Birth Date: 10/09/1931
Deceased Date: 07/01/2022
Geraldine “Gerry” Lois Johnson McArdle, of Smithfield, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2022 at the age of 90 at the SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health. A celebration of life will be held at Centenary United Methodist Church on Friday, July 22 at 11am followed by a visitation.
Gerry was lovingly known as “Gigi,” first by her granddaughter, and it became a name everyone fondly called her— friends and family alike.
Gerry was the daughter of the late Johnnie Ruffin (Batt) and Rosa Mae Jones Johnson, born in Smithfield on October 9, 1931. She attended Smithfield High School and Louisburg College. She worked at the Department of Social Services in Smithfield for 25 years and retired from the North Carolina State Department of Human Resources in Raleigh. Gerry was also the recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Gerry was a longtime member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Smithfield. She was a member of the Bettie Sanders Circle and served as a volunteer for the Contact Teleministries program. Gerry had a heart for people and dedicated her entire life to serving those in need and giving to others. She was accepting of everyone no matter their circumstance. She loved studying the Word and read the entire Bible cover to cover.
Gerry loved the Lord, her church, and her place at Atlantic Beach. She traveled extensively with her husband, Russ, and loved seeing the world, but her whole world revolved around her “sweethearts,” Sandra and Emily. The three of them were inseparable and had a special bond like none other. They were each other’s best friends and did everything together, but their favorite pastime was shopping!
Gerry was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Russell “Russ” Alan McArdle, brother Charles H. Johnson, and infant-sister Louise Johnson. Gerry is survived by her daughter, Sandra Hodges Edwards of Smithfield, who selflessly was her sole caregiver for over 6 years, and her granddaughter Emily Webb and husband Andrew of Morehead City.
Donations can be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 140 E. Market St. Smithfield, NC 27577 and the SECU Hospice House of Johnston Health, 426 Hospital Rd. Smithfield, NC 27577.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.underwoodfh.com
