Geraldine Presley

Geraldine Smith Presley was a loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, educator, and friend. Born in 1929 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to G. Bert and Birdie Gray Smith, her life was shaped by three circumstances: a child of the Great Depression, a child brought up in the South, and a child raised in a Christian home.

During the Depression, Gerry’s family moved often to find better jobs. Besides Mississippi, they made homes in Louisiana and Arkansas before finally settling in San Antonio, Texas. Not long after arriving here, Gerry met the “godly man” (mother's words) of her life, Claude Presley, Jr. while attending First Baptist Church. They were married six months later. Claude and Gerry completed their family with two children who survive them: Claude (Tripp) Kirk Presley, III and wife, Jayme, and first wife Margie Presley Skaggs (John); and Priscilla Presley Fisher and husband, Michael. Gerry is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Regan Presley (Angie), Bradley Fisher (Christy), Meredith Fisher Munn (Chris), Kirk Presley, Christy Cox Robinson (Hunter), and Kelly Cox Buford(Chase). Gerry was blessed with 8 great-grandchildren: Mabry, Chase, and Presley Munn; Wesley, Audrey, and Millie Fisher; Kalaya Presley; and Chloe Buford; sister-in-law Janet S. Smith; beloved nieces and nephews: Quentin (Beth) Smith, Sherry (Brian) Eck, Shelby (David) Bordelon, and Caroline(John) Hill; Sunny(Shelton) Smith, Tim Smith, and Danny Smith; Penny(Frank) San Marco, Silvia (David) Joyce, Nancy (Ben) Cogdell, and Jack (Jackie) Stamps; Vicki (Doug) Smith and Kathi (Bob) Baublits.

Other than her parents, Gerry is predeceased by her husband, Claude; brothers G. Bert Smith, Jr. and Arthur Grey Smith; sister-in-law Helen Smith; and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Joe and Doris Sowell and Clayton and Margaret Stamps.

Influenced by the Depression years, Gerry was a determined and energetic worker. She dedicated 40 years of her life in education as a teacher, reading specialist, librarian, administrative assistant, and finally a university supervisor of student teachers. No matter what position, she gave 110%. She took a genuine interest in others and made them feel loved and accepted which contributed to their success.

Being raised in the South, Gerry brought certain influences with her. Southern colloquialisms such as “I’ll be darn”, “Let’s don’t and say we did,” “It is what it is,” and “cripes” were common in her speaking. She loved biscuits, grits, butter beans and cornbread, anything fried, and sweet tea. Gerry, the Southern girl, never left home without makeup, perfectly coiffed hair, and striking outfits complete with jewelry.

The influence of a Christian home was evident throughout Gerry’s life. She was so thankful for parents “who demonstrated unconditional love as close to God’s love as humanly possible.” She was a lifetime member of the Baptist church, and was an active volunteer wherever she was a member. She passed that Christian heritage to her own family so they, too, would believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Claude and Gerry made their home in San Antonio for most of the 50 years of their marriage. During the last couple of years they lived in Kerrville, Texas in the last home Claude built. Unfortunately, he only had one good year there, but Gerry continued to enjoy their home for five more years. At age 75, she moved back to San Antonio to be around family and medical care for issues that arose. Complications from a broken hip almost ended her life at 84 years of age. Excellent medical care from doctors including Vernon Benson, Scott Ulmer, and Caroline DeWitt; and Vitas Hospice workers, especially Jeff Joseph, and caregivers Aurora Hernandez and Darla Alston helped to restore her health. In her late 80’s, other medical issues required around the clock care. Alpha Senior Care, a small group home, was an answer to prayer, and Gerry thrived for another five years under the constant supervision of director Greg Bila; Sarah Reta, mother’s caregiver; and Vitas Hospice for a second time. We are eternally grateful to these selfless, tireless folks who dedicate their lives to the care of our precious elderly loved ones.Geraldine Presley displayed a life of determination, unending energy, and a servant’s loving heart which endeared her to family, friends, and colleagues. She has taken her place among the saints by faith through the grace of God. She will be missed by all who knew her.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

FUNERAL SERVICETHURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 202411:00 AMSHEARER HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH12615 SAN PEDRO AVE.

Dr. Keith Bruce will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Children’s Ministry of Shearer Hills Baptist Church, South Texas Children's Home Ministries (STCH), or to a charity of your choice.