Geraldine "Gerri" Norton Blythe

On Saturday October 17th, 2020 Geraldine “Gerri” Blythe, 85 of Hoover, Alabama went to Heaven and was reunited with her husband of 64 years, William “Bill” Blythe. Gerri was an avid reader and accomplished seamstress. She enjoyed all sports, but baseball was her favorite. Gerri was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved every moment spent with her large family.

Gerri is survived by her sister, Gloria Watson (Joe); her six children, Bill Blythe Jr. (Regina), Lynn Stoudt (Chuck), Debbie Blythe (Sue), Melanie Coultas (Chris), Melissa White (Mike) and Ryan Blythe;  and grandchildren, Steve Stoudt (Emie), Scott Stoudt (Sue), Candice Krogh (Michael), Justin White (Aubrey), Joby White(Kacey), Christy Waldron, Tori Stoudt, Courtney Campbell, Hunter White (Haley), Cole Coultas, and Palmer Blythe, as well as numerous great grandchildren.

Born May 2nd, 1935 in Savannah, Georgia, Gerri graduated from the Charles Ellis School and later Washington Avenue Jr High School and finally, Savannah High School where she completed her classes in just three years and attended business school at night. With a veracity for learning, Gerri would checkout as many books as possible at the library. At just 11, she began making her own clothes and was a fan of the Savannah Indians of the Double A Sally League.

Moving to Atlanta as a young adult, Gerri worked for the telephone company and met her future husband, William Blythe who was an Engineering Student at Georgia Tech.  The happy couple would marry on September 19th, 1954 in Midtown Atlanta at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.

With Bill’s rising career, the Blythe’s would start a family and begin relocating. Their first son, Bill, Jr was born in Albany, GA.  His birth was followed by their first daughter, Lynn who was born in Philadelphia and next up was another daughter, Debbie back in Atlanta. The Blythe’s twin daughters, Melanie and Melissa were born in Mobile, AL and then following stints in Foxboro, MA and Wilmington, DE they would head back south to Mobile, AL and despite a 13 year hiatus from kids, welcome their youngest son, Ryan. Next the Blythes would move back to Atlanta. Gerri was a very involved mother who always gave her full support and enthusiasm for the varied interests of all her children.

Gerri and Bill retired to beautiful Perdido Key, Florida where they made wonderful friends and enjoyed their proximity to the beach and large enclosed swimming pool. It was the perfect location to welcome their grandchildren.

Hurricanes would chase them to move one final time to Hoover, Alabama where their daughter Melissa lived. They purchased a house nearby and enjoyed hosting an even larger extended family now complete with great grandchildren.

Gerri had a passion for charity and supporting those less fortunate and gave grace and kindness to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She instilled that empathy in her six children who have gone on to work in healthcare, business, and education. Gerri also played an integral role in the founding of a Daughters of the King Chapter at St. Albans Episcopal Church in Hoover.

She will be laid to rest with Bill at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL with a private celebration of her life.

The family would like to thank our mother’s special caregivers Elizabeth and Jan.

In lieu of flowers, the family would kindly request donations to either St. Albans Episcopal Church, 429 Cloudland Drive, Hoover, AL 35226 or Wilmer Hall, a non-profit faith based organization that serves children and young adults, 3811 Old Shell Road, Mobile, AL 36608.