Diane S. Gerard | Eastern NC Now

Born: July 22, 1950, Died: April 03, 2014

    Mrs. Diane Shaw Gerard, age 63, a resident of 1036 N. Market Street, Washington died Thursday morning April 3, 2014 at her home following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.

    Diane was known for her strong faith and her relationship with her Lord Jesus Christ. She had a glowing smile and vibrant personality. Diane was an optimist who was dedicated to helping others. Her long battle with Parkinson's included her courageously participating in a UVA Parkinson's research study. Her "family" extended well beyond her blood lines as she so often welcomed countless people into her home to enjoy the amazing life of Diane Gerard.

    A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM Sunday April 6, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church in Washington officiated by Rev. Danny Allen. Chris Furlough, Hodges Hackney, Bill Litchfield, David Mays, Jack Mitchell, Jeff Peacock, Forrest Sidbury, Marshall Taylor, Harry Wetmore, and Paul Wetmore will serve as honorary pallbearers.

    Mrs. Gerard was born in Norfolk, VA on July 22, 1950, daughter of the late Captain James Emerson Shaw and Betsy Thompson Shaw. She was a former "Miss Beaufort County". On December 22, 1968, she married Walter Bennett "Bubba" Gerard, III. Mrs. Gerard was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Washington where she was a former member of the choir and Sunday School Teacher. She was instrumental in starting the pre-school program at the church. She was an FCA leader, a member of the Crescite Book Club and a charter member of the Pamlico Sounds, a local singing group.

    In addition to her husband "Bubba", she is survived by her children: Elizabeth Gerard Bennett and husband Jeff; Walter Bennett Gerard, IV and wife Laura and Amy Gerard Thomas and husband Austin all of Washington; her grandchildren: Emily Thompson Bennett, Richard Jeffrey Bennett, Jr., Marisa Frances Gerard, Madison Virginia Gerard, Bailey James Murphy Gerard, Walter Bennett Gerard, V, Avery Shaw Thomas, Oliver Austin Thomas, IV and Anderson Dean Thomas. She is also survived by her sisters: Susan Shaw Gerard and husband Al of Blounts Creek; Cathy Shaw Fletcher and husband Fred of Washington and Jami Shaw Gerard of Winston-Salem.

    The family will receive friends 5:30-7:30 PM Saturday at Wesley Hall at the First United Methodist Church in Washington and other times at the home.

    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church Pre-School Program, 304 West 2nd Street, Washington, NC 27889.

    On-line condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.paulfuneralhome.com.

    Paul Funeral Home & Crematory of Washington is honored to serve the Gerard family.