Catherine Elizabeth “Geneva” Curry, was born February 18, 1920, in Long Island, Bahamas. Geneva, the oldest of four children born to the union of Edward Sinclair Strachan Sr. and Emmaline Alice Burrows-Strachan, was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Mervin, Edward Sinclair, Jr. and Vernal.

Coming to the United States as a young girl, Geneva settled with her family in the city of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.  Great challenges and adversity began early when her mother passed away while she was just in the third grade. There was no question that Geneva would leave school to help raise her three brothers while her father tended to their farm. Thus, her journey as an overcomer began.

Geneva met and married Manuel Curry, the first born of the Bishop John Henry Curry of the Church of God, (Cleveland Tennessee) and Beatrice Charlow-Curry, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Soon after, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and savior. Geneva and Manuel’s first child, John Rodney, died at birth. This was a devastating challenge for her as a young wife, however, Geneva maintained her overcoming spirit. Together, the married couple brought five more children into the world: Jacquelyn Giradeau*, Fred Emanuel, Michael Dennis, Carl Evanston and Susan Renee.

Geneva often helped her mother-in law, a mid-wife, bring forth life usher in new life. Their close relationship and their work together fostered in her a desire to care for people. Geneva continued to pray and care for the sick after leaving the Florida area.

Seeking a better life meant traveling back and forth up north, to Ohio. Geneva and Manuel finally settled with their children in Akron. Many dear friends helped the Curry’s with their transition to the Akron community.

With only a third grade education, but well equipped in reading and writing, Geneva went on to attain her certificate of high school completion. Reaching further still, she later passed the State of Ohio Nurses Association examination and became a Licensed Practical Nurse in Surgery at Barberton Hospital. In spite of the physical toll that years of nursing took on her body, she continued her career as a surgical nurse at Akron Children’s Hospital where she remained for 25 years until her retirement in 1986.

In the early 70’s, she joined the Robert Street Church of God in Akron, Ohio under Pastor Robert “Dad” Fowler. Under its subsequent leaders, Geneva remained a faithful member of Arlington Church of God, serving in many areas of ministry, including the Deaconate Board, WCG, the Chancel Choir, the Foodbank, the Seniors ministry and YEPAW, just to name a few. As singing in the choir was one of her greatest joys, her family would often overhear her humming favorites such as Heaven Bound, Sweet Hour of Prayer, and of course, Be an Overcomer. Extensive health challenges later required Geneva to become a resident at Tuscany Gardens near family in the Columbus area. Still, there at the church at Tuscany, she continued her fervent worship.

Geneva demonstrated to all who knew her a resolve to never give in, to always work hard, and to pray without ceasing. The Word of God was her comfort, especially Psalms 91: “He that dwells in the secret place of the most high shall abide…”  Singing was her love and Jesus was her Lord. She quietly and peacefully entered into glory on Sunday, December 3, 2017 with family members at her bedside.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel, her eldest daughter Jacquelyn Shelton and her eldest grand-daughter Kelley Shelton. She leaves behind family members who will continue to celebrate her life and cherish her memory: children, Fred Emanuel Curry, Michael (Carol) Curry, Carl (Beverly) Curry; daughter Susan (Willie) Brinson; son-in-law, Jesse Shelton, special daughter-in-love, Coleen Curry; special niece, Verna Jean; grandchildren, Kirk, Dejuan, Shanna, Genea, Jillcara, Shanna, Danielle, Telsha, Zachary, Joelle, Payton; great grandchildren, Sydney, Caleb, Asia, Amber, Joshua, Jeremiah, CaraMia, Michaela, Marcus, SaMya, Max, Maaria, Sarai  and a whole host of other relatives and friends too numerous to name.

“Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13, KJV).