1/30/2001
Funeral services for Geraldine "Gerry" Fern (Nichols) Geery, 81, of Knoxville, who died on
Tuesday, January 30, 2001, at the Knoxville Area Community Hospital, were held on
Saturday, February 3, at New Covenant Baptist Church in Knoxville. Dr. Craig Bex
officiated at the services.
Music was provided by Jim Kidder, organist, Kevin Stittsworth, pianist, and Dana
Bea and Heather Heineoke, vocalists. Interment was at Eureka Cemetery in Harvey.
Casket bearers were Selena Roux, Valerie Baudreaux, Cara Geery, Jennifer Taylor,
Angela Holitski, DeEtte Burns, Laura Morrow, and Cami Holinrake. Honorary casket
bearers were Victoria Wardenburg, Cassandra Johannes, Larrissa Dale, Dana Bea, and
Heather Heinecke.
Gerry was born on February 17, 1919, in Knoxville, the daughter of Clarence Nichols
Nellie (Breese) Nichols. She was raised in the area and graduated with the Knoxville
High School Class of 1937.
She married Edwin Oral Geery on September 19, 1938, in Clinton, at the Methodist
parsonage. The couple made their home in Harvey for 29 years before moving to Knoxville
in 1967.
Gerry enjoyed cooking for her family. She was dedicated to her church and family.
She was a member of the New Covenant Baptist Church and the Royal Neighbors of America
Lodge 6077.
Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gerald in infancy; three brothers,
John, Harold, and Virgil, and a sister, Pauline Williams.
She is survived by her husband, Edwin; five sons, Edwin Geery, Jr. of Oklahoma City,
Okla., Henry Geery of Indianola, and Darroll, Alan, and Clint Geery all of Knoxville;
four daughters, Joyce VanderWerff of Pella, and Karen Wardenburg, Alicia Dale, and
Susanna Geery all of Knoxville; a sister, Hazel Easter of Ankeny; two brothers,
Charles Nichols of Des Moines and Kenneth Nichols of Urbandale; 20 grandchildren;
16 great-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren; and many other cherished
family members and friends.
Memorials may be made to the New Covenant
Baptist Church or Alzheimer's Association
Arrangements were made by Bybee & Davis Funeral Home.