Geraldine E. Fowlkes

As the youngest of four, Gerry was born on June 2, 1934 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Joseph H. Funn and Lucille Amanda Robinson Funn Dixon. She learned at a very early age to worship her lord and savior.

After graduating from Frederick Douglas High School, Gerry attended Morgan State (College) University. While attending Morgan she met the love of her life, Walter Edwin Fowlkes. She later transferred from Morgan to Coppin State (College) University to pursue her second love, early child hood education.

Walter and Gerry were joined in holy matrimony on a very hot August 22, 1959. From this union, their son, the late Walter M. Fowlkes III, “Chipper,” was born. On August 22, 2009, Walter and Gerry celebrated their 50th Golden Anniversary by renewing their love and commitment for one another.

Like her mom and older sister, Gerry had a fulfilling career serving our youth as an educator for 38 years as a servant leader. The first 10 years of her tenure were spent teaching kindergarten and first grade in Baltimore. Followed by 28 years with Montgomery County Public Schools in a variety of positions from first grade teacher, teacher specialist in reading/language arts, assistant principal, before retiring as principal of Rosemary Hills Elementary School in 1998.

Walter and Gerry are representative of volunteers who have impacted their community in a loving and giving way. As parents of an adult child with disabilities, they have devoted their lives to ensuring that there are services and programs for these important individuals. They were nominated and served as board members for We Achieve, formerly CHI Centers (Center for the Handicapped, Inc.).

Other civic, community, social and cultural organizations where Gerry held roles in leadership include, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; National Silhouettes of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Walter and Gerry enjoyed competitive games. As avid bridge players, and members of The Holidays, Incorporated, they traveled across the country to play in Bridge tournaments. Walter and Gerry both loved to travel around the world.

Gerry was preceded in death by her husband and son. Gerry leaves to cherish her memory; one sister Joyce V. Tutman; two sisters-in-laws, Lillian ”Mickey” G. Person, Katherine Fowlkes; and one brother in law, Charles R. “Billy” Fowlkes, a niece Brenda Reeves; a nephews Marc Holmes; a devoted great-niece, Rosalind Logan Jones (Dante); a great-nephew Brian Logan; and a host of other friends.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The family of Geraldine E. Fowlkes would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the many acts of kindness, calls, visits, and prayers during our time of bereavement.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The People's Community Baptist Church, 31 Norwood Road, Silver Spring, Maryland 20905 after which her funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM. Her entombment will follow at 1:15 PM at Arbutus Memorial Park, 1101 Sulphur Spring Road, Baltimore, Maryland 21227.