Geraldine C. (Cooksey) Greaves of Goodyear Arizona (formerly from Framingham and Ashland) passed away on May 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on January 6, 1943, to the late Charles Cooksey and Linnie Smith. Beloved wife of Charles Greaves. Devoted mother of William Joiner III and his wife Sandra of Natick, Janet Joiner of Washington DC. Loving grandmother of Benjamin and Alyssa Joiner, Olivia S Joiner, and Quincy Logan. Great grandmother of Leo Logan. Cherished sister of Genette Kirkman, Erma Taylor, and the late Freeman Teaberry, Margaret Williams and Rose Teaberry. Best “Fauntie” / Second Mom to Leslie Williams and Shoshana (Starr) Collins, and survived by many nieces and nephews and a host of sisters as a member of the Sisters of the Valley in AZ.

Born in Mt. Vernon Illinois, Gerry was the 3rd of 6 children born to Linnie Smith. Having graduated from Mt Vernon HS (’60s) she began her education at Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) where she met her first husband, William Joiner, with whom she had two children, Janet and William III. Mom began her nursing career in Southington, CT. While our father completed his degree work at SIU, Mom worked at (now) Deaconess Union Hospital in Anna, IL. Following a move to Massachusetts in 1971, Mom began working at Framingham Union Hospital. Upon completion of her master’s degree from Northeastern University Mom continued her nursing career in supervisory roles at Roger Williams Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Franciscan Children’s Hospital before taking her last job at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Phoenix. Her accomplished career included the following professional credentials in nursing, her Registered Nurse licensing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Arts and Science and Certificate of Perioperative Nursing with a specialty in surgical/operating room nursing. With the passing of her husband, William Joiner, in 1981, she met and later married Charles (Chuck) Greaves in 1989. It was during this time and their relocation to Arizona that Mom really blossomed. When work allowed and especially when she retired in 2008, she traveled, shopped, traveled, and shopped some more. There was nothing Mom looked forward to more than finding a good deal. She also loved her blended family; her own two children, plus Chuck’s two daughters, Sheila and Elaina, gave Mom nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

In Arizona she joined the Sisters of the Valley, a social networking group of women of African descent. These women would become some of her lifelong friends who loved and supported her throughout her journey. Mom was never one to sit still and you could often find her with family and friends playing the slots at her favorite casinos, walking a favorite trail, playing pinochle, and co-hosting Sisters of the Valley events. One of Mom’s new passions was her jewelry business. What began as a creative outlet, turned into the small business, Gems by GG, where she would sell her unique jewelry designs at craft fairs, St. Joseph’s Hospital bazaars and Sisters of the Valley community events. Her last stage of life was largely framed by her cancer diagnosis. Beginning in 2016 -2021 she endured several surgeries and numerous bouts of chemotherapy she continued her fight with various clinical trials after been given 6 months to live. 4 years later she entered her final study, a first-in-human cancer treatment designed to slow the growth of cancerous tumors. Her goals in these studies were twofold. She wanted to live as long and comfortably as possible, and she wanted to have the opportunity to help others. In those bonus years she continued to live as fully as possible. One of her final goals was to see the graduation of her granddaughter, Olivia, nearly two years ago.

Never one to feel sorry for herself, Mom faced the final chapter of her life with quiet dignity. She passed away peacefully exactly when and where she wanted to be. On her schedule. Just like Mom.

Visiting Hours in the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park St Natick Common on Saturday May 23rd from 12-2pm.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com