Geraldine J. Brown

Geraldine J. "Geri" Brown, age 85, of Mentor, Ohio, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, at her home at Vitalia Mentor. She was born on June 22, 1940, in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Geri earned a Bachelor's in History from Iowa State University and her Master's Degree in Education from Lake Erie College. She devoted 34 years of her life to teaching in the Painesville City Schools, where she taught 4th and 5th grade Academic Gifted students and was deeply dedicated to helping young people learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Her work as an educator reflected her patience, encouragement, and belief in the value of learning.

Geri was a member of Painesville United Methodist Church. She also gave generously of her time and talents through many organizations and activities. She was a member of the Western Reserve Junior Service League, where she was instrumental in the start of STS, which later became Lake Tran. She was involved in the Music and Drama Club, numerous book clubs, the Red Hats Society, and the Women's Fine Arts Committee, along with many other organizations over the years. Her service and participation reflected her strong sense of community and her desire to remain active and engaged.

Geri enjoyed reading, cross stitch and following sports, especially the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Indians. She also loved visiting and touring presidential homes and civil war battlefields, interests that brought her joy and reflected her appreciation for history and learning. She embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm, and she found happiness in both simple pleasures and meaningful experiences shared with others.

She is survived by her sons, Bradley (Rebecca) Brown, and Brentley (Jennifer) Brown; her granddaughter, Brittany (Frank) Alltop; and her great-grandson, James Alltop. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Blanche Gering, and by her granddaughter, Brooke Kristina Brown. Geri's family was a source of great pride and love throughout her life, and she cherished the time she spent with them.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 11:00am at Evergreen Cemetery, 501 E. Main St., Painesville. The family will receive friends that evening from 5-8pm at Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory, 368 Mentor Ave., Painesville, Ohio 44077.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Painesville United Methodist Church.