Geraldine Johns Bowers

Geraldine Johns Bowers, 77, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026. Born on December 31, 1948, in Helena, Georgia.

Affectionately known throughout the community as “Ms. Geri,” Geraldine moved with her family to Jacksonville at the age of five and later attended Andrew Jackson High School. She became a familiar and beloved presence in the Oceanway community, where she built a life centered on family, friendship, hard work, and service to others.

A natural leader and businesswoman, Ms. Geri served as a Regional Manager for Skinny Jimmy’s and as a Manager for Houston’s Meat Market before achieving one of her proudest accomplishments—owning and operating Cleo’s Sandwich Shop. To Ms. Geri, however, the shop was always about much more than serving food. It was a place where customers became friends and friends became family. Generations of people came to know her as a kind, generous, and genuinely caring woman who always made time for others. For newly enlisted military personnel far from their families, she often became their “Mom away from Mom,” offering a warm meal, honest advice, encouragement, and a comforting sense of home.

Ms. Geri was known for her sweet spirit, but she was also refreshingly direct. She would tell people how things were, how they had been, and how they ought to be done—and she believed they should always be done right. Her honesty came from love and from the values that guided her life: integrity, strong ethics, personal responsibility, and treating others with dignity.

Her generosity extended throughout the Oceanway community. For many years, Ms. Geri donated her time and effort to raising money and collecting Christmas toys for local children. She was always willing to sacrifice something of her own to help someone else. Among her greatest joys were cheering for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Georgia Bulldogs, spending time with family and close friends, owning her own business, paying off her home, and welcoming each new generation of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ms. Geri had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel like family. People from all walks of life were drawn to her warmth, sincerity, and generous heart. She will be remembered as a trusted friend, a second mother to many, and a truly caring soul whose kindness touched countless lives throughout her community.

Geraldine is survived by her children, Sonia and Frank (Stacy); her siblings, Edna, Irene (Larry), Martha, and Enoch; her grandchildren, Devyn (Cameron), Gabriel, Broxton, Calcia (Carlos), Julius, and Michael (Hailee); three great-grandchildren – Kallista, Nolan, Kaydence, and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dennis and Doris; her husband, David; and her daughter, Angela.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, September 9^th at Bold City Church, 13519 North Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218.  Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and continue until the time of the formal service.  Arrangements are under the direction and care of Evergreen Funeral Home at (904) 353-3649.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a monetary contribution to the American Cancer Society by going to:

https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaigns/With-Love-In-Honor-of-Geri-Bowers

or by scanning the QR Code below.