Ms. Geraldine Olivia Stewart Traynham, affectionately known as Gerri, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on “Good Friday,” April 7, 2023, at Hartford Hospital Community Health of Hartford, Conn., with family surrounding her.
She was born July 28, 1943 in Radford to the late Mr. Charles “Horatio” Stewart and Mrs. Genova Alexander Stewart.
She attended Christiansburg Institute and she was in The US Army Reserves for 20 years and she was in the Army for two years being stationed in Texas and California during her time of service and she was also blessed to travel to Belgium, Amsterdam, France, and Paris while she was working as a medical specialist. She also lived in Wilmington, Del. for awhile, then she followed her sister Betty to Connecticut, making Connecticut her home permanently.
She was Post Commander at Mckinney King Post # 142 American Legion Department of Connecticut. She served as Post Commander 2000-2002 and as 1st District of Commander of Department of Connecticut American Legion 2006-2007. She was the 1st Black female Commander of 1st District of Connecticut American Legion. She was a part of the Eastern Stars and she retired after 43 years of service to The Department of Veteran Affairs. She was a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America and she also walked for The Relay For Life.
She attended Metropolitan AME Zion Church of Hartford, Conn. and she attended New Mount Olive United Methodist Church of Radford (her home church). She always studied current affairs in the world and loved watching CNN. She also loved watching sports, especially basketball and football.
In August 2019, she was blessed to travel with her daughter Carol and son-in law Kenneth to The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC.
She was very friendly and comical. She was great cook, and made people feel loved and welcomed. She never met a stranger. She always loved traveling home to Virginia every Christmas to be with her family or for any occasion. She loved shopping and she loved her coffee. She loved her Lord and Savior, family and friends. She loved making Macaroni and Cheese every time she came home for Christmas.
She always used the quote “God Showed Up & Showed Out.” Her favorite scripture was Ezekiel 37
She was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Mrs. Betty Jean Stewart Rabb and Evangelist Priscilla Lane Stewart Welch.
She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter and son-in law, Carol (Kenneth) Smith of New Haven, Conn.; two sisters and a brother-in-law: Ms. Serecia Elizabeth Stewart, of Bloomfield, Conn., Mrs. Melissia Ann Stewart Webb (Joe) of Radford; a brother, Mr. Charles William Stewart, of Sanford, N.C.; a special niece as a (second daughter) she loved very much, Lakeisha Simone Stewart, of Windsor Conn.; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, cousins, and friends.
In lieu of flowers, family requests in Geraldine’s honor memorial contributions can be sent to: New Mount Olive UMC Building Fund, 309 Russell Ave., Radford, VA 24141
Serenity Funeral Home, 126 Gilmer Ave. NW, Roanoke in charge of arrangements.
