Geraldine Goia "Gerry" Sigmund

Geraldine Goia Gunter “Gerry” Sigmund
April 14,1929 - November 28, 2022

Gerry Sigmund, devoted mother and grandmother, passed away November 28,2022 following a
short illness. Born in Stotesbury, West Virginia, Gerry was the fifth child of William Virgil Gunter
and Carrie Rose Clay Gunter, growing up in Crab Orchard, West Virginia.
Gerry lived a full, eventful life and held close many fond memories with her siblings (now all
deceased), Virgil Gunter, Ferne Edmonds, Genevieve Reed and Zelma Easley. Be it getting in
trouble for shenanigans with her sisters or singing in a quartet with the late Senator Robert Byrd
on the radio, Gerry enjoyed many laughs growing up with her brother and sisters and lifelong
friend Peggy Phillips.
Gerry attended Woodrow Wilson High School and thereafter completed a secretarial course at
Beckley College. She began working as a Bookkeeper, and was soon promoted to Bank Teller
at Beckley National Bank. It was here that she met Bill Sigmund. They were married for 28
years and raised two children.
As an active Beckley community member for decades, Gerry participated in the local theatre,
modeled, hosted many a party and enjoyed bridge, golf and tennis, winning a few Ladies Golf
tournaments. A devout Christian, Gerry was active in the Beckley Presbyterian Church teaching
Bible School, singing in the choir, leading her Women’s Circle and teaching Sunday school
classes. A consummate volunteer, Gerry also served as a Pink Lady volunteer at the Raleigh
General Hospital and helped on projects for the needy and disaster relief victims/communities.
Gerry also traveled extensively throughout her life and loved the experience of seeing the world
with her family and friends. As part of her love for travel, Gerry led efforts to start The Friendship
Force, an International exchange in which Beckley served as host to visiting delegations from
Japan, UK, and other countries. Longtime friendships were formed through these visits.
Gerry loved nature and gardening especially. As an active member of the Phymosia Garden
Club for many years, Gerry served as its President for three terms. Her love for nature and
gardening came naturally through her parents, farmers in Crab Orchard, who were named West
Virginia Conservationists several times for their sustainability work (before it was cool).
Gerry cherished being a mother and grandmother above all else, and treasured her dearest
friends every day of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Sigmund of South
Carolina; son, William Sigmund (Vito) of New Jersey; grandsons Andrew Sigmund (Abby), Colin
Sigmund, and Rossen Sigmund (Kathy); granddaughter Lindsay Sigmund (Ryan); great-
granddaughter Valentina Sigmund; and her beloved nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held December 10, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Beckley Presbyterian
Church in Beckley, West Virginia. Join us at the church or virtually by going to the Church
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BPC.PCUSA.WV The livestream will open at 10:50 a.m.
(A livestream will also be on the Church website at beckleypres.org )
Donations in her memory can be made to the Beckley Presbyterian Church or the Beckley Area
Foundation (Beckley area beautification projects) or a charity of your choice that supports the
preservation of nature.