Betty Holsenbeck Gercken

Betty Holsenbeck Gercken, 96, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025, surrounded by people who loved her.

Betty was born in Eatonton, Georgia, on December 24, 1928. She was the daughter of Edward Ray Holsenbeck, Sr. and Ruby Haynes Holsenbeck.

She was raised in Milledgeville, Georgia, on Holsenbeck Hill with a life full of family and love. Betty cherished her memories of school and proudly displayed a picture of her high school class at Peabody on her refrigerator for everyone to see.

After moving to Jacksonville, Florida, she met and married Joseph Anthony Gercken, Sr. Betty worked many jobs, but her most beloved roles were with Moran Towing and Publix. She dearly loved the children she met at Publix, who filled her life with joy, and she treasured camping trips with them well into her later years. Betty lived life fully to the age of 96. She was a wonderful cook, a talented seamstress, and an avid gardener.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Ruby Holsenbeck; her husband, Joseph Anthony Gercken, Sr.; her sisters and brothers; and her grandson, Frank Forrest Floyd III.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Nancy Gercken Floyd; her son, Joseph Anthony Gercken, Jr. (Georgette); grandchildren Kylie Floyd Judson (Mike), Erica Gercken, Eden Gercken, Samuel Gercken, Meriella; great-grandchildren Frank Forrest Floyd IV, Theo Judson, Silas Judson, and Sage; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be especially remembered at Easter for her famous lasagna (Gregory Manley has lovingly carried on her recipe) and her cherished dyed chlorophyll Easter eggs.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Southside Methodist Church, 3120 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32207.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Woodland Grove Rehab and the staff of Vitas Hospice for the love and excellent care they provided to Mama.

Flowers are accepted but those who wish, may make Memorial contributions to Southside Methodist Church

3120 Hendricks Ave

Jacksonville, FL 32207