Geraldine (Flanigan) Lewis

Geraldine Flanigan Lewis - a radiant embodiment of love and steadfast faith, illuminated this world with her presence on June 4, 1947, in Newark, New Jersey. Born to the late Wiley Dawsey, Sr. and Irene Flanigan, she embarked on a wondrous journey adorned with joy, challenges, and triumphant moments.

Beyond the confines of her cherished family, Geraldine's warm embrace enveloped her community. A proud graduate of E.R. Grimsley Colored High School in Ashford, Alabama - Class of 1965 - she bore the torch of wisdom and empowerment throughout her days. Her professional odyssey at Atwell, which later became Ansell Incorporated, was distinguished by her unwavering diligence and steadfast resolve, culminating in a well-earned retirement. Her exemplary work ethic and integrity shone brightly, reflecting her profound commitment to serving others.

Geraldine's life exemplified the profound testament to the transformative power of love and unwavering dedication. Joined in sacred union with William Steve Lewis on the enchanting day of September 7, 1985, she reveled in the cherished moments and profound bond they nurtured together.

Geraldine's faith stood as the bedrock of her very being. As a devoted member and deaconess of Shady Grove Baptist Church #2, her unwavering commitment to her spiritual kin shone brightly. Her regular presence and enthusiastic engagement offered solace and fortitude, not only to herself but to all who were fortunate enough to know her. Even as her health began to falter, her spirit remained steadfast, and her trust in the mystical power of prayer and community remained unyielding.

The words that most profoundly embody Geraldine are “Loving” and “Faithful.” She radiated a love without limits and a faith potent enough to shift mountains. Her existence was a testament, a living sermon that extolled the virtues of kindness, compassion, and resilience. A beacon of hope, she illuminated the paths of others, steering them through life's tempests with her unwavering optimism.

As a source of motivation, Geraldine ignited the spirits of many with her steadfast positivity. She frequently shared a poignant quote from Maya Angelou that beautifully captured her life philosophy: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” In her presence, everyone felt cherished, understood, and embraced by love.

Predeceasing her in the eternal embrace is her devoted husband, William Steve Lewis; her cherished daughter, Cecelia Taylor; three beloved sisters: Ida Robinson, Ozie Helms, and Addie Dawsey; one dear brother, Robert Flanigan; two brothers-in-law: Nathaniel Lewis and John E. Lewis; and one sister-in-law, Vivian Lewis. Geraldine's luminous spirit ascended gracefully on May 4, 2025, at Grandview Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, leaving behind a legacy woven with warmth and inspiration.

She leaves to treasure her precious memories alongside her six radiant children: Darren (Gladys) Taylor, Sharon (Robert) Marshall, LaRhonda (Joe) Tyer, William Taylor, Kim (Walter) Brown, and Tomekia (Rufus) Marshall. Three devoted sisters: Lillie Taplin, Thelma (Billy) Thomas, and Carolyn (Max) Parrish; eight steadfast brothers: Willie Ray (Lanette) Dawsey, Johnny Dawsey, Lawrence (Shantel) Dawsey, Dwight (Lasundra) Dawsey, Elder Michael D. Dawsey, Reverend James B. (Annie) Dawsey, Jawanna (Joan) Dawsey, and Wiley Dawsey; thirteen cherished grandchildren: Quatina (Zay) Whigan, Kennie Wilson, Patrick (Alexia) Wilson, Simone (Alex) Swain, Shawn (Karmen) Taylor, Kenya Lett, YaLonda (Deshawn) Murry, Jarvis Brown, Jonte (James) Gupton, Kiara Brown, Onterio Marshall, DeAjon Marshall, and Tori Armstrong; a beloved great-grandchild: Janiliyah Thomas; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law: Doris Howard; two brothers-in-law: Amos (Zeannie) Lewis and Joe (Diane) Lewis; a dear friend: Ethell Barker; along with a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

Geraldine Flanigan Lewis, a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, will be deeply missed yet forever remembered. While her earthly journey may have reached its end, her story - woven into the hearts of those she influenced - will persist in inspiring and uplifting all who hold her memory dear, ensuring that her radiant spirit continues to shine, guiding future generations along their paths.

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