Mrs. Nell W. Gilder passed away peacefully Wednesday morning at her home in Glenwood, Ga. surrounded by her children after a lengthy illness. She was born August 14, 1929 to Alton Fred Williams and Sarah Beall Williams.

She attended school at Mt. De Sales in Macon, Ga. and Brenau in Gainesville, Ga. and married R. T. Gilder, Jr. in April of 1947. They were happily married for 61 years.

She was fondly referred to by many as "Mama Nell" and "Mimi" to her great grandchildren. Her primary aim in life was taking care of her family and loved ones.

In May of 1995, Nell and R.T received the highest Alumni honor being named as Brewton Parker College's Alumni of the Year. She and her husband lived their lives dedicated to community service, church service and devotion to family. She taught Sunday School Class for over 55 years at the First Baptist Church in Glenwood, Ga. and was also a member of WMU.

She is preceded in death by her husband, R.T. Gilder, Jr., her granddaughter, Carrie Lynn Spence and her brother, John Lee Williams. She is survived by her children: Brenda Gilder (Doc Knight), R.T.(Tommy) Gilder III (Vicki), Sandra Mallette (Ronnie), Fred Gilder (Jeannie) and Millie Spence (Ralph); her grandchildren: Perry Williamson, Lisa W. Logue, Jennifer G. Hendrix, R.T.(Tom) Gilder IV, Jami M. Williamson, Billy Mason, Taylor Mallette, Brian Mallette, Krista M. Ball, Anna G. Richardson, Abby G. McAllister, Allie G. Peryea, Dosia Spence, Jamie Spence and Gil Spence; Sisters-in-Law, Joann G. Groover and Sara B. Williams. She was blessed with 20 great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons and nephews: Perry Williamson, Tom Gilder, Billy Mason, Taylor Mallette, Brian Mallette, Jamie Spence, Gil Spence, Brandon McAllister, Maury Beasley and Dee Bo Cullen. Honary Pallbearers are the members of the Nell Gilder Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be at Townsend Brother Funeral Home from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Thursday August 17, 2017. Funeral services will be at the Glenwood First Baptist Church at 11:00 A.M. on Friday August 18, 2017. Following the service, Mrs. Gilder will be laid to rest by her husband in Northview Cemetery in Dublin.

The family ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Building Fund at Glenwood First Baptist Church or Serenity Hospice.