Geraldine Nantz

Geraldine "Geri" Hayes Nantz, 88, of Spartanburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 25, 2016, at the family farm. Geri was born April 20, 1928 to the late Claude J. Hayes and Mary Luna Cabiness Hayes of Chesnee, SC. She was the loving wife of the late David Frank Nantz. Geri was a graduate of Chesnee High School and Furman University Women's College. Both her personal and professional mission in life was to serve others, especially those less fortunate. After graduating from college, she began her social work career as a caseworker for Spartanburg County DSS. During her tenure, she became the director of Spartanburg County DSS and moved on to become the District Director of Adult Services for Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union Counties. She continued her service by becoming the first director for the Community Long Term Care Program of the SC Department of Health and Human Services. Some of Geri's civic duties included serving on the board of directors for Mountainview Community Services for the Aging, Appalachian Council of Governments, and Spartanburg County Domestic Violence Board for many years. She was an active member of Morningside Baptist Church, the Ruth Sunday School Class, and the Golden Tones Senior Choir. Survivors include two daughters, Elaine N. Middleton (Mac) and Lynn N. Wilkins (John) all of Gaffney, SC; six grandsons, David Middleton (Heather), Matthew Middleton (Ashlie), Russell Wilkins, Reid Wilkins (Lindsey), Brett and Justin Wilkins; four great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by a sister, Frances H. Bobo of Inman, SC; and a brother J.M. (Hoover) Hayes of Boiling Springs, SC. Visitation will be 1:00-2:45 PM Wednesday, September 28, 2016, in the Welcome Center at Morningside Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM, at the church, conducted by the Rev. Michael Hensley and the Rev. Steven R. Owensby. Interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Rd., Spartanburg, SC 29307. Pallbearers are her grandsons and honorary escort will be members of the Ruth Sunday School Class. The family would like to thank those who prayed, visited and cared for Geri during her illness, the Ruth Sunday School Class and Interim Hospice nurses and aides. And a special thanks to Joy, Jessica and Crystal. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Morningside Baptist Church, 897 South Pine Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; or the Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee Counties, 295 East Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Geraldine Hayes Nantz please visit our Sympathy Store.