Geraldine Grimes Boothe was born to Grady and Byrdie Grimes on January 8, 1924, in the Rose Hill Community of Covington County. She graduated from Straughn High School in 1942. She later attended Troy University and graduated in 1957. She married J.C. Boothe, and they had two sons together. Alan C Boothe and his wife, Anne, reside in Troy and he serves in the Alabama Legislature as the representative for District 89. Gene Boothe and his wife, Peb, also reside in Troy. Geraldine is the proud grandmother to five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Geraldine began her teaching career at Babbie School then later transferred to Beulha School. Thereafter, she began teaching at Fleeta School where she would teach for the next forty one years. While teaching at Fleeta, she became the cheerleader and basketball coach. In 1965, she served on the State Course of Study Committee for the State of Alabama. She was named Covington County School System’s Teacher of the Year in 1987. Geraldine served on Southern Schools Evaluating Team for Pike, Coffee, Covington, and Enterprise City. After a long and satisfying career in education, Geraldine retired in 1991. With years of retirement behind her, it still brings much excitement to Geraldine to see her former students and the success that have achieved.
After retirement, Geraldine continued to serve her community with various organizations. She proudly volunteers on the Mizell Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and she is currently vice president. She is a member of the Three Arts Club and currently holds the position of treasurer; moreover, she is a member of the Opp Cultural Arts Center. Both organizations allow Geraldine to express her artistic talent and enjoy fellowship with local artists. She is a longtime member and supporter of the Opp Chamber of Commerce. She is a member of the Retired Teachers Association of Covington County. Geraldine contributed her time to the Downtown Redevelopment Authority for many years and helped enhance the beautification of Downtown Opp. She is a proud committee member with Eastern Star, which is the organization that designed and quilted the quilt hanging in the Council Chambers at Opp City Hall. She has been a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for over sixty years and served as a president. She is a loyal member of the First Baptist Church of Opp and has taught Sunday School classes.
Geraldine grew up on a farm in the Rose Hill Community and she owes her hard work ethic to being a farmer’s daughter which instilled lifelong values. Serving the Lord, her family, and friends have brought her the most happiness in life and continues to shower her with love and encouragement. She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
