Geraldine Poyser

Geraldine Poyser was born on January 17, 1950, in Abbeville, South Carolina, to Ella Frances Brown and Maxwell Brown. Affectionately known as "Geri" to her friends and "Deni" to her family, she moved to Evanston, Illinois, at a young age. She was raised and built a life rooted in love, faith, family, and service. Geraldine progressed through the Evanston school system and graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1968. She was always proud of her alma mater and never missed an opportunity to remind everyone that the ETHS boys' basketball team won the Illinois State Championship the year she graduated. She could sing the school fight song without missing a single word. While still in high school, Geraldine began working as a Nursing Assistant and later transitioned to become a Unit Secretary at Saint Francis Hospital. What started as a teenage job became a remarkable career spanning 59 years. Through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering work ethic, she faithfully served patients, families, and colleagues until her retirement in 2021. Geraldine welcomed her first child, her daughter Michele, before being blessed with two more children, Kendard and Natasha. Her children were the center of her world and brought immeasurable joy and purpose to her life. Her love and nurturing spirit extended far beyond her own children. She also helped raise her stepsons, Orville, Wayne, Gary and Andrew, and lovingly cared for many other children within her extended family. To all who were blessed to be under her guidance, she offered unwavering love, wisdom, support, and the comforting presence of a mother. Her home and her heart were always open, and countless lives were enriched by her generosity and care. A faithful woman of God, Geraldine was a devoted member of First Church of God Christian Life Center in Evanston, Illinois. Her faith guided the way she lived, loved, and served others. Whether through her church, her community, or simply lending a helping hand, she found joy in caring for others and sharing God's love through acts of kindness. Geraldine also exemplified remarkable strength and resilience as a two-time breast cancer survivor. Through each diagnosis and treatment, she faced every challenge with unwavering faith, courage, and determination. Rather than allowing adversity to define her, she embraced each day with gratitude and hope. Her perseverance inspired her family, friends, and everyone who knew her, serving as a powerful example of God's sustaining grace, resilience, and the strength of the human spirit. Outside of work, Geraldine filled her life with the things she loved most. She was an avid bowler who could often be found at the bowling alley three or more days each week. She participated in numerous leagues, including Days and Nights, the Ten Pinners, and Norenac Bell & Howell League. She cherished bowling alongside her sisters and brothers-in-law. Her passion for bowling became a cherished family tradition that she proudly passed down through generations, from her siblings to her children, nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling with her family, friends, and grandchildren to bowling tournaments across the country. As they were a part of Mike's Jr. Bowlers and various teams, she was one of their biggest supporters and loudest cheerleaders. Geraldine was also an extraordinary cook and baker whose kitchen was the heart of countless family gatherings. She was especially known for her unforgettable macaroni and cheese and her signature beans and rice. Family and friends eagerly anticipated her homemade banana, zucchini, and carrot breads, along with her famous chocolate chip cookies, pies, cakes, and countless other delicious treats. Her generous spirit extended beyond her own home, as she lovingly shared meals and baked goods with neighbors, church members, friends, and anyone in need. Creativity was another of Geraldine's many gifts. She enjoyed making beautiful beaded keychains and bracelets, finding joy in creating handmade treasures for friends and loved ones. Her thoughtfulness was reflected in every gift she made and every act of kindness she extended. Those who knew Geraldine will remember her infectious personality just as much as her generosity. She was funny, outgoing, and quick-witted, with a sharp sense of humor that could brighten any room. She loved to laugh, joke, and make others smile, and her warm spirit made it easy for people to feel welcome in her presence. Whether she was sharing a funny story, cheering someone on, or offering words of encouragement, Geraldine had a special way of making everyone feel like family. Above all, Geraldine treasured her family. She was a loving and devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and a deeply cherished great-grandmother. Her love, wisdom, generosity, unwavering support, and joyful spirit touched generations and will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Geraldine was preceded in death by her father, Maxwell Brown; her sister, Diane Brown; and her brother, Benjamin Brown. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her beloved mother, Ella Frances Brown; her siblings, Maxine (Ricardo Sr.) Francellno, Jacqueline (Fred) Fuller, Michael (Kathy) Brown, and Angela (Daryl) Hammond; her children, Michele Lawrence, Kendard Poyser Sr., and Natasha (Benard Sr.) LaVallias; her beloved grandchildren, Dechele Williams, Rachel WIlliams, Kendard Poyser Jr., Iris Poyser, Londyn LaVallias, Abdul Hassan Ouedraogo, Benard LaVallias Jr., and Alyssa LaVallias; her treasured great-grandchildren, Aamir Savage and Zaylah Sayles; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love. Geraldine's legacy is one of faith, service, resilience, generosity, creativity, laughter, and unconditional love. Whether through a warm meal, a handmade gift, words of encouragement at a bowling tournament, or a joke that made everyone laugh, she made people feel seen, valued, and loved. She leaves behind a family strengthened by her example, a church family blessed by her faithful presence, and a community made better because she was part of it. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know and love her. Please email all acknowledgments to FirstChurchOfGod@FCOGEvanston.org.

Geraldine Poyser

January 17, 1950 - July 3, 2026