Geraldine Morgan

Geraldine Morgan was born September 23, 1954 in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born to Jessie Mae and Velus Bonds. She quietly departed this life on Monday, February 1, 2021 at her home. She battled many medical ailments for the past few years. Geraldine was married to Odell Morgan.

Geraldine spent her early toddler years in East St. Louis, IL and then relocated with her family to Joliet, IL in 1960. She confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor James McNear. She later united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton, Sr. and was re-baptized. At Mt. Zion she was a  memberof the Angelic Choir.

Geraldine attended school at A.F. Hill and Fairmont Grade Schools and Lockport Township High School. At Lockport, she was the First African American Freshman Home Coming Attendant, back in the day when there were very few to none.

Geraldine worked at Western Electric in Aurora, IL and Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, IL. She had compassion for others, she would feed you and if you needed a place to spend the night, she would let you do that; probably on a pallet on the floor in a corner but at least you had shelter and something to eat.  

Geraldine enjoyed listening to really loud Gospel Music, and her favorite song was “That Will Be Good Enough For Me” by Rev. Rance Allen. She crocheted beautiful dresses and outfits for African American dolls.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Odell Morgan; her son, Don L. Brown; two granddaughters, Sharmeka Brown and Christiana Thomas; one grandson, Nehemiah Brown; loving partner, Don L. Bolton; two brothers, Mark Bonds and Otis Reed; five sisters; Belinda, Dorothy, Patricia, Vera, and Elaine; brothers-in-law, Earl Wright, Michael Shimizu and Joe Tucker Jr.; her maternal and paternal grandparents; father of her children, Don L. Bolton; and a long time loving family friend, Johnny Seals.

Geraldine leaves a loving family in the care of the Almighty God to cherish her memories: three daughters, Kellie Brown Lee, Jennifer Brown and Brittany Morgan all of Joliet, IL; and her godson, Army SGT. Matthew Reed of Philadelphia, PA.

Geraldine also leaves her beloved grandchildren, Anthony Brown, Brianna Brown, Diamond Jenkins-Brown, Don’Monique Brown, Kadesha Brown, Shaniqua Brown, Diva Brown, Donnell Brown, Jaylen Brown, Darrion Brown, Dontrell Brown, Don Brown Jr., Emmanuel Brown, Don’Najah Brown, An’Tasia Broadway, A’niya Fuller (Muffin), Ny’Asia Fuller (Lil’ Bit); and eleven great grandchildren.

Geraldine was blessed to be a sister of a few blended families, Annie Wright, Annie Jo Reed, and Geneva Shimizu of Joliet, IL, Deborah Floore of Bellwood, IL, Janice Beasley of Nashville, TN and Bessie Bee of Markham, IL.

Geraldine’s brothers, Melvin Bonds of Joliet, IL, Kevin (Tanya) Bonds of Danville, IL, Charles (Sharese) Bonds of Urbana, IL, Douglas Bonds of East St. Louis, IL, and Rev. Larry (Beverly) Bonds of St. Louis, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  

Geraldine leaves her long-time childhood close and special friend who is also the godmother of all her children, Vanessa Moffett; other close friends, Sharon Fields and former husband, Willie Brown.

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