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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So blessed to have spent so many nights on stage with you and Andi. You will be missed by all who knew and loved you. I can only hope to one day hear the beautiful music you two must be making now. Til we meet again…❤️ Von
Oh Gina how I miss you so you were such a good friend to so many people especially me and Andy. When I first met Andy it was by a fluke she was filling in for someone else someone else's band for my grand opening of my salon it was something about her I just couldn't stop staring at her and I told my mother she's going to be in my life forever and my mother said you're right there was something special about her. 2 years later we were living together about 10 years in she started telling me stories about you and her playing at the White horse inn lounge I said I was there sitting at a…
Ahh, Gina, thank you for allowing me to go back to my days of youth by the music you played. I forgot my age and only had to hear the beat of your drums, the sound of your voice and I would jump to the dance floor and dance and dance and dance. It was one of the nicest gift any one ever gave me. You, dear Gina made it magical, made me feel young and brought back all the good memories. You were loved and you will be missed... Don't forget us...we will not forget you..
Gina,
Its hard to believe that we first met in 1974 and that two years later I had the privilege of playing in different bands with you throughout the years. I was even more privileged to call you my friend. All these years I’ve respected you as a musician and loved you as my friend. It’s still so hard to accept you’re gone, but you have filled my mind and heart with so many memories that I’ll continue to hold close. You’ve fought a hard battle my friend, rest now. Tell Andi, Barbara Dee, Chris and those other musicians hi and what a sound you all must be making for God now!!!!I love you my sweet friend.
Willi
Gina,
Thank you for the beautiful music and the late night breakfasts and your sense of humor but most of all thank you for your friendship. You will be missed. God bless you my friend.