Geraldine (Jerry) Goddard Baldridge, age 92, died Tuesday, May 3, 2022 in San Antonio, Texas. Born on January 29, 1930, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Jerry was one of three children born to Charlie Goddard and Vivian Waite Goddard. She married George H. Baldridge on June 4, 1953 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Jerry and George have two children Chuck and Janet. The Baldridges began their ministry in the Methodist church in Ohio. However, the majority of their ministry was spent in Central Illinois. They served in Atwood, Biggsville/Gladstone, Heyworth, Delavan, Cerro Gordo and Casey. George and Jerry were a ministry team, in fact some joked they got two ministers for the price of one. Jerry’s ministry included visiting shut-ins, sharing her homemade goodies, presenting United Methodist Women’s programs, teaching Sunday School, leading Bible studies, and presenting children’s messages. Those who know and love her, would agree her most important gift was her everlasting friendship expressed through the countless phone calls and never-ending cards and for every holiday and occasion. Jerry had a way of making everyone feel extra special.
Memorials can be sent to: The Preachers’ Aid Society and Benefit Fund, P.O. Box 19207, Springfield, IL 62794. Visitation will be held at Sunset Northwest Funeral Home at 6321 Bandera Rd. San Antonio, TX 78238 From 5:00- 7:00 pm on Monday, May 9, 2022A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St, John’s United Methodist Church, 2002 Bandera RD., San Antonio, TX 78228 Jerry will be laid to rest in her hometown of Mt. Vernon, Illinois on Saturday, May 14, 2022.Services at Hughey Funeral Home, 1314 Main St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864 Viewing from 12:00-1:00 PM with the Celebration of Life to begin at 1:00Interment will follow immediately at Oakwood Cemetery, 2216 Broadway Street, Mt. Vernon.
She is survived by her brother Dick Goddard of Hendersonville, TN, son Chuck Baldridge and wife, Emma of San Antonio, TX, and daughter Janet Hernandez and husband Mike of San Antonio; grandsons Derek Baldridge and wife Michelle, Benjamin Hernandez and wife, Katherine ;granddaughters Jocelyn Zahn, Jubilee Hernandez, Maggie Hernandez, and Mia Hernandez, Cristela Garcia and husband John ;and Belisa Gonzales and husband Jed. Great-Grandchildren include Armando, Annabelle, Ysenia, Zealah, Charlee, Alonzo and Piper. Jerry also leaves behind countless friends.
Jerry was proceeded in death by her husband of forty-one years, Rev. George H. Baldridge, her parents Charlie and Vivian Goddard, and her brother Walter Goddard.
