GERALDINE CLARK PIPKINS

On Wednesday, December 25, 1929 Geraldine Clark Pipkins became the fifth of nine children born to the
late Willie James and Geneva Clark in San Diego, California. Born on Christmas Day, and often referred to
as a “Christmas Angel” by those who knew her well; at 92 years of life she was called home on July 25, 2022.
Ms. Geraldine Pipkins was born and raised in San Diego California. She attended the Logan Elementary
and Memorial Junior High Schools, graduating in 1948 from San Diego High School. Her musical talent
was recognized at an early age. Even before graduating from High School she was musically known at her
local church Logan Temple A.M.E. Zion and San Diego High School having served as accompanist at both
locations as a teenager. In high school as a member of the well-known San Diego High School Concert Choir,
she was often called upon to play during class rehearsals. As a result of her being the rehearsal accompanist
along with a discussion between the director of the choir and her mother, Geneva Clark, Ms. Geraldine
Pipkins was the first African American to accompany the choir in public, paving the way for her baby sister,
Fannie Scott, who attended the same high school and was a member of the same choir with the same director
fifteen years later.  Ms. Pipkins also earned her degree in music from San Diego State College.
For Ms. Geraldine Pipkins, music was her life with the majority of her years spent in San Diego. A few of her
music accompanist achievements are twenty-one years with the San Diego Civic Youth Ballet; thirteen years
with the California Ballet Company, with special appearances in The San Diego Starlight Opera, Stage 7,
San Diego Junior Theater and a guest spot on the ABC television show, The New Love American Style. Along
with her long roster of privately taught music students, she also taught music to the young minds of
elementary students during her tenure as the music instructor at Oak Park Elementary School. Music was
not just her secular and non-spiritual life, but it was also her connection with God. For over thirty years she
served as accompanist and/or choir director for St. Paul United Methodist Church, Logan Temple A.M.E.
Zion Church, Prince Chapel by The Sea A.M.E. Church, St. Matthews Episcopal Church and others in

various San Diego Counties. Her words were that her relationship with God was through her music and her
fingers were her voice.
She was a longtime, active member of IONE Chapter #58, order of the Eastern Star serving twice as Worthy
Matron. Ms. Pipkins also participated in and held membership in the National Association of Negro
Musicians and the National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women’s Club.
Many hearts are left heavy with the loss of this beautiful mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and
friend.  She is survived by her three children John Arthur Pipkins Jr, James Aaron Pipkins and Pamela Azmi-
Andrew. Three sisters, Virginia Jean McDonald, Essie Bowers and Fannie C. Scott (Cornelius). Three
grandchildren Mañe Rich Andrew, Collette Pipkins and Melissa Lee Neofotis (Christopher).
Six great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

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