August 12, 2021
Gina was born on October 31st in Nashville, Tennessee to Homer and Johnnyee Salyer. It would seem that from the start, she was destined to live a life of music. Gina had an unwavering passion for life and insisted on living it to the fullest. She knew what she wanted to accomplish and didn't let any obstacles prevent her from realizing her dreams. Through perseverance and hard work, she succeeded.
When Gina was 14 years old, she got her first set of drums for Christmas. She taught herself by listening and practicing to Wipe-Out, wearing out several copies of the record and her neighbors' nerves. Her perseverance, however, made her an accomplished drummer whose skills on the drums were respected and praised by musical celebrities and peers alike. But Gina wasn't satisfied with just playing music, she wanted to sing. When she was approached by several producers to record, she jumped at the opportunity. This resulted in records and several CD's. To her surprise, she hit the charts in the US and reached #1 on the international music charts. Gina felt that her talent was God-given and it was her responsibility to share that gift with others. She loved watching as people danced and enjoyed her music and during band breaks, you could see Gina walking to tables - talking, listening, and laughing with the folks who came to hear her music.
Gina was a people person. She wanted to help wherever and whenever there was a need. She volunteered as an EMT, and after completing firefighter school, she became a volunteer for the Jacobstown Fire Company. In addition, she performed with various bands at many benefits.
Gina was passionate about animal rights and their treatment and wellbeing. She volunteered at various animal shelters and private rescues. Animals that came to her door would invariably become family. One of her greatest joys was working with the wolves while volunteering at Howling Woods Farm.
Those of us who were lucky enough to have known Gina will remember her ability to make others feel special. She was an outstanding woman with an insatiable appetite for life. A woman with a beautiful spirit who gave so much to others. Gina left a legacy through her music, her love of animals, and her loyalty and love for her family and friends. She will be sadly missed but always loved. And as she wished, people will remember her for her music but more than that, she will be remembered because she was Gina.
A time to gather and remember Gina will be held on Friday, August 20, 2021 from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Home, 2141 South Broad Street, Hamilton. A prayer service will begin at 12:00pm. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Gina's name to the Howling Woods Farm, 1371 West Veterans Highway, Jackson, NJ 08527 or Tabby' Place, 1100 US Highway 202, Ringoes, Nj 08551.
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