Geraldine Byrd Story

Oldest daughter of Lena D. and Charles E. Byrd was born in Richmond, VA, May 20, 1925.

She attended Dunbar Elementary School and graduated from Armstrong High School in 1941. She graduated from Virginia Union University in 1945 with a B.S. in Commerce. In 1968, she was the first African American to graduate with a Masters degree from the business school at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Her career path included Bookkeeper at Virginia Union University, Bookkeeper at Virginia Teachers Association and Registrar at Smith-Maddison Business School. Her experiences as an educator in the Richmond Public Schools included Teacher at Randolph Junior High School, Business Teacher at Maggie L. Walker High School, John Marshall High School, and Vocational Department Head at Huguenot and Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe High School. She retired from the school system in 1990. She also served as adjunct faculty in the School of Business at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Geraldine accepted Christ at a very young age, was baptized by Dr. William C. Ransome at First Baptist Church and has continued her membership all of her life. At First Baptist, she served on the first Ladies Junior Usher Board and sang with the Bereavement Choir of the church.

Memberships include Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Delta Phi Epsilon, and National Honorary Graduate Fraternity in Business Education. She served on the Richmond Commission for the Disabled; was a Trustee for SPECTRAN --Specialized Transportation System; Board member of the Hayes W. Willis Health Center, Old South District Team; and Secretary/Board Member of the Greater Richmond Area Association for Retarded Citizens for more than 35 years. Geraldine was also a member of Elizabeth Harris #86 Order of the Eastern Star and MELDS Pinochle Club.
Her awards include Distinguished Teachers Award; Business Education Hall of Fame; YWCA recognition for Community Volunteerism; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Clara M. Hines Humanitarian Award and Caring Soror. She was also recognized by the General Assembly of Virginia for Volunteerism in 2006. In 2014, she received a Proclamation from the Greater Richmond ARC for Volunteerism and a Proclamation from the City of Richmond for Humanitarianism.
Geraldine was married to the love of her life, John R. Story, Sr. in 1948, who preceded her in death. From this marriage, three children were born--John R. Story, Jr. (deceased), Charles I. Story, and Rhonda S. Brandon (Kevin), who are left to honor and cherish her memory along with her three loving grandchildren Lachelle S. Metcalf (Manuel), Brianna L. Brandon and Myles R. Brandon; two great granddaughters Kynadi and Kendall Metcalf; and daughter-in-law Deborah E. Story. She will be greatly missed by her sister, Dr. Laverne Byrd Smith (Lewis), nephew, S. Elwood York, Jr., Esq (Angela) and nieces Mary Jane Corbin (Marshall) and Pamela Davis. Her loving sister Elizabeth B. York, preceded her in death. She will also be remembered by a host of relatives, students, and friends.
Geraldine was a graceful warrior, who was dependable and passionate about helping others be their very best. She kept her faith no matter the trial or tribulation. She was fun-loving and always looked forward a good game of pinochle.

On the morning of September 13, 2016, our mother took wings, held on to God's unchanging hand and followed the brilliant path of light into eternity. Mom, rest in knowing that your works speak for your contributions here on this earth and it is well with our souls.