Geraldine Hester Best was born on November 1, 1927, in Memphis to the late James and Ella Mae Hester, two North Memphis business owners. Geraldine was the third of their three children, but she also had a close relationship with her two stepsisters. As a young woman, she was an avid learner, who started school earlier than the majority of her peers. She went on to excel at Booker T. Washington High School where she was a drum majorette in

the marching band and graduated in 1943. She then went on to attend classes at LeMoyne-Owen College.

Geraldine passed down her love for education to her children and grandchildren, many of whom went on to receive a bevy of undergraduate and advanced degrees.

Geraldine was a member of three different churches: Providence A.M.E., Bethel Presbyterian, and most recently Coleman Avenue Church of Christ.

Geraldine’s interests were varied. She loved flowers, an exciting basketball game, local news, politics, and so many other aspects of life. Her knowledge of the history of Memphis was legendary.

Geraldine was a mother of six, but she was a community parent to so many more. She served as a den mother for Cub Scout Pack 129 at Bethel Presbyterian, and neighborhood kids could often find a meal at her home on Mississippi Boulevard.

In her latter years, nothing seemed to bring her as much joy as her eleven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and her great-great-grandchild.

She will be greatly missed by her children, Greg Best, Regina Harris (Larry), Gerald Best (Mischelle), Renee Grandy (John), and Janie Paraham (Greg).

Geraldine was preceded in death by her son, Clifton (Rudy) James Best; her sisters, Janie Crittenden and Dorothy Lucas; and her stepsisters, Alice Heath and Inez Hawkins.

The family will receive friends Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 10:00am-12:00 noon with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00 noon both will be held at Coleman Church of Christ 3380 Coleman Ave, Memphis, TN 38122