Obituaries

Geraldine Josephine Harris was born in Hopkinsville, Kentucky to the late Corinne Brewer and Richard Henry Brown on November 20, 1938. On Saturday, December 28, 2024 at the age of 86, she peacefully united with both of her parents on the other side of Jordan.

At an early age Geraldine accepted Christ at First Street Baptist Church. She received her formal education from Attucks High School in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and graduated in 1956. On December 23, 1957, she was joined in holy matrimony to Richard A. Harris, Sr. and together they were blessed with eight children. Geraldine was employed by Sales Knitting Company (later Tultex) for over 30 years until her retirement in 1999; she was also employed as a certified nursing assistant for King’s Grant. Geraldine was joyful about life, her children, the love of her family and friends, and of course her “Mr. Right”! She unselfishly would do whatever she could to help those who called upon her and those who did not. She was very conscientious. She was extremely passionate about her shopping, family gatherings, catfish, ice cream, and love for gospel music, especially “My Guy” Lee Williams. She loved her church family and was a faithful and loyal member of New Light Missionary Baptist Church. At New Light, she served as a Deaconess, on the Usher Board, Culinary Committee, and a faithful member of the Adult Choir and Parkway Summit Community Choir until her health began to decline.

One of Geraldine’s favorite scriptures was 1 Thessalonians 4:14-13 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”

Geraldine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Richard, her daughter Glenda Faye Peeler, her son, Michael Harris, her two brothers, David Eugene (Geno) Brown, James Richard (Hip) Brown, and many other friends and loved ones.

Her memory lives in the hearts of her loving children. Son, Richard A. (Sabrina), Harris, Jr. Martinsville, VA; daughter, Wanda Early, Columbia, MD; daughter, LaDonna (Greg) Perkins, Axton, VA; son, Donald (Teresa) Harris, Martinsville, VA; daughter, Stella Diane (Reed) Penn; Martinsville, VA; son, Johnny Harris, Columbia, MD. Mourning, but also celebrating her life are her 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. She also leaves her devoted and longtime friends from “Providence Lane”, Elaine Foster, Lloyd Penn, Mary “Odell” Herford, Mattie Taylor, Cynthia Gravely, Ann Scales, Abe Draper and Evelyn Moss to celebrate her life.

When the time of her departure was at hand, she fought the good fight, she finished her course, and she kept the faith. God, in His infinite wisdom, dispatched an Angel from Heaven whispering these words, “Come unto me my beloved one and I will give you rest”. She would often say “I have made preparations and I’m ready.”

In Appreciation

The family of Geraldine Josephine Harris would like to express our deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for the flowers, food, calls, cards and the outpouring of love and support that was given to us, and the prayers that were petitioned during the transition of our mother. We are most grateful for the gift of love from family and friends. Your prayers and expressions of love have given us strength.

Leviticus 19:18 teaches us that “You shall love your neighbor as yourself”, with this spirit of love, special gratitude goes out to family and friends that provided care for our beloved mother; especially Geraldine’s beautiful, committed and sweet children, the Pastor Vance Hairston and the New Light Baptist Church; her ever-faithful neighbors; Annie Penn Hospital; and Collins Funeral Home. Thank You!

May God continue to smile upon you and bless each and every one of you now and forever.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, January 3, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Collins Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Hwy, Bassett, VA with a visitation prior to the service from 12:30 to 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the Harris Family Cemetery.