Geneva Harrill Gaddis, lovingly known as "Gam," transitioned peacefully on February 16, 2025, at 1:25 a.m. in Jonesboro, Georgia. She was surrounded by love, held close by her devoted daughter and granddaughter as she completed her journey in the comfort of in-home hospice care.

Born the eldest of four children to James and Annie Mae Harrill, Geneva grew up in Shelby, North Carolina, alongside her siblings, Ida Mae Byrd, Drucilla Favors, and James Harrill Jr. ("Jimmy"). From an early age, she displayed a remarkable work ethic and creative talent, making her own clothes and earning extra money as a seamstress in her teen years.

After she graduated from high school, Geneva returned to Cleveland School to teach kindergarten, sharing her love of learning with young children. She was a gifted public speaker and an active member of the debate club.

At 20, she moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the federal government. While in Washington, she met and married Maurice ("Jimmy") Gaines. From that union, she was blessed with three children: James Warner Gaines, Steven Reginald Gaines, and Valerie LaVerne Gaines.

Throughout her life, she lived in several cities--including New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia--before settling in Eatontown, New Jersey, where she remarried Booker T. Gaddis and built a loving home.

A talented entrepreneur, Geneva owned her own business in Eatontown, working as a private contractor embroidering name tags and military regalia for the armed forces. After selling the business 15 years later, she returned to federal service in accounting until her retirement.

After the passing of her husband, Geneva moved back to Shelby to be near family and friends. She spent her final years in the loving care of her daughter.

Faith was a cornerstone of Geneva's life. Baptized at an early age at Shiloh Baptist Church, she remained active in the church community throughout her life. In New Jersey, she was a dedicated member and secretary at St. Paul Baptist Church. Returning to Shelby, she rejoined Shiloh before later attending Shoal Creek Baptist Church, where she and a childhood friend were re-baptized at the age of 90. She ultimately returned to Shiloh, the family's longtime church home.

Geneva danced all her life. As a young child, she was always asked by older family members to perform, and she never lost her love for movement. She joined a senior center dance team, became a proud member of the Red Hat Society, and remained active in The American Legion and The Elks in New Jersey. Even well into her 90s, she was still doing the Electric Slide.

She was a snappy dresser who loved, loved, loved hats. She had a fiery personality, a generous heart, and a deep love for her family. She adored flowers, collected elephant figurines and dog memorabilia, and was fiercely protective of her loved ones.

Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, James and Annie Mae Harrill; sisters, Ida Mae Byrd and Drucilla Favors; husband, Booker T. Gaddis; and her beloved son, Steven Reginald Gaines.

She is survived by her son, James Warner Gaines (Grace) of Edison, New Jersey; daughter, Valerie L. Gaines-Harmon (Ray) of Jonesboro, Georgia; grandchildren, Aniya N. Lamyotte (David), Steven R. Gaines II, James W. Gaines Jr., Lawrence A. Gaines (Janine), Toija K. Gaines-Walker (Walter), Ramon M. Harmon (Natashia), and Imani G. Harmon; seventeen great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; two step-children; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Funeral services was held on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 11:30 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church