Serina Vevang Garst

Serina Vevang Garst, 86, died in her home in Boones Mill on Thursday, May 15, 2025. Serina strongly valued education and graduated from Randolph Macon Women’s College with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. She taught kindergarten, worked as a bookkeeper on the family’s apple farm, studied to be a CPA and worked at a developmental center for disabled people in the community all while raising three kids.

When not working, Serina could usually be found with her nose in a book or mastering whatever latest activity had captured her interest – sewing, needle point, knitting, gardening, embroidery, basketweaving, yoga. She was a talented and adventurous cook – especially of summer vegetables and the fish her husband caught offshore in the Atlantic. She enjoyed travelling to other countries and immersing herself in the local history, food and culture. She played the piano and organ and sang along to all kinds of music from classical choral to Grace Slick. She loved the theater, museums, art and beautiful handmade things. Of course, she hated house cleaning and adored a room service breakfast. She researched and remembered all the family lore. She laughed often and took delight in the confusion caused by naming her daughter after herself. She will be missed.

Serina’s husband, Fred Garst, died in 2013. She is survived by her brothers, Johnny and Bill Montgomery; and her three children and their spouses, Fred and Joanna, Serina, and Carey and Kari. Serina’s amazing grandchildren include Ashleigh, Fred (Trey), Riley, Cormac, Ambrose, Ella, Nathanael and Micah. The family is grateful to all the care provided to Serina by Rachel and Donna Renick. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Boones Mill Volunteer Fire Department.

A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 21, 2025. A reception will be held following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.