Extracted from The Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, TX)
Geraldine Gray Tomme
FORT WORTH -- Geraldine Gray Tomme, 77, a Christian wife and mother, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002, in Fort Worth, from complications of Alzheimer's disease.
Funeral: 3 p.m. Monday at West Berry Church of Christ. Burial: Laurel Land Memorial Park. Visitation: 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Greenwood Funeral Home.
Memorials: Christ's Haven Home for Children, P.O. Box 467, Keller, Texas 76244 or Mission Printing, Inc., 2707 Medlin Dr., Arlington, Texas 76015.
Geraldine Gray Tomme was born Aug. 12, 1924, to Fleta and Lloyd McReynolds in Galveston. She moved to Fort Worth when she was four years old, and attended Fort Worth schools, graduating from Paschal High School in 1941. She began college at Texas Christian University, meeting Robert "Bob" Gray on the TCU campus. He was soon drafted into the Army and left to fight in World War II. Gerry went to work for the Weather Bureau, enjoying assignments in New Mexico, Arkansas and Texas. When she returned to Fort Worth, she was employed by Delta Airlines as a ticket agent and substitute stewardess. In later years, she was employed by Monnig's and Stripling & Cox department stores and by Fridgette Corp.
When Bob returned from overseas, they married on Feb. 26, 1946. Together they raised four children in the Church of Christ, worshiping with the South Summit, Trail Lake, Alta Mesa, and West Berry congregations at different times. When Bob died in 1995, he was serving as an elder of the West Berry congregation. They were within three months of their 50th wedding anniversary when he passed away.
Children and education were both very important to Gerry. While raising their own children, she and Bob provided a home for 10 foster children from Christ's Haven over an eight year period. Gerry loved to teach Bible class and share God's word with children. With three other women, she founded a preschool known as Southwest Christian School, which eventually became an accredited private school for kindergarten through 12th grade. She was also an active member and served as president for Associated Women for Christian Education that supported the efforts of Fort Worth Christian School.
Failing eyesight compounded her loneliness after Bob's death. In 1999, God blessed her with the attention and love of Harold Tomme. Having known each other all their adult lives, Harold and Gerry's friendship blossomed and they were married on June 5th, 1999. They enjoyed traveling to professional meetings and she was a member of the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors Ladies Auxiliary. She loved spending the summers in Estes Park, Colo. During the past six months, Alzheimer's disease overtook her mind and yet, Harold's devotion to her never wavered.
Gerry will be remembered for her love for her family and friends. She was always touched by the needs of others and was grateful for every kindness she received in turn. Her family is grateful for the example she set for loving the Lord and daily living that commitment.
Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; her brother and his wife, Ernest and Bethel McReynolds, and her husband, Bob Gray.
Survivors: Husband, Harold Tomme; children, Randy and Jennifer Gray of Arlington, Robert Jr. and Janet Gray of Raleigh, N.C., Ric and Nanette Gray of North Richland Hills, Steve and Fleta Gray Perkins, Harold ``Sonny'' and Ann Tomme, Douglas Tomme, Karen and John Overton all of Fort Worth; 27 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Greenwood Funeral Home 3100 White Settlement Road, (817) 336-0584.
Saturday, January 26, 2002