Geraldine Woody Rector, 93, went to meet her Lord and Savior on February 16, 2026, at Amorem Hospice, following a short period of declining health. She was a faithful member of Mount Home Baptist Church and was very active in the life of the church.
Geraldine was born on August 15, 1932, in Yancey County, NC, to the late Rassie and Ocie Randolph Woody. She weighed only three pounds at birth, and everyone but her mother and grandmother said she would not survive. They made a homemade incubator and did the best they could — and she thrived.
In 1933, her brother Shelton Woody was born, followed by her brother Lynn Woody in 1934. Growing up, they would board a bus, then take two different trains, and finally walk for miles to work on their grandparents’ farm in Yancey County each summer.
In 1953, Geraldine married William “Bill” Rector. They were married for 49 years until his passing.
Geraldine was a school teacher in Burke County for 28 years. She began her career at Valdese Elementary at the “Old Rock School”, then taught at Glen Alpine Elementary, and finished at Drexel Elementary. She had many memorable students throughout her career, but often spoke fondly of Steve Michaels and Pat Tallent, whose stories she loved sharing with her grandchildren. On her 90th birthday, Steve brought her a bouquet of flowers and later visited her while she was at hospice.
After retiring from teaching, Geraldine was elected to serve on the Burke County Board of Education for a time.
Geraldine was a devoted Christian and did all she could to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout her life.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Rector; infant son, Rondal Rector; daughter, Elaine Barrier; brother, Shelton Woody; and sister, Jean Epley.
Those left to cherish her memory are daughter Rebecca Butler (Frank), brother Lynn Woody, grandchildren Caleb Mace (Rosemarie), Josh Mace (Kylea), Ronnie Barrier (Sydney), great-grandchildren Isaac Mace, Rachel Mace, Hayven Mace, Presleigh Mace, Bexlee Mace, Bristol Mace, and Nathan Barrier.
The receiving of friends will be Saturday February 28th from 1-2pm at Mount Home followed by the funeral service. Burial will take place at Burke Memorial Park.
Special thanks to the staff of Amorem Hospice of Valdese, and especially Susan Tester and Kathy Zimmerman.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Caleb and family, Please accept my sympathy in your time of grieving. I hope you find comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Mrs Rector was my teacher at McAlpine Jr high school. Until I got into her class I never wanted to or liked going to school but she changed all that. There was something about her that made me love going to school for the first time in my life. And yes even riding my horse to school after getting bus left and drove my father's farm tractor another time. She made every student feel important and we could do anything. She was a very special teacher that God had given a special gift to all she taught and met. But she was much more. She lived the life she taught,fighting for her students and future kids to come. Before her 90th birthday she sent me a card that she designed with the plan of salvation and wanted to be sure I was saved. How many teachers love their students enough to do that. I could go on but no words by mortal man could describe how much she meant to so many and the work she she did while here. The only words she has now heard are Well done done my good and faithful servant. We will miss her,the world was a better place because of her. But, in her own words "death is not the end of life, it's the beginning of eternity."
To the family and close friends of Geraldine Rector: Geraldine was one of the sweetest and most caring people I have known in my lifetime! She is the reason my husband and I visited Mount Home Baptist Church and later joined. We found it to be all she told us about it and then some! She will be so missed not only by Mount Home Church members but by the community and everyone who truly knew her! I am so blessed to call her "friend" and I am so thankful that God allowed our paths to cross in this life!! Until we meet again------
Mrs Rector was my 9th grade teacher. She was so caring. She wanted us to learn to make something out of ourself.
Mrs Rector lived as a sentinel guarding young minds, helping them to think deeply, independently and soundly in order to resist the lies of secularism, relativism and other vain philosophies. She believed in her students and helped them believe in themselves by challenging them to test all things in order to prove what is good. As one of her students, I have immeasurable gratitude for her life, lived as a long labor of love. Mrs. Rector, May the angels bear your soul to paradise. May the ranks of saints and martyrs come to greet you. May they lead you through the gates of the new Jerusalem And may you see Lazarus, who is poor no more.
Mrs. Rector was my 7th & 8th grade teacher. She taught me more than just my multiplication table. She taught me about God and that I deserved to be loved. She taught me love and respect for myself and others. She was one of the few adults that were good to me and showed me everyday that she cared about me and my future. I came from a single parent home. She took me, my brother and two of my friends to the movies for my 13th birthday. We saw " Where the Lilies Bloom" . It was our first time going to the movies. She was more than my school teacher. She was one of the best influencers in my life. She was my friend. The poem she taught us has helped me through life. Thank you for sharing her with me.
She was the best teacher that could ever be. If more teachers cared the way she did Kids today would be better. She was one of the greatest. May she rest in peace. Thank you for all you done.
She was the best teacher that could ever be. If more teachers cared the way she did Kids today would be better. She was one of the greatest. May she rest in peace. Thank you for all you done.
I met Ms. Rector at our allergy doctor. She was so kind and such a sweet lady. She will be sorely missed. Prayers and hugs to all family and friends
A wonderful Christian woman who unashamedly lived her faith out loud. The world needs more Geraldine Rectors. Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Phil & Penny Smith