Geraldine L. “Jeri” Bryant
June 3, 1934—September 19, 2022
Formerly of Highland Falls, NY
Geraldine L. Bryant (Jeri), a resident of Oak Island, NC, was born on June 3, 1934 to Hattie Louise (nee Baker) and Carson A. Bryant in Highland Falls, NY. She passed on September 19, 2022 at 88 years old.
All that basked in Geraldine’s light were drawn in by her witty conversation and flair for the dramatic. In her junior year at Highland Falls High School she was denied the opportunity to join the school’s drama club, due to her race, prompting her to write to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to request a list of “colored schools.” She then took the initiative to complete her high school career at Lincoln Academy, Kings Mountain, NC, where she graduated with honors and excelled in drama. Geraldine was a lifetime supporter of civil rights and volunteered as the secretary for both the Newburgh & Nyack branches of the NAACP. She subsequently founded the first Black Arts Festival in Nyack, NY, which provided an outlet for Black artists to display and sell their art. Geraldine was employed as a secretary by the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point and for Congressman John Dow.
After raising her two daughters and seeing them through college, she commenced her own college career. Geraldine earned an Associates of Arts degree from Rockland Community College, a Bachelor’s of Science from Manhattanville College, Purchase NY and a Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers Law School. Her law career included serving as NYS Assistant Attorney General –Consumer Fraud, and Managing Attorney at Prisoner’s Legal Services. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Hattie Louise & Carson Bryant, sister, Mary A. Bryant and brother, Carson A. Bryant, Jr. She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Tera Thomas, Oak Island, NC, Lia Roberts MS, (Grant), Northridge, CA, and brother, Raymond A. Bryant, Douglasville, GA. Grandsons, Charles Eggleston (NC) and Grant Roberts (CA)., Great-Granddaughters, Riyonna Eggleston (VA) and Terissa Meservey (Brett)(NY). Great-great grandchildren, Elijah, Riyonna, Cataleya, and Rashawn (VA).
A Celebration of Life for Geraldine will be announced at a later date. She taught us to live, love & laugh. She will dance forever in our heart.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.peacocknewnamwhite.com for the Bryant family. Peacock – Newnam & White Funeral and Cremation Service, Southport, North Carolina.
Christine “Chrissy” Napolitano
September 28, 1972—September 14, 2022
Formerly of Highland Falls, NY
Christine “Chrissy” Napolitano, age 49, of Savannah, GA, passed away unexpectedly on September 14, 2022.
Chrissy was born in Newburgh, NY to Joseph and Linda Napolitano on September 28. She grew up in Highland Falls, NY and graduated from James I. O’Neill High School. After working many years for the West Point Visitor’s Center Gift Shop as the Manager, she moved down to Savannah, Georgia. In Savannah, she worked for CTIS Comcast for almost 20 years, then as a private contractor for them, and also worked for Grainger Honda dealership for almost a year.
She leaves behind her most prized possessions, her beautiful children, Justin, Kiera, and Alexis. If anyone knows Chrissy, she was extremely proud of her children.
Chrissy is also survived by her parents, Joseph and Linda Napolitano, sisters, Lisa Napolitano (Gilda Romero) and Nicole “Nikki” Corbin (Glenn Corbin Jr), nephew, and nieces.
Chrissy was a devoted mother, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. She has touched so many lives by her selfless acts of kindness.
There was a celebration of life that was held on September 17, 2022 in Lake Mayer, Savannah, GA.