Geraldine Secrest's Obituary
Geraldine Goforth Secrest passed away on New Years Eve, Dec. 31, 2015,
while surrounded by an adoring family, at her native home in Indian Trail,
NC.
Geraldine, a devout Christian her entire life, had been battling
complications from recent surgery and congestive heart failure, when the
Lord took her home to a very well-deserved rest.
The family will receive friends in visitation on Tuesday, January 5, at 2:00
pm with Funeral Service to immediately follow at 3:00 pm at Sardis Baptist
Church, located at 3602 Unionville-Indian Trail Rd, Indian Trail, NC, 28079.
Arrangements are being handled by Davis Funeral Service, Inc of Monroe, NC.
Geraldine, who was 80 years old, was born in Monroe, NC to Wilson O.
Goforth and Willie Mae Stephenson Goforth on May 19, 1935, in Monroe, NC.
She was the Best Mother, Sister, Mother-In-Law and Grandmaw, that any family
could ever hope to have, and led a rich and highly dutiful life, of which
any could be proud.
Upon graduating Indian Trail School, Geraldine married her High School
sweetheart, Carl T. Secrest, Now of Rocky Mount, VA, in 1953. They were the
first to be married in the original Sardis Baptist Church sanctuary, which
was built by Carl & Geraldine's father, Master Carpenter Wilson Goforth,
along with other church leaders of the time.
Geraldine and Carl went on to begin their family with the birth of a
daughter, Pamela Secrest, of Indian Trail NC, who was born in 1956. Two sons
would soon follow, Randy Secrest, of Indian Trail born in 1959, and Barry
Secrest, also of Indian Trail, born in 1962.
Of note is the fact that Both Geraldine and Carl's extended families all
lived along Secrest-Shortcut Rd. and interacted on a regular basis, which
made for an extraordinarily rich extended family life, in addition to their
many friends, who lived in the area.
Geraldine, in her life as a dedicated musician and teacher, played a pivotal
role at Sardis Baptist Church, as the lead Pianist from 1954 to 1973. She
also was a GA leader and counselor at Sardis, for many years, while hosting
a large number of dinners and special events for Church missions. At home,
Geraldine was well known as a talented piano teacher within the Indian Trail
community; the fact that a significant portion of her students continue
playing to this day stands as a testament to her dedication and skill as a
loving teacher.
After a life-changing divorce in 1972, Geraldine began her career as a
switchboard operator at Celanese Corporation, a global technology and
materials company. She was soon promoted, in 1974, to being the company's
dedicated telecommunications specialist for the Charlotte Corporate Office,
an achievement of which she remained significantly proud throughout her
life.
In 1982, as an attestation to Geraldine's true grit and unrelenting faith, a
very serious vehicle accident left Geraldine in a coma and full body cast
for six months. Through the support of a strong family, Geraldine stubbornly
persevered through starkly debilitating injuries, which also involved
relearning how to walk. She returned to her position at Celanese, in 1983.
In 1984, Geraldine met and married late-husband and well-known bluegrass
musician & recording artist Billy Jack Price, of Grand Ole Opry fame. The
following years would see Bill and Geraldine traveling and hosting many
bluegrass fellowship events at their residence in a refashioned studio,
where Bill also taught music to many area students, until he died in the
year 2000.
Geraldine eventually retired from her position at Celanese in 1995 and then
began a new career as a Customer Service Specialist at Carolina Industrial
Agency, Inc, an insurance brokerage specializing in business and commercial
insurance. She worked there, with family, until 2011, when it became more
and more difficult for her to walk, due to the injuries suffered from her
early 80's accident.
Geraldine lived a highly principled life and was admired for her graceful
sense of humor, and backbone, even in the face of difficulty. Her strong
sense of duty towards Christ, her work, and her never-ending dedication to
her family, will long serve as a powerful life lesson for her children,
grandchildren, and friends.
Hers is a legacy that will endure.
Geraldine, in her retirement, eventually moved to the Carillon Assisted
Living Center, on Secrest Shortcut Rd in Monroe, where she lived very
happily. She loved relaxing, talking, and listening to music with close
friend Paul Hampton, and avidly enjoyed watching birds feed at her window;
she was a truly gentle soul and thankfully enjoyed her final days. She is
now with Jesus Christ, whom she loved dearly, and no longer feels any pain.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her parents, Wilson and Willie Mae
Goforth of Indian Trial and her brother, Donald Goforth. She is survived by
her brother, Phil Goforth and wife, Cecilia of Loganville, Georgia. Her
children, Pam Secrest, Randy Secrest and Barry Secrest, all of Indian Trail,
and also, her In-laws, Lee Bailey, Rhonda Secrest, and Melanie Secrest, of
Indian Trail, NC. Her grandchildren, Erin Cort, of Richmond, VA, Jeremy
Secrest of Wingate, NC, Adam Secrest, Leanne Secrest, Joshua Secrest, and
Kaylyn Secrest, all of Indian Trail, NC.
Geraldine will be sorely missed by her family and friends, many of which,
were cultivated throughout her lifetime, but, this very fine lady's time
here will remain as a shining example of a life extraordinarily well-lived.
Donations celebrating her life should be sent to Hospice of Union County,
NC.
What’s your fondest memory of Geraldine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Geraldine?
Share a story where Geraldine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Geraldine you’ll never forget.
How did Geraldine make you smile?