Gerald “Gerry” Niece
January 24, 1944 ~ January 22, 2022
ROCKY MOUNT - Gerald “Gerry” Niece, better known as Gerry passed on the morning of the 22nd of January at the age of 77. A husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and companion slipped from life into his eternity. Physics teaches us that energy doesn't die and Gerry was a man full of energy. His exuberance and panache for life was infectious and he carried it with him everywhere. Love endures where bodies fade. Gerry is the son of the late Thomas Niece and Beth Quinlan Niece; and is also preceded in death by his sister, April Niece.
Gerry received his Bachelor Arts Degree in Christian Education from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He retired as the Coordinator and Pastoral Counselor with Sprint Mid-Atlantic Telecom where he also created the Employee Assistance Program in 1977. Throughout his pastoral career, Gerry's efforts to assist others spread far and wide. He served on various boards, committee's both at the state and local level as well as holding a variety of memberships. Gerry served on the North Carolina Legislative Study Commission on Commitment and Release of Mentally Ill Patients, was the President of the Mental Health Association where he was honored as the "Volunteer of the Year" and was also honored by the News & Observer as the "Tarheel of the Week" He also served as the Vice President of the National Institute of Business and Industrial Chaplains, the President of the Rocky Mount Ministers Association, and Vice President of the Twin county Jaycees. He represented the North Carolina Council of Churches on a fact finding mission to both Israel and Palestine in an effort to promote peace where he met with various Israeli representatives and residents living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. He was a former member of the NAACP, Nash-Edgecombe Economic Development, Tri-County Industries for the Handicapped, Board of Directors of Opportunities Industrialization Center, and with the Council of Governments Association for the Learning Disable and Handicapped. Gerry was a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Employee Assistance Professional, and licensed instructor in Parent, Teacher and Leadership Effectiveness training. Together, he and his wife Alice were longtime members of First Presbyterian Church.
Gerry is remembered by his wife Alice Lewis Niece, his son Daniel Lewis Niece of Greenville, and his daughter Anna Grace Niece of Rocky Mount; his brothers, Tom Niece of TX and Paul Quinlan of AZ; and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Gerry's life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams officiating.
In lieu of flowers, if you feel the need to do something, please donate to Alzheimer's research or Habitat for Humanity - an organization dear to Gerry's heart.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Service
Englewood United Methodist Church
300 S. Circle Drive
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 4/9, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A Memorial Service to celebrate Gerry's life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Terry Williams officiating.
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In memory of Gerald Lawrence Niece, steve morgan lit a candle
Sorry for your loss Alice! May God bless your family!
In memory of Gerald Lawrence Niece, Paul Armstrong lit a candle
Gerald & I were first acquainted at that Dear Ole Carolina Telephone. As life takes different directions and turns, we came to meet at Hunter Hill and he still knew me too!! He still managed to hang onto some of his mischievous personality. Fly high old friend, Your task here is complete.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of Mr. Niece from Marketplace Ministry as well as years after that. He was one of the good guys.
I haven’t seen Mr. Niece in years and years but he is very dear to my heart as he helped me through a terrible time in my life during my employment with Sprint. He had so much faith in me and it helped me tremendously. As you know,, he touched the lives of so many. I am so sorry to hear of his passing and wish I could have met with him to tell him what he meant to me.
Gerald Niece will always hold a special place in my heart. He helped me through one of the toughest ordeals of my life. With his knowledge and guidance, I was able to pick myself up and continue on this journey called life. RIP dear friend and thank you.
In memory of Gerald Niece, Sandra Griffin lit a candle
Good Man; I express my sincere condolences to the Family
In memory of Gerald Niece, Sheri Murphy lit a candle
I had the pleasure of knowing Gerry while I worked with the phone company, and stayed in touch with him some after he retired. I am glad I got the chance to visit him when he was at Hunter Hill Nursing Facility. I always enjoyed talking with him and his ways of seeing things. His wisdom and counseling a group I was in at the phone company helped us out of a sticky situation. Rest In Peace as you have earned it my friend.
In memory of Gerald Niece, Kay Nirville lit a candle
Jerry Niece was one of the kindest and mostcaring person from Carolina Telephone. Prayers for the family and friends.
