Geneva Perry

PERRY
Geneva, (Hansford), was born in Forsyth, Georgia on May 22, 1931, the third of four children of Katie (Hanson) Hansford and Leo Hansford. She departed this life on Wednesday, September 14, 2011. Migrating North like so many Southern blacks, Leo, Katie and their four small children settled in Passaic, NJ to a new life. Born in the rural South, during The Great Depression and growing up during WWII on Chestnut Street and later Burgess Place (Passaic). She moved to Middleton, DE 23 years ago. Geneva was shaped by her southern roots and northern experience. She took full advantage of brand new educational and work opportunities previously not available to blacks. Friendly and outgoing Geneva integrated the Passaic High School Yearbook Committee of 1951, making her own quiet statement for equality and civil rights for all. Graduating from PHS in '51 with only a handful of other blacks in the community, Geneva went on to complete business school, training for a career in office administration and management. Landing her first job with General Electric she worked for a number of years before changing to Kearfott Guidance & Navigation where she later retired. A roller-skating queen, Geneva in her late teens and early twenties spent most of her free time skating at what was billed "the most beautiful rink ever built", Gay Blades in NYC and The New Dream Arena & Lounge in Newark where she met her doting husband of 53 years, James Perry, Sr. An active member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church for decades, Geneva worked tirelessly for years chairing committees, serving on the Usher Boards, Youth department, and sang on every choir the church ever had, even the Odell Inspirational Singers, led by the late Ms. Odell. In the mid-to-late seventies, they toured area churches in and around the NY/NJ Metro area. The majestic Gospel choir even cut an album, which sold very well at their many area performances. Geneva (Hansford) Perry was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She was a caring neighbor and dependable, hard working member of the community. Predeceased by her husband James Perry, Sr. who passed away on August 11, 2011, also her daughter, Yvette Perry; her sister Georgia Mae Axam; her brother, Sidney Hansford; and brothers-in-law, Willie Axam and Hartley Culp. She will be missed for her broad smile and her quick laughter. Geneva Perry leaves behind her son James Perry, Jr., granddaughter Christian Perry, sister Dearest Culp two brothers-in-law, Precious Perry and Robert Perry; one sister-in-law Lillie Beverett and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life on Thursday, September 22, 2011 12:00 Noon at The Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church 163 Autumn St., Passaic, NJ. Interment: East Ridge Lawn Cemetery. Friends may visit: 11-12 at the church. Arrangements by: The Carnie P. Bragg Funeral Home 143 Myrtle Ave., Passaic, NJ. www.braggfuneralhome.com