Geraldine Hope's Obituary
Geraldine “Jerry” Jones Hope, 91, of Chattanooga, transitioned peacefully on Friday, August 2, 2024, in a local hospital. A cherished mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, she was born on July 9, 1933, in Birmingham, Alabama. Geraldine was the beloved daughter of Alberta Richmond Jones and Jesse Jerry Jones. Known affectionately as "Moma" and "T Jerry" by her family, Geraldine was a force that impacted the lives of everyone around her. A proud graduate of Dunbar High School in Birmingham, Geraldine began a life dedicated to family and service. She first married Charlie Edd Townsend, with whom she had two beloved children, Franchester and Doug Townsend. In 1963, she married the love of her life, Thomas Hope, with whom she shared a deeply fulfilling partnership until his untimely passing in 1986. Geraldine discovered her true calling in caregiving, earning her certification as a Geriatric Nursing Aide in 1964. This commitment to caring for others led her to relocate to Far Rockaway, Queens, New York, in 1965, where she continued her nursing career. After a decade of dedicated service, she furthered her education at The New York State School of Industrial and Labor at Cornell University, where she became a respected Union Delegate for the Promenade Healthcare Center. Her career in nursing was marked by both her unwavering dedication to her patients and her advocacy for her colleagues. In retirement, Geraldine moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where she enjoyed her later years surrounded by her adoring family and friends. To know Geraldine Hope was to experience her wisdom far beyond her years and her courage in speaking truth to power. Her legacy is one of boundless love, immeasurable strength, and tireless dedication to those she cherished. Geraldine's life was a testament to the impact one person can have on their community and family. She was predeceased by her parents; her first husband; her sisters, Lousie Davis and Alberta Perdue; her grandson Myca Townsend; her daughter, Franchester Townsend; and her beloved second husband, Thomas Hope. Geraldine is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Doug (Geraldine) Townsend of TN; stepdaughters, Synnamon Townsend and Cynthia Hope; her cherished grandchildren, Sabretta, Curtis, Jamaal, Akim Townsend and Khivionna Owens-Townsend of Chattanooga, and Geraldine S. Townsend of GA; her adoring great-grandchildren, Sajhana, John, Kendall Townsend and Khadesha Gordon of Chattanooga, Jamya, Michayla, Miquivus, Jahmell, Quanijha, Akim Jr., and Ari Townsend of Chattanooga, Antonia Wells and Kevin Clark of GA; step-grandson, Brian (Dana) Womble; step-granddaughter, Brianna Womble; her precious great-great-grandchildren, Harleim Townsend, Syx Frost, and Bliss Brewer of Chattanooga; nieces, Cathy Maxwell, Deirdre Battle of AL, and Jada Perdue-Riches of NY; sister-in-law, Ethel M. Billups; several nieces; nephews; cousins, and a host of extended family and friends who will remember her fondly. Moma is deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. The honoring of Geraldine's life will be a Graveside service at 2:00 p.m. CST in Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham, Alabama with Eral Maxwell giving words of comfort. Arrangements are by Taylor Funeral Home of Chattanooga, Inc.
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