Geraldine Woody Rector

Geraldine Woody Rector, 93, went to meet her Lord and Savior on Feb. 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 Aug. 15, 1932, in Yancey County, 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 schoolteacher 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 her daughter, Rebecca Butler (Frank); brother, Lynn Woody; grandchildren, Caleb Mace (Rosemarie), Josh Mace (Kylea), and 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, Feb. 28, from 1-2 p.m. at Mount Home followed by the funeral service. Burial will take place in 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. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.