Edith Geraldine Loyd Stinnette “Gerry” age 94 of Vinton, VA passed away Tuesday January 17, 2023. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who lived a full and happy life. Gerry loved all flowers, the ocean, sunlight, and food. She was happiest when planting and working in her garden. She worshiped and nurtured her family and the earth her entire life. She could walk farther than any woman we ever knew. Initially she walked by necessity, never learning to drive, and later in life because it was her nature.

Gerry was a style maven. She never had one hair out of place, never left home without her lipstick and always looked so stylish. But she was not afraid of hard work and getting her hands dirty while planting “her flowers.”  Gerry’s talents were many, she was an accomplished seamstress. She made clothes for herself and her children, designed and made flower girl dresses for Smartwear Irving Saks and costumes for the original Southernettes baton troop. Her baking and cooking skills were enjoyed by all who were lucky enough to be at her table.

Gerry was also proud of her retail career. She worked at the original Saks (in downtown Roanoke) wearing heels, hats, and gloves to work every day. After raising her children, she went back to work for the Woolco Department Store at Crossroads Mall and was there from the day they opened until they closed. She then worked at the downtown Heironimus store where she was trained to fit mastectomy patients with prosthesis and loved working with each one. When Valley View mall opened, she worked at Thalhimers then retired for a brief time and then went back to work at the Town Square Plaza Heironimus location. After years of working in retail it was not uncommon for Gerry to be recognized in the community when she was out and about.

Gerry was predeceased by her parents Claude D. Loyd and Delilah Patsel Loyd of Mt. Pleasant as well as her sister Gertrude “Ginger” Loyd Fuqua and brothers Calvin G. Loyd and John O. Loyd all of Roanoke. Also preceding her in death was her beloved husband of 65 years, Alfred M. Stinnette.

She is survived by her son, Michael W. Stinnette (Vicki) of Roanoke, daughters, Sue Stinnette Switzer (Ronnie) of Roanoke and Jane Stinnette Ramsey (Wayne)of Salem, as well as granddaughter, Shannon D. Stinnette (Raleigh, NC) and Great Granddaughter Alison N. Stinnette (Roanoke). Gerry is also survived by her sisters’ daughter, Kathy Fuqua Caldwell and her son, Tyler. Gerry also had many nieces, nephews and “greats” that survive her.

The family would like to thank caregivers and friends at Brookdale of Salem for their friendship and care during recent months of her life. We would also like to thank the nursing staff of MICU and 6th floor Comfort Care at Lewis Gale Medical Center as well as the physicians who cared for her during her hospitalization.

A celebration of her life will be held at 2 P.M. on Friday, January 20, 2023, in the Oakey's Vinton Chapel, 627 Hardy Rd., Vinton, VA (540) 982-2100. The family will receive visitors beginning at 12:00 PM prior to the service. Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.oakeys.com.

To view the Tribute/Photo video, click on the link below.

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/SHGBWRPDY49M22HN

“Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you.”
― Maya Angelou, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings