Geraldine Trice Surles

Geraldine Trice Surles was born on August 3, 1951 in Laurel, Mississippi to Callie Clayborn (mother) and Horace Trice (father), both from Mississippi. Both of her parents preceded her in death. Geri, as she was known to her family and friends, was the eldest of ten children. Geri’s parents relocated to Chicago, Illinois shortly after the birth of their second child, and resided there for the next decade. Geri graduated from Saginaw High School in 1969, and received both a Bachelors and a Master’s degree in Social Science from Valley State University. Geri gained compassion for children, which lead to her call to Social Work. In 1973, Geri began a career with the State of Michigan Department of Human Services as an Assistance Payment Worker, and went on to become a Supervisor of the Children’s Foster Care Division for Saginaw County. During her tenure, Geri received numerous awards for her dedication and exceptional work ethics spanning more than three decades. She also serviced as the Past President of the Michigan Black Social Workers Union. Geri retired in 2001. Shortly after relocating to Arizona in 2004, she was re-diagnosed with cancer. Geri met this second round of cancer with courage and conviction believing “nothing is impossible with God.” She united with Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Phoenix, AZ and was a faithful member until her illness would not allow her to make the drive any longer. She then went under watch care with Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church in Maricopa, AZ where she was currently living. Geri served as the president of the Lay Organization, was a member of the Sunday School, and the Women’s Missionary Society. Geri, along with her beloved friend, Rose Houston, completes a Chaplain Certification under the tutelage of Apostle Michael Sterling. She was one of the first members of the Metropolitan Sun Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women. One of her most precious memories was traveling with nine of the NCNW members to Washington, D.C. in 2009 to the last convention hosted by NCNW’s famous president, Dorothy Heights, and visiting the White House were Barack H. Obama is President. Geri is survived by her daughter, Shawn Marie; her son, Chester Bright III (Heather), both of Saginaw, MI; nine brothers and sisters, Johnnie, David, Henry, Anthony, Carolyn, Vanessa and Nina of Saginaw, MI, Kevin and Rev. Maria Lowery of Phoenix. AZ; grandchildren, Antonia, Mateo, Chantreal, Brianna and Chester IV; a host of relatives and friends too numerous to name; and her beloved dog, Lucy. Arizona: Memorial service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church, 7040 S. 40th St. in Phoenix, AZ.Arizona arrangements entrusted to Preston Funeral Home, 3800 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85040 Telephone: (602) 304-0083. Michigan: Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Dennis Cotton will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service.

Geraldine Trice Surles

August 3, 1951 - December 23, 2014