Christine Williamson Gantt

Christine Williamson Gantt, of Charlotte, passed away on February 8, 2023, at the age of 91. Born on August 5, 1931, to the late Ludie Virginia Fulghum Williamson and Stephen Anderson Williamson, Christine grew up as the middle child of three girls in the Wilson County farming community of Rock Ridge. She spent most of her working life teaching and raising her family in Greenville, NC. Following over 30 years as an educator, Christine retired to Charlotte and spent the last few decades of life there. Christine's upbringing on a depression era farm, led by a father who had polio, taught her the value of hard work, a quality that characterized her life. She was fond of saying "Do your best." She was valedictorian of her high school; graduated three years later from Atlantic Christian College with double majors in English and Math; and later received her master's degree from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Following graduation, Christine considered careers in journalism, education and even the travel industry (flight attendant). But her love of children was undeniably the foundation of her life. It was in a 1955 registration line at ECU that Christine met the love of her life, Bob Gantt. They married a year later and spent their early years together in Chapel Hill and Albemarle. In 1962 they returned to the site of their early love, Greenville, where they worked and raised their three children. Christine became an extraordinary math teacher. At Rose High School in Greenville, NC, she served as chairman of the Math Department and as President of the Pitt County Delta Kappa Gamma educator's society. She loved teaching and guiding both students and fellow teachers with a warm and playful manner, while still setting high standards for herself and her students. She believed that all children, regardless of ability, could learn to love math, and her enthusiasm was contagious. Her talent as an educator was recognized both through grants (NC Model School Grant in Math & Science; Burroughs Wellcome donation to Rose Math Department) and individual awards. She received the Governor's Award in Education twice and was state award winner for the Presidential Awards Program for Excellence in Mathematics Teaching. In 1993, the NC Council of Teachers of Mathematics presented Christine with the W.W. Rankin Award, the highest honor it can bestow upon an individual at any educational level. Outside the world of teaching, Christine enjoyed books, music, camping and games. Weekly trips to the library and family sports events were constants in the lives of her children. She participated in bridge and book clubs; served on Pitt County's Library Board; and supported her children through baseball, ballet, swimming, track, tennis and piano. She enjoyed many family racquetball excursions with children and grandchildren. As empty nesters, Christine and Bob enjoyed time at the NC beach and in the mountains, although Christine was never so reckless as to follow Bob down the ski slopes. In retirement the couple took up golf at Charlotte's Raintree Country Club, where Christine's determination and consistency helped her to become an accomplished golfer. As Bob would say, she wore out the golf ball long before she would lose it. She stayed active mentally by reading, doing puzzles and, at the request of a former student, she served on the Mecklenburg County Board for the NC State Employees' Credit Union. Following Bob's passing, Christine enjoyed walks in her Raintree neighborhood; watching sports (football, basketball and hockey); music; and phone calls with her sisters and long-time friends. She was blessed with the love of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Even as dementia took its toll, her hazel eyes lit up when surrounded by children or singing a well-loved song. Throughout Christine's life, she faithfully practiced her Christian beliefs. She was an active member of Saint James United Methodist Church in Greenville for decades. Later in life she became a member of the Episcopal Church, joining Saint Paul's Episcopal in Greenville and Saint John's Episcopal in Charlotte. As her Alzheimer's progressed, she accompanied her family in services at Christ Lutheran Church in Charlotte. Christine is survived by her three children, Lynn Gantt Davis (Scott), Janet Gantt Locke (Ed) and Robert Baxter Gantt, Jr. (Joanne); by grandchildren Rob (Lila), Sarah (Grant), Elizabeth, Paige (Alistair) and Thomas (Brittan); and by great-grandchildren Everett, Niki, Martin, Blake and Riley. She is also survived by sister, Doris Lee Boyette, and sister-in-law, Bettie Gantt Jordan, along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bob, and sister, Joyce. The family would like to recognize the dedicated attention of Mecklenburg neurologist, Anita Wu, who provided guidance and support for over a decade of Christine's dementia journey. The family would also like to recognize Revived Senior Living in Mint Hill. Under the leadership of Daniel, the caregivers there provided loving attentive care, bringing joy to Christine during her final months. Finally, the family is forever grateful for the loving friendship of fellow teachers Ellen Hilgoe and Ginny Jones, whose phone calls, visits, letters and support were endless. Family services honoring Christine will be held at Sharon Memorial Park and Christ Lutheran Church.