Gay Piper Gwinner

Gay Piper Orr Gwinner died peacefully July 30 of complications from multiple medical problems. Born June 11, 1937, in Macon to Bernard and Frances Piper, she was named Gay as she was such a happy baby. She received her BA in 1959 from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS, where she was campus favorite, twice elected President of Phi Mu, Vice-President of her senior class, and a member of Millsaps Singers and Sigma Lambda. There, she met her first husband and the father of her daughter, Rachael. After that marriage ended, Gay went to graduate school and earned her MS from Georgia State University's School of Urban Studies. She was chosen to participate in Jimmy Carter's Presidential Management Intern Program. Recruited by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, she worked there until retirement. Later, she volunteered with Savannah's Neighbor to Neighbor Mediation Center. In 1993, Gay met the love of her life, Maurice Gwinner. They married and shared 21 years before his 2015 death. In 2003, Gay and Maurice moved to Carlyle Place, a senior living community in Macon. They enthusiastically participated in choral singing, book club, interfaith alliance and other activities. They also sang in the choir at Vineville United Methodist Church (UMC) where they found a loving church community. Gay is survived by daughter Rachael (Ken) Takei, Gwinner stepchildren Ken (Jean Savitsky), Ned and Nan (Evelyn Harris), grandson Piper Takei, Gwinner grandchildren Amy McKinney (Tim), Chris, Ben and Rosie, and numerous loving family members related by birth and choice. She is honorary grandmother to Felicia Spears, Jonathon Frazier and Mollie Robinson. The family is deeply grateful for Shirley Jones, Patricia Lockett, Dora Hughes, Juanita Stokes, China Hudson and Teecha Dennis, for outstanding service. Without their personal care and professionalism, Gay would not have had the length and quality of life she had. Memorial services will be held at 1pm on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia. Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vineville United Methodist Church, 2025 Vineville Avenue, Macon, Georgia 31204, or the Employee Gift Fund at Carlyle Place, 5300 Zebulon Road, Macon, Georgia 31210. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.