Geneva

Core

Geneva E. (Reed) Core, age 88, peacefully departed this earthly life to be with her Lord and Savior on September 23, 2026. She was born on September 20, 1938, in Marion, Alabama, to the late Albert and Sumothia (Phillip) Reed.

Geneva was a woman of faith, family, service, and love. She was a devoted member of People’s Baptist Church for 70 years, where she faithfully served her church and community. Her commitment to her faith was reflected in the many lives she touched throughout the years.

Geneva was also dedicated to her career and her work with children. She served as a Head Cook at Miami Valley Child Development Center for 26 years, where she devoted herself to caring for and serving children and families. After many years of dedicated service, she retired.

She was a proud and dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Phi Beta Chapter, and the Zeta Amicae Auxiliary of Dayton, Ohio. Through her sorority involvement, Geneva continued her commitment to service, sisterhood, and community.

On October 10, 1956, Geneva was united in holy matrimony with Ernest Core. Together, they built a family and shared many years of memories, love, and devotion.

Those Left to Cherish Her Memory

Geneva leaves a beautiful legacy through her family. She leaves to cherish her memory her four daughters:

Virginia L. Core of Minnesota, Cecelia A. Avakey of Minnesota, Minister Amelia A. Brown of Ariz, and Lenora J. Core (Derrick Byrd Sr.) of Ohio

She is also survived by her brother, Roosevelt Reed of Texas, and her sister, Sumothia Howard of Ohio.

Her legacy continues through her 11 grandchildren:

Carla Johnson-Njoku (Isdore), Stephanie Core-Newby, G. Tremayne Core, Chianti Bullard (Richard “RB”), Larry Carter Jr., Fremont Johnson Jr., Angela R. Patton (Kevin Sr.), Nathaniel Byrd, Derrick Byrd Jr. (Mary), Charletta Core-Sims, and Deon Byrd.

She was blessed with 23 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-great-grandchildren, representing five generations of family and a lasting legacy of love. God daughter, Yvonne Cook.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her sisters-in-law, Juanita Core-Wright of New York and Frances Core of Georgia, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual children, friends, church family, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her presence.

Preceded in Death

Geneva was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Albert and Sumothia Reed; husband, Ernest Core; her four brothers, Sam, Charlie, Willie, and Albert Jr.; and 3 sisters, Gertrude Stewart, Louise Howard and Juanita Lattimore.

A Legacy of Love

Geneva's life was a testament to faith, family, service, and perseverance. She loved her family deeply and took great pride in watching each generation grow. Her nurturing spirit, wisdom, strength, and love will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

Though she has transitioned from this earthly life, the love she gave, the lessons she taught, the prayers she prayed, and the memories she created will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Well done, Geneva. Your work here is complete. May you rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord.

Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever cherished.

Visitation is Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. in Peoples Baptist Church. Burial will be Monday, October 12, 2026 at 12 noon in Rose Hill Burial Park.