Geraldine (Travis) Hooten

With sincere compassion, we respectfully announce the transition of Mrs. Geraldine Hooten. A native of Greenville, MS, and resident of Austell, GA, Ms. Hooten transitioned, Wednesday, March 27th, 2024. She was 86. A Public Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 3rd, 2024 from 4-6PM at Jackson Professional Funeral Services. The Celebration of Life will be held at 11AM on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, also at Jackson Professional Funeral Services. The Committal will follow and Interment will follow at Alabama National Cemetery.

A Mother’s Portrait 

Geraldine “Travis” Hooten was born in Greenwood, Mississippi on April 16, 1937. Her life started eventful because “The Attending Midwife” was her own grandmother, Clara Clay Wilson. She is the third of eight children born to the late Ellis Travis, Sr. and Elnora Wilson Travis. Of the eight children, three have gone home to Glory: Earl, Ellis Jr., and Alma Jean. Her grandparents, Rev. Daniel L. and Clara Clay Wilson were great influences in her life. 

Geraldine’s life journey brought her to Chicago, Illinois in 1940, where she moved to the Grand Boulevard Area (currently named the Bronzeville Area). On June 5, 1954, she married Wilbert Hooten, Sr. and they were blessed with five children: Denise, Wilbert Jr., Derrel, Avis, and Michael (gone but never forgotten 1962-2004). 

Geraldine attended Oakland and Forestville Elementary School. In 1954, she graduated from DuSable High School. In 1974, she attended Roosevelt University and the City Colleges of Chicago, studying Public Service (1988-89). 

From 1962-1967 she resided in the Robert Taylor Homes Housing Authority. Her love for people led her to be active in the following areas: Floor Captain and elected President of the Tenant Council for both 4848 and 4950 South State Street. She co-founded “The United Auction Committee” charted by the state of Illinois and assisted residents in organizing the Robert Taylor Credit Union while serving as Vice Chairperson. 

In 1968, Geraldine moved to the Michigan Boulevard Garden Apartments, which was known as the “Rosenwald Building.” There she served as President of the M.B.G.A. Tenant Organization for 8-1/2 years. While residing in the Rosenwald, she worked as an advocate in the following areas: University of Illinois Extension service to employ ten residents; the 4-H Club; operated a New York City worksite (from her home) to employ forty teens for summer jobs; Housing and Urban Development; and testified before the City of Chicago Finance Committee representing the residents in partnership with Commissioner Dr. Erwin France, for the “47th & Michigan Project” in which the city approved $12 million dollars. 

In 1988, the National Recognition Program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development presented Geraldine with a Certificate of National Merit. 

Geraldine continued her community services by joining the 3rd Ward Democratic Organization under the watch of Congressman Ralph H. Metcalf. While serving in this organization, she was elected as a write-in candidate, receiving 4,436 votes, to represent the “Near South Community” City of Chicago Model Cities Program. Also, she served as the Community Organizer for youth and adults while networking with Robert Taylor Park District; Washington Park YMCA after school programs; and as a member of the first steering committee workshop for the 2nd District Chicago Police Department. She was coordinator of the Volunteer for Action (VFA), organized by Alderman Tyrone Kenner of the 3rd Ward, and Sylvester Rhem, President, in which over 125 members were dedicated to promoting political awareness on voter registration. 

In 2003, Geraldine retired from 38 years of service (1965-2003). Over this period of time, she served in the following capacities: Chicago Community On Urban Development “War on Poverty Program”; Department of Human Service; Community Representative Recruiter; Urban Life Interviewer; Emergency Services Worker/Crisis Intervention through which she provided services for tenants who were evicted, fire victims, abused and abandoned children, battered females, victims of crime and the “Suicide Prevention” hotline; a dispatcher for the Department of Sanitation, Fire, and Police; as well as a Social Service Assistant providing counseling and referral services for emergency situations. 

She resided at the Pioneer Village Phase IV apartments for nineteen years. Since 1972, she has ben an active member of South Park Baptist Church and has served under the leadership of the late Reverend E.R. Williams, Sr., and the current leadership of Dr. E.R. Williams, Jr. She is a member of the Walter Thornton Memorial Auxiliary, and an honorary member of Usher Board No. 2. Committed to civic responsibility, Geraldine volunteered to assist with the Katrina Relief Project hosted by the church. She is well known for her cooking. She loves her church, family, and friends and most of all the Lord Jesus Christ. Her life continues to reflect her dedication and services. 

Jackson Professional Funeral Services is grateful to Ms. Hooten's family for entrusting the final care and arrangements of their loved one to our caring and dedicated professionals. We solicit your continued, sincere support, and prayers for her family as they navigate through this experience.

Thank You,

JPFS

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