On September 23rd, 1937, Geraldine M. Brinkley, a beautiful and lovely silk rose was born to the late Elmer and Bessie Phillips Manning in a little town in Smith County TN called New Middleton.
During her early years, she began her education in Smith County until moving to Sumner County. Geraldine would go on to play basketball and complete her education as a Union High Red Devil. After graduation in 1960, Geraldine married the love of her life, the late Jacin A. Brinkley. To this union, five beautiful children were born.
She was preceded in death by her sons Scott Allen Brinkley, Raymond Kelvin Fitts, Grandson Cooper-Joaquin Cervantes Cummings and her Granddaughter Alize Fitts. She was also preceded in death by three Brothers, Harold Thomas, Alvin, and Otis Manning and three sisters, Beatrice Simpson, Charlene Manning, and Claudine Fitts.
For many years, Geraldine was employed by The Normans and John and Beverly Riadon cleaning houses. Years later, she managed the fruit stands and Pumpkin Junction at Normans Farm. While still working at the Farm, she began working at T.W. Hunter Middle School in Sumner County, where she remained for well over 28 years until she retired. A few months after retiring, she returned to work at T.W. Hunter until becoming ill. She loved working at the school serving and caring for each student, faculty, and staff member she encountered. Her gentle, kind, and loving spirit will leave an eternal mark on all that was Blessed to know her.
Geraldine was a very spiritual soul. She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and united with Richmond United Methodist Church. After her family relocated to Gallatin, she united with St. John Missionary Baptist Church where she served as a Faithful Usher, Choir Member and Youth Director for over 60 years until her health failed her. Geraldine served as Usher President for East Fork District Association for many years. Geraldine loved everyone and always saw good in others.
She leaves to cherish her memories, very devoted and loving children, Angela High (William), Lisa Brinkley, Jason Brinkley, Martha Brinkley-Lang, Stephanie Carter (Sedrick) and Tim Hudson (Debbie), of Gallatin, TN. A very devoted adopted daughter Aquilla Cook of Clarksville, TN. One sister Josephine Watkins, Gallatin, TN, Brother Charles “Chuck” Manning of Chicago Illinois, and two sisters in law, Pearline Manning of Hendersonville and Geraldine Brinkley of Indianapolis, IN, thirty-five grandchildren, twenty-four Great Grandchildren, very loving and devoted grand-son Christion Cummings, who never left her side, three special nieces who helped care for her Rosemary Rudy, Thelma Manning and Betty Brinkley, and a special nephew who stopped in every Saturday just to have a cup of coffee with her, Jeff Manning of Gallatin, TN.
Devoted God Children; Patricia Franklin (Donnie), Debra Cowan (Donnie), Mary Vaughn, Betty Baxter (Reggie), Robert Henry Timberlake, Greg Nixon, William Fitts, Harold Lane Fitts, Collie Wayne Ellis, Michael Fitts, and Terry Ewin, devoted Goddaughter & caregiver Yolanda Benton and a very devoted and loving cousin Eleanor Cartwright.
Please keep the family of Ms. Geraldine Brinkley in your thoughts and prayers.
Viewing:
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Johnson & Coleman Funeral Home
723 Anthony Street
Gallatin, Tennessee
Visitation with the Family:
11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Friday, February 16, 2024
St. John Baptist Church
1085 New Shackle Island Road
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Celebration of Life:
12:00 P.M.
Friday, February 16, 2024
St. John Baptist Church
Hendersonville, Tennessee
Service of Committal & Interment:
Gallatin City Cemetery
Gallatin, Tennessee
https://www.johnsonandcolemanfh.com
For more obituaries visit https://sumnercountysource.com/obituaries/
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
