Geraldine Dearing was born November 23, 1916 in Mangum, OK to Mary Christian and James Monroe Bradshaw and passed away October 12, 1999 in her home at the age of 82 years, 10 months and 19 days. Geraldine moved with her family to Cheyenne when she was six years old, where she spent the rest of her life. After graduation from Cheyenne High School in 1933, she attended Oklahoma State University, which at the time was Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College A&M. She earned a Temporary Teaching Certificate for 40 hours of college work and started he teaching career at the age of 17, teaching in the one room Bellview School in the bend of the river. On December 20, 1935 Geraldine married Harry I. Dearing in Cheyenne, OK. The following year, 1935-1936, she began teaching in Cheyenne elementary school, where with the exception of 2 or 3 years, she taught until her retirment in 1976. The last 28 of those years, she was Elementary School Principal. In 1961, she was voted "Teacher of the Year". After her retirement, she and her husband were able to travel quite extensively. Another of her great joys was seeing and visiting with former students. She joined the Cheyenne First Baptist Church in 1931 and remained an active member until her death. During the years she served as Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Worker, Business Woman's Circle, and Woman's Missionary Union. She was active in Civic and professional groups being a Charter Member and past president of Sorosis Club, Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, Past President of Delta Kappa Gamma, and several offices in the Retired Teachers Organization. She had a long and satisfying career, but the welfare of her family was always uppermost in her mind. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. Her two sons and their families have been a great joy, and one could see the pride and love she felt as she spoke of the. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, infant son, 3 brothers and 1 sister. She is survived by 2 sons and daughters-in-law, Robert and Eula Dearing of Arnett, OK, Jim and Frances Dearing of Yukon, OK; 1 sister and brother-in-law, Billie Fern and Leonard Rush of Odessa, TX; 1 brother, J.L. Bradsshaw of McKinney, TX; 7 grandchildren and spouses, Tom and Meredithe Dearing, Larry and Donna Dearing, Pam Garza, Jeff and Giner Dearing, Kallen and Laura Nichols, Quint and Delisa Nichols, Brett and Marcy Nichols; 14 great grandchildren, Riley, Haley, Tanner, Eli, Jessica, Mercedes, Chase, Sarah, Kelly, Rick, Johnny Ray, Shayla, Brooklynn and Bailee; 2 sisters-in-law, Geneive and Arvella Bradshaw of Cheyenne, OK; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Interment in the Cheyenne Cemetery, Cheyenne, OK