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BORN
1935
DIED
2025
Geneva Gresham Obituary
Born September 5, 1935, in Matthews, North Carolina, to Hurley and Kathleen Killough, Genny was one of ten siblings. Her life was defined by an unwavering faith and a heart for service.
Genny was instrumental in launching vital community programs and dedicated her career to helping others. She was a Rotary member, elected to the Woodford County Board, received Citizen of the Year in Eureka, served on the first board of the Center for Independent Living in Peoria, and was director of Heart House in Eureka. She taught Sunday school and served on many church boards. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Washington. Genny will be remembered for her generosity, her devotion to prayer, and her genuine love for people.
While her community impact was great, Genny's greatest joy was her family. She was the matriarch of a large and vibrant family, cherishing her role as a grandmother across several generations.
Genny was a mother to eight children. She is survived by her children: Geni Kalley (Ron) of GA; Scott Rhoades (Kathy) of NC; Steven Rhoades (Angel) of NC; Danette Bellman (Steve) of IL; Kathy Brucker (Bruce) of IL; and Wally Gresham of SC. She is also survived by her siblings Judy Dickerson of SC; Ed Killough (Diane) of NC; Carrie Dennis of SC; and Mary Strong (Nick) of SC.
She was blessed with 27 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great- grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings: Joe, Peggy, Lynda, Larry, and Jimmy; and two children: Perry Rhoades (Carol) and Karen Gresham.
A private graveside memorial will be held with her family at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation (https://www.parkinson.org/).
Memories and Condolences
for Geneva Gresham
5 Entries
Denene Ricks
December 28, 2025
Genny was a wonderful, kind, loving woman. I will miss her phone calls. No matter what she was going through she always was more worried what I was going through. Our last conversation she told me that I have a big heart and to protect it from those that aren't always kind. I know she was ready to meet Jesus and I also know he welcomed her with open arms. Karen and Perry are having a great time with their Mom being with them now. Much love to the family. Tiffany and Q and their kids who cared for Genny you all did a wonderful job and you all did it with love.
Corina Schoening
December 24, 2025
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Theresa Reed
December 23, 2025
Genny was my mentor at Heart House as well as my spiritual mentor. We became a good friend as well. I even went to Bible study with her. I was Blessed to see people come to Christ at Heart House through our weekly staff prayer time for our guests at the shelter and them experiencing the love of the Lord through her. She was happy to share scripture but she led by example. I am so Blessed having her in my life. I can´t express enough how much she meant to me! I know the Lord said "Well done you Good and Faithful Servant" when she went home.
Marilyn Cooley
December 23, 2025
She was always so kind to everyone.she will be missed.love you genny.
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MYRATILSON
December 23, 2025
A beautiful soul and unconditional love. She had to have that to love me. And I will miss all of our talks. She always would put me in my place when I needed and did it with love. And stood up for me when I couldn't. So many memories of a wonderful Aunt and confidante.
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