Ms. Geneva Almeda Hollandsworth

September 22, 1917 – December 11, 2012

Geneva Almeda Gilliam Hollandsworth, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother died peacefully at the age of 95 on December 11, 2012 at Mayers Memorial Hospital in Fall River Mills, California.

Geneva was born in DePew, Oklahoma on September 22, 1917. She was the 8th child in a family of 10 children. She is the last child of John and Lillie Gilliam to leave her legacy of life for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Geneva saw many changes in our world during her 95 years and had some fascinating stories to tell. Leaving Oklahoma in the 1940s to bring her three children to California, she worked hard to provide her family with a loving and safe home. She had many jobs throughout her lifetime - she worked in agriculture, a shell factory during World War II, the medical field, and the food, clothing, and retail industries. Eventually she earned her Certified Nursing Aid certificate and worked compassionately with the elderly in a long-term facility in Whittier, California until her retirement.

After retiring, Geneva lived in Southern California for many years before following her daughter and her family to the Intermountain area. Settling in Burney, Geneva lived the last 19 years of her life in the Mt. Senior Apartments. She enjoyed time with family, friends, and her Intermountain Baptist Church group.

Geneva led a full life with several interests and hobbies. She was a great historian. Her love of genealogy and family history provided her family with enormous knowledge of their personal history through her research and family tales. Geneva was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary. She was quite an accomplished oil painting and sketch artist. She loved to crochet and sew, and shared many of her creations with her family.

Geneva was the very proud mother of three wonderful children. Son Dan Self and wife Patricia (Geismar, LA), daughter Marilyn (Self) Papez and husband William (McArthur, CA) are left behind to celebrate her life. Daughter Doris (Self) Conley preceded Geneva in death in 2010.

Geneva leaves behind many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who loved her very much. Rob and Laura Self (Plano, TX) and children Emily (great-great-grandson Christian) and David and wife Krissy. Tim and Sandra Self (Flower Mound, TX) and children Katie, Megan and Caroline. Teresa and Terry Bourgeois (Geismar, LA) and children Sara, Nathaniel and Timothy. Granddaughter Valencia Self preceded Geneva in death in 1970. Sonya and Mike Gaches (Tempe, AZ) and children Celia, John and Brandt. Amy Wimmer and partner Pete( Kansas City, KS) and children Logan and Mariana. Roxanna Shaffer and partner John Fry (McArthur, CA) and children Aubrey and partner Stephen Parker, Beau, Colton and Danielle. Michelle and Shane Gilbert (Redding, CA) and children Easton and Fallon. She is also survived by 12 living nieces and nephews.

Geneva will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We are blessed to have had her in our lives and we will treasure our memories of her that will forever be in our hearts.