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Obituary For Geraldine Dye
Geraldine "Geri" Dye entered into this earthly realm on May 4th, 1957 (under the zodiac sign of Taurus The Bull) in York, South Carolina through the portal of the late Margaret Woods Dye and Otis Dye. Geri left her earthly body on 11 March 2026.
Geri was raised by her Grandmother Alma Dye after her Aunt Phenie, Aunt Frances and Cousin Betty jokingly "stole" her from Hickory Grove in 1958 and brought her to Spartanburg to be raised on the Historic South Side. Geri became known as "Lean" growing up and her mother Margaret died shortly thereafter. However, "Lean" was surrounded by a tremendous tribe that included her neighbors The Clowneys, The Richardsons, The Blackwells and The Millers, etc. These families served as pillars in her life as well as in the entire community.
"Lean" was baptized at Mount Moriah Baptist Church by the late Reverend Doctor J. Leon Pridgen. She was an active member of the Mount Moriah church family and attended Deacon Melvin Gooden's Bible Study Class.
"Lean" graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1976 after surviving de-segregation amid the Jim Crow Era like so many others. The "Boomer" Generation deserves every ounce of respect, care, and reparations for what they continue to endure as descendants of slaves and survivors of genocide.
"Lean" relocated to Connecticut after high school and requested to be referred to as "Geri". In Stamford, Geri became the Residence Manager at the YWCA. In 1989, Geri gave birth to a daughter; Liza Margaret via William "Bill" Macklin (1935-2001), a community organizer, activist and the Director of the South End Community Center in Stamford.
Shortly after Liza's birth, Geri made the decision to return to South Carolina and raise Liza there. In Spartanburg, Geri maintained a career as a professional artist, working in a variety of fields including Photo Lab Technician and Graphic Design at Spartan Stamp & Sign.
In 2007, Geri took on the monumental challenge of achieving her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art at Converse College. It was during this time that Geri discovered her love of the art of Silver Smith Jewelry Making. Geri was taught the profession by Dangerfield Ashton and the many white men who dominate that industry. Geri went on to become one of the only Black Women Silversmith Teachers in the South Eastern Region of America, taking her students to the mountains of North Carolina to mine for gems for their jewelry pieces.
Geri's health began to decline after many years of improper art preparation; handling toxic oil paint fumes and working in closed environments without proper ventilation. Geri had been diagnosed with Sarcoidosis, Hidradenitis, Autoimmune Deficiency as well as an array of other health issues. Her cause of death was confirmed to be natural and her soul became free of her plagued body in the comfort of her bed in her beautiful home that she owned!
Geri is preceded in death by her sister Reverend Jean Dye Currence of Hickory Grove, SC. She is survived by her daughter Liza Dye of Brooklyn, NYC, and her siblings: Ruby Good of Hickory Grove, SC, Mary Dye of Stamford, CT, Shirley Dawkins of Spartanburg, SC, Margaret Priscilla Good (Harry Good) of Hickory Grove, SC, and William Dye of Gastonia, NC, Aunt Phenie Golatt (Moses Golatt) of Richmond, VA, close Cousin Wayne Gill and a host of loving cousins, friends, colleagues and relatives.
Geri has long planned to be cremated by her trusted colleagues and community at J.W. Woodwards Funeral Home, so there will not be any funeral arrangements.
The Geri Dye Art Show will be on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at the Chapman Cultural Center in Spartanburg, SC.
We thank all of our Ancestors for their hard work, sacrifice and for their protection in the Spirit Realms that we humans cannot see. Àṣẹ!
In lieu of flowers please make donations to: Brooklyn Jail Support. Venmo: bkjs247
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Condolences & Tributes
Add A CondolenceWow 1 what a loss to the community' A talented artist . I met Geri in Ross one day and we became instant friends. During this time I was retired for all of 5 months. We went to several art shows and then I returned to the world of work and we kind of lost touch. I am really happy that I got to meet her but my heart is sad that I didn't make an effort to keep in touch.My deepest sympathy to the family. Kathi Ford
Me and Geri shared a love for the Artisty of painting and just being able to talk with one another about how we loved Art. I will miss my friend continue to Rest in Peace love you my friend 💜
I will never forget my childhood friend, we truly the ride or die Sisters. I was born and raised in N.Y and spent my last two years of H.S. with my Aunt and Uncle, the Stewarts on Caulder Ave in Spartanburg S.C. I graduated from Spartanburg H.S. Geraldine and I were best friends, we were always together.After graduating I went back to N.Y. Years later we reunited through FB, we talked periodically, she would tell me all about her beautiful daughter Liza who she loved and admired so deeply. My God, my friend, rest in peace, no more suffering. I will be there for you and Liza to celebrate your transition into Heaven. I will always love and remember our talks and laughter. I will always keep you in my heart forever. 🙏🏼❤️😇
I was heartbroken to her of Geri's passing. I met her at the YWCA in Stamford. She was my best friend there. I am so glad we had the time together. She was a wonderful woman. She loved her daughter very much. I was with Geri in the hospital after her daughter was born. Geri touched my heart and I will never forget her. God bless her and her daughter. Love, Denise Harness.
