Obituary
Gelmia Wrenn, age 63, passed away at Duke Hospital on Friday, August 18, 2023 surrounded by family. Born March 22, 1960 in Person County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Chandler Wrenn and Shrefia “Ricky” Wrenn. Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents, was her youngest brother Chris C. Wrenn. She is survived by her brother Craig Wrenn and wife, Tracey, her sister-in-law Linda Wrenn, her nieces Madison Wrenn Johnson (Jeff) and Chelsea Wrenn Oakley (Adam), her great-nephews Shepp Johnson and Wrenn Oakley, a great-niece Chandler Rowe Johnson, many close cousins, friends, and her devoted canine companions, Max and Jax, all of Roxboro. Her family also wishes to recognize the help and friendship of her neighbors Jerryl Stewart and the late Tyrone Winstead.



A lifelong Roxboro native, Gelmia was a 1978 graduate of Person High School and a member at Grace United Methodist Church. She spent the majority of her working career in the Duke University Health System as a pharmacy technician and clinical trials assistant. Growing up, she had a passion and real talent for dance - as both a student and later an instructor at Nina’s School of Dance in Roxboro and Durham. She also put her talents to use as a performer in several renditions of the Red Stocking Revue.

Gelmia was always very close with her family, and they enjoyed many dear traditions together. Foremost was the annual Christmas cooking day with her mother, brother Chris, sister-in-law Linda, and nieces Madison and Chelsea, where they’d spend hours cooking delicious Christmas goodies and enjoying each others’ company in preparation for Christmas Eve festivities. Her nieces fondly remember how animated and enthusiatic she’d be while reading them books as children - she was a voice talent that rivalled Jim Carrey. She also enjoyed frequent getaways with them to their cabins at Buggs Island. Many a wild party was held at the cabins, and Gelmia was often the self-designated bartender. Her drinks were terrible, and it was revealed years later that she’d triple the amount of alcohol called for in the recipe. No one was surprised. Gelmia had a style all her own and never left the house unless her accessories were accessorized. She loved jewelry - the more colorful, the better - and enjoyed attending jewelry shows and making her own jewelry, especially with her mother. She also had a love for animals and always had pets - including a Polish Lowland Sheepdog named Gracie, a cat named Louie, and her beloved Maltese brothers, Max and Jax.



In short, Gelmia loved her family and a good time, and was blessed to have never had one without the other.



A memorial service will be held Monday, August 21st at 3:00 PM in the Brooks & White Chapel. Her family will receive friends at the Chapel at 2:00 PM before the service. Friends can also visit the family at the home of Jeff and Madison Johnson at 639 Noah Davis Road in Roxboro.



In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Person County Meals on Wheels America, P.O. Box 764, Roxboro, NC 27573 and the Person County Animal Shelter, 2103 Chub Lake Road, Roxboro, NC 27574.

https://www.brooksandwhite.com/obituaries/obituary-listings