In 1954, Geri moved to New Jersey and was reared by her grandfather, Deacon Arthur Guthridge (deceased March 23, 1979), and grandmother, Rose Pullum Guthridge (deceased February 28, 1964). Although Geri was a grandchild, she was raised in the house as a daughter alongside her aunts Shirley, Ruth, Doris and with her brother, Melvin Guthridge, and sister, Shelia Hollis.
Geri was baptized on December 2, 1962, by Rev. J. L. Dargon at Providence Baptist Church where she has been a member all of her life until her death on July 19, 2023. She attended Sunday School and participated as a Sunbeam under the tutelage of Pauline Drake. Geri also sang in the junior choir with her longtime friend and now pastor, Rev. Dr. Amelda Lee. Until she got sick, Geri helped with the kitchen ministry and served as an usher. She was a devoted member and could always be seen at many church events.
After graduating from Madison Central High School in Old Bridge, NJ in 1969, she worked at Boy Scouts of America and Howard Johnson Restaurant. Geri then moved to Irvington, NJ where she worked at Revlon until her retirement. Geri returned to the area to live with her mother, Claudia, from 2010-2014. She then moved to a beautiful apartment in Keyport where she lived happily until 2018. After Geri’s retirement she worked at various part- time jobs in establishments such as QuickChek and Kentucky Fried Chicken in Hazlet, NJ.
Geri was a resident at CareOne in Holmdel from June 2018 until her death on July 19, 2023. While at CareOne, Geri was always animated and engaged in lively conversation with the staff and other residents. She loved the staff, and the staff loved her.
Although Geri never had any biological children of her own, she helped to raise many children and gave motherly advice to many grown-ups too! Geri can be described as a person who loved life, she loved a party, she loved people, she loved her family. Geri’s family loved her unconditionally and was devoted to her for her entire life, even through the last hours before God called her home. But most importantly, she loved God!
She was predeceased by her mother Claudia Irby (deceased March 14, 2020) and sister Barbara Stevens (deceased August 1, 2003).
She is survived by her BROTHERS Melvin Guthridge (Marion), and Johnny Irby; SISTER Sheila Hollis;.NIECES Angela Hollis, Nicole Dupree, Carmen Thompson, and Michelle Tucker; NEPHEW Melvin"Markie" Smith; AUNTS: Shirley Macon (Zan), Rev. Ruth Scott (Rev. Hosie), Doris Young, and Mary Guthridge; FIRST COUSINS Wanda Macon-Rose (Randy), Rose Macon, Sean Guthridge, Martin Scott (Barbie), Shantel Scott, Paula Guthridge Bruney, Elaine Swindell, Michael Guthridge, Cynthia Guthridge, Tonya Guthridge, Diane Guthridge, James Guthridge, Jimmy Guthridge, Cassandra Guthridge, Cheryl Guthridge Harrison, Faye Grant, and Terry Grant; SPECIAL FRIENDS & FAMILY Hazel Gutridge, Claudette Jackson, Nina Mitter,Jackie Neal, and Kim Rogers.
