Obituaries
Obituary for Geneva Smith
Geneva Frieson Smith (known by many as “Sister”) was born November 21, 1934 to Georgianna Pullen and Wesley Frieson in Woodstock, TN. The Bro and Sister team and Jean were raised by their doting maternal grandparents Willie Lee and Benjamin Pullen.
She was a proud graduate of Woodstock Finishing School and her desire for education took her to Tennessee State University. Geneva graduated in May of 1958 as a Home Economics Major. Only days later she married the love of her life and began a new journey that was better than she ever imagined.
Her career as an exemplary educator began at Barret’s Chapel School. She had a special connection with children and her students consistently performed on the highest levels. In the late sixties, she was selected to be among the first to integrate Shelby County Schools and continued her success at Egypt Elementary. Geneva earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. She also earned the distinction of Career Ladder Level 3 Teacher, the highest level in the state of TN.
Geneva was a true blue TSU tiger fan! As a Big Blue Alumni member, she enjoyed many football games, tailgates, homecomings and various excursions. She even participated in the Tennessee State Vintagers program honoring graduates after fifty years.
In the 80’s Geneva became a charter member of the Delta Mu chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Incorporated where she served in multiple leadership roles including Basileus. She was an active participant and she regularly attended regional and national conferences.
Her style was stunning, flawless and glamorous. The Memphis Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women named her as one of the “Ten Best Dressed Women” in Memphis and inducted her in their Hall of Fame. Later, she became a member and served in numerous capacities.
Geneva was always passionate about women and serving her beloved Woodstock community. Together with her friend Ruth Strong she co-founded the Woodstock Investment Club in the 70’s. The organization evolved to “WICS,” Women Involved in Community Service. She was also an active participant in the People of Woodstock organization.
Serenity Funeral Home (901) 379-0861
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She was a proud graduate of Woodstock Finishing School and her desire for education took her to Tennessee State University. Geneva graduated in May of 1958 as a Home Economics Major. Only days later she married the love of her life and began a new journey that was better than she ever imagined.
Her career as an exemplary educator began at Barret’s Chapel School. She had a special connection with children and her students consistently performed on the highest levels. In the late sixties, she was selected to be among the first to integrate Shelby County Schools and continued her success at Egypt Elementary. Geneva earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, TN. She also earned the distinction of Career Ladder Level 3 Teacher, the highest level in the state of TN.
Geneva was a true blue TSU tiger fan! As a Big Blue Alumni member, she enjoyed many football games, tailgates, homecomings and various excursions. She even participated in the Tennessee State Vintagers program honoring graduates after fifty years.
In the 80’s Geneva became a charter member of the Delta Mu chapter of Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Incorporated where she served in multiple leadership roles including Basileus. She was an active participant and she regularly attended regional and national conferences.
Her style was stunning, flawless and glamorous. The Memphis Chapter of the National Council of Negro Women named her as one of the “Ten Best Dressed Women” in Memphis and inducted her in their Hall of Fame. Later, she became a member and served in numerous capacities.
Geneva was always passionate about women and serving her beloved Woodstock community. Together with her friend Ruth Strong she co-founded the Woodstock Investment Club in the 70’s. The organization evolved to “WICS,” Women Involved in Community Service. She was also an active participant in the People of Woodstock organization.
Serenity Funeral Home (901) 379-0861
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