(This is MY STORY)

"I have fought a good fight; I have finished my course; I have kept the faith."

2 Timothy 4:7

Geraldine Thompson (96), the daughter of the late Rilou and Maggie Kelley, was born on October 8, 1923. She was affectionately known by many as "Cutty" or "Kelley". After a brief illness and short stay at University of Maryland Medical Center, and a one day stay at Future Care Canton, Geraldine answered God's call to be with Him on April 27, 2019. Geraldine was courageous and seemed strong until the very end and fought the best battle she could, frequently saying "My Lord, My King" and my God is coming back you better believe it.

Geraldine received her formal education from the Baltimore City Public School System and attended Frederick Douglas High School. Geraldine met and married her late husband Warren Thompson, out of this union there were no biological children, but that did not stop Geraldine from adopting other children young and old in her heart as if they were her natural children. Many times, her sisters Bernice and Thelma had to remind her that their children (Beverly and Ricky) were not her children because of her intense love for them.

Geraldine held a couple of jobs mainly in foods services at Blue Field Hotel and Caterers and Baltimore County Club. She retired from Baltimore Country Club (BCC) after more the 30 years of service and later became a domestic worker for several of the lady golfers at the BCC. She became very close friends with these ladies and their families, even helping to care for the children and grandchildren. Geraldine was an exceptional cook and caterer and her food was always delicious and beautifully prepared as if it was from a fine restaurant or connoisseur food magazine.

Geraldine truly lived her life to the fullest through the simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family via telephone or sitting in the lobby with many of the residents at Bolton North Apartments. If you knew Geraldine, you know she was a sharp dresser and loved to shop. Her wardrobe, jewelry and household items were never ending. Geraldine was a firecracker and she totally spoke her mind, but with honesty. She was full of wisdom and had the most unique and funny sayings. She loved children and also loved giving gifts to them. Geraldine was still able to go to the market on her own, ride the subway and light rail, even up until she became ill. She loved Safeway Market on Charles and 25th Street, where she had a lot of friends and one young lady there who called her mom.

Geraldine accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior on April 9, 2019 in the car with her adopted daughter and dear friend Truemenda "Trudy". Geraldine had every intention of completing her physical therapy and going home, so that she could pack up many of her clothes and prepare food so that she and Trudy could go under the bridge to give to the homeless. But all along, by the Grace of God, He was already working out the process and doing the first things first and nothing else mattered.

Geraldine leaves to cherish her memory, her nephews, Christopher Powell and Alfred "Ricky" Johnson (Tonia); Nieces, Evangelist Robin Adams (Charles), Delores Scott, Josephine Ball, Margaret (Peggy) Hill (Lionel), and Cousin Doris Patterson, and host of other loving relatives and friends. She leaves to cherish her memory her three lifelong friends and phone companions, Adrienne Davis, Frances Gingher and Willie Mae Butler. Geraldine was preceded in death by Brothers Joe Gordon and Billy Cole, Sisters Mamie Jones, Bernice Johnson and Thelma Kelley, brother-in-law Alfred Box Johnson, sisters-in-laws, Caroline Cole and Alma Gordon. And also, her nieces, Beverly Powell and Hattie Hilleary.