Geraldine (“Gerry”) Gibbs Bradford went home to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ after a life well lived on November 7, 2018.

Gerry was born to Lelia Mae Gibbs and Floyd Burtis “Buck” Gibbs on September 14, 1925 in Kemp, Texas. The Gibbs family, including Gerry’s four siblings, soon moved to Athens, Texas where Gerry enjoyed a wonderful childhood. Gerry graduated from Athens High School in 1943. While in Athens, Gerry met the love of her life, Russell Allen Bradford of Chandler, Texas.

Russell enlisted in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The young seaman surprised Gerry with an unannounced visit in December 1945. Russell found Gerry on the town square and asked for her hand; on December 7, 1945, the couple married at the Gibbs Family home. For the next 72 years, Russell and Gerry were rarely physically apart and never did their flame dim.

Following the war, Gerry and Russell moved to San Antonio, Texas. Russell started at the bottom and worked his way to a senior executive position with APPCO, a large industrial concern. Gerry was at Russell’s side every step of the way, making a delightful home for Russell and their four daughters. After retirement, Gerry and Russell took to the roads in their Airstream trailer. The couple’s explorations led them across the continent with a wide group of friends in the Wally Bynum Caravan Club, of which Gerry served as First Lady.

Eventually, Russell and Gerry returned to their East Texas roots, living in Chandler, Texas for the past 18 years before recently moving to Waco, Texas. In addition to travel, Gerry loved spending time with her grandchildren, sports and staying in touch with her large family and her larger circle of friends.

Gerry’s Christian faith was the central tenet of her life. Across the years, Gerry was a stalwart member of The First Baptist Church of Athens, Texas, Baptist Temple and Trinity Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas, and The First United Methodist Church of Chandler, Texas. Gerry was also a lifelong member of the Order of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron of the Star Chapter of San Antonio, Texas.

While friends mourn their loss, the memory of Gerry’s wit, wisdom and the sparkle in her eyes eases their pain. Gerry’s Christian example guides her family during their time of sorrow.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; siblings Winston Kenneth Gibbs, Buck Gibbs, Jr., and Wanda Beth Rehkopf; and son-in-law Ron Plackemeier. Gerry’s surviving family includes her soul mate and husband Russell Bradford; sister Nelda Gibbs Demers and husband Bernie Demers of Lindale, Texas; daughter Beverly Deaton and husband Dr. Tom Deaton of Commerce, Texas; daughter Lynda May and husband Dr. David May of Abilene, Texas; daughter Gayle Plackemeier of Giddings, Texas; daughter M’Lissa Howen and husband Steve Howen of Waco, Texas; nine adoring grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and Elvis, Gerry’s exceptionally devoted dog.

A graveside visitation will occur at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday November 10, 2018, at Chandler Memorial Cemetery with her internment at 11:00 a.m. A celebration lunch will follow in the Fellowship Hall of The First United Methodist Church of Chandler, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gerry’s honor to The First United Methodist Church of Chandler, Texas.