Last week did not end in “hallelujah,” after all. Instead, we learned Friday that we had unexpectedly lost Jon’s sweet grandma, Virginia (Ginnie) Geary.
I missed out during childhood on the experience of doting grandparents who lived nearby. When Jon and I got married, I felt like I’d won the grandparent jackpot. His Grandma and Grandpa Geary took me in as their own with such warmth and love, and I felt so lucky to be close enough to see them often. Since Friday, the memory reel has played almost constantly, of holidays and family vacations in Gatlinburg, of weekend visits, shopping trips, wedding days, Sabbath dinners, meeting new great-grandbabies and all the moments over the past 11-plus years that made Grandma Geary so very, very dear. I know Jon has an even longer memory reel playing. She was kind and generous, gentle and loving, always looking for the very best in people, a lover of beautiful things, a great shopper, a fantastic cook, a world traveler, a beautiful dresser, a good sport who loved to play games and laugh, and a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. The whole family is hurting and placing such hope in the promise of a day when we can be with her again.
For those who knew Ginnie Geary, a memorial service is planned for 4 p.m. on July 27 in Calhoun, Ga. If you loved her, as so many did, please join us in remembering the remarkable woman she was.
My college graduation, 2002
The moms and Grandma Geary at our wedding, 2002
Grandma and Grandpa at our baby shower for Corin, 2010
Meeting Corin, 2010
Corin’s baby dedication, 2010
Corin’s first birthday, 2011
Savannah, 2011
2011
Thanksgiving 2011
Meeting Eline, 2012
I swallow a lump in my throat as I look at what I know now is my last photo of Grandma Geary. I wish I’d taken more. There is so much I never captured. I wish my children could grow up knowing her. Please God, let us see her again soon.
A Dash of the Unexpected 
I’m sorry, Jolene, about grandma Geary. We are truly blessed to have that hope in meeting her again one day. Her next conscious moment will be that great and wonderful day!
Thank you, Judi. That day can’t come soon enough!
Thanks for sharing this with us. I’m teary-eyed, having read thru, as I also remember fun times with her since way back in 1981 when I first fell in love with them in Montgomery. She was a great lady and surely will be missed.
Thank you for sharing your love for her, Judy! I know there are so many people who feel this loss.
I do not know you but certainly appreciate this beautiful tribute to an obviously well-loved and lovely woman. Thank you.
Thank you for your kind words, Laraine. I’m so glad to be able to share her memory.
Though I don’t know you, I knew and loved Ginnie. Years ago we had opportunity to travel together on several occasions. She was so accepting, treating me with open mind and open heart. I loved our “girl talk” in the back of the plane. She was an exceptionally beautiful and graceful woman exceeded only by a beautiful and grace filled heart. I join you in wishing for that day we see her sweet face again.
Thank you for sharing this, Cindy. It’s so nice to hear from someone else who loved Ginnie Geary. She was a remarkable woman and is still missed very much.