It was a pleasure meeting Geri and her daughter when Geri visited NYC to attend Debbie Taylor-Kerman's art exhibit. 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Geri was a warm and generous presence at the West Main Artists Coop in Spartanburg. She loved and was fiercely proud of Liza. I'm sure she will be greatly missed.
Sweet Geri, my Taurean angel. How I wish we spent more hours together in this lifetime. Liza, you are a light, shining on everyone. Your love is precious and pure. This Obituary is perfect. I am endlessly inspired and humbled by you. Geri thank you for gifting us with you and Liza's presence. I love you both endlessly. I can't wait to dance and chill all together soon. Soon enough. Soon enough.
Liza, I had the opportunity to meet your mom once. She was a wonderful lady and I'll miss her as well. I pray for your comfort and peace.
Although I never had the honor of meeting Ms. Geri, I've heard wonderful stories about her love and care through my husband, Martin Wright, a longtime childhood friend of her daughter Liza. In recent years I have been moved and touched by Liza's care for her mother, and I pray that this amazing and creative woman will now be able to rest peacefully and in the comfort of joy. We are blessed to receive our new Ancestor. Asè
Geraldine or as we called her, "Lean", will be sorely missed, but will always be in our hearts. My heartfelt condolences to her daughter and family.
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This Lady took Art to another level with Jewelry and not to mention different types of medium Art! She enjoyed it all. We both worked at the Arts Center/Chapman Cultural Center together, Geri knew a lot about Arts and she loved it so much!
Loving and missing you so much. Rest in Peace Geri. Liza your Mom will forever be in our Hearts! Prayers are with you.
To the Family of Geraldine(Geri) "Lean" Dye The members of Forest Park Neighborhood Association send love and strength as you navigate through this sudden loss. Geri was a wonderful part of our community. Her watchful eyes and genuine concern for community affairs and especially her artistic genius will be missed. Please know you are in our thoughts and our prayers. May you find comfort in the outpouring of LOVE that surrounds you. Someone as special as Geri will be missed but not forgotten. Blessing for days ahead. Forest Park Neighborhood Association. Willa C. Reeder, President
Geri was a classmate of mine, sweet girl, my prayers and condolences are with her family
Geri may you find peace in the arms of our Lord n Savior. I am 61 years old n still find treasure in the artfully birthday teashirt you made me for my 35th birthday! You left us all with many artful treasures that we'll never forget. Rest now my friend, where there is no more pain! Valarie Steen Stridiron
My deepest condolences for the passing of Geri. I'm so grateful that I got to spend some very happy moments with Geri. We saw a live comedy festival together, I experienced my first southern home-cooked meal with her and she celebrated her last birthday with my family. She was a loving and extraordinarily talented woman who raised another beautiful soul - her daughter Liza. Sending so much love from the Jason and Castillo family.
Geri and I met in Stamford at the "Y". She was a unique person with many amazing talents. I have some of her beautiful artwork and will cherish it always. Our friendship spanned over 40 years. I will miss her. My sincere condolences to Liza (Geri's greatest accomplishment) and Geri's entire family. Blessings, Jackie Myers
Praying for the Strength of the Lord to be with Liza & The Family during your time of sorrow. Now is the time that we trust that the Lord will be very close to your family and hope it comforts you to know that Geraldine is safe in His Arms. Remembering Isaiah 40:31 – "They who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings likes eagles, they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."
R.I.P. my Friend
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March 16th, 2026 — And Still I Rise
Her daughter was always asking if I wanted to help lead the theatre department. At the time I was younger, and I always responded respectfully and with care.
Her mother—such a lovely painter, a lovely woman, and a writer—always left a gracious impression. I often found myself gently reminding her that her daughter was very intelligent, smart, and talented in her own right.
Hold on, Sometimes the stage teaches us that encouragement is its own kind of performance—quiet, dignified, and sincere.
Amec. In ABC order. Thank you.
From anonymous, Mister Tremaine Rapp
Geri what I called her was a very dear friend she had gifted hands and loved everyone that she meet,she will definitely be missed and Liza I so sorry for your loss.
Deepest Condolences to her daughter and family.Gerri and I have been friends since elementary school.A wonderful and kind person always willing to do what she could for someone.Spending time with my sister Delores, having long conversations on the phone with her.Take your rest Gerri,may God bless you and give your family strength at this time.Your art work was awesome.Keeping your family in prayer 🙏🏾❤️.
Our Deepest Condolences! Rest in Peace dear friend!
Sandra McLarty and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Geri. She was a great teacher, mentor, and friend to all of us who gained great knowledge from her skills. Her work was unique along with her passion. My sincere condolences to her family. Rest in perfect peace Geri you will be missed, Carol
There are no words that can adequately express the depth of our feelings.We want you to know that you have our deepest sympathy as you mourn your loss . Dorinda and Darian Lattimore and Family
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
