Geraldine F Smith

Geraldine Frances Smith (nee Brown), known by family and friends as "Gerri”, was 100 years and 10 months at the time of her peaceful passing on April 30, 2024. She had lived the Brandywine Living at Moorestown Estates since November 8, 2019, and was a resident of Moorestown for 64 years. Gerri was born on June 29, 1923 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the second child of the late Cleveland Brown and Lenora King Brown, and sister of Leola Brown Shaw (deceased). Upon graduation from William Penn High School in 1943, Gerri supported the war effort working as a typist and procurement clerk for communication equipment for the United States Army Signal Corps located at Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. In 1948, she began her years with the United States Army Electronics Communications Command in Monmouth, New Jersey, from which she retired in 1985, as a Procurement Analyst and having forged many fond memories and lasting friendships. Geraldine and the late Henry Jude Smith, a chef on the Pennsylvania Railroad and restaurant owner, were united in marriage on January 10, 1948, following a chance meeting in which Henry saw Gerri and the rest was history. Gerri had met the love of her life! As they established a life together in South Philadelphia, they seized an opportunity to purchase land in Harmony Terrace on Park Boulevard in Moorestown, New Jersey, where they designed and built a home. Thus began many years of amazing foods from two wonderful cooks, and a welcoming home where family, friends, and neighbors gathered for fabulous cookouts, music and dancing. Gerri loved the Lord and lived a full life! At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and was baptized at Phillips Brooks Memorial Chapel in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, where her grandfather was a custodian. Upon moving to Moorestown, New Jersey in 1960, she became a member of Trinity Episcopal Church on Main Street. For more than 60 years, she was a committed member who worked tirelessly in many aspects of the church's life: Outreach Committee with Urban Promise (mentored students), St. Paul's Church in Camden to make breakfast for the homeless, Altar Guild, Rummage Sale cafeteria lunches, ditty bags for the Seaman's Institute, and the Thursday morning healing service. She was honored for her dedication by The Diocese of New Jersey at An Evensong Celebrating Older Adults at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton, New Jersey on September 26, 2015. Throughout her lifetime, Gerri helped enrich the lives of others. She collected yearly for the Cancer Society and March of Dimes. Her contributions to the community included active memberships in the Order of the Eastern Star, Adeste Fidelis Chapter #45, OES PHA, Riverside, NJ; the Rose Club and GFWC Women's Club of Moorestown/Garden District where she served on the Educational Scholarship Committee for Moorestown High School/ Girls Career Institute and Wish Tree Project at Boscov's; and as Secretary of West End Co-op for Harmony Terrace. In retirement, Gerri continued these activities but also had time to cultivate her beautiful garden, travel, socialize with her dear friends and niece, and knit beautiful sweaters. Advice & Wisdom from Gerri: “Learn how to treat people.” “Be a good Christian.” “Read the Bible daily.” “Pray for and visit neighbors and shut-ins.” “Be mindful of your appearance.” “Exercise your mind and body.” “Be good to yourself.” “Read Psalms 23 and Psalms 27:14.” “Well done, good and faithful servant!”: Gerri’s lovely smile and warm personality will long be remembered by everyone whose life she touched. Gerri's memory is cherished by family and friends well beyond Moorestown including those living in Opelika, AL; Studio City & Palo Alto, CA; Washington, DC; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Southfield, MI; Cherry Hill, Spring Lake & Ocean township, NJ; Pineville & Avon, NC; Huber Heights, OH; and Philadelphia, Pittsburgh & Norristown, PA; Rockhill, SC. Special thanks for support and compassion are extended to:  Trinity Church- Mother Emily & Clergy, Moorestown, New Jersey;  Brandywine Living at Moorestown Estates’ administrators, nurses and many care managers, Moorestown, New Jersey;  Serenity Hospice of New Jersey;  Gerri's dedicated physicians;  Phone callers, neighbors and friends far and wide who kept in contact and lent their support during the years when Gerri’s ability to get out and visit were limited. Thank you to family, friends, and well-wishers for calls, visits and other forms of kindness shared following Gerri’s passing. With enduring love and respect, Carol Washington and Denise Sheppard Friends, Neighbors, and Lead Caregivers Graveside Service & Internment:, Mat 17th 1 pm at Lakeview Memorial Park Cinnaminson, New Jersey In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Book of Remembrance C/O Trinity Church