Geraldine Oates

Geraldine Oates, affectionately known as “Mama Oates” to some, but “Ms. Oates” from her Daycare and grandchildren.  She was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 23, 1939 to the union of James Robert Reed and Bishop Clara Ethel Evans who preceded her in death.  She was the fourth of six children.

She accepted Christ at an early age.  Her mother Bishop Clara Ethel Evans Baptized her at her church at 717 W. 69th Street in Chicago, Illinois.

Geraldine received her education from DuSable High School in Chicago, Illinois in July of 1958.

Geraldine was united in holy matrimony to Argola Oates, Jr. in April 1961 and to this union, six wonderful children were born.  During this time, she attended Antioch M.B. Church of Roseland, Chicago, IL where the family attended.  Later in life she became a member of St. Mark M.B. Church in Harvey, IL with Bishop William L. Jordan.

“Ms. Oates” as she was always called, attended workshops, and studied childcare development until she received her license and opened her own Oates Home Day Care in her home.  She loved and cared for children and her grandchildren until she retired in 2008 because of her health.  The house at 11411 S. Lowe was the gathering spot with the kids in the neighborhood.

Geraldine was well loved by everyone she met. She enjoyed time with her traveling club (Happy Travelers Social Club) (which she got a chance to travel all around the world), cruising with her cousin Toni Walker, attending movies, going to theater, but shopping was her favorite.  She would shop all day until it gets dark.  She will truly be missed by family and friends.

Geraldine made her transition at home on March 23, 2021 surrounded by her girls and family.  She is preceded in death by her sister Katherine Reed; two brothers, Letholia Waddle and Clarence Solomon Reed; ex-husband, Argola Oates, Jr.; one son, Aaron Oates and one great granddaughter, Amira Milian Maxwell; special friends Ollie Schultz and Lisa Patterson.

She leaves to cherish her memory and continued in the love of her.

Her five girls, Angela Avant, Anita Latham, Anissa Green, Adrienne Brooks and Arlene Oates. Sixteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren. 

Two sisters; Beatrice Wright of Park Forest and Fannie Williams of Lawrenceville, GA; one brother, Rev. James Reed of Chicago, IL; three sons-in-law and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and relatives and many special friends, Shirley Clark, Fran Lofton, Jean McBride, Dorothy Johnson, and family friend Jewell Oliver Miles; goddaughter, Yeneba Smith and special daughter Bianca McBride.

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