Geradetta Taylor Johnson

Gerardetta Taylor Johnson was called home to the Kingdom of Heaven on April 15, 2021. She was a loving wife, a mother, a sister, a grandmother, a teacher, and a friend. She was born on October 2, 1955 as the second daughter of the late Alvin Nolan and Leona Duplain Taylor of New Orleans, LA. Geri, as most called her, will be remembered as a beautiful, humble, caring friend and family member with a witty sense of humor. Even more so, she will be remembered as a very caring mother who always put her children and other close family before herself. Yet above all those wonderful things, she was a lover of God. She attended church consistently throughout her life, prayed with her children and husband, and based her life decisions on the Word of God. Geri also recognized the importance of a strong education. She attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Elementary School, followed by Xavier University Preparatory School—where she graduated in 1973. She then attended Xavier University of New Orleans where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. She immediately started Graduate School at the University of Houston for one year, then completed her studies and earned a Master’s Degree in Administration and Supervision from Xavier University. She worked for the Louisiana Department of Human Services for a short time, until she became a music teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, followed by Lafayette Public Elementary School. After several years of teaching music, she decided to make a huge career change by returning to Xavier University and earning a teaching certification in Computer Science. Geri enjoyed her career as the Computer Science teacher at Alcee Fortier Senior High school until her retirement from teaching in 2003. Geri was a great lover of Music and was an accomplished classical pianist and choral director. She often took her school choirs around the city to perform in local venues. She was an excellent song writer and wrote, arranged and recorded many songs along with her husband and a few of her close friends. Although she was basically a shy person, Geri loved singing at family weddings and parties. She also loved photography and digital media and loved creating video memories for her family. Geri is survived by her loving husband of nearly 26 years, Marlon E. Johnson, two sons, Henry Warren Reed Jr. and Jeremy Isaac Reed, one stepson Shaun Edward Johnson, two sisters Madonna Taylor Jett and Arona Taylor Walker, along with one brother-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, four grandchildren and a host of other cousins, aunts, and uncles. Geri’s humble and humorous demeanor, loving kindness, and deep spirituality will be greatly missed by her family and all of the friends, students, and acquaintances she has touched. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the Funeral Service at D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, New Orleans, LA. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.