Geraldine Gipson

Remembering Geraldine

 Geraldine Gipson was born to Laura (Robinson) Reed and Henry Reed on February 7, 1946, in Uniontown, Alabama. She had 4 sisters and 3 brothers. She was baptized at an early age and joined Mt. Kerry Church of Uniontown, Alabama. Geraldine (Reed) and George Gipson united together in Holy Matrimony on March 6, 1962, in Perry County, Alabama. Of this union, they were blessed with 2 beautiful children, Debra and Calvin.

Upon relocating to San Diego, California, she joined the Mount Carmel Baptist Church, under the Pastorage of the Rev. R.C. Williams Sr. in 1967. Geraldine was a faithful servant who loved to worship the Lord. She sang in the Sanctuary Choir, worked on the Nurses Board and Senior Missionary Board. Every Sunday she faithfully attended Sunday School, 11 o’clock service, 3 o’clock service and of course BTU.

For several years she was a stay at home mom.  As the children became more involved with school activities she decided to take a few classes in Nursing and General Education at the Education Culture Complex (ECC). In 1985, she decided to take the Food Handlers Test, passed and joined the Food Service Department for the San Diego Unified School District. Daily Geraldine would tell stories about children who called her Grandma because she would always praise them and give them extra food.

After serving 32 years with SDUSD Geraldine turned in her apron to stay home with her beloved husband to enjoy the retired life on July 31, 2017.  As a well-earned reward, her daughter Debra Portee hosted a Retirement party for her on September 23, 2017, at the Greater Victory Baptist Church. Thereafter Geraldine expressed the feeling of joy and happiness for weeks because she had an opportunity to spend quality time with Co-Workers, Church Members, Family and Friends

At 6:45 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2017 the Lord called his beautiful Angel home.  Geraldine leaves to cherish her sweet memories of her Husband of 55 years. The man that was her “Rock”, her “Very Best Friend”, George Gipson of San Diego, California. Her Daughter, Debra (Gipson) Portee of San Diego, California. Her son Calvin Gipson of San Diego, California. Her two sisters Ethel Reed of Uniontown, Alabama and Ora-lee Napier (Joe) of Mobile, Alabama. Her two brothers, Albert Reed of Fort Wayne, Indiana and Jess Reed (Christina) of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Two grandchildren Marcel Portee and Cameron Portee of San Diego, California.  As well as a host of Cousins, Nieces and Nephews including Christian Friends. Her love also extends to her extended loving family which consists of Sister-in-laws, Brother-in-Laws, Cousin-in-Laws, Nieces and Nephews from New York, Alabama, Indiana, Arizona, Los Angles, Washington, Chicago and Georgia.

The memory of Geraldine (Redhead, sis, Jerry, Ja-dean, Mom) will forever remain in the hearts of her husband, kids, grandkids, family, and friends.  In the words of Tracy Montgomery, “Geraldine is leaving this earth but she is released to rejoice in the heavens.” “She was someone so special and her love will never be forgotten because her life gave us memories too beautiful to forget”, (Debra Portee).