OBITUARY
Patricia Ann Gantt
September 22, 1935 – January 25, 2021
Patricia Ann McGinn Dellinger Gantt, age 85, died Monday January 25, 2021 at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory. Born September 22, 1935 in Statesville, NC; she was the daughter of the late Hugh Thomas and Frances Ann Cline McGinn. A former Miss Reunion, Pat married into the US Air Force twice. Her career as an officer’s wife took her to such exotic locations as Yakota, Japan; Minot, ND; Knob Noster, MO; Omaha, NE and Riverside, CA. Regardless of where the family landed, she was a devoted mother involved in her boys' extra-curricular activities, her community and her church. Upon their retirement from the USAF, the Gantt family returned home to Newton where Pat joined the staff of the Newton-Conover school system. Pat was an avid bridge player and gained notoriety for her killer bridge instincts. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Dwight Bayne Dellinger and Jack Clay Gantt; a brother, Thomas Monroe McGinn and two sisters, Caroline Jane McGinn Caplen and Sandra Cline McGinn Morrison Hill. Pat is survived by three sons, Kyle Dellinger (Nancy) of Cary, NC; John Gantt (Pete) of Port Charlotte, FL and Tom Gantt (Dee) of Blowing Rock, NC; 2 cherished grandchildren, Connor Gantt and Addie Gantt; and an abundance of well-loved nieces and nephews who span the globe. The family would like to express their appreciation to Maria Peeler, Beth and Lauren McCaslin for their support and assistance with the day to day tasks for the last several years. A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Monday, February 1, 2021 at Southside Cemetery in Newton, NC. The Rev. Joshua Sherfey will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministry, 245 East N St, Newton, NC 28658 or to First United Methodist Church, PO Box 926, Newton, NC 28658.
Services
-
Graveside Service
Monday, February 1, 2021
Memories
Patricia Ann Gantt
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCindy Caplen
February 1, 2021
Dear Kyle, John, and Tom,
Your momma was the matriarch of our extended family. Her love and kindness to all of her nieces and nephews was special. She kept us all in her prayers and always wanted to know how we were doing.
Your mom will always be my Dear Aunt Patty.
I so look forward to seeing my Aunt Patty again in the great reunion to come, together with all who have placed their trust in our Lord Jesus.
God's love and peace to you all,
Cindy
Cindy Caplen
February 1, 2021
Cindy Bensen (Jones)
February 1, 2021
Pat was one of the sweetest ladies I ever met. I recall fond memories like attending the senior prom with John and Tom escorting me in homecoming. Pat always had the kindest words in every situation. My Mom spoke to Pat on occasion and kept me informed of the Gantt family. Pat will be missed dearly! I am truly sorry for your loss..
Jean Childs
February 1, 2021
Pat called me one day and said underneath her laughter, “Jeannie, I just want you to know you’d better be careful what you pray for. I’d been thinking how I might give more time to the church, so I prayed to God to show me where I might use my talents to benefit others at the church. Lo and behold, I got a phone call from Louise Barkley awhile ago, and here’s what she said, “ ‘Pat, I’m resigning as president of United Methodist Women and I want to know if you’d like to take over as president. You’d be perfect for the job.’ “ Pat laughed and laughed and with a smile in her voice said, “How could I possibly tell Louise no? Then I told God I’ll be more careful what I pray for next time!” Pat went on to be a very effective leader in her role as president of Methodist Women, serving for several years.
The FAMILY
January 31, 2021
Peter Mccoy
January 31, 2021
Pat, (AKA) mom, had an inexhaustible supply of smiles which she graciously shared with anyone and everyone, she, by default chose to share joy and a welcoming spirit to anyone who passed through her doors, and never short of time to engage with her family or guests. And with dose of sweetness.
A soul to be marveled!
John Gantt
January 31, 2021
Whenever mom visited us in Florida, Peter would always make her a morning Cappuccino!
John Gantt
January 31, 2021
John Gantt
January 31, 2021
John Gantt
January 31, 2021
John Gantt
January 31, 2021
John Gantt
January 31, 2021
Dea (White) Hackett
January 31, 2021
I remember "Aunt Pat", fondly from my childhood in Minot, ND and Papillion, NE. Joe, Lorraine, Ronda and Dea White lived across the street from the Gantt's house in Pappillion. I was in the same grade as Kyle. Pat was a second Mom to Ronda and I. Even though it has been over 20 years since I last saw her, she will be missed. May God watch over her extended family and may they find peace in knowing that Pat touched so many lives in her lifetime.
The Family
January 30, 2021
The Family
January 30, 2021
Pat Gibson
January 30, 2021
Pat Gibson
January 30, 2021
Pat Gibson
January 30, 2021
Pat Gibson
January 30, 2021
Pat Gibson
January 30, 2021
Pat Gibson
January 30, 2021
Pat Gibson
January 30, 2021
Van Jurney
January 30, 2021
Van Jurney
January 30, 2021
Van Jurney
January 30, 2021
Van Jurney
January 30, 2021
Jenny Jurney
January 30, 2021
Tambra Inman
January 30, 2021
Tambra Inman
January 30, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
The September birthday gang.
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
The September birthday gang.
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
Nancy Dellinger
January 29, 2021
I wish I had come across these earlier. They certainly would have been included in the slideshow.
Frances Sinnett Rose
January 29, 2021
Pat was a good friend to so many of us. I loved her sincere questions which proved her true interest in you and yours. I loved her pleasing laughter. She was an attractive woman and I always admired her outfits.
Brenda Jones
January 29, 2021
With our deepest sympathy to Tom, John, Kyle and their families. Our families have known each other for many years and it hasn't been long ago that I talked with Pat and caught up with both of our families. She was such a sweet person and we always enjoyed a long conversation when we talked. I know she will be greatly missed. All of our family (Cindy - Joey - and their families)
send sympathy with thoughts and prayers for you all.
Brenda and Joe Jones
John Gantt
January 29, 2021
This will always be my most cherished memory! In her final hours she took my hand and traced into my palm with her finger (I LOVE YOU) over and over!
On Death
Kahlil Gibran - 1883-1931
Then Almitra spoke, saying, We would ask now of Death.
And he said:
You would know the secret of death.
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the heart of life?
The owl whose night-bound eyes are blind unto the day cannot unveil the mystery of light.
If you would indeed behold the spirit of death, open your heart wide unto the body of life.
For life and death are one, even as the river and the sea are one.
In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond;
And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring.
Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity.
Your fear of death is but the trembling of the shepherd when he stands before the king whose hand is to be laid upon him in honour.
Is the shepherd not joyful beneath his trembling, that he shall wear the mark of the king?
Yet is he not more mindful of his trembling?
For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.
Alice Averitt-Sanzone
January 27, 2021
I will so miss her smile and kind heart. I loved our days at NCCS. Hugs and prayers to her family. We were blessed to have her in our lives.
Brad Bollinger
January 27, 2021
I first met Pat when I was a senior in high school. As a friend of her sons, Pat was always welcoming us into her home with a smile, a good story, and genuine "Southern Hospitality". Pat's smile, and laugh, and welcoming nature will be missed by all of us who loved her.
Melinda McAlister
January 26, 2021
Pat was always so nice and knowledgeable.
She always had something nice to say.
Prayers for her family.
Melinda Gibson McAlister