Geraldine Hart

Geraldine (Gerri) Etheridge Hart was born in New York, NY on April 9, 1938 to the union of Arthur James Etheridge, Sr. and Nellie B (Bates) Etheridge and was the oldest of three children, Arthur Jr. and Carl.

In 1944 her father took a job in the shipyard and moved the family to Portland Oregon. May 1948 proved to be a significant time in her life. One Sunday while attending service at the First AME Zion Church on Williams Avenue, Gerri took the hands of her two brothers, walked to the alter and they became members. It was also the month many residents of North Portland were
devastated and displaced by the Vanport flood. By God’s grace the family survived and were able to relocate to other housing.

Gerri attended Holladay Elementary school and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1956 where she served as a cafeteria helper and a member of the Leones Choir.

During her life, Gerri was blessed with four beautiful children: Pamela Jo (Pam or Pete), DeAnya (DeeDee), Wesley (affectionately known as Uncle Aundage, Uncle Wade and Bro. Wilbur) and Karin (aka Fetric or Moochie). As a single mother Gerri instilled the love of God, education and family into her children. Although she was a single parent, Gerri found time for fun and friends.

The activities she enjoyed included singing with the Portland Chorale, bowling, playing cards (games such as Spades, Tonk, and Bid-Whiz), online shopping, crocheting, knitting, being on the computer (solving jigsaw puzzles and playing various games), watching reality TV shows, reading, field trips with the Ride About Service, and going out to eat at the OK Corral (which most of us know as Golden Corral).

Gerri also had her own business, Gerri’s Labels & More where she would make custom cards, wedding invitations, announcements, and other printed items.

One of the highlights for Gerri was being chosen by her employer (KEX radio station) to appear in a commercial with Allen Ludden for the opening of Whitefront Stores. Over her life she was also employed with Multnomah County Hospital, Marsh & McLennan and retired from Red Cross.

As a faithful member of the AME Zion Church, Gerri faithfully served as church secretary, Conference Director of Adult Christian Education Department, as a member of the choir, Deaconess and missionary departments and worked with the Buds of Promise. She traveled locally and nationally to attend various church meetings and church conventions. The last accolade Gerri received from AME Zion was on February 25, 2024 from her Pastor Rev. Dr. Dennis Payne II as a Seasoned Saint. 

Gerri was preceded in death by her parents Arthur Etheridge and Nellie Bates Etheridge (Thompson), Rev. Odell Thompson, husband Johnnie Hart, brothers Arthur Etheridge Jr, and Carl Moody.

She leaves to mourn her son Wesley Parrish, daughters Pamela Etheridge, DeAnya Moore (Ivan) and Karin Williams (Johnnie), brothers Jerry and Dennis Odom, sister in law Essie Etheridge,16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren and nephews Ronnie and Randy Etheridge.

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