Geraldine "Jerry" Lea

Geraldine Lea, age 95, of Benton passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.  She was born on April 3, 1929, in Red Springs, NC. She was the youngest of four children born to Marsh and May Carter Shook. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 73 years, W. J. Lea, as well as her son, Jacob Stanley Lea.  She is survived by her children Andrea Karen Scallion (James Neff), Allen Kyle Lea (Tammy) and Jay Carter Lea (Lisa).  She also leaves to cherish her memory, eleven grandchildren: Joshua Lea, Katie Lea, Cory Montrose, Monica Cole, Mackenzie Brown, Connor Lea, Marissa Hall, Caleb Lea, Amanda Lea, Dylan Lea and Marshall Brown. There are also five great-grandchildren who will miss their great-grand mommy. Paisley, Madison, Barry, Oliver and Peter.  

She was an active member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church for 50 years.   She and W. J. were also involved for many years with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief organization. They traveled and served in the mobile wash units as well as helping to feed those affected by disasters. She served her Lord faithfully throughout her life and passed down that faith to her children and grandchildren.  Each morning, she started her day reading her Bible and Sunday School lesson.  At night, she prayed over her children and grandchildren.

 Jerry was forever the traveler. She began this upon leaving Red Springs with her husband and following him across the country and overseas as he served his country.  In later years, she continued traveling, enjoying trips to Germany, Spain, Egypt and the highlight, the Holy Land, amongst others.   Never afraid of a challenge, she rode camels in Cairo and climbed to the Eagle’s Nest in Germany.   She crossed the ocean alone to be with her husband in Japan after WW II.

She lived an extraordinary life, but she loved her home and family most of all.  She was an excellent quilter and made many beautiful pieces for her family to enjoy.  She will be remembered for her ability to prepare the most delicious meals most of all.  Her trademark pound cakes were legendary. Everything she did, she did with love.   Now, in the words of one of her favorite songs, she has gone on “just beyond the moon.”  Her love is waiting there for her to walk hand in hand “just beyond the moon.”  

In lieu of flowers please donate to:

Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home in Monticello

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital

Ronald McDonald House

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM in the Smith Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel.  Services will be on Wednesday April 24, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery.