Gerry Lynn Cloninger Estes, 70, of Statesville, N.C., passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024.

Mrs. Estes was born in New York, N.Y., on February 23, 1953, and was the daughter of the late James Farrell and Geraldine Larmon Cloninger. She was a graduate of Appalachian State University with her bachelors and her master’s degree in Elementary Education. On August 5, 1984, she married the late William Robert Estes and they celebrated 31 years together. She was a kindergarten teacher for Iredell-Statesville Schools, mainly working at Wayside and Third Creek Elementary before retirement.

Those left to cherish her memory are three daughters, Kari Kerr Lindeman (Jon), Melissa Estes Allen (Keith), and Angela Estes Moore, all of Statesville; along with one son, Travis Kerr (Katrina) of Mooresville. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Christopher and Lauren Stroud, Benjamin Watts, Aubrey and Ty Lindeman, Camden, Ellie, Perry and Lanie Kerr, and Elianna Allen. She is further survived by four great grandchildren, Dustyn, Bryden, Cayden and Addy Stroud. While Gerry was an only child, she was blessed with three brothers-in-law, Nathan Estes (Pat) and Neil Estes, both of Statesville, and Darryl Estes (Patty) of Washington State, and one sister-in-law, Sharon Brown of Statesville. She was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. She is further survived by heart sister and best friend Nina Alexander of Mooresville.

Gerry was a kind and generous person. She was creative and loved all things crafty. She had a heart for Jesus and encouraged others in their faith. She found the joy of the Lord in all circumstances. She was a prayer warrior and had a passion for missions. She even traveled to Russia three times to share the gospel. She loved animals of all sorts and even had “pet” raccoons. She enjoyed traveling to Virginia Beach and shopping at thrift stores. She gave the best back rubs and had the greatest laugh.

A celebration of life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, at First Baptist Church with Pastor Jerry Hellmandollar officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 2 to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County or The Alzheimer’s Association.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.