Geraldine (Gerry) M. King was born to Elta and Ethel (Thompson) Trantham on May 19, 1923 near Marshfield, Missouri.  Geraldine went home to be with her heavenly father on January 1, 2020 at the age of 96.

Gerry graduated from Marshfield High School in 1940 and later graduated from Southwest Missouri State (now Missouri State University) with a degree in education.  She taught in area schools for many years.  The last fifteen years of her teaching service was at the middle school in Republic, Missouri.  Geraldine was a long time member of First Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri.

Gerry was united in marriage to Russell P. King on October 6, 1940 in Elkland, Missouri.  The couple celebrated their 75 ^th wedding anniversary just prior to Russell's death in October, 2015.

Gerry had many interests and stayed active throughout her life.  She was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling, family camping trips, genealogy research, quilt making, crocheting, cooking, baking, oil painting, and volunteer work.  She also enjoyed helping her family, church and others.  She served for eleven years as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society at Mercy Medical Center in Springfield.

Gerry is survived by her daughter Sonya Sue Miller (Gary) of East Moline, IL; son Danny King (Joan) of Chesterfield, MO; grandson Brian Miller (Heather) of Frankfort, IL; granddaughter Julie Burkhart (Todd) of Davenport, IA and three great-grandchildren (Rylee Miller, Noah Burkhart & Madison Burkhart).  She was preceded in death by her husband (Russell King) and her parents (Elta & Ethel Trantham).

Gerry wrote a book entitled "Looking Back" that detailed a number of stories from her life.  She left a note among her writings that stated the following.  "I enjoyed life!  I have been so blessed with dear family and friends.  The Lord has been so good.  For those left behind I pray you have that peace in your heart with the Lord".

Services for Gerry King will be at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 6, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Springfield with the Reverend Michael Overton officiating, under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  A visitation will begin one hour before the service at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Springfield, Missouri or to the American Cancer Society.