Geraldeen “Gerri” Layman Gant, 87, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great‑grandmother, sister, friend, and a beloved bus driver to generations of children. Gerri built her life on faith, family, and service, and she touched countless lives with her kindness.

Born on April 3, 1939, Gerri was the cherished daughter of the late Charles and Mary Clark Layman. She was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Glenda Gant. As the oldest of four girls, she proudly graduated from Bethel High School, where she was both a cheerleader and a basketball player. It was there she met her high school sweetheart, Darrell, whom she later married and spent 67 wonderful years with.

Gerri was a proud charter member of Crestview Baptist Church and faithfully led the Bible Drill program for many years. She also served her community as a bus driver for Bethel Elementary School for over 30 years, greeting every child with a warm smile each school day.

Although Gerri had many passions, nothing meant more to her than her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children and adored her grandchildren and great‑grandchildren. She will be remembered for her beautiful wedding cakes and surprise birthday cookie cakes—sweet traditions that brought joy to so many.

Gerri is survived by her loving husband, Darrell, and their four children: Sandy Suarez (Todd), Scott Gant (Leslie), Kimberly Hannah (Robbie), and Carol Harkins (Mike). She leaves behind seven grandchildren—Travis Harkins (Jennifer), Courtney Myers (David), Spencer Harkins (Liz), Haley Evans (Josh), Hunter Gant (Rachael), Tanner Suarez, and Nate Hannah (Katelynn)—and thirteen great‑grandchildren. She is also survived by her three sisters, Linda Lovelace (Wallace), Jan Sorrells (Dale), and Sheila Nix, also her sisters‑in‑law, Sharon Roberts (Mack), brothers‑in‑law, Jack and Charles Gant (Linda) and many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Reverend Josh Evans and Reverend Dan Page officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow the service at Crawford-Ray Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels where Gerri & Darrell volunteered for many years, 157 Paragon Parkway, Suite 300, Clyde, NC 28721.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Selena Grasty for her kind, compassionate care during the final year.

Gerri’s legacy of love, faith, and generosity will continue to live on in all who knew her.

The care of Mrs. Gant has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton.