Ms. Senia Merita Minter

Ms. Senia Merita Minter of 1402 Madison Street, Americus, Georgia, died Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at her residence.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the sanctuary of the Friendship Baptist Church in Americus, Georgia. The burial will follow at Staley Memorial Garden in Americus, Georgia.

Senia Merrita Minter, lovingly known simply as Cookie, was an extraordinary woman whose radiant smile, vibrant spirit, and unconditional love touched everyone she met. Born on July 28, 1964, Cookie lived a life filled with joy, faith, friendship, style, and purpose.

Cookie was raised in a home where love, acceptance, and inclusion were a way of life. Through the steadfast advocacy and unwavering love of her mother, Cookie was afforded the same opportunities, expectations, and encouragement as her four sisters. She was never defined by her disability; instead, she was defined by her unwavering spirit, loving heart, and the countless lives she inspired.

Cookie attended Eastview Elementary School, Furlow Middle School, and proudly graduated as a member of the Class of 1984 at Americus High School. Her educational journey reflected not only her determination but also her family's belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

After high school graduation, Cookie worked with Wild Street Daycare for over 10 years as an Early Childhood educator, where she touched the lives of many young preschool children. She had also been employed at Kids Kastle Day Care. Cookie was currently working side by side with her sister Deborah with Minter Consultants LLC. as an Inclusion Trainer, where she traveled the State of Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama training Early Childhood Educators about Inclusion of Special Needs Children.

To know Cookie was to love her. She never met a stranger. Her larger-than-life personality filled every room she entered. Cookie had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Her warm smile and genuine concern for others created lasting friendships wherever she went.

Affectionately known as a true Diva, Cookie loved dressing up, wearing beautiful makeup, carrying stylish purses, and surrounding herself with pretty things. She enjoyed expressing herself through fashion and always carried herself with confidence, grace, and flair. Whether attending church, family gatherings, or community events, Cookie loved looking her best.

A devoted woman of God, Cookie was an active and faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church. She participated faithfully in the Women's Ministry and Deaconess Ministry and was also a member of the Silver Circle Civic & Social Club, where she served alongside her mother. Her church family was a treasured part of her life, and she enjoyed every opportunity to worship, fellowship, and serve alongside those she loved. Cookie's life can best be described by this simple truth: "Her life was defined by the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the joy she brought to everyone around her."

Cookie was preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert and Ruby Minter; her siblings, Linda Floyd, Jesper Gay, Albert Glen Minter III, and Wanda June Minter; as well as her beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other family members who welcomed her into eternal rest.

Left to cherish her precious memories are her devoted sister and caregiver, Deborah Minter; her beloved sister, Kelly Minter Pittman (devoted brother-in-law Andre); brother-in-law, Ron Gay; her devoted nephews, Gregory Hadley, whom she considered as her son, and Jaydon Gay; her cherished nieces, Loren Pittman and Shakenna Floyd; special cousins, Earnestine Mercer, Viola Fann, Penny Bradley, Betty Sanders, Ann Grover, Lisa Grover, and Doris Grover.

Cookie was also blessed with many treasured friendships that became family. Those who will forever cherish her memory include Minister Gwen Harris, Valarie Harp, her godmother, Deaconess Alice Green, and friends Deborah Hinton, Jazmon Simmons, and Jackie Jones, along with a host of other relatives, church members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her kindness, warmth, and unconditional love.

Cookie's legacy of faith, inclusion, joy, compassion, and unconditional love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Her radiant spirit, beautiful smile, and loving heart will never be forgotten.