Gelia Ruth Cosby McWhirter, 57, of Athens, AL, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 15, 2026.
Gelia was a devoted mother, daughter, grandmother, niece, sister, cousin, aunt and friend who valued family above all else. Known for her kind nature, nurturing spirit, strong work ethic and bubbly personality. She leaves her footprint made of love and precious memories with all who knew her.
She is survived by her three boys, Jake (Johnna), Landon (Lindsey) and Logan (Amberly), her parents Ken Cosby and Joan Barnes (Bobby) and her sisters Dawn Blakely (Andy), Erin Moran, and Jessica Dean (Matt) all of Athens, AL. She was a “GIGI” and “GAGA” to Hayden, Sydney, Ryleigh, Mia, Macey, Avery and Miles McWhirter who all kept her smiling even in her final days. She is also survived by her nephews Luke Johnson, Noah Moran, Ben Blakely and Easton Dean and her niece Shelby Odom and great niece Hattie Jo Johnson.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Bennie and Jerri Lovell and Jack and Gertrude Cosby all of Athens, AL.
She loved spending time with family and friends, working in the flowerbed, music, vacations to the beach, her dog (Molly), being at the ball field for her family, and a good bargain at a yard sale.
Gelia worked passionately for Limestone Council on Aging for many years and had true joy for the relationships formed through the organization. She loved the Lord and was a member of Cartwright Church of Christ. Gelia was known as a person that would legitimately give the shirt off her back if you needed it. Her smile was contagious and her optimistic view on life was evident. Her loving nature was unmistakable- everyone who knew her felt it, but her family felt it most deeply.
A visitation will be held at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home in Athens, AL on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 6pm – 8pm followed by a graveside service at Sandlin Cemetery in Athens, AL Monday, April 20, 2026 beginning at 10am
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of North Alabama. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Danielle, Julie, and Rene.
