Mr. Jerry Avant 39 formerly of Rockingham N.C died Sunday, March 29, 2009 in Carthage N.C as a result of injuries sustained in the tragedy at Pinelake Healthcare and Rehabilatation Center.
  Jerry was born in South Korea on November 5, 1969, to Jerry W. Avant and the late Yon Suk Yi. He graduated from Richmond Senior High School in 1988, and served in the United States Coast Guard for 10 years following graduation. Commited to helping others, he graduated from Sandhills Community College with a degree in nursing and was an LPN at Pinelake Healthcare and Rehabilatation center, and had just finished his course of study and was preparing to take his board exams to become a Registered Nurse. He attended Cornerstone Baptist Church.
  He gave his life in the protection of others, and his heroism leaves both a great since of pride and saddness in all those who knew him and loved him.
Jerry is survived by his fiance' Jill Degarmo of Carthage; his father Jerry W Avant of Rockingham; his paternal grandmother, Evelyn Avantof Rockingham; a sister Frances Greene of Rockingham; a nephew Joshua Greene of Rockingham; three nieces, Britany Birdsong, Kailee Birdsong, and Peyton Greene all of Rockingham.
  Our family was so blessed to have had Jerry Lee as a son, grandson, brother,uncle and cousin. To me and I'm sure to many others he is the epitome of selflessness and bravery. He has been and will always be an inspiration to me. I know his life was cut short and we don't understand why things like this happen, and the grief is painful and overwhelming at times, but God is present. I know my brother walked with God and God walked with my brother on that day. The peace and comfort I have is the peace that only God can give . A peace that passeth all understanding. I know Jerry Lee is in Heaven and I know he would want for us to go forth in life with joy and happiness and to cherish the good times and fond memories we have of him. I try not to dwell on the terrible loss we suffered. Instead, I hope his heroism will always be remembered. I would also like to take this oppotunity to thank those who reached out to our family with cards, flowers, donations in his honer to ST. Jude's Children Research Hospital and most of all for the outpouring of kindness, thoughtfulness and prayers.