GERALDINE “Gerri” LEE entered eternal rest
on August 27, 2009 at her home after an eleven year battle with
multiple myeloma. “Cookie” as she was affectionately called by
her family was born Geraldine Maria Riley in Red Bank, MS to the
late Frank Riley, Sr., and Louise Riley Mitchell on August 9,
1941. She was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in
1959 and the City University of New York with a degree in
Nursing. Gerri and her husband retired to Memphis after living
in Jamaica, N.Y. for thirty-one years. Upon returning to Memphis
she worked for the Shelby County Health Dept. at Kingsbury
Elementary until she was diagnosed with myeloma. Gerri was a
caring, compassionate person, often helping strangers and those
in need with her time, talents and treasures. She encouraged
others struggling with cancer. She was a great cook, an avid
gardener and an antique lover. Painting was a favorite hobby.
She traveled extensively throughout America, Europe, and Canada.
She was a member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, active
in the Senior Ministry when her health permitted. She possessed
a deep and abiding faith often saying “lean on the Lord”.
Gerri’s memory will be cherished by her dear husband Ernest Lee,
devoted daughter LaJuana Lee, son Jonathan Lee, daughter Tracey
Cos, son-in-law Pedro Cos and grandchildren Justyn and Melody of
Atlanta, GA. In addition her mother Louise Mitchell, sister
Bonnie Moore, brother Frank Riley, Jr. of Midlothian, VA,
brothers-in-law Jimmie Lee, Wallace Lee, and sister-in-law Debra
Lee, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. A
memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday,
September 2 at 12 noon at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church,
7786 Poplar Pike at Southern, Germantown, TN 38138.
Published in The Commercial Appeal on August
30, 2009
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