Geraldine Shoaf

Mrs. Geraldine Ann Shoaf passed away on June 12, 2016 surrounded by her family. Gerry, as she was known by those who loved her, was born April 21, 1924 in Warren Ohio to Glenn Beach and Bessie Fenstermaker Beach. She was raised in DeFuniak by her father and step mother Cressie Mae Beach. In 1943 Gerry met Gerald Shoaf. He was in the Army Air Corps and stationed at Eglin Air Base. He and his buddies had come to the Chautauqua building for a dance hosted by the USO. It was there that they fell in love and were married a year later at home in DeFuniak. They moved with the military many times including duty stations in Japan, Pasadena, TX, Harlingen, TX, Homestead, FL and finally returning to DeFuniak to retire from the service. Gerry was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of DeFuniak Springs since 1960 although she had also been a member there for many years prior to marriage. She was a member of the Thorpe Vest Sunday school class and worked in the church sponsored thrift shop. She was also retired from the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Her life was full of love for God, her family and her church. Both church and family members alike always looked forward to her wonderful company and one of her famous chocolate or coconut pies. She and Gerald also had a love for camping that was passed down to their children and grandchildren. But most of all, her love for the Lord and her kind and gentle spirit is what will be remembered with fondness. She is preceded in death by her parents and step mother Cressie Mae Beach.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years Gerald Shoaf, daughter Linda (Bill) Nall, Son Terry (Paula) Shoaf, daughter Vicki Shoaf, brother Artie (Martha) Beach, sister Catherine Schmieder, sister in law Martha Jean Thornton, brother in law Wayne (Rosemary) Shoaf. Grandchildren Kevin (Lisa) Nall, Lisa Nall Morgan, Austin (Alison) Shoaf, Brandy (Andy) Brown and 11 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank all of those involved in the wonderful care that their mother received including Hospice and her caregivers Jeanne Barnes, Tammy Goodreau, Chealsea Bishop, Ciara Croteau, Katrina Jordan and Meghan Manning. Floral arrangements are being accepted or memorials may be made in Gerry Shoaf’s memory to First United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 9, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435. A time of visitation will be Wednesday, June 15, 2016 from 10:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel with the funeral beginning at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Bobby Ellisor officiating. Private family interment will be in the Shoaf Family Plot in Magnolia Cemetery.