Geraldine White

On Monday, June 16,2014 at 10 am, in Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, Gearldine transitioned from earth to her heavenly reward, surrounded by her loving family. Gearldine was the oldest child and daughter of the Late Solomon J. West and MaeGertha Riddick West, born on February 18, 1946 in Southampton County, Va. She was raised in Pughsville, Suffolk, Virginia and attended Suffolk Public Schools. Gearldine met and later married Moses Smith (deceased) and from this union was born two sons. After moving to New Haven, Connecticut, she worked for Jimmy White Cleaners in New Haven, CT, where she met Alvin White and they were later married; from this union were born two sons. After returning to Portsmouth, VA, Gearldine worked at the Gwaltney Plant in Portsmouth, VA and remained there until her health began to fail. Gearldine held past memberships in Pleasant Grove United Holiness Church in Suffolk, VA and Gospel Light United Holiness Church in Newport News, VA. Gearldine loved to read the Bible and quote scriptures; she was truly a child of God. Gearldine was a no nonsense woman that told you exactly what was on her mind. She didn't beat around the bush and would tell you exactly where she stood on an issue. She was fondly called "Grandma and Auntie Gearldine" by the neighborhood kids and adults, up and down Jefferson Street and didn't have to know you to counselor give advice. She would feed anybody and opened her home to the homeless if she saw the need. She was an excellent cook and her family especially raved over her homemade biscuits and fry bread; just to name a few of many delectable dishes. She never had a loss for words; her favorite quote was, "TELL IT TO THE GOOD OLD GEARLDINE" Besides her parents, Gearldine was predeceased by a son; Afton Scott Smith, Sr. Three sisters; Margaret M. West Thomas, Jessie Lee West and Mary V. Brooks, and a brother, Norris E. West, her father in law,James "Jimmy" White Sr, and brother-in-law, Richard L. Veal Sr. Gearldine leaves to cherish her memory, her Devoted and Loving husband, Alvin White Sr, three sons, Moses Jerald Smith Sr, Alvin White Jr, and Eric V. White, a special adopted son, Shannon "Sope" Watson, four grandaughters; Latrice McCoy, Tiana Ellis, Atiya Hardy and Danaeya White; six grandsons; Moses Jerald Smith Jr, Quacy Devon Smith, Brandon Jeral Herring, Afton Quontez Hardy, Afton S.(Scottie) Smith, Jr and Almonia White, and five great-grandchildren; Sekyra Baker, Skylar Baker, Quontez Hardy, ZyMir Hardy and Nakiyah Bennett. Two sisters, Ethel Mae W. Veal, and Willie Mae West, mother-in-law Mrs. Mildred White, sister-in-laws; Barbara Anderson and Jacqueline Smith, brothers-in-laws; James White Jr, Josephine White and Ronald White. Gearldine also leaves a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends, especially Ms. Eloise Baysmore ... whom Gearldine held in high esteem. She will be missed ... but never forgotten; HER LEGACY will live in us all.

Geraldine White

February 18, 1946 - June 16, 2014