McKNIGHT, GERALDINE BONDS

Funeral services took place Dec. 14 at St. Johns Baptist Church, Jersey City, for Geraldine Bonds McKnight. She was born in Haverstraw, N.Y. to Charles and Loretta Bonds. In her early twenties, she moved to Hoboken and later to Jersey City, where she began babysitting and ultimately cared for hundreds of children over the span of 60 years. Parents always felt at ease with their children in her care because she treated them all like her own. She was also the threatening call for some children when their misbehavior was beyond their parent’s control. Geraldine had a fun personality, warm nature, and generous spirit. Her home became the anchor for many of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all others whom she treated like family. She was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings; and her sons Lawrence and Dean. She leaves to cherish her memory one sister, Ann, 13 children, Charles, Frances, Curtis, Rhudell, Carolyn, Geraldine, Warren, Francine, Victoria, Naamen, Tina, Ebony, and Ashley; 39 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 19 God-children; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; and the Open Door Worship Center family where she served as Church Mother. Services arranged by the Watson Mortuary Service, Jersey City.