Geraldine Henderson

Born August 12, 1933 in Finger, Tennessee to Sid L. and Lily Exie (Gately) Pickett, she married Randall A. Henderson on January 15, 1954 in Pekin. He died January 8, 1973 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, David Dean Henderson; one brother, Larry Pickett and her longtime companion, Bob Huckabee.

Surviving are one daughter, Debe (Bo) Milburn of Pekin and her children, Ryan (Heather) Williams and Hayley Milburn, all of Pekin; one son, Rod (Linda) Henderson of Pekin and his children, Adam Holloway, Kyle, Seth, Cole, Erik and Abby Henderson, all of Pekin. Also surviving are one daughter-in-law, Denise Henderson and her children, Matthew, Benjamin and Laura Henderson of Barrington, NH. She also leaves three great-grandchildren, Avery Williams, Sadie Williams and Thai Holloway; one brother, Harold Pickett of Tennessee and six sisters, Shirley Henson, Lequita Wylie, Shelby Jones, Virginia McEarl, Brenda Smith and Patricia McEarl, all of Tennessee.

Geri came to Illinois in 1950, along with her brother, to seek employment with Caterpillar, Inc., where she worked 33 years, retiring in 1983 as supervisor in the payroll department in East Peoria. She later worked at H.D. Bessler Tax and Accounting during tax seasons.

Geri’s family was her entire world. She truly was a devoted wife, mother, grandma and granny. Geri and Bob built their dream home on Pine Lake in Lexington, TN, where she loved fishing, gardening and walks with her sisters through the peaceful country roads. She also enjoyed traveling and taking many cruises. She also liked cooking and baking cakes and spending time with her family.

She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan either watching or attending games.

Private graveside services will be held in Orendorff Cemetery in Hopedale. There will be no visitation. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is in charge of arrangements.

She was an 11 year lung cancer survivor and the family wishes to thank Dr. Le-Lindqwister and her many nurses and staff for all their care and support. A special thanks also to Dr. Usman for his compassionate care and support following her stroke in April and also to Unity Point Hospice for keeping her comfortable in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pekin Junior Football League or to the Boys and Girls Club of Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com