Geraldine Ann Brown

Geraldine Ann Brown, born on September 16, 1930, in Knoxville, Tennessee, was a remarkable woman whose life was a testament to love, faith, and family. She was the fifth of nine children born to Cora Winston and Wilkerson Day, raised in a close-knit and deeply devout Christian family in the Seventh Day Adventist tradition. Under the guidance of the family patriarch, the Reverend William Winston and his wife, her world was infused with a profound love for holy scripture and Christianity.

Geraldine's educational journey took her from Atlanta, Georgia, to Charleston, South Carolina, where she attended the renowned Avery Normal Institute alongside her siblings. After her graduation, she pursued higher education at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, the only HBCU owned and operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

In her youth, Geraldine possessed an hourglass figure, with naturally curly light brown hair and stunning green eyes. Despite her petite stature at 5'2", she exuded a commanding presence. She insisted on being addressed as Mrs. Geraldine Brown and held unwavering respect for her name and title.

Geraldine cherished family gatherings in their spacious two-story home, often hosting her sisters, Dorothy, Christine, and Alfreda, from California. These gatherings were filled with laughter, shared stories, and delicious meals, prepared by her expert culinary hands.

Her heart overflowed with generosity and love, especially for babies and young children. She would lovingly care for infants, read nursery rhymes, and nurse sick children back to health. She took immense pride in her grandchildren and witnessed their growth into responsible adults.

Her love for Christmas was unparalleled, as she adorned their home with a majestic Christmas tree and created festive banquets, sharing joy and love with her family.

Geraldine was a renowned master chef, treating her family to meticulously prepared meals that included two vegetables, a meat, rice, potatoes, or macaroni, and delectable desserts. Holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day were celebrated with backyard barbecues, showcasing her culinary gift.

While she demanded respect, she was fair and expected her children to maintain decorum. Mom was known for delivering swift backhand smacks to those who crossed boundaries.

Geraldine cherished her lifelong friendship with Pocahontas Allain, their adventures and shared laughter a testament to their bond. She also found dear friends among her neighbors, Connie Williams and Margaret Davis, who remained close over the years.

Her love for phone conversations was legendary, and she often extended the telephone cord through the house, cooking while talking with loved ones and friends.

Throughout her life, Geraldine maintained a fervent prayer life, seeking solace and guidance in her unwavering faith. She encouraged her children to turn to prayer in times of need, and her prayers were known to be strong and effective.

Her attention to detail was evident in her shopping trips, her penmanship, and her meticulous decorations. She dressed elegantly in soft shades of lavender, green, beige, or blue, demonstrating her impeccable taste.

Geraldine was a competitive spirit on the streets of Los Angeles, navigating the city with speed and determination, leaving Corvettes and Porsches in her wake.

Above all, her greatest love was for her family, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She prayed for their well-being and supported them through life's challenges.

Her love story with Oliver, her husband, was one of genuine, romantic and unconditional love. Together, they nurtured generations of family, friends, and neighbors with their wisdom and affection.

Geraldine Ann Brown is preceded in death by her husband Oliver, daughter Beverly, and son Mark. She is survived by her children and their spouses, James (Karin), Rork (Zonnia), Peter (Julie), and Shelise (Mike), along with 17 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Joe (Cheryl) and sisters, Christine and Alfreda, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

Geraldine's legacy of love, faith, and family will forever remain in our hearts. She was a beacon of strength, grace, and devotion. May she rest in eternal peace.