Mother Geraldine "Gerri" Crenshaw

Geraldine Crenshaw, affectionately known to her friends as Gerri and to her Church Community as Mother Crenshaw, was born on November 24, 1932 to Joel Crenshaw and Irene Womack Crenshaw, in Greenville, Alabama. Gerri departed this earthly place on August 12, 2025 at her home with her children beside her.

Gerri attended Lomax Hannon School and graduated Valedictorian of her class. After graduating Gerri moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she attended the University of Chicago, majoring in English. Gerri excelled and was listed on the Dean's list. Her desire was to teach. Gerri loved sports, especially basketball (of which she was good at and the star on her team) and swimming. Her hobbies were reading, listening to oldies but goodies music, watching CNN News, cross word puzzles and find a word.

In 1973, Gerri decided a fresh start was needed for herself and her three children, so she relocated to Irvington, NJ, to be close to her sister. There Gerri worked at Quality Index from 1973 until her retirement.

Gerri gave her life early to Christ and joined Butler Chapel AME Zion in Butler County, Alabama. Upon moving to Irvington, NJ Gerri became a member of Hopewell Baptist Church on High Street in Newark, NJ, under the leadership of Reverend Boyd B. Cantrell that same year, from 1973-1982.

After leaving Hopewell Gerri became one of the founding members of Christian Love Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend Franklin Greenaway (1982-2001), Reverend Ronald B. Christian (2001-until his untimely passing in 2015), and Reverend Brandon K. Washington (2019-2025).

Throughout her life Gerri was known for her commitment and dedication and served well over four decades under four pastoral leaders. Gerri was the chairperson for the pastor's aid for Reverend Ronald. Gerri has been a pillar in the church community and in later years she became known as Mother Crenshaw to all of her church family.

Gerri was known to speak her mind and could be heard saying, "Say what you mean and mean what you say". Gerri was often misunderstood because of her frankness, but to know her was to love her. You could find no better confidant, Gerri was committed and loyal to all she loved, believed in and cared for. Her sense of humor was contagious and would leave you laughing until your sides would hurt.

Gerri was so loved that family and a longtime friend traveled from Alabama, Texas, and Missouri to help with her care, her sister (Alice), niece (Onnie), and friend (Rayna Lomax). Also, her great granddaughter (GiGi) gave up working a summer job.

Gerri gave of herself to the church, family and friends. Her wisdom was given when asked for and often when she felt it was necessary. One of her many mottoes was, "If you can't do it right, don't do it at all". Trusting God in and with everything Gerri did, her faith was unwavering! Until the end it was, "Keep the faith and keep it moving".

Gerri was preceded in death by her Father, Mother, brothers (Charles Otis, William, Lewis, Joel Jr., Wiley, Leo, her twin Eugene(Bud)), her longtime companion and friend Glasco (Pop Smitty), and her grandson Darryl.

Gerri leaves to cherish her memory three children - Vickie E. Jacobs(Jesse), Larry Crenshaw(Mildred) and Carol A. Houston(Virgil). Two brothers - Herbert Crenshaw(Ella) and Donald Crenshaw (Betty Sue). Two sisters - Alice Weaver (Ulice), Irene Crittenden(James). Four grandchildren - Dion, Antone, Ashley and Taariq. Four great grandchildren - Gisele, Tiyon, Olivia and Adonis. Step grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, family and friends. And her longtime friends Dorothy Branch and Carrie Wakefield.

This Online Memorial has been created to commemorate the life of Geraldine Crenshaw. Leave a message on the Tribute Wall to share your favorite memories and offer words of sympathy and comfort.