Geddie Hemphill

Geddie was born May 21,1916 in French Camp, Mississippi as the 8th child of Liza Sisson-Hemphill and Geet Hemphill who preceded him in death.

In 1939, he married the love of his life Jessie Mae Childress, their marriage lasted sixty-five years until the Lord called Jessie home in January 2005. To this union one son Howard Hemphill and daughter Marjorie Hemphill(Todd) were born, both proceeded Geddie in death. As a man with a family, Geddie will be remembered as a supportive husband, father, grandfather and uncle who always spent quality time with his children.

During his career, Geddie held a number of occupations, he worked for United States Steel and eventually the State of Ohio. Geddie served by supervising the crews responsible for keeping the local highways free of snow, ice and debris during inclement weather and motor vehicle accidents.

After more than twenty years of service, in 1982 Geddie retired from the Department of Transportation.

At an early age he accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized. Faithfully, Geddie served the Lord both in deeds and in works. His services for the Lord were outwardly displayed as he was a doorkeeper for East Mt. Zion Baptist Church where he was a member for more than fifty years serving on Usher Board Number 1, as a member of Group 14, and on the Lifeline staff.

Geddie was also active in the Shaker Heights Moreland Community Association in for many years.

Geddie lived a very blessed life and his life journey embodied what the Apostle Matthew teaches us in his testament, "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth." [5:5].

Those who knew him would agree without question or reservation that Geddie was a gentle, unexpectedly kind, generous, cheerful, and disarmingly charming spirit. His smile lit up the room and his good humor will be missed by all who had the privilege to know him. It is said that "When a mans ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies be at peace with him" [Proverbs 16:7], and Geddie's countenance left no doubt that the Lord will be pleased with his servant. This leaves little speculation for those who knew him about whether or not his Lord will say unto him, "Well done, good and faithful servant" and "enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"[Matthew 25:23].

While he will be sorely missed, and although the pain of his loss is great and felt with heartfelt sorrow, we and most of all the Lord is pleased as Geddie lived a life worth living. He will be remembered as a faithful husband, father, friend, and kind neighbor.

God called Geddie home on September 23,2017 in Cary, NC after a brief illness.

Praising God for his life are: Granddaughters Rhega Taylor (Dale), Holly Hemphill, Grandsons Michael Johnson( Nikki) and Howard Hemphill Jr., great grandsons, David, Delonte and Dale and great granddaughters, Jasmine, Brittany and Chyna, four great-great grandchildren, Jada, David, Acai and Carmen and a very special friend, Minnie Walker. Geddie also leaves a host of other relatives and so very many loving friends that undoubtedly will be endeared to the memory of his gentle and kind spirit forever.

~Humbly Submitted by the
Family of Geddie Hemphill~

Geddie Hemphill, (101) Born on May 21, 1916 in French Camp, Mississippi and formerly of Shaker Heights, OH peacefully passed away at the home of his Granddaughter in Cary, NC on September 23, 2017. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at his church East Mount Zion Baptist Church, 9990 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 on Friday, September 29th at 10 AM. FRIENDS MAY CALL AT CHURCH ONE HALF HOUR PRIOR TO THE SERVICE AT 9:30 AM. Pastor Dr. A. Charles Bowie Officiating. Interment Knollwood Cemetery in Mayfield Heights.