As a Sprint employee Gerry encouraged me through some rough spots. He officiated over the service and burial of my mother, Louise Carson. Finally and best of all he performed my wedding to Lealon P. Strickland on June 2, 2001. Thank you Rev. Niece, see you in eternity.
In the good old Carolina Telephone Co. days…I had the pleasure of knowing Rev. Gerry Niece (he was the co. Counselor). He was definitely an excellent part-time employee with the co). Rev. Niece would make the rounds and visit with all the various departments – wanted to get to know the associates and be familiar with what his position was within the co. Rev. Niece was indeed a pleasure and welcomed addition for the phone co. Back on 292018 to be exact (because I kept his e-mail) and it is worth repeating So here goes,,,Dear Lord – So far today, God, I have done alright…I have not gossiped, I have not lost my temper, I have not been Greedy, Grumpy, Nasty, Shelfish or Overindulgent,,,And, I am pretty glad about that, But in a few minutes, God…I am going to get out of bed and from then on, I am going to need a lot more help! Thank You! Amen
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Niece, Anna and Dan. Whenever I encountered Mr. Niece, he had a smile on his face. I know he was a great father and loved his kids. He would even try to pass on fatherly advice to me as a teenager, when it was needed. May he rest in peace and enjoy eternal life in heaven. Sincerely, Mike
I met Gerry when I worked for Sprint. He counseled some of my employees over the years. Personally, he impressed me with his calm demeanor, his optimism, and his work as a counselor that helped more people than he ever knew. Condolences to his wife and family. Doug Herrin Oxford NC
In memory of Gerald Niece, Georgia W Webb lit a candle
I am so sorry to hear about Gerry – such a very kind, wonderful, energetic and fun person. He was well-loved by so many at the ‘phone’ company. We still have the wedding presentpicture you two gave us in 1992 hanging in our home. He was so missed after he left – he did so many wonderful things for the peoplecompany! Please know you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Do hope we hear about the date for his memorial service – please keep everyone posted.
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family with the peace only He can give. Please accept my condolences on the passing of Mr. Niece. It was an honor to have known such a great person. I completed his class of Parent Effectiveness Training at Tarrytown Mall in 1974 and have my certificate sign by Mr. Niece. At the time I had three young sons in elementary school and I wanted to make sure I did it right. My husband died when they were in high school. All three finished college. Today I am the very proud mother of three wonderful grown-up sons with great professions and are doing well. Again it was truly an honor to be one Mr. Niece served well. God Bless
Condolences to his family.🙏🏾
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Niece. He was a wonderful person. He came down to Morehead City when I was leaving the company, just to have a chat with me. A very special person.
I am sorry for your loss. No doubt I am blessed to have know him.
Rest In Peace Cousin Jerry. I will always remember you. Now you can join and be together with family members who have passed before you. May God Bless!
I played on the softball team that Mr. Niece started around 1973, it was a fun time. Mr. Niece preformed the marriage ceremony for my wife Kathy and I. I have only very fond memories for Gerry Niece. He was a very special, unique person.
Dear Aunt Alice, Anna Grace and Daniel, wishing you some comfort in the passing of Uncle Gerry, Loved his caring ways even though we lived far apart. He always made an effort to send a letter, call and be there for special occasions. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Love Beth,
I met Gerry at Marketplace Ministry at Tarry Town mall in 1974 as did many local teens did to play a game of fooseball and socialize. From that time on he he was a friend who always stayed in touch throughout the years. He truly cared about everyone in a genuine way. I’m so glad that my wife, daughter, and even grandkids now were able to see what a truly good person is really like. He was an inspiration to so many and loved by all. Miss you already Ole buddy. You taught us well.
I’m so heartbroken right now. He’s been in my life since the 3rd grade. I remember every time we go out people look at us like we crazy but we would just hug and smile at them. He was at all my basketball games and made it to my high school graduation. He help me in so many ways and I’m so very thankful in every way. I will always love you. I just wish I could have came to visit you. You talk me to never be scared to fall or take a no. Just make sure you get a yes on the next door you open.
Robert and I are so sad to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was so upbeat and positive; I always felt good talking with him. I think he did some substitute teaching at Rocky Mount High School and that’s where he met our son Andy. We will always be grateful for how kind and friendly he was to him. Andy thought the world of him. Gerry was the rare sort of guy who made everyone around him feel good.