Geneva Griner Loyd

Geneva Griner Loyd passed peacefully from this life to her Heavenly home on January 5, 2023, after battling a number of health problems for many years. She was 88 years old.

A memorial graveside service for Geneva will be held Saturday, January 7, at 11 a.m. in the Zion Grove Assembly of God cemetery, 422 Zion Grove Church Road, Meigs Georgia, 31765.

Geneva was born to parents Omie and Gordon Griner on October 31, 1934, in Colquitt County.

After graduating Moultrie High School at the top of her class, Geneva turned down a full scholarship college scholarship, deciding instead to stay home and help her parents and siblings at the family farm.

On June 30, 1956, Geneva married David Loyd at Zion Grove Assembly of God, a church where they remained members for much of their lives.  The couple stayed together for more than six decades until David’s death last year, just days before their 66^th wedding anniversary.

Geneva’s faith was a driving force in her life. As a young woman, Geneva felt the call to preach and did so, shattering stereotypes regarding the roles of women.  Geneva felt the calling to preach and did so as a young woman when she had the opportunity.  She and David also led the Zion Grove youth group during their early years as a couple. Through the years, she also taught Sunday School and participated in the Zion Grove Assembly of God Women’s Ministries.

Geneva and David believed marriage to be a true 50/50 partnership—and they supported each other’s career endeavors.  As David launched a longtime career in the USDA, the couple moved several times over the years. However, Geneva went to work, too.  One of her proudest career accomplishments: more than 25 years as an associate of Walmart in Thomasville, Georgia, where she won a number of employee awards and from where she retired.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, David O. Loyd; her parents Omie and Gordon Griner; sister Mae Simpson; brothers Ed Griner, Willard Griner, Dick Griner and Jerry Griner. 

Survivors include her daughter Melanie Loyd and son-in-law Todd Robinson; son Greg Loyd; brothers Odell Griner (Jean), Glynn Griner (Liza), Ray Griner, and Donnie Griner (Faye), and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives, loved ones and friends.