Geraldine J Blakey

Geraldine Johnson Blakey was born on March 16, 1932 in Macon, Noxubee County, Mississippi. That day, Janie Reberda Allen and Grant Johnson brought a blessing into the world, an only child, who would be steadfast in learning and service to others.

When Geraldine was two years old, she and her mom moved from Macon to Chicago. It was in Chicago at Forestrille Elementary School and Du Sable High School Geraldine received her formal education and developed the desire to learn and to serve.

Service for her began at Forestville where she received recognition for serving as room monitor and later at DuSable where she received Sum Cum Laude recognition for singing in the school chorus. Throughout her adult life Geraldine continued to seek education in what she read, the television programs she watched, and the classes she took. She always sought knowledge whether for her daily life, her business, or her discussions with others. Whatever she decided to pursue, she was steadfast in it until it was accomplished.

During her school years, Geraldine also had recreational pursuits. She loved to sing, dance, and roller-skate and throughout her life she loved all kinds of music.

After graduating from high school in January of 1950, Geraldine became employed with the Department of Agriculture. After that, she worked for the National Relations Board and then Continental National American Group Insurance (C.N.A.). It was with C.N.A she spent thirty-two plus years. While there, she took advantage of their continuing education program. Doing so helped her career to advance. At C.N.A., she worked as a pension specialist, supervisor for group pension, and retirement analyst.

About ten years after graduating, Geraldine met her husband to be. On April 15, 1960 at the age of twenty-eight, Geraldine Johnson married Ralph Blakey. They made their home in Chicago until C.N.A. had other plans for her. She was asked to leave her fifty years in Chicago behind and move to Nashville, Tennessee. There she trained workers for their new office and served as a retirement analyst until her retirement.

In Nashville, God called Geraldine to serve in another way. She and Ralph raised eight children, his three sons from a previous marriage: John, Paul, and Ralph K.; their two:

Reginald and Ryan; and three adopted daughters: Lisa, Betty, and Amanda.

Not only did Geraldine seek business and everyday knowledge, she also sought religious knowledge. She attended Sunday school as a child. As a married adult, she completed a number of courses from the Johnnie Coleman Institute and became a member of Christ Unity Center in Chicago. In Nashville, seeking information on how to raise the children, she received instruction in the Mormon religion and became a member of the Cumberland branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

When she could no longer drive, she attended the Generation Changers Church in her neighborhood. As a Christian, Geraldine always sought to know more about religion.

She could be found watching religious programing on many occasions.

Even in retirement, she continued to be a blessing. She gave her service as a volunteer at the Summit Hospital.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Blakey; father, Grant Johnson; mother, Janie Allen Fant; son, John Blakey; uncles: Earl Johnson, Howard Poindexter, Curtis Bush, William Allen, and Fred Harlan; and aunts: Grace Johnson, Isabell Allen Poindexter, Susie B. Allen Bush, Lady Bea Allen, Essie McIver Harlan, and Inla B.

Harlan Bland.

Geraldine leaves to cherish her memory her children: Ralph, Gillette (Paul), Reginald, Ryan, and Amanda Blakey, Lisa Foutche, and Betty Peterson; Nine grandchildren: Mash, Jaylen, Ratheal Reuben, Sophie Evelyn, D'Marcos Angelo, Boshie Inia, Gerri Li, Asia Marie, and Eric; and many cousins and friends. She was a devoted daughter, wife, niece, mother, grandmother, and friend. Geraldine Johnson Blakey will be greatly missed.

A graveside service for Geraldine will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 600 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37211.