Helen Geraldine “Gerri” Day of Raleigh, North Carolina and formerly a longtime resident of Rutherford County died Tuesday, December 23, 2025.  Gerri, as she was known to her family and friends, was known as a loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother.  She was born on December 7, 1940, in Ellenboro, NC and was the daughter of the late Matt and Inez Murray Brooks.  Gerri’s early years were spent moving around the country, and even the world, as her father served in the USAF.  It was during her high school years in Texas though where she met the love of her life, Dale Day and later married him.  They remained married for 51 years until Dale’s passing in 2012.  

She loved her family dearly and was known for her strong commitment to her Christian faith.   She and Dale were active members of Corinth Baptist Church in Ellenboro, NC while they lived in NC.  Their church family was a central part of their lives, and it was where they served the Lord faithfully alongside those same friends.  At Corinth, she enjoyed being part of the mission’s ministry, a member of the church choir as well as serving as a children’s teacher and helping with the church administrative affairs.  

She completed business college in Charlotte in 1960 and after she and Dale moved to Rutherford County in 1974, she began working at Isothermal Community College in the Business office as a purchaser until she retired in 2002.  

She and Dale lived in many places around the country during their younger married lives but made Rutherford County home from 1974 to 2011.  In 2011 they moved back to Texas to be closer to their grandchildren.  After living there for 6 years, she moved with her son Brad, daughter-in-law Katie and their children to Winchester, Virginia.  Then she spent the last 2 years of her life living near her oldest son, Steve, in Raleigh, NC.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matt and Inez Brooks, husband, Dale Day, and brothers, Alan Ray Brooks and Steven Duane Brooks. 

Survivors include her sons, Steve Day of Raleigh, NC, Brad Day and wife Katie of Winchester, Virginia, her grandchildren, Tyler, Kira and Ana.

A service by the graveside will be held at 2 o’clock on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery in Ellenboro.  The Reverend Dr. David Jendrey and Reverend Ad Hopper will officiate services.  The family will greet friends following the service at the cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Corinth Baptist Church Missions. Checks can be made to Corinth Baptist Church with Mission Fund in the memo.  The address is 767 Pinehurst Road, Ellenboro, NC 28040.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements, and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com