Mary "Mellie" Kerins

Mary (“Mellie”) Eleanor Baker Kerins, aged 77, passed away on April 11, 2025, in Evans, Georgia. Mellie was born on September 26, 1947, in Richmond, Virginia, to parents Eleanor Baker Gibson and Marvin George Gibson. She graduated from Mary Washington College with a Bachelor’s of Science in Chemistry in 1969. An avid swimmer, she was a member of Mary Washington’s synchronized swimming team. After graduating, she went on to be a research lab assistant at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. It was there that she met her future husband, Craig Todd Kerins. Their marriage led them to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for five years before making Augusta, Georgia, their permanent home.

Mellie was very involved in the community in Augusta. A devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, where she served as a Eucharistic minister for many years. She also served as PTO president of Aquinas High School and chaired their annual auction fundraiser. An avid fan of classical music, Mellie gave much of her time to the Augusta Symphony League, eventually serving as president. Additionally, she was Richmond County Medical Alliance president. She was also involved with Women’s Philanthropy Group, St. Mary’s on the Hill Catholic School, Augusta Preparatory School, and ARK Animal Rescue and Adoption. Mellie earned her Masters of Library Science from the University of South Carolina, and then worked as a research librarian at Augusta State University’s Reese Library.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Mellie adored her children and grandchildren, cherishing her time spent with them. Mellie enjoyed playing the piano, knitting and crocheting, playing card games, and spending time with family.

She is predeceased by her parents Eleanor and Marvin Gibson, her granddaughter Mary Kerins Gruppi, and her son in law, Jarad Blanton. She is survived by her husband of 54 years Craig Kerins, her sisters Margie Karp (Allen) and Gayle Wyckoff, and her three daughters Annie Kerins (Dan), Liz Parks (Joe), and Maggie Blanton. She was a beloved grandmother to Quinn Parks, Virginia Parks, Caroline Parks, and Eleanor Blanton.

The family will receive on Monday evening, April 21, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 at the Thomas Poteet and Son. The funeral Mass will be on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Mary on the Hill followed by a reception at the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hands to Paws Rescue (www.hands2paws.org).

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com