Geraldine C. Maclin

Geraldine C. Maclin, of South Chesterfield, Virginia, peacefully departed this life on Monday, November 2, 2026, at Petersburg Home for Ladies in Petersburg, Virginia. She was born on November 15, 1928, in Petersburg, Virginia, to the late Lizzie and Joseph A. Maclin.

Geraldine received her early education in the Petersburg Public Schools and graduated from Peabody High School in 1946. She continued her educational journey at Virginia State College (now Virginia State University), where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Library Science in 1950. Demonstrating her dedication to education and professional excellence, she furthered her studies at Rutgers University, where she earned a Master of Library Service degree in 1965.

Geraldine devoted 37 years of faithful service to public education in Virginia before retiring in 1987. Of those years, 32 were spent serving the Petersburg Public Schools at Westview Elementary School, Peabody High School, and Petersburg High School. Throughout her distinguished career, she demonstrated a steadfast commitment to education, literacy, and the enrichment of young minds.

A woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion, Geraldine was a lifelong member of Zion Baptist Church, where she was baptized in 1940 by the late Reverend Matthew G. Carter. Throughout the years, she faithfully served in numerous ministries and organizations, including the Jewels Choir, Youth Choir, J. B. Brown Memorial Choir, Music Committee, Repast Committee, Heritage Board, and Finance Board. Her dedication to her church reflected her love for God and her commitment to serving others.

Geraldine was also an active member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, and the Peabody National Alumni Association. Through these affiliations, she continued her lifelong commitment to education, community involvement, and service.

In addition to her beloved parents, Geraldine was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph H. Maclin; her sister, Justine M. Ashwood; and her niece, Michell Ashwood Kent.

Geraldine leaves to cherish her precious memory several cousins, including Reverend Felecia Fisher of Petersburg, Virginia, Ann Ellison of Jacksonville, Florida, and Craige McGlone of Norfolk, Virginia; her godson, James C. Moore III of Chester, Virginia; and a host of devoted friends, including Diane and Doris Hawkins, Shelia and Richard Spikes, Linda and Darrell Harris, Lauren and Marcus Jones, Deborah Taylor, Wanda and Charles Taliafero, and Charleen Drew.

Geraldine's life was a beautiful reflection of faith, wisdom, dedication, and service. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, the students she inspired, the friendships she treasured, and the love she so graciously shared.

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA, Reverend Dr. James Delano Douglas, Pastor, officiant and Rev. Otis Walker, eulogist.  The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of floral arrangments, contributions may be made to the Scholoarship Fund at Zion Baptist Church, 225 Byrne Street, Petersburg, VA 23803, in memory of Geraldine C. Maclin.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.