Obituary of Jestina M. Gerald

Jestina Mae Gerald departed this life on Wednesday, October 5, 2022. She was born to the late Henry and Pattie Reed of Marion, South Carolina on July 8, 1935. To this union four daughters were born. She received her education in the Public Schools in South Carolina.

Jestina entered holy matrimony on April 15, 1957 to the late French Lee Gerald. This union was blessed with one daughter and three sons.  They relocated to Washington, DC for better opportunities for the family.

Not knowing that she inherited the whole GERALD’s family, she was an extraordinary woman, and she had the ability to unite the Reed and Gerald’s families as ONE family! She cherished her close relationship with her New York and South Carolina’s families, especially with her sisters, nieces and nepkins.  She always looked forward to spending vacation time in Myrtle Beach and Florida traveling with her daughter (Ms. 95) and her boy’s. Also call Rev Livingston to prayer for a safe traveling. She also loved being in the midst of birthday celebrations, graduations, weddings, family reunions and 51 years of hosting with the relatives, friends, the R Street communities, and the members from Mount Bethel Church all at 106 R Street NE.

The window of encouragement was very inspiration of Jestina as she reflected upon those who have gone before her.  This window of encouragement reflects God’s unchanging promises.  Her prayer was that you also be encouraged to hold onto God’s promises. She was such a strong-willed, self-determined, and spiritually motivated woman. She spoked strongly in the things she believed and always had open arms for those in need. Through all of her sufferings and pains, she sustained strength by trusting and believing in the Lord.

She was member Mount Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Leamon W. White and Reverend Bobby L. Livingston and Mount Bethel Baptist Church.  She loved Jesus Christ, participated in several auxiliaries, and loved being a nurse.

She worked at various jobs beginning with the Adam’s hotel and Brentwood Daycare ending with her former employment with Shiloh Baptist Church’s Daycare, where she retired after 30 years plus of being a dedicated teacher for the 2 years old students. She was an easy person to work with and well-liked by her co-workers and supervisors.

She is survived by  Daughter Michelle (Susie) Gerald of Washington, DC; Three Sons (Decease) Danny R. Gerald, Fredrick Gerald, Robbie (Tina)Gerald and Special Son Sgt. Mayor Jimmy (Leola) Williams. Three Sister’s (Decease) Willa Graves, Julia Woodberry of New York, and Ada Legette of New York, Sister-in-law Ellen Williamson of South Carolina and Carolyn Gerald of Maryland:  Grandchildren Rayhim (Samona)McPherson, Layquan Gerald, Crystal Carter,  DaJia Peoples, Shakia Gerald, Mickhia Dockery, Tiffany Bartell and Ashawanda Hannett  Great children: Nair and Shocka McPherson, Zola Day, Baryden McBrybie