Mrs. Geraldine McLaughlin Hearn's Obituary
On January 31, 1945, the Eternal God released Geraldine McLaughlin into the earth. Geraldine was one of ten children born to the union of Fernandis and Sarah McGlothin, of Meridian, Mississippi. From a young age, Geraldine craved knowledge and learned to do many things; she enjoyed cooking, sewing and anything else that required her to be creative. it was her dream to one day become a fashion designer, but God had other things in mind. Geraldine was blessed with an infectious personality, beautiful smile and loving spirit. People were often drawn to her hazel eyes, which often changed color depending upon her mood. She took pride in being a "Southern Lady" as she could be found wearing pearls for any and every occasion. Geraldine accepted Christ Jesus, as her personal Savior, and was baptized at New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church, Savoy, MS. She took her vow to Christ very seriously and lived a life that exemplified Christ-like love, patience, generosity, forgiveness and friendship. She shared whatever she had with others; it did not matter if you were a family member, friend or stranger, Geraldine would help you if she could! She continued her commitment to Christ, on October 1, 1970, when she joined New Prospect Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan under the leadership of the late Reverend Dr. S. Leon Whitney. During her 51 years of dedicated membership, Geraldine served in many areas of the church. including but not limited to; Kitchen and Hospitality Ministry, Decorating Ministry, Sunday School, HUGS Cancer Support Ministry and Angel Tree Prison Ministry. Regardless of her health challenges, Geraldine could be counted upon to assist with ministry at New Prospect! She loved the Lord with her heart, spirit, time, talent and treasure. Geraldine was educated in The Meridian Public School System, and in 1963 she graduated with honors from TJ Harris High School. She went on to earn degrees and Specialized Certifications from Alcorn College, Alcorn, MS.; Wayne State University, University of Detroit and Marygrove College, all in Detroit, Michigan. For 34 years, Geraldine taught Special Education in the Detroit Public School System and specialized in working with emotionally impaired children. She was admired and respected for her "hands on approach" with her students and their parents. Ms. Hearn accepted no excuses from her students and taught them life skills that went far beyond the classroom. She often took young teachers under her wing, to show them the ropes and teach them to advocate for the children they represented. Geraldine believed in having a good time. She could shop until everyone else dr0pped, and had np problem asking you to have a seat at the front of the store until she was finished! She shopped for EVERYONE, and for EVERY occasion, EVERY time she went into a store! it didn't matter if it were Macy's, Big Lots 0r Cracker Barrell, Geraldine would find a bargain! She loved traveling with family and friends, especially her beloved "Sister-Girlfriend Circle", better known as "The Breakfast Club. " A well-knownjetsetter, Geraldine has traveled to California, Mexico, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Nevada, Florida and many other places. Of all the places in the world, traveling to Meridian, MS for Christmas was her favorite. While at "home", Geraldine would be busy helping in the kitchen or facilitating some craft project with the children. Due to an incident involving royal icing, and a dining room table, making Gingerbread Houses from scratch was banned in the mid 80 's ... Above all else, Geraldine took the greatest pride in being a mother. The relationship and bond between ' Geraldine and April is like no other. Geraldine let it be known that she was "The President and CFO" of "The April Hearn Fan Club." There was no sacrifice too great 0r effort too exhausting when it came to Geraldine's dedication to April. She was ALWAYS present and available to her daughter. She often went without, so that her precious child could have every opportunity for success and every need met. Together, they prayed, traveled, shopped and encouraged each other daily. They even titled Geraldine's chemo treatment day as "Mother-Daughter Days," as chemo was followed by dinner, conversation and a little bit of shopping. For 10 years, Geraldine LIVED with cancer and her spirit was unrelenting! She even continued working at Caver Memorial Funeral Home, where she'd worked for 20+ years, long after the doctors told her that she should stop driving and take it easy. Geraldine refused to slow down! She never allowed her life to be defined by her illness. Until the very end; Geraldine sacrificed, loved and gave until the Lord released her from a failing body that could no longer keep up with her spirit. On Thursday, March 4, 2021, the Triune God gently called Geraldine McLaughlin Hearn from Earth to eternal life. She was preceded in death by her parents: Fernandis and Sarah McGlothin, brothers: Leon, Leo, Walter, and Fernandis Jr. and sister, Margaret. Geraldine leaves to cherish her memory: her beloved daughter, April YM Hearn of West Bloomfield, MI; her spiritual children, Demetra (Anthony) McGlothin of Acworth, GA, Otis McGlothin and Sharon (Tim) Evans of Detroit, MI, and Annie (James) Price of Meridian, MS; four sisters, Dorothy Blackmon and Shirley McGlothin-Barnes of Cleveland, OH; Mary (Gary) Dennis of Kokomo, IN; and Doris Staton of Meridian, MS; one aunt, Ms. LeGirtha Hall of Meridian, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
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