Geneva Irene Ridings

Geneva Irene Ridings age 96 of Walland, passed away Monday, September 10, 2018 in Rockhill, SC. Geneva (Jean) was born and grew up working on her Family’s 40 acre farm just north of Dutton, Alabama. During her childhood the family worked the farmland with two mules where they raised cotton, corn and garden vegetables along with hogs and cows producing sufficient staple to feed the family. The cotton was sold for income sufficient to feed a family of 7 including her parents Jefferson and Ruth Martin, two sisters Lona and Annabelle and two brothers Eldridge and Tommy Martin. World War II began and Geneva moved to Detroit, Michigan where Geneva found work in an Airplane Factory riveting bombers and aircraft for fighting in World War II. She was a diligent worker and soon found herself being nicknamed “Rosie Riveter” for her hard work and smiling face. She rented a room from one of her co-workers from the factory where she lived until the war ended. Her landlords were Lloyd and Lorie Ridings. Towards the end of World War II, Lloyd’s brother, Charles (Bus), came to visit while on leave to recuperate from wounds occurring during a bayonet battle which he won. During his short visit a romantic relationship developed and Geneva and Bus fell in love and were married. They moved to Paris Island, SC where Bus served the remainder of his Marine Corps term as a Drill Instructor and Geneva worked in a nearby restaurant as a cook and waitress. At the end of the war they moved back to Rocky Branch, Tennessee where they continually expanded and remodeled their home at 4609 Rocky Branch Road. This was necessary as they happily added 4 children; Charles David, Richard Lief, Sherry Susan and Janice Ruth Ridings. All became active in Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Church where Deacon Bus Led singing and Geneva, along with Bus taught Sunday School. Geneva remained the family stalwart over the last 75 years. Her patient smile, unwavering faith in GOD and committed family love and support has been a lighthouse to all who knew Geneva. Geneva is survived by her son Richard L Ridings and his wife Sharon Ann of Austin, Texas and their children Tracy and Stephen of Austin along with Shelly the mother of Great Granddaughter Saige of Princeton, Texas. Geneva was preceded in death by her grandchildren Richard L Ridings II, Robert Wayne Ridings and Thomas Charles Ridings. Geneva is further survived by her amazing, beautiful daughter Sherry Susan Koerner of who managed her mother’s care for six years and held Geneva’s hand when she got her wings. Sherry’s husband Kim Koerner was like a son to Geneva as he spent many hours with her along Sherry’s side and drove the van when Sherry moved Geneva from Maryville to a nursing home near Kim and Sherry after Bus’s death in 2013. Geneva was preceded in death by her Grandson Joshua, Sherry’s only child, who loved his nanny Gene and is sitting on her lap today as she gives him a heavenly rocking. Geneva is also survived by Peggy Ridings, wife of Charles David Ridings who died in 2016. Peggy called Geneva often and talked with Geneva on the phone on a daily basis to make sure she had everything she needed. Just weeks prior to Geneva’s death her church family from Rocky Branch came to visit and hold an old fashioned singing, shouting and praising the LORD day with Geneva in the nursing home led by Pastor and Mrs. Larry Teaster, Clarence Williams and daughter Deaun and a bus load of church family angels who will be present at Geneva’s funeral to continue the celebration. Services will be held at Smith Funeral Chapel, 1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, Tennessee on Saturday, September 15th with a viewing from 11 AM to 12. Services from 12 to 1 and transfer to West Millers Cove Baptist Cemetery for grave side services and interment, followed by family and friends reception at the church provided by Rocky Branch Bethel Baptist Church. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Geneva Irene Ridings please visit our Sympathy Store.