving all that she had to each one of them.

Gwen was known for her complete honesty and sharp tongue. She told people exactly what she thought and you often left with more of her opinion than you bargained for. Every piece of unsolicited advice was given from her heart and with expectations of complete acquiescence.

Gwen is survived by her children, Sheila Argo (Catfish), Cheryl Richardson, Sherry Smith (Mark), and Lynn Parker. Her surviving grandchildren are Holly Barwick (Leon), Tiffany Singleton (Cody), Faith Smith (Spencer), Misti Orshoski (Scott), Casey Townsend (Amber), Jessie Richardson, Taylor Carr, Kelly Bryan, Summer Bryan, and Chad Richardson. And if those were not enough names to read, her surviving great grandchildren are Gracie, Kennedy, and Easton Barwick, Fisher Singleton, Kyle & Kole Orshoski, Kolton, Ella, Emmaree, and Liam Townsend.

Gwen is preceded in death by the love of her life, Dave Holley, her late husband, Bobby Battle. She is preceded by her parents Harmon and Ethel Mae Brooks and numerous siblings.

Gwen was surrounded by whispered words of love and admiration from her family as she left for eternity in Heaven. Gwen is her family’s entire heart. There has never been a more loved and cherished woman in all the world. She leaves behind a grieving family all while we rejoice that is whole again and walking with Jesus.

The funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lynn Massey officiating.  Interment followed at Oak City Cemetery with Leon Barwick, Casey Townsend, Spencer Shreves, Jessie Richardson, Scott Orshoski, Kyle Orshoski, and Kole Orshoski serving as active pallbearers.

The family received friends from 1:00-1:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at Bryant Funeral Home Chapel. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)