Geraldine Ardella (Jerri) Burroughs, age 79, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014 in Kyle, Texas
Geraldine was the first black child born in Santa Maria, CA. Her parents were Eula and Louden Gatewood. Geraldine grew up and graduated from high school there and Santa Maria is still home to much of her family.
Geraldine also lived in Oxnard, CA where she worked and retired from Slumberger, assembling electronic devices. At least one component was implemented on the original space shuttle, for which Jerri received a golden space shuttle pin and a commendation for her contribution to the space effort.
Ten years ago Jerri moved from Oxnard to Buda, TX to enjoy her remaining years. We will all miss her smiling face and wise words.
Geraldine was preceded in death by her her brother Roy Gatewood and sisters Annabell Tell and Urelalee Seymore. Living in the Santa Maria area are Clyde Gatewood, Leander “Danner” Gatewood, and Kenneth Gatewood. Donald Gatewood lives in Honolulu, HI and Norman Gatewood lives in Moreno Valley, CA.
She was also preceded in death by her oldest child, Emanuel “Squeak” Manson. Her surviving children are: Brian Manson (Seminole, OK), Michael Manson (Buda, TX), Lynnette Manson (Palmdale, CA) Pamala Davis (Pittsburg, PA), Dacosta Burroughs (Oxnard, CA) and Rahshad McClanahan (Trinity, FL). She has 14 grandchildren.
