Geraldean Williams

“I Know Heaven is a Beautiful Place Because They Have You” Geraldean (Gass) Alderman Williams affectionately known as “Dean” and Gerri was born on October 13, 1936 to the Late James D. Gass and Emma Gerrick- Gass in the Great Branch Community of Cope South Carolina. As a young girl she attended Great Branch County Schools, graduating from George W. Carver High School in 1954. Geraldean attended South Carolina State for one year, but then decided to pursue other opportunities and moved “Up North”. She arrived in New Jersey and resided in Morristown. Geraldean worked at Overlook Hospital in Summit , as a nurse’s aide in the maternity unit. Geraldean met the love of her life John W. Alderman who resided in New Brunswick NJ but hailed from Hahira Ga. They were joined in holy matrimony on November 18, 1961. John and Geraldean made their home in East Orange NJ and were blessed with 2 children, Wanda Renee’ and John Marvin Geraldean was a devoted member of Ebenezer Baptist church in Orange NJ for 31 years. Later Geraldean made a career change and applied for a job as a unit clerk in East Orange General Hospital were she worked 29 very productive years in the Medical Surgical and Drug and Alcohol units. Gerri was a very organized and efficient manager, when the physicians, social workers and nursing personnel had questions or couldn’t locate information, they went to Gerri for the answers. Geraldean and John W. enjoyed their life together. John W suddenly passed in 1987, and although Geraldean was devastated by the loss of her husband, Gerri continued to be strong and filled the void as best as she could. As destiny would have it, love and happiness came around a second time, and Gerri met and married John Sydney Williams on May 9, 1992. Shortly thereafter,Gerri retired from East Orange General Hospital and relocated to Chester South Carolina where her husband lived. However, they were only married for four short months before John Sydney was called home to glory on Sept 9, 1992. Once again Gerri’s heart was broken, nonetheless she remained in Chester, SC where family and friends surrounded her with comfort and support as she made Chester her home for the next 26 years. In Chester, Gerri volunteered at the Chester County Hospital, worked as a literacy tutor and mentored the youth in the area schools. If that was not enough she came out of retirement and worked part time for the Carolina Community Action program assisting people with social services. Gerri was a faithful member of the Black Rock Baptist Church where she was a member of the Golden Age Ministry, Missionary Club and the Wellness Team. In fact, where there was a need you would find Gerri volunteering. Gerri had a rich and full life, she loved to travel, read, spend time with her family and friends, attend the YMCA, watch all of the judge shows especially “Judge Judy and Mathis”,and always had to be “In it, to Win it” playing her Cash 5’s, Powerball and Scratch-offs. All in all, in life, Gerri was known as a sweet, patient and caring woman, who loved and supported her family and friends. In November 2018, due to health concerns Gerri relocated back to New Jersey to be with her daughter and family. Whatever she needed and wanted was done with no hesitation. Gerri peacefully entered eternal rest surrounded by family on August 20, 2019. She was preceded in death by husband John W. Alderman, husband John Sydney, sons, John M. Alderman, John S Williams Jr, brother James Alonzo Gass. She leaves to cherish her memories her loving daughter Wanda Renee( son in law Charles) Mitchell of Piscataway NJ, grandchildren Joy T( husband Luigi) Chery of Mesquite Texas; Charles Jr and Kyle Mitchell, son Wayne Alderman Somerset NJ her loving children David B (wife Jacquline) Sanders of Charlotte NC; Pamela Y. (husband Hazel) Pettice of Charlotte NC; Michael A (wife Carolyn) of Chester SC; Stephanie (husband Tom) Hall of Chester SC; Mary P. Williams of Chester SC She leaves 26 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren She also leaves special memories to Germaine Mitchell and James T Gass of Georgia, Goddaughter Elouise McCree, Wyeen Stroud, Bobbie Taylor and William Peay Gerri also cherished her four lifelong girlfriends, Elizabeth Glover, Wilhelmina Gregory, Priscilla Bouey and Anne Chapple She leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends