Geraldine Bynum

Obituary For Geraldine Bynum

Mrs. Bynum transitioned peacefully Sunday, September 27, 2020, while in Methodist University Hospital at the age of ninety. Mrs. Bynum is survived by her husband of sixty-five years, Claude Edward Bynum Sr. She was the mother of six beautiful children, Ms. Michele Y. Grace of Atlanta, GA, Ms. Paula D. Grace, Mrs. Stephani Brown (Cecil), Claude O. Bynum (Carla), Gerald V. Bynum (Gail), and Mark E. Bynum (Tara) all of Memphis, TN; twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, three step-children, Charlotte Bynum Brooks, Carlton D. Porter, and Monica Bynum-Webb; two step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild, four sisters-in-law, Mable Bynum Burton, Brenda Gibson and Marilyn Gibson all of Memphis, TN, and Joy Gibson of Chicago, IL, and many wonderful nephews, nieces, and cousins. She was preceded in death by one sister, Evelyn Lowery (Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery), and two brothers, Reverend Dr. Harry B. Gibson Jr. and Reverend Oliver Gibson. Geraldine was born in a Methodist Parsonage on May 12, 1930, to Reverend Harry B. and Evelyn Gibson in Van Buren, Arkansas. She moved with her mother and father to Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of six months, where her father was District Superintendent of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Bynum, the baby of the bunch, was born into a musical family, known as the Gibson Sextet. They provided music for the church and the Golden Hour Program, a program introduced to the Memphis community for the advancement of our culture. At the age of five, Centenary became a very special place. Moving away once again due to her father’s position in the Methodist Church, Geraldine completed her grade schooling at Fairfield Industrial High School and Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama. Fourteen years later, Geraldine returned to Memphis, firmly planting herself at Centenary United Methodist Church, helping to organize the Cherub and Youth Choirs for ten years. In 1986, she helped to reorganize the Usher Board in which thirty ushers were trained during the time. She derived much pleasure through her involvement with the Usher Board and Choirs, which led her to join the Sanctuary Choir. Geraldine then volunteered as Assistant Director to Zebedee Jones for nineteen years. She later joined the Gospel Choir, under the leadership of Fannie Clark, serving for fourteen years. In 1999, she was inducted into the Centenary Choir Hall of Fame for her many years of service. Mrs. Bynum remains an honorary member of both choirs. As the fourth Gibson child, she stood strong as the last surviving member of her family.

A public viewing is scheduled for Friday October 9, 2020 from 4p.m. until 6p.m. at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Service of celebration will be Saturday October 10, 2020 at 11a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church 584 E McLemore Ave. Burial will be Monday October 12, 2020 10:15a.m. at West Tennessee State Veteran Cemetery 4000 Forest Hill Irene.