Geraldine Perry's Obituary
On October 2nd, 2020, Geraldine completed her earthly journey and passed at her home surrounded by her family.
Geraldine was born on January 25th, 1934, in Brownsville, Tennessee, to Fred and Geneva Tyus, she was the third of 11 brothers and sisters and was the first sibling to move from the farms of Tennessee to the factories and corn fields of Decatur, Illinois. Having a love for adventure, “Geraldine loved to travel!” After leaving Tennessee at 19, she traveled to Topeka, KS, Chicago, Illinois and eventually to Wichita Falls, Texas.
At Shepard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, Texas, Geraldine met Ernest Perry and they married on July 22nd, 1959. She continued her travels, this time traveling overseas to the Philippine Islands and Hong Kong.
Geraldine learned to bowl in the Philippines and joined the Air Force Wive’s bowling league and quickly became a very good bowler and began winning individual and team trophies.
Geraldine and Ernest returned to the United States and were stationed at Lackland, AFB in San Antonio, Texas where she became one of the first African American waitresses at the Lackland AFB, Non-Commissioned Officers Club. It was also during this time that she and Ernest decided to adopt children. On a league bowling night, while bowling a perfect game, she received a call that a baby boy was needing a family. Geraldine would share with her sons later in life, that she was so excited that she never did finish the Perfect Game. On January 16th, 1965, Geraldine became “Mama,” to a baby boy that she named Darius. On February 4th, 1966, Geraldine became,” Mama,” to a second baby boy and named him Terence. Geraldine Perry will forever be, Mama! We could not have asked God for a better mother, our mama mean’s the world to us and we are forever grateful to her and all of our uncles, aunts and cousins. Mama, often said, “Love and Family go together, you cannot have one, without the other.”
Geraldine returned to Decatur, Illinois in 1969 where she was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company for nearly 30 years. Over the years, she was a strong advocate for her community and was recognized by the Coalition of Neighborhood Organizations, as an Outstanding Volunteer in 2000. Geraldine was also a dedicated and faithful member of Trinity CME for over 45 years.
Geraldine was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer in December 2019 and shared with her friends and family that she was on her final journey and that she lived a good life for 86 years. As the illness progressed, she continued to share that she is content with however many days the Lord allows her to walk on this earth.
Geraldine is survived by her sons, Darius and Terence Perry, granddaughter’s Darice Perry, Leticia Santiago, Whitney Perry, grandson’s D’Anthony Lardge, Darius M. Perry, and Raul Ontiveros, great granddaughters Amari Santiago, Serina Delgado, Aliayah Perry, great grandson’s Jayden Perry, Zayen Perry, Isaiah Santiago, Kayden Perry, and Carter Lardge. Also surviving Geraldine are; Fred Tyus (Virginia Tyus), Ardelia Jelks (Deceased Paul Jelks), John Tyus, Hildred Tyus (Jessie Tyus), Jerome Tyus (Gloria Tyus), Celeste Rucker, and Edna Mae Wilder (Gene Autry Wilder). Geraldine also has 32 nieces and nephews their children. Her father (Fred Tyus) and Mother (Geneva Evans), brothers, (William Tyus) and (Curt Tyus), preceded her in death.
Homegoing services to celebrate Geraldine’s life will be held at 12noon on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Decatur. Visitation will be one hour prior to her homegoing services at the funeral home. Geraldine’s Earthly remains will be entombed at Star of Hope Mausoleum, Graceland Cemetery. CDC guidelines will be followed, and masks will be required for those in attendance. To view a live stream of the service, please copy and paste the following link into your web browser: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/38114.
The family of Geraldine Perry has entrusted Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, Decatur, IL with her funeral arrangements. Please view her obituary, and share memories and condolences at www.gracelandfairlawn.com
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