Geneva McRae David

Geneva McRae David was born September 24, 1931 in Laurel Hill, NC to the late Henry and Narcissus McRae. Geneva was the fifth of nine siblings. The McRae family emphasized hard work and taking care of one another. In 1956, she re-located to Washington D.C. where she served as a cook in China Town. She later became employed by Malcolm and Mariam Langford as their housekeeper. They considered Geneva as family and would send for her over the years to visit them in San Diego, CA. where she would stay weeks sometimes months at a time. They would take numerous trips together to Tijuana, Napa Valley, Los Angeles, Seattle, Lopez Island and Arizona. Geneva was most known for her extraordinary culinary skills. When you came to her house you could count on a home cooked meal. She truly found joy in feeding and helping others. Geneva had an open door policy. Other than cooking she loved entertaining, reading, and going to plays. Geneva accepted Christ at an early age. She joined St. Stephen Baptist Church. In 1980 she joined Victory Memorial Baptist Church where she served faithfully on the Senior Choir, Deaconess Board and the Pastor’s Aid Committee until 2002. When Geneva could no longer drive she wanted a church closer to home, so she joined Israel Metropolitan CME Church in Washington DC, where she prepared meals for the community as well as volunteered with the Capital Area Food Bank. Geneva was affectionately known by many names: Gent, Mama, Grannie, Grandma, Great-Granny and Chief. She loved spending time with her siblings, family and friends reminiscing about the good ole days and fun times and the mischief they would get into during their youth such as memories of walking to a one room schoolhouse. Geneva was always wore a smile. If you did not see that smile you better watch out. Even in her illness she had a smile on her face. She always said she was “ready for whatever the Lord had in store for her.” Geneva had a kindle spirit, was always willing to go the extra mile to assist others. She touched many with her kindness and generosity. Geneva will be greatly missed by all. She transitioned peacefully on March 12, 2020 in the comfort of her home surrounded by family. Meeting her at the gates of Heaven are a host of loved ones including her parents, three sisters Eula T. McRae, Ola Bell Traynham, Mamie Edna David and two brothers James Otis McRae, Henry “Noon” McRae, Jr. Those who had the privilege to know and feel her Infinite love are her three daughters, Joyce M. Aires, Dorothy Allen and Patricia David; three grandchildren Lynne D. David, Cassandra McCallum and James H. Allen; five great-grandchildren James “Tony” Jackson, Tavonya Jackson, Anton McCallum, Shannon McCallum and Jamya Allen; five great great-grandchildren Camryn Jackson, Amari Antonio Jackson, Cai Jackson, Ameria Nichelle Jackson and Naveed Clairborn; two sisters Peggy Jones and Doris McRae, and one brother Eugene McRae; three sister in-laws Elizabeth McRae(Washington, DC) Carrie Mae McRae (Laurel Hill, NC) and Queen McRae (Laurinburg, NC) . Geneva also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances. She will forever be remembered as our “Queen”.

Tributes

Geneva McRae David

September 24, 1931 - March 12, 2020