Geraldine

Bigby

Geraldine Bigby was born in Scotts, Georgia, on November 6. 1935, to Fred and Irene Williams. She was one of seven siblings, growing up with four sisters and two brothers. Early in life, Geraldine demonstrated her compassionate nature by becoming a caregiver for her mother, Irene, following a serious fire – a clear sign of God’s early calling in her life.

Geraldine graduated from David T. Howard High School in Atlanta, Georgia. In 1959, she relocated to Boston with her six children to join her mother, her sisters Irene and Jewel, her brother Don, and a host of extended family members who had settled in the area.

Inspired by her early experience caring for her mother, Geraldine worked as a Home Health Aide for several years in Boston. Her passion for healthcare led her to become a Nurse’s Aide at the VA Hospital in Jamacia Plain, where she worked faithfully for 25 years before her initial retirement. While balancing her nursing career and raising six children, she also attended the La Newton School of Beauty in Grove Hall, earning her beautician’s license and serving as a hairdresser for an exclusive clientele from her church auxiliary club. Following her first retirement, she returned to work as a Home Health Aide. Upon her final retirement, she remained an active, belove member of her community – frequently going on shopping trips and walks in the park with her best friend, Mrs. Sarah Scott, while watching out for her fellow elderly residents.

Geraldine was a lifelong and devoted member of The United House of Prayer for All People, where she served in the Escorts Auxiliary group, holding numerous leadership positions, including President. She held a deep appreciation for her church leaders, strongly advocated for the youth, and consistently encourage young members to participate in church roles.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Irene Williams; all six of her siblings: Donald Williams, Jerry Williams, Mamie Lou Eberhart, Irene McWhorter, Corene Jackson, and Jewell Andrews; three of her children: Zandera Bigby, Eric Bigby, and Jeanette Bigby; and two grandchildren: Zandera Sullivan and Asia Bigby.

Left to cherish her loving memory are her three surviving children: Joyce Houston of Florida, Bobby Bigby and Michael Bigby of Massachusetts; ten grandchildren; a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. She held a special place in her heart for her best friend, Mrs. Sarah Scott; and her church family at The United House of Prayer For All People, especially the Escorts Auxiliary club.