Memorial Endowment Scholarship Honors John Lee Gerstmyer
MADISON, FL (Sept. 14, 2021) - The North Florida College Foundation is honored to receive a $20,000 donation to establish the John Lee Gerstmyer Memorial Endowment. Elouise Green of Lafayette County generously established the endowment in memory of her late son, John Lee Gerstmyer. The endowment will provide scholarships for students attending North Florida College who are considering a vocation in Christian ministries and will award its first scholarship in July 2022.
John Lee Gerstmyer was born on Oct. 15, 1958 in Roanoke, Va. He was raised in Cinnaminson, N.J., but spent many happy childhood summers visiting his grandparents and cousins in his mother’s hometown of Mayo, Fla. As a young adult, John was an avid learner and stayed active in the Boy Scouts of America and numerous church camps. He was the youngest of three boys and enjoyed swimming and playing sports like football and rugby with his older brothers.
After high school, John attended a semester of college before deciding to enlist in the United States Navy. After serving his country, he returned to Rider College in New Jersey to pursue a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduating, he accepted a job with the U.S. Government and had a successful civilian career with the U.S. Army.
When John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease later in his life, he retired and moved to Lafayette County to be closer to his mother where he was an active member of Brewer Lake Baptist Church. He passed away peacefully August 10, 2017 at the age of 58.
Green reminisced that her son John was always willing to travel. Whether it was vacationing in Myrtle Beach or taking road trips to visit relatives, Green fondly remembers that he never complained and happily accompanied her on many adventures.
Although she has retired from the classroom, Green spent her career teaching elementary school and continues to invest in education. She remains active in the community through organizations like the Lafayette County Retired Teachers Association, Brewer Lake Baptist Church, Eastern Star, Lafayette Penny Foundation, and the Day Heritage Museum.
Green has also served on the NFC Foundation Board of Directors since 2001, spending over 12 of those years as Chairman of the Board.
“North Florida College and the North Florida College Foundation are very grateful to Mrs. Green for her continued support for over 20 years," said Judy Lundell, NFC Director of Resource Development. "In her tenure as an NFC Foundation Board Member, she has helped facilitate approximately 9,000 student scholarships.”
Green hopes that her son’s legacy and heart for Christian work will be honored through this scholarship and the students it will support.
For more information about scholarship and giving opportunities, contact the NFC Foundation at 850-973-9414 or [email protected].
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PHOTOS ABOVE:
Elouise Green holds a framed photo of her late son, John Lee Gerstmyer.
John Lee Gerstmyer, 1958-2017