Geneva Allison Hiser

Geneva Louise Allison was born on December 19, 1929 to LD and Callie Allison in Sherman, Texas. She joined big brother LD, Jr. She spent her early years on the Dairy Farms where her dad worked milking and caring for milk cows. When she was only about 10 years old her mother was diagnosed with Diabetes. Because her mother was very sick she began to help with the cooking, laundry, and caring for younger sisters, Virginia and Wanda and later little brother Jerry. Geneva was affectionately called “Sis” by all of her siblings and nieces and nephews. The story is told that one day someone asked Wanda what her big sister’s name was and all she could remember was “Sis”. Geneva told about picking cotton all day in the Texas sun and humidity. She said those cotton rows just seemed to go on forever and the cotton bag got heavier and heavier. The wages were much smaller than now, something like 50 cents a bag. The Allison moved several times while Geneva was growing up. She graduated from high school in Sherman, Texas. While attending high school she met handsome John William Hiser, who was an upper classman. As soon as John graduated from high school he was drafted into the Army since America was engaged in World War II. He wrote lots of letters and sent a few gifts from Japan. As soon as he was discharged from the Army he returned to the Sherman- Denison area and back to Geneva’s waiting arms. They were married on April 29, 1946, Geneva was 16 and Jack was 20. Together they moved to Keene, Texas where Jack enrolled in Southwestern Junior College to begin his studies to become a teacher. Geneva worked at Blair’s Store across the street from the college. On August 25, 1948 their daughter, Jackie, was born. They couldn’t decide on a name so they combined their names and came up with Jackie Lou. As soon as Jack finished his studies in Keene they loaded up their few belongings and moved to Collegedale, Tennessee where Jack would complete his college courses and graduated with his degree in Elementary and Secondary education. Immediately after graduation they moved to St. Petersburg, Florida for their first teaching position. Midway through the school year, one of the other teachers got sick so Geneva was recruited to teach the lower grades. Jackie went to school with her almost every day – she was 3. Though Geneva never received a degree in education she was a very gifted teacher. Many of her former students still live in this community. Jack and Geneva spent six years in different towns in Florida and then decided that it would be nice to move closer to their families in Texas. In 1956 they moved to Jefferson to teach in Jefferson Rural Academy, Jack being the principal and teaching grades 9 and 10, and Geneva teaching grades 1-4. They loved the country setting and became involved in helping the school to become a 12 grade academy. They both worked long hours and were very committed to the seeing Jefferson Academy grow. In 1963 they decided to make a change and accepted a call to teach in the elementary school in Keene, Texas. They spent five great years there and were happy to welcome a son into their family, when Bill and Jackie got married in June of 1968. Right after the wedding, a moving van once again loaded their belongings and Jack and Geneva headed back to Jefferson to teach in the elementary school one more time. Jack was always a handyman so he decided that he would build their house. So the summer of 1968 Jack and Geneva built their house here in the Berea community. They hired a few building professionals but the two of them did most of the work. They loved their house that was nestled in the oak trees. It became a gathering place for students, friends, and family. As Bill and Jackie added to the family, Amy, Chad and Jeremy – it became a favorite destination for the children. They loved driving Papaw’s tractor, playing in the play house he built for them, and digging in the garden alongside Mamaw and Papaw. Each time the children would visit, Mamaw would teach them something new, like their numbers, letters and many Bible verses. After a few years of teaching in the elementary school, Jack was invited to teach in the academy again. At that time, Geneva decided to make a career change. She began to work at the hospital in Jefferson and later went to work for Dr. Jesse DeWare in his office. Dr. and Mrs. DeWare became very special friends of Jack and Geneva. On October 30, 1999 Geneva’s beloved, Jack, passed away in his sleep. It was a devastating loss for Geneva. She immediately decided that she did not want to live alone in their home. Since their daughter Jackie, lived in California that seemed to be the likely place to go. It was hard to leave so many friends and family in Texas but her grandchildren were calling! Geneva moved to Loma Linda, California and lived there for 12 years. She loved being able to spend lots of time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, they were the joy of her life. Geneva’s passion during this time was to help those in need. She provided transportation to several ladies that were not able to drive. She assisted some with banking and grocery shopping and became quite involved with the Community Service organization in her church. She and some of the church ladies began to make “puppets” for Quiet Hour, a worldwide evangelism and mission outreach, the ministry that Bill & Jackie have directed for many years. These ladies have produced more than 500 puppets as well as cut literally hundreds of Bible Story felt sets for mission trips. Geneva faithfully participated in this activity. It was a work of love that she demonstrated continuously giving of herself for others. On November 19 Geneva suffered a massive stroke. She was rushed to Loma Linda University Medical Center but never regained consciousness. Despite all the medical intervention she passed away on November 24. She was surrounded by all of her children and grandchildren. She now awakes the resurrection where she will be given a new body, no more pain and no more death. Geneva leaves behind her daughter and son in law – Jackie and Bill Tucker. Three grandchildren and their spouses: Amy & Nick Berliner; Chad & Michelle Tucker; and Jeremy & Leslie Tucker along with great grandchildren: Alex, Connor, Colsen, Chloe, Kellie, and Allison. Two brothers and wives – LD & Doloris Allison; Jerry & Nancy Allison and brother in law, Jack McColley; Sister, Wanda Hall; Nephews: Bill Allison, David Allison, Rodney Allison, Harold Allison, John McColley, Dwayne Hall and Nieces: Susan Allison, Jenny Lee Stoddard, Denise Farrell, Theresa Mulligan, and Linda Fisher, Sister in law: Jean Hiser, nieces Brenda Wilson; Sue Sickles, and nephews Mike Hiser and Richard Hiser. And a host of friends and extended family. The family asks that donations can be made to either of her favorite charities: Quiet Hour Ministries https://qhministries.org/givenow Jefferson Academy http://www.jeffersonchristianacademy.org/donate.php

Geneva Allison Hiser

December 19, 1929 - November 24, 2012

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Geneva Allison Hiser

December 19, 1929 - November 24, 2012

COVID-19

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

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About Us

Obituaries

What We Do

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365 Days of Grief Support