Serving Families in Their Time of Sorrow

Geneva Kennedy Gripper (August 9, 1947 – September 22, 2021)

Geneva Kennedy Gripper

Visitation: Friday, October 1, 2021
Visitation Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Visitation Location: Postell’s Mortuary Chapel
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida

Graveside Service Date: Saturday, October 2, 2021
Graveside Service Time: 11:00 AM
Graveside Service Location: Palm Cemetery
1005 N New York Ave
Winter Park, Florida

Obituary:

Geneva Kennedy Gripper, 74, of Winter Park, departed this life on Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Geneva, affectionately called ‘GG’ and ‘NeNe’, was born on August 9, 1947 in Sumter, SC to Annie and Kirven Kennedy, who proceeded her in death. Professionally, Geneva was employed for over 40 years as an educator with OCPS. Her career in education began as a substitute, then after earning her Master’s degree in education, she was hired as a teacher and ultimately became a guidance counselor and an assistant principal. She taught for several years at Robinswood Middle School and retired in 2005 as a Principal at Carver Middle.

Geneva dedicated her life to her family, education and community. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Geneva was a former member of The Life Center Church, Eatonville where she served as a leader for the Youth Ministry. After some time, she joined The River of Life Christian Center and remained active until her health declined. She instilled love, wisdom, and Christian values for all her family to follow. She was a devoted mother, sister and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Geneva is survived by her loving daughter, Gretchen O. Gripper; sisters, Sara Walker, Veronica (Eddie) McKay, Wilveria (John) Shaw; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021 from 4-6PM at the mortuary. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 2, 2021, 11:00AM at Palm Cemetery, Winter Park, FL.

20 Comments

  • Fredya Edwards Williams Posted September 24, 2021 4:04 pm

    An Angel on earth would be a fitting description of Geneva. When I relocated to this area some 40 plus years ago she was 1 of the 2 people I knew. Her spirit was as beautiful as she was as she welcomed me as a friend of hers and her family. In life’s journey we surely come in contact with many people, some we never remember and some we never forget. Though years caused a physical separation of contact memories of long ago friendships never faded. To her daughter and other family members may the Lord bless you with many wonderful memories of one of His angels, ….sincere condolences,Fredya

  • Shelia Reid Posted September 24, 2021 5:56 pm

    I express my deepest condolences to you and your family Gretchen. Your Mother was such a beautiful person to be around and that smile just confirmed her love for her family, OCPS students & staff and friends. She will be missed dearly but to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. May God continue to comfort and walk with you today and days to come.

  • Lillie Gray Posted September 24, 2021 7:43 pm

    Momma Gripper was such a light and inspiration! A beautiful and classy woman always! I am praying for you Gretty and the entire family. Mrs. Geneva Gripper will always hold a very special place in my heart . ❤️ 🙏🏾 ❤️

  • Ronald Smith Posted September 25, 2021 7:39 pm

    RIP to a dynamic Assistant Principal who inspired us at Oak Ridge High School class of 91’. Prayers are with the family..

  • Kimlyn Mack Posted September 25, 2021 8:05 pm

    Rest Well My Guidance Couselor at Oak Ridge High School back in 84-85 such an understanding person Ms.Gripper was always a supporter of growth and challenges me to be the best Me I could Be ….
    Condolences to the family and prayers of healing.

  • Valerie Cockfield-Gore Posted September 25, 2021 9:38 pm

    Mrs. Gripper was such an inspiration to me in high school. She was truly be missed. Praying for you Gretchen.

  • Marianne Raver Posted September 25, 2021 10:57 pm

    Geneva was my first assistant principal, tough and fair. The first time she came in my classroom, she looked at my writing on the green chalkboard, which slanted uphill badly. She told me it looked unprofessional, which it did! She left and was right back with a wooden line drawer (the kind used in elementary school to draw straight lines). She let me keep it, and that made such a huge difference in my confidence to write on the chalkboard. Best present ever! I quickly came to see that if she had a criticism of your teaching, she also helped find a solution. I loved and respected Geneva as one of the best assistant principals I ever worked with.

