WRIGHTSBORO — Gerry Teachey Williamson, 81, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, surrounded by her family.
Gerry was full of life; funny and fun-loving, yet meticulous in planning and execution of projects, whether it be managing the operations of a dredge in her career with Great Lakes Dredge and Dock or creating hundreds of Christmas cookies for friends and family each year.
Born in Rose Hill in 1939 to Audrey Farrior Teachey and Alfred Elmo Teachey, she grew up surrounded by her brothers and sister and many cousins. Her grandparents, Lucy Southerland Farrior and Hatch Ward Farrior, played a big part in her upbringing, as did many aunts and uncles. Her brothers are Alfred Teachey of Nevada and Dwight Teachey of Pender County, and his wife, Linda Edens Teachey; and her sister is Judy McCloud of Wilmington. Their children are her dear nieces and nephews.
The family moved to Wilmington when her father took a job at the Shipyard. Gerry graduated from New Hanover Highschool in 1957, where she made lifelong friends and was awarded the superlative “Most Athletic!” She played basketball and tennis. Tennis was a lifelong pursuit, which she enjoyed for many years.
Gerry was the wife of Millard Everett Williamson, who was the longtime chief of police of Wrightsville Beach. Gerry enjoyed life at the beach and was a Girl Scout leader and former president of the Harbor Island Garden Club. She was a longtime member of the Little Chapel on the Boardwalk Presbyterian Church.
In retirement, Gerry lived in Wrightsboro, where her neighbors became family. The family is very grateful for the love and care her neighbors showed to her. Her garden became her passion. She coaxed beauty and nourishment from the earth and sunshine. She also looked forward to volunteering every year with the Vita tax preparation program, where she made new friends every year.
In addition to her siblings, Gerry leaves her daughter, Jan Brewington, and her husband, Jim King, of Wilmington; and her grandchildren, Alex Stayer-Brewington and Stuart Brewington, together, with Alex’s wife, Caroline Stayer-Brewington, were the light of her life. Being a grandparent was her finest talent. She will be dearly missed.
The family will invite you all to a celebration of Gerry’s life when it is appropriate to do so. In the interim, please step outside in nature and take a deep breath in her memory. Gerry loves you!
Share online condolences with the family at Coble Funeral and Cremation Service at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
