In loving memory of our Beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Sister-in-Law and Aunt. It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that we bid an earthly farewell to our beloved Nancy Marie Farmer-Gerke. We honor the life of Nancy Marie Farmer-Gerke who passed away on November 12, 2025, at the Hospice Center of Raleigh after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Nancy lived a life of love, laughter, traveling, and adventure and even while on this journey, she did not allow cancer to keep her from doing the things she loved or defining who she was.

Nancy was born on July 9, 1962, to the “late” James Charles Clegg and the “late” Laverne “Sissy” Clegg both of Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was educated in the Atlantic City School System and worked for Battelle Memorial Institute as a subcontract and purchasing professional for 22 years. After leaving Mays Landing, New Jersey, she, and her husband relocated to Goldston, North Carolina where she would continue her zest for new experiences and more adventures.

Nancy was a devoted wife, friend, companion, and travel partner to her husband John Gerke for 15 years and a loving and supportive mother to her only son Elliott Vincent Farmer, Jr. who was her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She was extremely proud of Elliott and the man he had become. The two of them shared a special bond which was unbreakable. Family was the heart of who she was, and she poured her love into those she held dear.

Nancy loved her five siblings and shared a special relationship with each of them; Charles (whom she called Otis), Joyce, Gloria, Linda, and William (whom she called Will). Together the five of them created a tapestry of memories that stretched across their childhood days on Magellan Avenue into adulthood and every season in between. Cherishing their time together as the oldest of the six, she understood her role as their first friend, a protective big sister, and a guiding voice when life became challenging. She loved them dearly and they loved her. Nancy also had many dear friends that she remained in close contact with and they too held a special place in her heart.

Although her battle was tough, Nancy was tougher as she refused to allow cancer to take away her zest for life; therefore, she continued to enjoy new adventures and learn new things such as fly fishing and teaching herself to crochet blankets. She also enjoyed exercising with her exercise group and dancing. Nancy was courageous, resilient, and an inspiration to all those who knew and loved her. While her journey had its share of pain, her story was that of strength, grace, and a heart that deeply loved her family and friends.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband and constant companion John Gerke of the home, her cherished son Elliott Vincent Farmer, Jr. (Houston, TX), her first “friends” her five siblings Charles (Elaine) of Sanford, NC, Joyce Clegg (Franklinville, NJ), Gloria Clegg (Atlantic City, NJ), Linda Clegg (Atlantic City, NJ), and William (Will) Clegg of Atlantic City, NJ); a special uncle (Uncle James Clegg), a host of nieces and great nieces,  nephews and great nephews, cousins, and extended family members and friends who will carry her memory and words of wisdom in their hearts forever.

Though our hearts are very heavy and we will miss you dearly, we find comfort in knowing you are now free from pain and welcomed into our God’s eternal rest. Your laughter, love, and voice of wisdom will forever remain with all of those you touched, and you will forever be in our hearts. We love you and will forever miss you, our dear sweet (Nancy, Nance, Nan, Aunt Nancy, Nancy-Grace). Until we meet again, your family and friends.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to service the Farmer family.