Obituary of Geraldine Ivy Spriggs Everett

Geraldine Ivy Spriggs Everett departed this life on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law Brenda and Alvin Hinkle, with whom she lived with for five years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Everett, Jr; her parents, Frank and Viola Johnson; brothers, Bobby and James Johnson and sister, Faye Couch.

Geraldine was born in Cleveland, TN (Bradley County), on February 5, 1925. She was educated in the Bradley County school system and graduated from College Hill High School in 1943. She continued her education at Morristown Junior College for two years and graduated from Tennessee State University in 1947 with a Bachelors of Science in Education and she received a Masters of Education in 1963.

Geraldine met Robert L. Everett, Jr. in 1946; they were married on June 2, 1948. To this union was born two children, Brenda and Robert, III.  They were married for 58 years.

Geraldine briefly taught in GA and began teaching in Cleveland, TN at College Hill Elementary in 1955. She also taught in the Davidson County School system and was the first black to be hired at Smyrna Elementary in Rutherford County where she spent the remainder of her teaching career. She retired in 1985 after 30 years of service to the teaching profession.

In 1963, Geraldine was baptized at the White Creek Pike Church of Christ where she worked as a primary bible schoolteacher and also worked with Vacation Bible School. In 1970, Geraldine and Robert placed their membership with the Schrader Lane Church of Christ where she worked with vacation bible school, the zone programs, ladies bible class, the kitchen committee, the sick and shut-in visitation team and sharing day. She attended the Sunset Blvd. Church of Christ in West Columbia, SC until her death.

Geraldine enjoyed arts and craft, drawing and painting, and ceramics. She also loved flowers and gardening. She was a member of the U.S. Postal Alliance Auxiliary, the North Nashville Organization for Community Improvement (NNOCI), the Forever Young Senior Citizens Program, which met at the 15^th Ave. Baptist Church and the Yesterday, Today and Forever Civic Club.

Geraldine leaves to cherish her memories: daughter Brenda Hinkle (Alvin), son Robert. L. Everett, III (Sandy); goddaughter, Renee Sanders, brother, Harry Johnson (Lenta); Grandchildren: Ramona and Karl (Tony) Hinkle; Kellie Elam (Charles), Megan, Morgan and Madison Everett; Great-grand children, Shante Williams, Antwane and Alexis Hinkle, LaTara Harrison, Kelsey and David Elam and Kennedy Everett; four great-great grandchildren; many other extended family members, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends and neighbors.