Geraldine Frances Howard

Geraldine Frances Howard, 85, was born in Grottoes, Va., on March 31, 1926, to the late Frank and Viola Bell. She later moved to Har¬risonburg, Va., where she at¬tended Lucy F. Simms School. On Jan. 29, 1942, she married Alfred L. Howard Sr., who preceded her in death on Dec. 21, 1999. To¬gether they had three chil-dren, son, Alfred Jr. of Philadelphia, Pa,; daughter, Pamela J. Gibson (Jack) of Florissant, Mo.; son, Gerald Howard, who preceded her in death in 1995; and stepson, Douglas Lewis of Harrison¬burg, Va.

One thing that no one can deny is Geraldine’s love for the Lord. While in Harrison¬burg, she was a devoted member of John Wesley Unit¬ed Methodist Church and a charter member of John Wesley United Methodist Church choir. In 1988, while visiting her daughter in St. Louis, Mo., she was baptized at the Greater Grace Apos¬tolic Church. In 2001, she re¬located to St. Louis to reside with her daughter. While here she continued growing in her faith at the Faith Miracle Temple Church. In her free time, Geraldine enjoyed cooking, knitting and singing. She is also survived by one brother-in-law, Ernest Howard of Spartanburg, S.C.; three sisters-in-law, Carmelita Bundy and Doris Allen of Harrisonburg, and Judith Howard of Spartan¬burg, S.C.; eight grandchil¬dren, Eric Foster of Charlotte, N.C., Johnathan, Matthew, Aaron, and Elizabeth Gibson, all of St. Louis, Mo.; Wendell Howard of Knoxville, Tenn., and Stephanie and Aston Howard of Harrisonburg, Va.; six step grandchildren, Sophia, William Jr., Delilah (deceased), Miguel, Aaron, Renardi; a number of great-grandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 9, 2011, at John Wesley United Methodist Church, Sterling Street, Harrisonburg. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Wilma White officiating. Burial will be at Newtown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contri¬butions may be made to John Wesley United Methodist Church, c/o Car¬lyle Whitelow, 100 Mount Crawford Ave., Bridgewater, VA 22812. Lindsey Funeral Home is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyhar¬risonburg.com.