Obituary of Geraldine Best McFadden

WEST HENRIETTA, NY – August 20, 2024 Geraldine McFadden was born on November 9, 1931, at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia, PA to Sarah Stevenson Brinson Best and her husband Prince Albert Best Sr. of Goldsboro, N.C. The oldest of four children (Geraldine, Louise, Prince Albert Jr. & Amos) - they were raised in Goldsboro. Her early education began in Goldsboro - she was a proud Honors graduate of Dillard High School in 1948. She matriculated at Fisk University in Nashville TN - where she earned her B.A. in Music. At Fisk University she met her future husband Aaron McFadden - they married in Goldsboro, NC in 1952. Geraldine and Aaron moved to Rochester NY in the summer of 1952 - Geraldine worked for decades for the Rochester City School District as a Music Teacher in several elementary schools throughout the city. She was selected Teacher of the Year several times during her teaching career. While teaching and raising a family - she matriculated at the Eastman School of Music - where she received her Masters in Music. Throughout her career she was active in the musical and arts cultural life of the community. She actively participated/performed in Rochester Philharmonic and Opera events for decades - most recently serving as an usher for events until her mid-eighties. A faithful Christian, Geraldine was baptized as a child in the First African Baptist Church in Goldsboro (founding church - General Baptist Convention)- which was across from her childhood home. Geraldine grew up in the First African Baptist Church - where both of her parents were active leaders. Geraldine lived her life guided by her faith, and was an active member in several churches in Rochester - she joined Mt Olivet Baptist Church in the early 1990’s. She remained an active church participant until her passing. Her service included participation in the Baptism committee, Just Us Retirees, New Orientation, Sunday School - her passion for bible study and sharing theological discussions will be missed by many throughout the area. Her warmth and kindness touched many lives in the Rochester community and beyond. Her legacy of compassion and dedication will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. 92 years young, of West Henrietta, passed peacefully at home on August 20, 2024. She cherished spending time with her family and friends, and her love for them was evident in everything she did. She is survived by her brother Amos (Eula) and her sister in law (Earnestine Best), her children, Anthony “Eric” McFadden and Sylvia Marie McFadden; her grandchildren, Kendra E. (Max) Joseph, Corey A. (Brandon) Millette, and Aaron E. (Sam) McFadden; 9 great-grandchildren, Quinton R. McFadden, Max “Trey” Joseph, Camryn B. McFadden, Colby E. Joseph, Averie S. Millette, Thomas “Beau” McFadden, Bentley J. Millette, Brooklynn R. Millette, and Harlow H. Millette; her extended family - Ron Best, Selina Best, Gary Best, Peter (Pamela) Cooke, Pamela (Errol) Cooke- Jones, Phyllis Cooke, Chico (Aneka) Donaldson and Orlando Hampton, other relatives, church family and friends. A Funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on August 30, 2024, at 10:30 am at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 141 Adams Street. The wake will be held at Latimer Funeral Home, 983 South Plymouth Avenue, Rochester, NY on Thursday evening August 29th from 4pm to 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to United Negro College Fund. (https://secure2.convio.net/uncf/site/SPageNavigator/Donate.html)