Geraline Stanford McKeever McDuffie 1933-2024

The eldest of two children, she was born in Cincinnati, to the late Paul Stanford Sr. and the late Alice Malone Stanford on July 11, 1933.

Geraline, affectionately known as “Tootie,” “Nana,” “Grandma” and “Ma” to many others, was a woman of great faith that she passed down to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Her faith was exhibited in her gift of helping others who were in need, and even taking people into her home. Her motto in life, based on her faith in God, was “This too, shall pass.”

She united with the New Bethel Baptist Church in August of 1987, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Lonnie Kwadjo Asim Simon, where she served in the Deaconess, WEB Lewis / Stella Bailey Mission participating as a delegate for many years in The Youngstown/Canton/Warren sub-district of the Northern Ohio Baptist District Association, NOBDA, where she served as president for many years; the monthly food giveaway, grief ministry and senior ministry.

She attended Sunday School and Bible study, church conferences and seminars. She continued to serve under the Rev. Kenneth L. Simon, affectionately known as her “son from another mother,” fully supporting him in all aspects of his God-led mission in all aspects of the church and loved being a part of the New Bethel Church family. Even as her health prevented her from attending church, Bible study and Sunday school in person, she participated from home via phone and watched live, online.

She leaves to mourn her loss, yet cherish her memory four daughters, Alice McKeever of South Bend, Indiana, Lauren Richardson and her caregiver, Min. Dr. FloEtta Jordan of Youngstown, and Min.Stephanie McDuffie of Cleveland; 21 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, 27 great-great-grandchildren; her brother, Paul Stanford Jr. (Josephine) of Newel, New Jersey; her daughter-in-law, Mary McKeever; “favorite” cousin, Lawrence Brooks; her aunt, Elizabeth Malone of Cleveland; good friend, Marjorie Jones; and a great host of relatives.

Preceding her in death and there to meet her at heaven’s gates are her parents; her husband, Floyd McDuffie Jr.; her sons, Marvin McDuffie, Floyd A. McDuffie Sr. and Lawrence L. McKeever III; her grandsons, Antwan McKeever and Turhan Henderson Jr.; and her granddaughter, Andrea McDuffie Miller, whom she reared.

Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m., with a funeral service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman St., Youngstown, OH 44507.

Services of dignity and love entrusted to L.E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

(special notice)