WILLIAMSBURG — Geraldine Ellis Jackson, 89, affectionately known as “Jerry” and “Geral” by her family and friends, was born Entis Geraldine Jackson Aug. 22, 1931, to the union of the late William A. Ellis and Josephine Johns Ellis in Surry.
She was a faithful member of Williamsburg Church of Christ and the first African American to integrate the church. Geraldine loved to cook, eat and provide delicious meals for various church functions. She also hosted Christmas dinners in her home for family and friends. She did this for 59 years.
She was educated in the Surry Public School System and later graduated from Bertie’s Beauty College, receiving her cosmetology license. For a short period of time, she drove a school bus for the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
As well as cooking, Geraldine loved to crochet and sew. She was loved by everyone who knew her and always made sure that you had a chance to eat her cooking. If you were sick, she would visit you, whether you were at home, out of town or in the hospital. Her gentle, loving-kindness will forever be missed.
She leaves to cherish fond memories with her daughter, Arlene Gill (Eric-Deceased) of Los Angeles, California; sons, Daniel J. Jackson and Melvin D. Jackson, both of Williamsburg; grandchildren, Kawane Logito Jackson, Amariah Calah Jackson and Nehemiah Jackson, all of Kenniwick, Washington, Damian Dushawn Gill (Carla), Devin Tre Gill, Leila Rae Gill and Dylan Dre Gill, all of Anaheim, California, Shanika D. Jackson, of McLeansville, North Carolina, and Shanell D. Jackson-Felder (Kevin), of Baltimore, Maryland; beloved sisters, Mildred Jones (Lewis) and Queen E. Parker, both of Surry, and Cora M. Fields of Virginia Beach; sister-in-law, Minister Mary C. Ellis of Williamsburg; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Jackson may be viewed from 3 to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15, at Whiting’s Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Nov. 16, at the funeral home chapel. Due to the current health pandemic, only 50 people may be in attendance with face coverings and social distancing. Livestreaming of the service will be available. Interment will follow in the Ellis Family Cemetery, Waverly.
Share online condolences with the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
