Geneva Avery Douglas, 89, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2019, at The Brook in Gaylord, Michigan surrounded by a large family group.
In October 2018, she celebrated 70 years of marriage to her soulmate, Thomas E. Douglas III, who passed away just four months ago. The other surviving members of the “Douglas Dynasty” include Geneva’s seven children, Sylvia (Tom) Zamoyski, Thomas M. (Karen) Douglas, Stephen (Deborah) Douglas, Yvonne (James) Jipping, Theresa Douglas, Jerry Douglas and Mary (Sean) Burns; 18 grandchildren, Shannon (Kirk) Yodzevicis, Shelly Zamoyski, John (Shazy) Zamoyski, Jessica (Jason) Fontenot, Brian Douglas, Kristen (Brian) Struebing, James (Sarah) Douglas, Kate (Chris) Walski, Robert (Heather) Douglas, Meg (Eric) Jones, Johanna (James) Willis, Aaron Crawfis, Rachel Crawfis, Thomas (“T.J.”) Douglas, Jenie Cooper, Killian Burns, Teagan Burns, and Aidan Burns; and 22 great-grandchildren.
Before graduating from high school in 1948, Geneva was crowned Grayling Winter Sports Queen and made several appearances around the state.
Tom and Geneva married in October of 1948, and lived in Grayling, Michigan for over 20 years. In 1971, they relocated to the Traverse City, Michigan area after buying a house on Silver Lake. Geneva was the Children’s Buyer for all three Milliken’s Department Stores for many years. She opened her own store in Traverse City in 1982, Old Town Kid Stuff. In 1988, she opened a second store in Gaylord, Alpine Kid Stuff. In 2003, Tom and Geneva relocated again – this time to Vanderbilt, Michigan.
They were devoted to sending all of their children to Catholic schools.
In addition to her husband, Geneva was also preceded in death by her infant sons, James and John Douglas; grandson, Jeffery Zamoyski; father, William “Bill” Avery; mother, Laura (Soulliere) Avery; sister, Laverne (Avery) Schepperley and brother, Charles “Chuck” Avery.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Vanderbilt on Monday, August 19, at 11:00 a.m., with a church luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Catholic school of your choice in Geneva’s honor.
8 comments on “Geneva E. Douglas”
So sorry to hear of your loss. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. Her smile was priceless.
Sylvia and Theresa ,
Deepest condolences for the loss of your beautiful mother. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss(es).. Our prayers are with you. May your parents rest in God’s peace.
Joyce (Puroll) and Bruce Brennan
Theresa,
Again I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. If you need anything at all please know you have a lot of family and your friends that care deeply about you. I’m here ALWAYS for you. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
So sorry for your loss of your loved one. May the Lord send his Angels to wrap their wings around the family and help you through these troubled times.
She was one special lady, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Your wonderful Mom was a beautiful person inside and out. I’m going to truly miss her! The Angels will be watching over both your Dad and her Eternal Rest for them both!
Love 💕 Elaine & Karl Yodzevicis
Theresa – I am so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family.