  • Douglas J Austin Posted September 26, 2021 12:02 am

    Wanted to send my respects to Ms. Gripper, a woman who always exuded class and grace. Her warm smile made a young kids feels like today was a good day to learn and her look of disapproval would get me back on the right track yet so full of encouragement and love. Ms Gripped looked out fore thru college and even hired me in my first professional job. Sad day to see that you have departed but you left a legacy. The world lost a great one. Love you always Ms. Gripper and condolences to Gretchen and the countless people that she touched.

  • Padricka Young Posted September 27, 2021 2:57 am

    A true Pioneer through and through..Thank you for sharing your wisdom with so many. you gave so much guidance and love to all of her students class of 91 definitely remembers and appreciate you Rest in power sweet Angel 😇 ❤

  • Gwendolyn Black Posted September 27, 2021 11:25 pm

    My deepest condolences to Gretchen and the family. We worked together at Robinswood Middle for many years. Precious memories.

  • Jacqueline Strong Pledge Posted September 28, 2021 1:00 am

    My thoughts and prayers are with Gretchen and the entire family during this difficult time. Geneva was truly a good friend. We worked together for years, shared great conversations, family gatherings and good times She had a sweet spirit and touched many students and adults lives.. I thank GOD for giving me the chance to have known her. Heaven has gained an Angel!!

  • Gail Bryant Allen Posted September 28, 2021 9:09 am

    Good people usually have very good beginnings and we are talking about the good beginnings of a dynamic person. As classmates, we were on an adventurous and exciting journey with Geneva from Elementary School ( 1-6th grades ) at Moore Elementary School and High School ( 7th-12th grades ) at Lincoln High School in Sumter, South Carolina. Geneva was always enthusiastic, determined and a very caring person.
    She had accomplished so much during her professional career and had given so much to her community and others. We are so very proud of her and we will surely miss her loving spirit.
    Classmates from Lincoln High School, Sumter, South Carolina would like to express our sincere sympathy to her daughter Gretchen, her sisters, Sara, Veronica, Wilveria and other family members.
    May God’s Blessings always be upon each of you.
    Lincoln High School Classmates
    Graduating Class of 1965

  • Dacia Jackson Posted September 28, 2021 1:48 pm

    May God be with you; May His promise of eternal life be a comfort to you in the loss of one so dear. With thoughts of you and prayers for you at this emotional and difficult time.

  • Anita Everett Johnson Posted September 29, 2021 2:42 pm

    My condolences to the family of my friend and mentor. Geneva was second mom for most of my time in Orlando.. we started out at Robertsville Junior . She was a wonderful, beautiful, and kind spirit . She shared her joy of life with everyone who was to cross her path. May the Lord strengthened you and comfort you in the life transition.

    shared

  • ANNIE ANDERSON Posted October 1, 2021 2:09 am

    So very sorry for you loss. I pray you will have peace and be comforted by warm memories.

  • Johnnie Sneed Glover Posted October 1, 2021 5:15 am

    Rest easy beautiful lady. It was a joy working with you for many years, you will be missed by everyone that knew you! Deepest condolences to Gretchen and the entire family.

  • Marlene Tricia Phillip-Magee Posted October 1, 2021 6:28 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Always a very pleasant person who was in the business of serving her students.

    • Zeta June Posted October 2, 2021 2:58 am

      I had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Gripper at Apopka High School. She was a counselor and greatly inspired the students under her care! Gretchen, may God Bless and keep you strong.! Please note that your mom will truly be missed by all who came to know her. My condolences to you and your family.

  • Barbara Gray Posted October 1, 2021 6:43 pm

    Mrs. Gripper was such a wonderful person .I’m glad I got to know her. May God bless you and comfort you.

  • Barbara Gray Posted October 1, 2021 6:53 pm

    Mrs. Gripper was such a wonderful person. I’m glad I got to know her. May God continue to comfort you.

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