Barbara was born on March 10, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan. She was a wonderful woman who loved many and leaves behind an outstanding legacy of a devoted family matriarch and a caring servant through teaching and leadership.
Barbara attended Redford High School and graduated in 1952. She was active in the Y Teens at YWCA in Detroit. She attended Wayne State University where she was active in Delta Gamma Chi, served as President of the Women’s Association, was honored as an Outstanding Woman Graduate, and was inducted into Mackenzie Honor Society, while completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Barbara and Monte met at Wayne State and were married in July of 1956, started their family in Oak Park, Michigan and moved to Madison Heights, Michigan in 1961. As the mother of 5, Barbara was very active as a PTA member, Cub Scout Den Mother, Area Girl Scout Chairman, and later as a Senior Girl Scout Co-Leader when raising her granddaughter.
The family became members of the First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak in 1966 where they found a welcoming congregation, outstanding spiritual guidance, and cherished their time with other members, particularly in their 5Fs Group and Lunch Bunch. She felt blessed to be a Child of God.
Barbara was a compassionate Lamphere Schools teacher for 32 years, admired for her bright smile and deep care for her students. She received her Master’s Degree as a Reading Specialist at Oakland University, changing lives by believing in her students and helping them succeed. She especially treasured her time with the parents and students of the Class of 1989 when she served as class sponsor for 4 years. She was very proud to be a member of the Lamphere Family.
Barbara enjoyed her civic participation in the community and was particularly proud of her involvement with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs. She was Charter President of GFWC Madison Heights Intermediate Women’s Club in 1977, which just celebrated their 45th anniversary, and took comfort in knowing that the younger generations will carry on the club legacy. She served as president twice, Southeastern District President for 4 years, and GFWC MI Secretary for 4 years. She was honored as a Ms. Federation 2004, Woman of Achievement 2006, and MHIWC Volunteer of the Year 2001.
Barbara also served as “First Lady of Madison Heights” when Monte was a Madison Heights Councilman, Mayor and State Representative. She was a mentor for civic and community leaders, and a long-time member of Stagecrafters, the Historical Commission and Madison Heights Community Round Table. She received the City of Madison Heights Volunteer of the Year 2006, MHCRT Volunteer of the Year 2001 and MHCRT Volunteers of the Year with the Family of Monte Geralds 2011.
Barbara will always be cherished for her love of family, shown through the raising of her own children and three sets of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Barbara will be remembered as a beloved wife, mother, grandma and friend. Beloved wife of Monte who passed in 2014, loving mother of Jeffrey (Sheryl) Geralds, Cameron (Kathleen) Geralds, Scott (Dawn) Geralds, Laurie Geralds and the late Cynthia Geralds-Suarez. Barbara is survived by her in-laws Barbara Bunnell, Gary and Betty Geralds, Glenn and Lois Geralds, Graham and Karen Geralds, and Gwendolyn Geralds. She is predeceased by parents William and Elizabeth Bunnell, brother Michael Bunnell, granddaughter Jodi Geralds, and in-laws Jerry and Kathleen Geralds, Gerard and Lorene Geralds, Gilbert and Martha Geralds, Anthony and Norene Perisi, and Joanie Geralds. She will be missed by her grandchildren, Ian (Tiffany) Geralds, Andrea Geralds, Sara Geralds, Kyle (Katie) Geralds, Jane Suarez and John (Kaitlyn) Suarez. She will be remembered by her great-grandchildren Zain, Kammi, Amanda, Alexandria, Kaylie, Simran, Travis, Morgan, Xander, Henry, Callum, George, Edward and Peter. Barbara is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, friends who would like to make a memorial donation may consider one of the following:
The First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, 529 Hendrie Blvd., Royal Oak, MI 48067
Madison Heights Women’s Club, 30149 Westwood, Madison Heights, MI 48071
Madison Heights Food Pantry, PO Box 71202, Madison Heights, MI 48071.
A memorial gathering will be held for Barbara on Thursday January 19, 2023 from 4-8 p.m. and Friday January 20, 2023 from 2-8 p.m., with a celebration of life service for Barbara 6:30 p.m. at Edward Swanson & Son Funeral Home 30351 Dequindre Road Madison Heights, Michigan 48071.
Memorial services for Barbara will be held on Saturday January 21, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, 529 Hendrie Blvd., Royal Oak, Michigan 48067.
