Obituary of Geraldine Smoot Farmer

Geraldine Smoot Farmer "Jerry" Geraldine Smoot Farmer, known as "Jerry" to her family and friends, lived her life with grace and an indomitable spirit until she lost her battle with cancer on January 18, 2014. She died at her home in the Timberlake area of Campbell County where she had lived for more than fifty years. She was born on January 22, in a year before the crash of '29 but after the end of The Great War (consistent with her youthful character and spirit, she preferred that her obit not be specific; she often said, my body may be --- years old, but my mind is 18). She was born in Lynchburg as the daughter of the late Claude Haddon Smoot and Eva Logwood Smoot. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, James E. Farmer; she was also preceded in death by her only child and son, Donald Wayne Farmer and by Don's wife Virginia (Ginny) Farmer of Amherst County, Virginia. Jerry was one of seven children; she was preceded in death by four of her siblings: her three sisters, Louise S. Williams, Virginia S. Martin and Nancy S. Driskill; and her brother, Ralph O. Smoot, Sr. She is survived by two brothers, Bransford Amon Smoot of Athens, TN and Phillip Wayne Smoot and his wife, Shirley of Lynchburg. Surviving her also are her granddaughter, Tamara L. Bell and her husband Greg, and their two sons, Dakota and Kyle, all of Roanoke, Virginia. She is survived by two special and dear nieces, Sandra Maschal and Barbara Kennemer, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and many, many friends. Jerry's dear friend Ozelia "Ozzy" Farmer survives her and Ozzy held a very important place in Jerry's heart. Ozzy acted as Jerry's caregiver and friend during the last stages of Jerry's illness with compassion and love. Jerry was a member of Sandusky Baptist Church and was confident in her faith. She lived her life with humor and love. She possessed the innate ability to face tragedy head on and to demonstrate to others that you mourn loss but live through it; you cherish memories but you persevere and do not allow tragedy to become your life's focus. Her loss will be mourned but her family intends to honor her by following her example. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable contribution to the Donald & Virginia Farmer Scholarship Fund (established by Jerry in memory of Don & Ginny) c/o The Greater Lynchburg Community Trust, 101 Paulette Circle, Suite B, Lynchburg, VA 24502. Interment will occur at Virginia Memorial Park after a private service. Duiguid Funeral Service-Waterlick Chapel, 237-2722, is assisting the family.