Obituary of Mercedes Gittens

Mercedes (Louder) Gittens passed away peacefully on September 19th in Montville, NJ at the age of 84. Mercedes was born on March 15, 1930 in Jacksonville, Florida. She was the second daughter of the late Walter R. Louder and Sarah Louder. Her sister, Elizabeth, died in infancy. In 1943, Mercedes relocated with her family to New York City. She graduated from Commerce High School and attended Hunter College, where she studied Social Work. In 1954 she married Lloyd E. Gittens, a Lieutenant with the New York City Police Department. The couple had six children and they resided in New York City unitl 1965, when they moved to Pomona, New York. Mercedes was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Garnerville, NY for 28 years. During that time she sang in the church choir and was a member of the Episcopal Church Women. In later years, Mercedes became a member of St Paul's Episcopal Church In Spring Valley, NY. where she volunteered with their community meal program. She was active in the local PTA at her children's schools and served as a Cub Scout leader for many years. Mercedes was an advocate for quality education and participated in numerous organizations that shared in her vision of first-rate education for all. She was employed as a child care worker at Lakeside Family and Children Services in Spring Valley, NY from 1980 until her retirement in 1995.True to her nurturing spirit, she enjoyed mentoring, offering guidance and influencing the lives of young people. Mercedes loved interacting with her large extended family and many friends with whom she shared special closeness. She was best known for her generous, loving spirit, quick intelligence, wonderful smile and tireless approach to all endeavors. She had an artistic nature and loved reading, knitting, sewing, quilting and cooking. She enjoyed theatre and loved music of all kinds. Mercedes was a devoted wife and loving mother who sought to find the best in everyone and always encouraged others to follow their dreams. In 2011 she moved to Morris County, NJ to be closer to her daughters who welcomed her love and affection. Surviving are her children: Robin Helms (late William), Leslie McGriff (late Robert), Lisa Gittens-Williams (Franklin), Mark Gittens (Belle), Julie Gittens; her grandchildren, William Helms III and Kailyn and Brandon Williams; cousins Beverly DeBrill (late Raymond), Jeanette Mitchell (late Steven), Ruth Louder (late Walter), Shirley Allen, Patricia Dobson (late James), Sylvester Louder, Michael Louder, Ronnie Louder (Terri), Laurence Blount (Ann), Elizabeth Mason (Paul), Shirley Hutchins, Gwen Bethea (Floyd), Rogelio Fitten (Irma), Elvia Gumbs (Martin) and dozens of extended family and close friends. Mercedes was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd, and infant son, Jason. Mercedes's life will be celebrated at a memorial service on Saturday, October 18th at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Ave, Denville, NJ at 12:30 PM. A Repast will follow at Hibiscus Restaurant at 270 South Street, Morristown NJ at 3:00 PM. Memorial donations can be made in Mercedes's name to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America at www.alzheimers.org.