Geraldine Elaine Johnson, formerly of Du Quoin

Geraldine Elaine Johnson, 66, of Centralia, formerly of Du Quoin, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 at her home.

She was born on July 12, 1952, the daughter of Vernell and Jeannine (Simpson) Baxter in Du Quoin. She married Dennis Johnson on March 19, 1977 in Du Quoin and he survives in Centralia.

Along with her devoted husband of 41 years, Geraldine is survived by her loving mother, Jeannine Baxter, of Du Quoin; her precious children: Dena Taylor of Houston, Nichole Graham of Centralia, Dennis Johnson Jr. and his wife, Tabitha, of Centralia, Denisha Johnson of Centralia, Whitney Johnson of Centralia, and Neal Johnson of Centralia; 12 cherished grandchildren: Dennis "DJ" Johnson III, Delesha Johnson, Daliyah Johnson, Jae'Den Thomas, RaeGan Brown, Diona Martin, Da'Vion Martin, Dionte Kendrick, Devin Taylor, Marvin Taylor III, Michael Taylor, and Donte' Taylor; 12 valued great-grandchildren; caring siblings, Robert Baxter and his wife, Kathy, of Bloomington, Connie Baxter of Du Quoin, Kathy Baxter of Springfield, and Vickie Baxter of Minnesota; and a host of nieces and nephews that she loved very much.

Geraldine was preceded in death by her father, Vernell Baxter; sister, Phyllis Baxter; brothers, Louis Baxter, and Jeff Baxter; and her son, Cedric Powe.

Geraldine valued education and spent a huge portion of her life devoted to instilling this love to children. She dedicated over 26 years of teaching at Centralia Jr. High and High School where she made learning fun and exciting. She also held the position as principal at Irving School.

Geraldine and her husband, Dennis, enjoyed trying their luck at the casino. As a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Geraldine's most treasured times were spent with her family, showering them with love and watching them grow. Her legacy of love and encouragement will continue on.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14 at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Centralia with Rev. Ronald Johnson officiating. Interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13 at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Memorials may be made in Geraldine's honor to New Bethel Baptist Church. Online condolences and memories of Geraldine may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.