Geri Janice Hancock's Obituary
Our sweet mama, Geri Janice Hancock, 86, went to Heaven on September 5, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Hancock in 2013.
Geri was born in Flat Ridge, Virginia, on top of Iron Mountain. Her “iron” strength was grown through life on the mountain. Her fondest memories were of playing with her cousins in the wilds of the mountain.
Geri graduated from Oak Hill Academy in Mouth-of-Wilson, Virginia, in May of 1952. After marrying James French Roberts, she moved to Fort Myers, Florida, with three young daughters. She was an administrative secretary for the School Board of Lee County and would go on to organize a statewide association of school board secretaries to give other women a sense of accomplishment and value.
After her husband died, Geri met our “Papa," Robert E. Hancock. They would marry in December of 1972. After moving to Tallahassee, Florida, she worked as a receptionist at First Baptist Church. She would later work and serve as bookkeeper at Forest Heights Baptist Church. She also served as a youth Sunday school teacher and director. After eighteen years of ministry, she retired.
Retirement gave Geri a chance to take care of three grandsons and one granddaughter. Her influence on her grandchildren cannot be measured in words—only in the power of the love she felt for them. And they in return. She taught her family the truth of the Gospel, the value of hard work, the importance of never giving up, and the need for laughter.
Geri was strong until her final breath and her first footstep into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our dear mother is “Beyond the Sunset” and has a new and whole body. Because of her love for floral arrangement, we are sure she is gardening and arranging flowers as beautiful as she is. She was a true artist.
Geri was also preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Mae Golliher; her brother, Robert Golliher; and her daughter, Janice Prosser.
She is survived by her brothers, Allen Golliher, Jr. and Michael Golliher; her daughters, Mrs. Pam Pumphrey (Donald Pumphrey) and Mrs. Dianne Watson (Mark Watson); her granddaughter, Amy Holland (Brent Holland) and her two great-granddaughters, Rose Holland and Lennon Holland. She is also survived by her grandsons, Benjamin Watson, Austin Watson (Abby Watson), Cade Watson, and Jonathan Prosser (Kayla Prosser); her great-grandsons, Case Prosser and Canaan Prosser as well as several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 22nd at East Bill Baptist Church in Tallahassee at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Big Bend Hospice.
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