Mrs. Geraldine Leona Strode Smith
Mrs. Geraldine Leona Strode Smith
A visitation for Mrs. Geraldine Leona Strode Smith who passed away on December 12,
2024 will be held Saturday morning at 11am until 1pm at Harmon Funeral Home 5002
North 40th Street Tampa, Florida 33610. Graveside services will follow at Orange Hill
Cemetery 4900 East Chelsea Street Tampa, Florida 33610
Geraldine Leona Strode Smith, known by friends and family as Gerri, was born on
August 30, 1941 in Galveston, Texas. She moved to Tampa shortly after graduating
from Dillard University in New Orleans, La to begin her new life with the love of her life,
Arthur “Bronco” Smith.
After attending elementary and secondary schools in Galveston, Texas, she received a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University, New Orleans, La., with a major in Music
Education. Gerri was an accomplished violinist and pianist, receiving offers to study in
Europe. After meeting “Bronco” she decided to get married and start a family in Tampa.
Gerri enrolled and graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master’s
Degree in Elementary Education and Administration/Supervision.
She began her employment in Hillsborough County Schools August 18, 1964 as a
music teacher at the currently closed Dobyville School and later served as a music
teacher at Williams Elementary in 1969, before transferring to Broward School in 1969.
Geraldine left the
classroom in 1972 to pursue positions as Curriculum Specialist, Assistant Principal for
Instruction and Principal at Dunbar 6th Grade Center. Gerry ended her illustrious career
as Principal of Dickinson Elementary with retirement in 2003.
Gerry was preceded in death by her mother, Leona Marie Strode, Galveston, Texas.
Brothers, Ronald Bain, Herbert Bain, and Ricky Bain, California.
She leaves to cherish
her memories: The love of her life, husband of 61 years, Arthur “Bronco” Smith, twin
brother Gerald Stanton, and niece Geraldine Coleman, Houston,Texas, sisters
Germaine Barkin, Long Beach, California, Carolyn Shields, Glendale, California,
daughter Carmelita Smith Bell, son Neal Scipio Smith, grandchildren Madison Lord, RJ
Bell, Malik Smith, Mya Smith and Brooklyn Bell. Son in law, Reginald Bell, and
Daughters in Law, Angela Smith and Meagan Glover. And a host of extended family
and friends.
Harmon Funeral Home 813 626-8600 John Harmon LFDIC
