Geraldine McCray Wade, affectionately known as “Gerry” by family and friends, was born December 3, 1948, in Fort Bragg, North Carolina to the late Lester McCray, Sr. and the late Maebelle McCray. She was called home to be with the Lord on February 11, 2026. She was the 3rd of 12 children born to her parents. She loved and supported her family unconditionally and without reservation. She was preceded in death by her son, Reginald Wade; siblings, Alberta Ector, Marlene “Connie” Vinson, and John Wayne McCray.
Geraldine accepted Christ at an early age, attending Carter’s Monumental CME Church, which was throughout her upbringing. She continued her spiritual journey as she maintained a relationship with the Lord with daily study and devotion. As a firm and devoted believer, she instilled those values in her children. Her bond with Christ sustained her and was the driving force that allowed her to support her family throughout her life. Later, she relocated her family to Clayton County where she continued in her faith, which led her to Divine Faith Ministry International Church. There she continued to raise, support and guide her family in the spirit of the Lord.
She matriculated in the Muscogee County School System, before marrying Arthur T. Williams, Sr. and moving to Harlem, New York. From that union, she was blessed with her first of three sons, Arthur T. Williams, Jr. Later she returned to Columbus, Georgia to be amongst her immediate family. While residing in Columbus, she met and married Louis Wade and from that union she was blessed with two sons, the late Reginald L. Wade and Doniel “Keon” Wade. She was very active in her children’s lives. She was a supporter of the Technology Student Association, Bands (Symphonic and Marching), Track, Cross Country, Basketball, Governor’s Honors Program, Explorer Scout, the Debate Team and many other activities and community programs. She relished spending time with her parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She enjoyed cooking, eating, and fellowshipping with family, friends, and neighbors. She sacrificed herself for the betterment of her family, especially her children. She would often go without, ensuring her children were provided for. She endured and persevered through the toughest times of her life, NEVER giving up.
While in New York, she started her career at Northern Bell Telephone Company. Later, after returning to Columbus, GA to be among her immediate family she continued her career at Southern Bell, later renamed Bell South and now known as AT&T. In 1988, she moved to Atlanta and continued to excel in communications at Bell South. There, she managed and excelled in a career that span over 32 years of outstanding and dedicated service. After retiring from AT&T, she joined and assisted her late brother, John Wayne McCray in the funeral home business where they both worked at Dortch-Williamson Funeral Home. After her time at Dortch-Williamson, she continued her life mission in supporting her immediate family, becoming a caregiver for her late mother, Maebelle McCray.
She possessed a caring and loving spirit throughout her life. Geraldine enjoyed a good card game, especially a competitive hand of gin rummy, her word-seek books and a large cup of ice water. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She believed in community and the value of hard work. Geraldine understood that with strength, perseverance, and faith, any challenge can be overcome, often saying “This Too Shall Pass”. Her sense of humor, honesty and undying care for others were undeniable to anyone who interacted with her. She believed a meal had spiritual qualities that not only fed the person but fed their soul. She believed in GOOD and QUALITY Food perfectly seasoned. She never missed an opportunity to enjoy a good slab of BBQ ribs, especially if it was made by her son Terry. She was an Atlanta Falcons Fan and enjoyed attending the Road Dogg Express Tailgate.
Geraldine was very meticulous and organized with a brilliant mind for problem solving. She ensured that she planned for every outcome and contingency, took copious notes and had an uncanny attention to detail. She was the ultimate confidant that made it easy to trust and believe. She always wanted the best for everyone. Her focus and determination are traits seen in her sons and grandchildren. Through her works, she was inspirational, influential and a blessing to all. She was a quiet professional, that believed in excellence through superior effort and commitment. She was an example of God’s love here on earth.
She leaves to cherish her memories; her loving and devoted sons, Arthur T. (Zakiya) Williams, Jr. and Doniel “Keon” ( Kalika) Wade; grandchildren, Sheterria Williams, Doniel Williams, Honour Williams, Kenyatta (Kevonte) Slaughter, Kayla Hill, Christian Wade, Cameron Wade, Trinity Green-Wade, Caleb Wade, and Charity Wade; nine(9) great grand-children; two devoted nieces, Jhonnita Williams (her daughter she never had) and Kimya Geter; siblings: Melvin (Rose) McCray, Lester (Beverly) McCray, Cheryl McCray, Jacquis McCray, Michael (Anne) McCray, Gregory (Linda) McCray, Donald (Renae) McCray, and Ramon (Victa’) McCray; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, neighbors, and friends.
Funeral service will be held Thursday February19, 2026 at 11am at Dortch-Williamson Funeral and Cremation Services. Visitation will be held Wednesday February 18, 2026 from 5pm-8pm. Burial will be in Green Acres Cemetery, Columbus, GA. Dexter T. Sims Mortuary, LLC, Gainesville, has charge of arrangements.