Geraldine Smith

1938 - 2024

Geraldine Smith passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at 10:55 am Monday, November 4, 2024, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield, IL.

Geraldine was born February 9, 1938, in Palmyra, MO to Jed and Ruby (Bross) Smith. Geraldine's life was marked by her dedication to her family. She loved her family fiercely and would brag about them to anyone that would listen. She was the mastermind behind countless fun family activities, especially during the holidays. She knew each family member's favorite dish and would lovingly prepare it for family gatherings. She was a great listener and would spend endless hours talking to her friends and family on the phone. This dated way back to when the phone cord would only stretch so far. Her children knew to behave while mom was on the phone, because of "the look". She was her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's greatest cheerleader and was always there to support them in all of their endeavors. Geraldine will be deeply missed, but her light will continue to shine in the hearts of those that loved her.

She spent many years in housekeeping at the Illinois Veterans Home, retiring in 2000. She was a member of Parkview Church for many years.

She was a spectacular cook and baker. Geraldine's Christmas sugar cookies were a tradition that became so cherished that family members had the recipe engraved on cutting boards that now hang in all of her children's and grandchildren's kitchens. Packing up her kids/grandkids and being ready to roll after work on a Friday to head to a campsite was one of her greatest enjoyments. Geraldine's love for travel extended beyond the campgrounds; she enjoyed exploring new places, she went on a cruise to Mexico, attended a granddaughter's wedding in the Smoky Mountains, as well as other memorable trips to places such as Nashville (where she fell in love with Josh Turner at the Grand Ole Opry), Graceland to see Elvis' home, and Chicago to see the performance of Lion King, where she also got to experience her first taxi ride as it raced around Chicago going 100 miles an hour, right before it hit a Jaguar. Closer to home, she found joy in attending the Quincy raceway watching her son-in-law race on Sunday evenings, taking her children and grandchildren to see the deer at the Veterans Home or to feed the goldfish at Quincy Memorial Park.

Survivors include her three children, Rusty Smith (Carla) of Plainville, Melissa Smith of Pekin, and Donetta Jansen (Jerry) of Plainville; one daughter in-law, Chris Smith; nine grandchildren, Danny Smith (Amy), Darren Smith, Alyssa Richards (Jared), Erin Hilgenbrink (Adam), Syeira Scharhorst (Gage), Conner Pardieck (Katlyn), Logan Pardieck, Ashley Gallaher (Andy), and Austin Jansen; and fourteen great-grandchildren, Daniel Jr., Carlee, Ayden, Ford, Jett, Joselyn, J.D., Brantley, Lyle, Leon, Blaiklee, Beckett, Owen, and Colt.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Rick Smith; two brothers, Jerry Smith and Jimmy Smith; and one sister, Irene Baskett.

Friends and Family are invited to Geraldine's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home in Quincy, IL. A Graveside Service will follow at 11:00 am at Greenmount Cemetery in Quincy. Pastor Shane Tomko will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to O'Donnell-Cookson to help the family with final expenses.

Online condolences may be shared, and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.