Geraldine Williams Sandolph

Geraldine Williams Sandolph, better known as ‘Gerry’ or ‘Deenie’, was an offspring of God’s Kingdom. She was born on March 4, 1937, in Napoleonville, Louisiana. Gerry was the third of five children born to the union of Sterling and Adelle Williams.

Geraldine graduated in 1956 from 5th Ward High School.  She met the love of her life, Rudolph Sandolph, Sr., and later that same year they were married. Gerry and Rudolph were happily married for 53 years until God called him home in 2009. From this union, five children were born – the late Rudolph, Jr., Andrea, Michael, Wayne, and Renée. Rudolph was in the military, so this afforded Gerry the opportunity to not only see, but to live in many parts of the world. She loved traveling with her husband and their children. Some of the adventuresome places she visited in their journey across the globe were Italy, Germany, France, Hawaii, and the Philippines…just to name a few. It was in travelling with her family that she truly lived her best life, dropping rose petals along the way and gaining new experiences.

Gerry loved spending time with her grandchildren. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for any of them. Loving them included disciplining them when needed; but that never diminished the bond between them.  Love was always the glue that kept she and her grandchildren together. Gerry also enjoyed being in the kitchen, reading, gardening and of course…fishing! She really looked forward to going out on her fishing excursions.  It was one of her favorite pastimes.

The most important thing that can be said about Geraldine is that she was a born-again believer in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Not only did she believe in Him, but she had a personal relationship with Him. She served as a deaconess at Mt. Zion Community Church of Boutte under the leaderships of both Rev. Robert B. Pardo and Rev. Charles Johnson, Sr. She carried out her duties with devotion and reverence for the Lord. Gerry fervently loved God and she loved her church.  She made a difference by being helpful. She had an unselfish desire to always do for others. This is how she continued to scatter rose petals along her path; impacting the lives of everyone she met. Her favorite passage of scripture was Proverbs 3: 5- 6 – “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

With her health declining, Geraldine was hospitalized at West Jefferson Medical Center. On Sunday, December 18, 2022, she peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home.  Geraldine has now developed into a beautiful rose. She’s left petals and a sweet fragrance throughout the world. She was the flower that God intended her to be. She was a pleasing aroma to Christ because she embraced Him as her Savior by her faith. She spread this sweet aroma to others by sharing the Gospel with a lost and dying world through words and through deeds. Geraldine has done well. She has touched the lives of many. Now she will take her rest until we see her again.

Geraldine is preceded in death by her parents, Sterling and Adelle Williams; her husband, Rudolph Sandolph, Sr. and her son, Rudolph Sandolph, Jr. She is survived by four children – Andrea Dorsey, Michael (Marvell), Wayne (Tracy) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Renée Sandolph of Baytown, Texas; her sister Patricia (Clarence) Roach of Stockton, California; 18 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers and members of Mt. Zion Community Church of Boutte and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the visitation to be held at The Historic Bell Baptist Church, 300 Hackberry Street, Luling, LA from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022.  The Celebration of Life will be held immediately following the visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are suggested for all in attendance and please practice social distancing.  Pastor Charles Johnson, Sr., Officiating. Rev. Rodney Johnson-Host Pastor.  Interment Mt. Zion Garden of Memories Cemetery, Boutte, LA.  Final arrangements entrusted to Patrick H. Sanders Funeral Home & Funeral Directors, Inc., 605 Main Street, LaPlace, LA 70068. For more information 985-359-1919. “Providing Care & Comfort is Our Highest Mission”.