Claudia "Corky" Geist

Corky was born to Phyllis and Ralph Geist on April 29,1951, and grew up in Villa Park, Illinois where she attended Willow Brook High School. After graduation, she attended Elmhurst College, earning her BA. In 1980, Corky moved to Plano, TX. She pursued and earned her M.S. degree from the University of North Texas in 1989.

Corky’s work experience included holding the position as the very first female buyer for the Beatice Foods company located in Chicago. She was proud that she progressed through the company ranks to become regional sales manager. After working successfully in the food service industry for 14 years, Corky shifted her career to education. She taught social studies and economics at Plano East Senior High School. She also taught for a year at Hughston Elementary working with Special Education children in kindergarten. Finally, she instructed advanced AP students in economics during summers for the College Board. Corky was twice nominated for teacher of the year. After 20 years of teaching, she retired to spend more time with her aging parents, particularly her mother following the passing of her dad.

Corky was consistently involved in four things that she seemed to love – church, singing, travel with friends and family, and dogs.

Corky served the Lord by working as a volunteer in children’s church ministries. She was also the Director of Liturgical and Sacramental Ministries at Christ Church Anglican.

Singing was Corky’s passion, and she used her voice to glorify God. She began singing at age 7. Over the years she was engaged with numerous choirs and sang with prestigious choral groups such as the Plano Civic Chorus, and Dallas Symphony Chorus. She made two trips to Carnegie Hall, sang with the Israeli Philharmonic, sang at St. Mark’s in Venice and at Notre Dame in Paris. She was a part of the Susan G. Komen Choir, the P.E.O. Chorus, the Preston Meadow Lutheran Choir and finally, a member of the Custer Road UMC Choir. Now, Corky has joined the Heavenly Choir of Angels.

When Corky was not traveling to sing, she was traveling for fun with family and friends. She enjoyed sailing in brother Randy’s boat with immediate and extended family along the New England coast or to places like the Bahamas. She loved taking overseas cruises and did so multiple times with friends. She enjoyed land travel as well, hiking in Europe, and traveling

by rail in Canada, a trip she took with her mom. She expressed fond memories of fishing with her dad on the Florida side of the Gulf.

Corky was a “dog mom”. Those furry friends were her part of her family, and they were well treated. Bijou, Charlee, Mitzi, Muffin were dear to her. She was active in Tzu Zoo Rescue and fostered a number of dogs, including Little Man, even when she was quite ill.

Corky was a dear friend to many, a daughter, sister, aunt and godmother. She loved them all. She was especially excited about a new baby grandnephew in the family. Corky touched many lives in positive ways and shared her many gifts, always serving God in all she did. She will be missed.

Corky is survived by her brother, Randy Geist, nephews Andrew Geist, Stephen Geist, niece Kristen Geist, and grand nephews and nieces Colin, Thomas, Nicholas, Preston, Katelynn, and Sarah, as well as Godson Thaddeus Meyer and sons Ben and Nathan.

A memorial service for Corky will be held on Thursday, May 15, at 3:30 pm, in the sanctuary of Custer Road United Methodist Church, 6601 Custer Road, Plano, TX. 75023.

We wish to thank the staff at Texas Oncology, Center for Cancer Treatment at Medical City, McKinney, Medical City Hospice Care and Assisting Hands Home Care for their care of Corky during her illness.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to Susan G. Komen (Cancer).