Obituary of Geraldine Auvenshine

Geraldine Kennedy Auvenshine was born on May 21, 1932 along with her twin sister Christine Kennedy Cooper. They were born to Riley and Hazel Kennedy of Commerce, Texas. They were not expected to live through the night but their grandmothers cared for them at home and brought them through by laying them on the stove door and feeding them black coffee. Geraldine (Gerri) grew up during World War II. She loved her grandparents, aunts and uncles, but especially her parents, sister and brother. Gerri and Chris were both in the band and twirled batons as majorettes with the Commerce High School band. Their stories of growing up in Commerce were always filled with joy and excitement. Gerri married Earl Hendrix on March 30, 1950. They lived in several places during their marriage and were blessed with their baby girl, Linda and several years later were blessed with their son, Gary. July 8, 1966, Gerri married Benny Auvenshine. They moved to Arlington, Texas and were blessed with their baby girl, Belinda and later were blessed with their son, Darrel. Benny and Gerri enjoyed their blended family of 7 children. Linda, Dwain, Lynn, Gary, LaNette, Belinda and Darrel. Benny and Gerri were long time members of Northside Baptist Church in Arlington where Gerri taught 1st grade Sunday school for many years and later served as camp counselor, sang in the choir and served in hospitality. Gerri worked retail for many years for JC Penny and Mitchells. She then worked for Texas Commerce Bank and Arlington Independent School District. Benny and Gerri moved to Burleson, Texas and became faithful members of Alsbury Baptist Church where they served in various capacities. After Benny’s death, Gerri enjoyed living with her children until her death. Gerri became a founding member of Southside City Church and faithfully served those living with HIV/AIDS, the homeless and anyone who just needed the love of a mother. She grew in her faith and became a source of constant encouragement to all who knew her. Gerri is known for her bountiful and wonderful cooking. Her buttermilk pie is well known and loved. She loved preparing and serving meals for her family, for friends and especially for her church family. Gerri was known to show up to church during the week and cook breakfast for those who had been homeless and were now living in the church’s housing ministry. Gerri is preceded in death by her parents, Riley and Hazel Kennedy, her husband, Benny Auvenshine, her sister, Christine Cooper and grandson, Darby Auvenshine. She is survived by her children, Linda Hendrix, Gary Hendrix and wife Mary, Belinda Ellason and husband Allen, Darrel Auvenshine and wife Kim, Dwain Auvenshine and wife Debbie, Lynn Auvenshine and wife Jennifer and Lanette Wilson and husband Tracy. Her brother, Bill Kennedy Grandchildren: Eric, Heather, Alesha, Sean, Nicole, Cody, Katie, Justin, Wesley, Kristi, Andi, Hannah and Mamie Joy: 23 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Her brother Bill Kennedy, nieces, nephews and many friends. Gerri was a giver. She would give sacrificially so that others had what they needed. This was our precious sainted mother. The family request that donations be made in memorial to Southside City Church: Missions. P.O. Box 12624 Fort Worth, Texas 76110 or text to give: Text Missions to 817-904-5832. Cards can be mailed to the family home: 7204 Jewell Ave. Fort Worth, TX 76112