obituaries

This article is an obituary for Geraldine C. Johnson, a longtime San Diego resident who passed away on October 4, 2025, at age 74. Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1951, she relocated to San Diego as an infant where she spent her entire life, building a 50-year partnership with Tommie Love Sr. and raising four children. Johnson was deeply involved in her church community through music ministry, worked as a caregiver for elderly and child clients, and actively participated in youth sports as both a supporter and coach. She is survived by her husband, four children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many friends who remember her nurturing personality and community involvement.

Callie M. Burke, a devoted nurse and U.S. Navy Reserve veteran, passed away on September 21, 2025, at age 77 in San Diego, California. Her 50-year nursing career spanned service in the military, VA Hospital, and Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, where she approached healthcare as a spiritual calling. A graduate of Kaiser University with a nursing degree, Burke was deeply guided by her Christian faith throughout her life. She leaves behind a loving family including sisters, four children, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren, having lived by her favorite scripture from 1 John 4:19 about loving others.

Josephine Randolph, born in 1937 in Memphis, Tennessee, lived a full life of 88 years before passing away on September 16, 2025, in California surrounded by family. She was married to Theodore Randolph for 70 years, raising eight children together plus welcoming a stepdaughter. Beyond being a devoted mother and wife who maintained an immaculate home, she worked as a housekeeper, volunteered at polling stations, and was employed at Popeye's, where her biscuits became renowned. For 24 years, she served as an ordained mother at Zion Temple Apostolic Church in Gary, Indiana, where she participated in the choir and kitchen service.

Joseph Jesse Boroquez, Jr., born on September 7, 2003, in San Diego, California, passed away on September 11, 2025. During his life, he was known for his journey toward Christianity, joyful personality, and strong friendships. Joseph was a father to two children, Ezekiel and Kayleah, whom he deeply loved. He is survived by numerous family members including his parents, eleven siblings, and his grandfather, while being preceded in death by his grandmother and four aunts.

Carl Wesley Coleman (1942-2025) was a Navy veteran who served in Japan and Vietnam before receiving an honorable discharge in 1965 and moving his family to San Diego. Following military service, he worked at Solar Turbines for 38 years as a Quality Control Inspector, retiring in 2003, and later worked as a Primerica insurance representative. Coleman was deeply involved in his community, serving at Bayview Church, promoting education through his own academic achievements, and helping establish the Jacob Center's Market Creek Square. His life was characterized by family devotion, community leadership, educational pursuits, and various sporting activities before he passed away on August 25, 2025, survived by his wife Dorothy, four children, siblings, grandchildren, and other relatives.

William L. Gibbs, Jr., a Navy veteran who served as an aircraft mechanic from 1975 to 1981, passed away on August 29, 2025, at age 67 after battling Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Born in San Francisco in 1957 and a graduate of Escondido High School, Bill was known for his remarkable ability to create and maintain lifelong friendships. He is survived by his wife Venus, his mother Betty, his brother Dr. John Gibbs, and his sisters Juanita and Tina Gibbs, while his son William N. Gibbs preceded him in death in 2005. Bill's family suggests planting a tree as a memorial to honor his enduring spirit and the connections he fostered throughout his life.

Elma Georgiabell Peterson, a 75-year-old retired Certified Nursing Assistant from San Diego, passed away on August 28, 2025. Born in 1950, she was a devoted mother of three, grandmother, and great-grandmother who worked compassionately caring for others until her retirement. Elma was known for her love of dancing, cooking, and her strong faith as a member of 38th Street Church of Christ. Her life celebration service will be held on September 22, 2025, at her church, followed by interment at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Earline Jiles White (1940-2025) was a devoted woman of faith who served at Phillips Temple Church for over 50 years alongside her husband Lincoln, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage. Born in Louisiana and educated at Athens Colored High School, Earline built a career spanning 40 years at Sharp Memorial hospital, progressing from a Nurse's Assistant to a Medical Unit Clerk. Known for her cooking, especially her tea cakes and yams, she maintained close relationships with family and friends throughout her life, leaving behind two children, four grandchildren, and numerous other relatives who cherished her warmth and loving nature. Her life was characterized by deep faith, family dedication, and the countless connections she formed in her 85 years.

Rita Darlene (Murry) Ansley, born in 1945 in Houston, lived most of her life in San Diego after relocating there in 1961. A devoted member of the 31st Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, Rita was known for her unwavering faith, evangelism efforts, and compassionate service including feeding the homeless. She was married to Booker Terry Ansley for many years and raised two sons, Patrick and Reginald, while serving as a guiding presence for her siblings and extended family. Rita passed away on August 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy characterized by wisdom, kindness, and spiritual devotion that profoundly impacted her family, church community, and friends.

Robert Turner Covington (1932-2025) was a dedicated pharmacist who graduated from Howard University in 1954 and served in the Navy before establishing a successful career in pharmacy. After meeting and marrying Carrie Smith in the late 1950s, he co-owned Fed Mart Pharmacy from 1967-1977, later opening Bob's Pharmacy in National City, and finally working at Park Blvd Pharmacy until 2009. Throughout his career, Covington was known for his trustworthiness, knowledge, and patient demeanor, while also being actively involved in several organizations including Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Boule, and Fidelity Lodge #10 Prince Hall Masons. He passed away on July 20, 2025, leaving behind his wife Carrie, two sons Ronald and Corey, and numerous family members and friends.

Yvonne Ann Carey, born in 1938 in Georgia, was a Spelman College chemistry graduate who relocated to San Diego in 1963 with her husband Howard Carey. She worked for the County of San Diego as a caseworker and was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church for over 60 years, serving as a Deaconess and participating in church ministries. Known for her creative talents in crafting and baking, as well as her generosity toward college students and various charities, Yvonne passed away on August 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to God and a gentle spirit. Her viewing and homegoing celebration will be held in late August at Bethel Baptist Church, followed by committal at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Eric Benard Jackson, a Master Welder known for his artistic talent and mechanical skills, passed away on April 4, 2025, after battling Leukemia. Born in San Diego in 1958, his career took him to Alaska and Seattle, where he combined craftsmanship with artistic sensibility in his welding work. Jackson's life was characterized by his strong Christian faith, guided by Philippians 4:13, and his connections to family members across several states and Mexico. His legacy includes his generosity of spirit, artistic contributions, and the impact he had on colleagues and loved ones who admired his dedication, warmth, and unwavering optimism.

Lela Virginia (Varner) Davis, a 95-year-old resident of Chula Vista, California, passed away on August 5, 2025, after a life that began in Louisiana and included a career as a sheet metal worker and aircraft mechanic. After moving to San Diego at a young age, she worked at Roar Aircraft and later at Teledyne Ryan until retirement. Her obituary notes that she was preceded in death by her husband Gean R. Davis and daughter Ava Johnson, while she is survived by her sister, nephew who served as her caretaker, and other extended family. Memorial services will be held on August 29, 2025, including a public viewing, homegoing celebration, and mausoleum entombment in San Diego.

Alicia Eugenia White Bell (1943-2025) was a dedicated community servant who led a remarkable life marked by academic excellence, civil rights activism, and extensive community service in San Diego. After graduating as salutatorian from Paine College in 1965, she joined the Peace Corps and participated in the historic Selma to Montgomery march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her professional career included 20 years as a Deputy Probation Officer for San Diego County's Juvenile Division, alongside entrepreneurship and volunteer leadership in numerous community organizations. Alicia's legacy encompasses her faith-based service at Phillips Temple CME Church, her creative talents in design, and her devotion to family, particularly her sons Charlton and Damon, and grandson Amir.