Geraldine Ann Creech

In the book The Tipping Point, author Malcolm Gladwell talks about three archetypes of people: mavens, salespeople, and connectors. Mom was a connector in every sense of the word, a person who “links us up with the world…a person with a special gift for bringing the world together”. She was curious, self-confident, sociable, energetic and joyful. Her most extraordinary gift, however, was that she did not know a stranger. Perhaps that explains why she was able to foster hundreds of authentic and personal relationships throughout her lifetime.

One might think Gerry had many interests…bowling, golf, coaching, Nascar racing, camping, dancing, travel, karaoke. She certainly did enjoy and was actively involved in all of those, some for which she held leadership and/or volunteer positions, everything from President to Clean Up Committee. But the truth is, Gerry was much more interested and invested in the friendships and connections she made with the people she met along the way.

Mom LOVED helping others! She was asked to co-coach a softball team for the Azalea Little League, which she gladly accepted even though she had never coached a team sport, other than refereeing spats between her two rambunctious children. On and off the field, she was one of the best coaches in the league, worshipped by her little Cupcakes and Ladybugs and their families. She recently told me she regretted not having taken better care to preserve a signed softball by one of her teams, as some of the names had started to fade.

Gerry LOVED to dance! She was a member of the Virginia Beach Shag Club for decades and was deservedly inducted into the Shagger’s Hall of Fame. And Gerry LOVED to sing! One of her favorite pastimes was performing at her favorite karaoke venues. Without a doubt, she was Geraldine the Karaoke Queen singing her beloved Patsy Cline numbers and other country classics.

The family was overjoyed to have just recently celebrated Gerry’s 80th birthday. Mom was so delighted to spend this momentous occasion with her sister, Marie, with whom she shared a very special relationship and a crowd of other family members whom she loved with her whole heart. For Mom, nothing compared to spending time with her family. She especially adored her six grandchildren, endlessly showering them with praise and support. She was so proud of them all.

Gerry was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, GiGi, and treasured friend. She continually expressed her gratefulness for those relationships and bonds, sharing how blessed she felt. Her words of wisdom and selfless acts of nurturing love will be cherished forever.

The family would like to extend a special "Thanks" to Terry for her volunteer work with the Alzheimer's Association in honor of her Aunt and to Chantel Holley of Freda H. Gordon Hospice for your loving care.

A visitation will be held at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Sunday, December 10 from 5-8pm. A Funeral Service will be held at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home on Monday, December 11 at 10am, with Burial to follow at Rosewood Memorial Park.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, December 22 at 6pm at Real Life Christian Church, 900 Centerville Turnpike N, Chesapeake VA 23320.