Mrs. Geraldine (Deanie) (Gerri) Lorraine Eddington Rivers

November 16, 1935 – August 14, 2021

Geraldine Lorraine Eddington was born to George and Isabella Lorraine Eddington on November 16, 1935, in New Orleans, Louisiana at Charity Hospital. Geraldine (Deanie) was born a twin, the only girl, and youngest of 6 children. Both Geraldine and her twin brother Gerald were baptized on January 12, 1936, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. No stranger to Christ and her faith, at the young age of 12 years old Geraldine also received her confirmation on May 9, 1948, at her family church home St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Geraldine attended Joseph F. Craig Elementary School in the Treme area of New Orleans, followed by Joseph F. Clark High School from which she graduated in June 1954. Directly after high school she relocated and attended Alabama Lutheran College in Selma, Alabama. Upon her graduation in 1956 she received a teaching degree that she put to immediate use. After returning home to New Orleans, Gerri pursued her love of teaching at St. Paul Lutheran School, where her soon to be father-in-law Harrington Rivers was principal.

On April 18, 1959, Geraldine married the love of her life Melvin Luther Rivers. With God at the center of their union it was fitting that Geraldine wed at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Geraldine and Melvin Rivers traveled the world via U.S. Air Force. In the years to come, the loving couple had three wonderful daughters. Their first-born daughter Cheryl was born at Andrews AFB, Maryland, their second daughter Cynthia was born at McGuire AFB New Jersey, and their youngest daughter Wanda was born in Wiesbaden, Germany. Melvin retired on June 10, 1971, at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho after 20 years of services. Together they moved their family to Sacramento, California. While settling into their new home and life the family joined Our Savior Lutheran Church Sacramento, CA.

On July 24, 1973, Geraldine was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Rivers. Choosing to expand her professional career, Geraldine accepted a position with the State of California, Secretary of State Department where she devoted her teaching and nurturing skill to her work, staff, and professional peers for fifteen years before retiring on December 1, 1997.

Geraldine's final church home and steadfast membership was with Greenhaven Lutheran Church in Sacramento, CA. One of Gerri's favorite sayings that she shared with her mother is something that holds true today, "God is Good All the Time".

Her favorite pass time was getting the family together to watch basketball, baseball, football, and boxing matches. Her favorite teams included the Sacramento Kings and the San Francisco Giants. As it's only fitting for the lifelong educator, she thoroughly enjoyed being an avid reader and loved to debate current affairs. Geraldine's legacy is rooted in having a deep value of and appreciation for family that she instilled in her three beautiful daughters. This is a value they will champion and pass along for generations to come.

Geraldine Rivers was proceeded in death by husband Melvin L. Rivers, parents Isabella and George Eddington Sr., brothers George Eddington Jr., Ernest Eddington, Melvin Eddington, and late Gerald Eddington (twin brother). She leaves her beloved family to cherish her memories.  Daughters: Cheryl Lorraine Brownlee; Cynthia Loretta Price(Larry deceased), Wanda Lynn Cooper and Honorary Daughter Dora Torres of Sacramento, California, Brother Russell Eddington (Sherry) of California City, California,  Grandchildren: Kenny Caraway(Jasmine Fiancée), Chanel Harris, Brooke Brooks, Justin Brooks, Jasmine (Marquise)Jones and George Torres,  Great Grandchildren: Rhys Caraway, Rubin Christian Sweat, Mya Wilson, Adriana Jones, Arianna Jones and Jayden Brooks and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and lifelong friends.

All are welcome for visitation on September 8, 2021, 5-7pm at Ramsey Wallace Funeral Home and Chapel 1831 Howe Ave. Sacramento, CA.

Funeral services will be held on September 9, 2021, @ 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church 3996 14 ^th Ave Sacramento, Ca.  All are welcome to attend her homegoing celebration.