Geraldine D Colley

Geraldine Eleanor Dixon Colley, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt, passed away peacefully on June 29th, 2024. She was born in Mobile, AL on April 30th in 1936 to Mary C. Jackson and George Dixon.

Geraldine graduated from Central High School in Mobile, Alabama in 1953. From there, she studied and graduated from Alabama State University on August 10, 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. While pursuing her degree, she became involved in civil rights activism in the form of bus boycotts and had the pleasure of attending Dr Martin Luther King’s church several times.

Upon earning her education degree, Geraldine taught in the Mobile County School System for 30 years. She became the president of the Mobile City Women’s Federation Club where she participated in government affairs, community affairs, and college affairs.. A life-long learner and proponent of education, Geraldine obtained her Master of Education in 1977 from the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. In 1989, Geraldine Colley was named teacher of the year at Woodcock Elementary School in Mobile, AL.

After retiring from Mobile County Schools In Mobile, Alabama, Geraldine embarked on her second career in education as a teacher in Jefferson County Public Schools in Louisville, KY where she was an active member of the Jefferson County Teacher’s Association and The Greater Louisville Alliance of Black School Educators. A fashionista and lover of fashion, Geraldine also became a sales associate at Dillard's until her retirement.

She was very passionate about teaching and education as she believed that children are the future. She was also an avid University of Alabama football fan.

Geraldine was a devout Catholic and found a church home at St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

Geraldine was the oldest of 5 children. She is survived by her loving sisters Gwendolyn (James) Russell of Atlanta, GA and Tyana Morrissette of Mobile, AL. She was preceded in death by her brother, Cleo Jackson Jr. and sister, Cyana Jeffries.

Geraldine will be deeply missed. She was a loving mother to Prince (Jennifer) Colley, Byrle Colley, Charles Colley, and her son of the heart, Clarence Batain. She leaves behind 6 grandchildren Jasmine (Eric) Beane, Brandon Colley, Jaylaan Bell-Colley, Mya Colley, Princeton Colley, and Samantha Colley. She was a doting great grandmother to 3 great grandchildren Josephine Beane, Corbin Beane, and Liam Beane. She will be greatly missed, and she will continue to be a source of strength, love, and inspiration for her friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ohio Valley Education Foundation, Attention Newburg Headstart at St. Ignatius.

https://www.ovec.org/ovef

A visitation for Geraldine will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Arch L Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home (4400 Bardstown Rd). A visitation will occur Friday, July 12, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Saint Ignatius Martyr Church(1818 Rangeland Rd, Louisville, KY 40219) A funeral mass will occur Friday, July 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Saint Ignatius Martyr Church( 1818 Rangeland Rd, Louisville, KY 40219) A committal service will occur Friday, July 12, 2024 at Resthaven Memorial Park.