HAMPTON - Louise Geraldine "Gerri" Hollins, known professionally as "Gerri L. Hollins" passed on Thursday July 19, 2012.
She was born in Newport News, Va., on May 15, 1947, to Everett L. Hollins Sr., and Essie Lena Hollins, but was raised by her stepfather, Aubrey Perry. She was educated in the Hampton City Schools and was a graduate of the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor). Gerri sang professionally and taught for several years at Harlem School of the Arts. She later launched the Hampton Apple Tree Club House (HATCH), a 501 © (3) non-profit and was employed as an adjunct faculty member at Hampton Univeristy. In 1997, she founded the Contraband Historical Society, and most recently served as vice president of Citizens for a Fort Monroe National Park.
Her memory will be forever cherished by her brothers, Everett L. Hollins (Doris), of Hampton, Ralph Roberson (Clydene), of Witchita, Kan.,, and Edward "Chip" Hollins (Lisa), of Flushing, N.Y.; sister, (and caregiver) Brenda M. Stokes (Bishop Lewis) also of Hampton; a niece whom she cherished Renee Gregg (Scott); four nephews she adored , Phillip Hollins (Manuela), of Phenix, Ariz., Rahim S. Hollins, of Maple Shades, N.J., Aubrey Shackleford (Pamela), of Fayetteville, N.C., and Fred Shackleford Jr., of Hampton; and a host of family members, students, colleagues and friends.