Geraldine Smith McGee

Geraldine Smith McGee, aka Jeri, age 87, of Elk Park passed away on November 14, 2014 at the Life Care Center in Banner Elk. A native of Avery County, she was born December 19, 1926, the eldest child of the late E.L. and Mamie Richardson Smith. A graduate of Appalachian State Teachers College in Boone, she was a great mentor and loving teacher for 35 years, retiring from the Avery County Schools. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a national teachers organization. Jeri was a very active member of the Elk Park Christian Church. She loved flowers, reading, cooking, and absolutely adored antiquing. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry McGee in 2009 and a sister, Marilyn McKinney. A loving matriarch of her family, she leaves behind to cherish her memory, a daughter, Debbie Banner, and her husband Joe, of Newland; grandson, Joseph Banner, Jr, and his wife Christina, of Newland; great granddaughter, Sophie Banner; sisters: Rita Bowers of Powell, TN, Barbara Buchanan, and her husband Bruce, of Burlington, NC, Betty Lawing, and her husband Perry, of Marion, NC; brother in law, D.L. McKinney, husband of her deceased sister Marilyn, of Minneapolis; brother Jim Smith, and his wife Betty, of Salisbury, NC; a host of nieces and nephews, whom she adored. Linda Ferguson was dear to Jeri’s heart as Linda cared for her and Harry for the past several years. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Newland. Funeral services for Jeri will be conducted at 2:30 pm on Monday, November 17, 2014 at the Elk Park Christian Church with the Rev. Palma Bennett officiating. Interment will follow in the Minneapolis Cemetery with the Rev. Harry Bowers officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Elk Park Christian Church, PO Box 158, Elk Park, NC 28622 Words of comfort and memories may be shared with the family and viewed at www.rsfh.net. Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home of Newland is serving the McGee family.Read Obituary