Geraldine "Geri" (Rucker) Lewis

Geraldine “Geri” (Rucker) Lewis Greenville, South Carolina Geraldine “Geri” (Rucker) Lewis, 90, of Greenville, SC passed away of natural causes on January 15, 2026. The beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend was born May 3, 1935, in Knoxville, TN, the daughter of Wilson and Jessie L. (Cox) Rucker. She lived much of her childhood in the Smoky Mountains, later returning to Knoxville. Geri attended Bearden and Knoxville East High School, where she was a cheerleader and lead majorette. In 1953, she married Kenneth E. Lewis of Knoxville; they were together until his passing in March of 2014. Kenneth was a career soldier, so Geri moved frequently, leaving a trail of joy and love in towns and military bases across the U.S.A. and throughout the world. After retirement from the U.S. Army, they settled for many years in the Atlanta, GA area. There, Geri enjoyed a long career in the hospitality industry, most notably with Holiday Inn, where she served as Catering Manager for their Jonesboro, GA and downtown Atlanta properties. Geri spent her final years in Clemson and Greenville, SC. Over the years, Geri worked as a model, dental assistant, youth activities director, restaurant hostess, real estate manager, youth activities director, and hotel catering manager. But the role she most cherished was that of mother. She was deeply devoted to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Geri was also an unofficial second mother to neighborhood young people wherever she lived, often working tirelessly on their behalf. Among her many interests, Geri wrote poetry, loved dancing, and was a huge fan of music, especially country. To the end, she was often more attuned to the latest hits than many teenagers. Mrs. Lewis is survived by her daughter, Penny Lisa and her husband, Robert Mussro of Greenville, SC; son, Kenneth Byron and his wife, Kimberly Cable of Boston, MA; son Temple Dudley, and his wife, Cynthia Jenkins of Locust Grove, GA; grandchildren, Jaimie Meeks, Daniel Lewis, Jessica Mussro, Angelina Hong, Gabriella Lewis, and Caroline Zetino; and great-grandson, Easton Meeks. There will be a private memorial service for the family. Please leave condolences and memories at legacy.com. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Lewis family.

Geraldine "Geri" (Rucker) Lewis

May 3, 1935 - January 15, 2026