Pratt, Geraldine Marion Bryant 94, passed away suddenly on December 13, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. Gerry was born November 16, 1921, in New Iberia, Louisiana and earned her Bachelor of Science from Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1941. She was an AKA Diamond Soror, a sisterhood she cherished. She moved to Los Angeles, California where she read blueprints and welded planes during World War II. She and her lifelong love, Colonel Bertram Robeson Pratt were married in 1947, and moved to Chicago, where Gerry began a career as an elementary school teacher with the Chicago Public Schools. In 1973, while still working and raising a family, she earned a Master's in Education from Roosevelt University. As an Educational Counselor, she guided a multitude of students to achieve success until her retirement. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, Mable Avery Bryant and Lincoln Bryant; and her cousin and best friend, Wallace Maurice DeCuir; and survived by her daughters, Diane Cecile Pratt, Dr. Donna Elise Pratt-Bonick, Deborah Marie Pratt-Bellisario, Deirdre Ann Pratt, Dr. Carl Compton Bell; and grandchildren, Jonathan Bertram Bonick, Troian Avery Bellisario, Matthew James Bonick and Nicholas Dante Robeson Bellisario. She leaves behind many loved ones who, over the years, embraced her as friend, spiritual guide and other mother. Viewing will be December 21, 2015, 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Unity Funeral Home, 4114 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL. Visitation at 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Mass will be at St. Dorothy's Church, 450 East 78th Street, Chicago, IL on December 22, 2015. Interment at Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 East 67th Street, will be followed by repast at AKA Foundation Community Service Center at 6220 South Ingleside. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the United Negro College Fund.
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