Ms. Gearldine Goodwin Richardson was born on February 3, 1938 in Macon, Mississippi to the union of Jonas and Roberta Goodwin. She was preceded in death by her children: daughters, Heavenly Brown and Paulin Brown; son, Paul Brown; parents, Jonas and Roberta Goodwin; three grandchildren ~ Rontel McClure, Dorel Brown and Ricky Brown, Jr.; great-great grandson, Bryson Pruitt; five brothers, Salter Goodwin, Quincy Goodwin, Ulyssis Goodwin, Cleveland Goodwin and Nehemiah Goodwin; and one sister, Annie Norma Goodwin.

Gearldine received her education at Macon High School. She gave her life to Christ at an early age at Pinnacle Baptist Church in Macon, Mississippi. She would later begin her nursing career.

Gearldine leaves to cherish her memory: nine children ~ Larry Brown (Dorothy - deceased) of Belleville, IL, Henry (Sharon) Brown of O'Fallon, IL, Calvin (Dorothy) Brown of Cahokia, IL, Ricky (Gwendolyn) Brown of East St. Louis, IL, Glenda Brown (Lyndon Johnson - deceased) of Belleville, IL, Mary Richardson Franklin of O'Fallon, IL, Stanley (Kathy) Brown of Columbia, MO, Garrett Richardson of Belleville, IL and Kaprice Richardson of Cahokia, IL; 42 grandchildren; 65 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; two brothers ~ Joseph Goodwin of Centreville and Loyal Goodwin of East St. Louis, IL; three sisters ~ Leola Cotton of Alorton, IL, Mary Collins of Belleville, IL and Rhoda (Shannon) McKissick of East St. Louis, IL; numerous other family members and friends.