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Geraldine H. Williams Affectionally known to many as Dean, or Gerri, Geraldine Hilderine Williams was born and raised in Willikies, Antigua and Barbuda, British West Indies, to Beatrice Dublin and Claudius Joseph (both deceased) on January 4, 1934. Dean came from humble beginnings, did not have much of a formal education, but was strong-willed, determined, driven, and sought out a better life for herself. In her late teens and early twenties, Dean gave birth to two sons, Elderfield and Chandy. From an early age, Dean’s mother had taught her how to cook, and she used that training, knowledge, and God-given talent and carved out an honorable living for herself and her family. Wanting a better life and needing to provide for herself and her children, Dean made the difficult decision to leave Antigua and briefly relocated to the island of St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. During this time, Dean stayed with family, worked various jobs, saved her money, before finally relocating to St Thomas where she established her roots and eventually, over time, became a naturalized US citizen. Dean had another child, a daughter, Jackie. During her early years in St Thomas, and being a single mom, Dean worked various cooking jobs in the restaurant industry to make ends meet and take care of her children. She eventually landed a job as a chef at Driftwood Inn, an Italian restaurant, where she worked from 3pm to 11pm, 6 days a week, for many years. During this period, Dean got married and later divorced. Being the sole primary caregiver to her daughter, and now to her niece and nephew, who she unofficially adopted and took in as her own, Dean eventually needed to work two full-time jobs to keep a roof over her family heads and food in her children’s stomachs. In our household, Dean became mother, father, disciplinarian, and primary breadwinner. Dean eventually saved enough money and qualified for a bank loan and was able to purchase her first home in Annas Retreat, locally known as Hidden Valley. It was a proud day for us when we moved into our brand-new home and each of us had an opportunity to have our own bedrooms. On Sundays, Dean would take the family to church as she was a God-fearing woman who loved the Lord and wanted her children to know the Lord. Dean had a beautiful voice and loved to sing the hymns in church and at home. Dean never complained, was always willing to help others, and her love for you was real and unconditional. Her home was always open if someone needed a place to stay because they were either transitioning or going through a difficult time in their lives. Dean was always willing to help and freely gave what she had to others. Dean later played a significant role in raising and taking care of two of her partner’s children during their young and formative years. They came to St Thomas from Haiti and spoke very little English, which was challenging at first. Dean was patient, and with the passage of time, helped them to assimilate, and taught them how to speak and understand English. Her other passions in life were cooking and gardening, and she was excellent at both. Cooking for others was just one way that she showed unconditional love for her family, friends and neighbors. It was pure and was from her heart. After years of working in many kitchens, and preparing meals for thousands, Dean retired and in 2010, relocated to Philadelphia, PA where she lived out her remaining years with her daughter. Dean’s laughter and smile were infectious. She was a tough, brave, hard-working, beautiful human being who was determined to have a better life for herself, her daughter and her family. As an immigrant, she was able to achieve and live the American dream. Dean was a God-fearing woman, a faithful and trusted friend who was appreciated, respected and loved by many. She is survived by: Mother: Beatrice Dublin (deceased) Father: Claudius Joseph (deceased) Daughter: Jacqueline M. Smith Sons: Chandy Hunte, Ezzard Elderfield Challenger (deceased) Special Friends: Pierre Latortue, Esther Smith, Bertha Samuels, Karen Faison Brown 2nd Mother to: Peterson Latortue, Myrtha Moll, Gladys Jean-Jacques, Guerlyne Latortue, Maggy Latortue, and Ester Fils Siblings: Wilma James (deceased), Esterlyn Joseph (deceased), Italis Joseph (deceased), James Joseph (deceased) Grandchildren: Fitzroy Hunte, Auriel Hunte, , Kevin Hunte, Kelisa Hunte, Rhonda Challenger, Chanel Challenger Great Grandchildren: Jonathan Hunte, Daniel Hunte, Shaneka Challenger, Shanoira Challenger, Makiel Challenger, Keon Challenger Great Great Grandchildren: Ezren Hunte, Kairo Hunte, Zayden Challenger Cousins: Ima Joseph, Elma Jean Adams, Evelyn Joseph (deceased) Nieces: Jenelyn James, Carolie Ward Walker (deceased), Gwendolyn James (deceased) Nephews: Glenroy James (deceased), Keithroy James (deceased), Oriel James (deceased) Great Nieces: Nicole McGuire Pearson, Shenelle Mercer Great Nephews: Christian Ward, Jr., Kenneal Smith, Keemo Smith, K’Shawn Smith, Kory Smith, Kareeb Smith (deceased) Great Great Nieces: Kasiah Smith, K’Siyah Smith, Ky’Nirah Smith, Kali Smith, Selena Ward, Zynia Ward, Zynae Ward Great Great Nephews: Nia Ward, Nijah Ward, Malekai Ward, Kyan Smith, Kyiel Smith The family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to everyone who has reached out and offered their condolences and kind words in remembrance and in the spirit of my mother.

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Geraldine H. Williams

January 4, 1934 - September 24, 2025