Genevia (James) Sherrod

July 7, 1932 – June 21, 2023

Genevia (James) Sherrod, age 90, departed this life on June 21, 2023, peacefully in the home of her eldest daughter, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, surrounded by her daughters Bobbie and Diane. She was born on July 7, 1932, in St. Joseph, Louisiana the third child of Julius and Dink (Strozier) James, who both preceded her in death. It had been Genevia and her four girls Bobbie, Diane, Julia and Helen since 2012 but she has left a wonderful legacy for them to carry.

On February 15, 1946, Genevia James married Henry Sherrod; a union that lasted 66 years until his death on May 29, 2012. To this union were born eight children: Bobbie Geain, Doris Louise, William C., Ira Lee, Diane, Gregory, Julia, and Helen.

Genevia moved to Elkhart, Indiana in 1963. She became a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Sam F. Frison. There she served as a member of the Missionary Society, the Usher Board and President of the Nurse’s Guild. She loved her church.

Miss. Genevia, as she was known throughout the city of Elkhart, was well respected and loved by all even though she spoke her mind and did not bite her tongue. You always knew where you stood with her. She was the “neighborhood mother” and loved all children even those that were not hers. She loved children so much that she became a licensed foster parent caring for the children of others, especially babies. She loved babies. Even when the children aged out of the program, they stayed connected with her.

Genevia was an excellent cook and worked at Ellen & Deb’s restaurant for several years; everyone loved her downhome cooking. She was also known as the “cake lady” because of her wonderful baking ability; she was famous for her made to order German chocolate, coconut, and caramel cakes.  She retired from Elkhart Community Schools as a bus aide.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughters, Bobbie, Diane (Tyrone Chavers), Julia (Willie Cooper) Sherrod, all of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Helen Sherrod of Elkhart, Indiana; Grandchildren, Yolanda., Aaron, Danny, Demetris Sr., and Ericka Sherrod all of Milwaukee. She will also be missed by a host of great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. In addition, she will be in the heart of her last remaining sibling, Katherine Johnson of Elkhart, and her loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Enjoy your rest Aunt Genevia, we will see you on the other side.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her children Doris Louise, Gregory, SSgt Ira Lee (US Marine Corps) and William C.; her brothers Horace and Willie Tiggs, Artis Sr. and Jessie James and her sister Helen James.

Funeral services for Genevia will be held on Friday, July 7, 2023, 11:00 AM, at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 802 W. Garfield Av., Elkhart, IN  46516. Reverend Danny T. Brown, Pastor of Pilgrim Rest  will be the officiant.

Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home has been entrusted with her care.