My Maternal Roots — Definitive Genes and Faith

Introduction

Geraldine Willanet Jackson was the daughter of William Joseph Jackson, Sr. (see The Legend of Johnny Irons, aka William J. Jackson) and Josephine Mapp (see The Iron Lady, Josephine Mapp).

She was born on December 7, 1929, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — a date that would later echo through history as the day of the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, exactly twelve years later. Geraldine grew up in West and Southwest Philadelphia and graduated from John Bartram High School in 1947.

She went on to earn her degree from Cheyney Teachers College (now Cheyney University of Pennsylvania) in 1953, becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. While attending Cheyney, she married Earl Donald Driver, Sr., on March 23, 1951. Together, they raised two children, Earl Donald Jr. and Wayne Karl Driver.

She transitioned from this life on April 4, 1988, in Folsom, Pennsylvania, at age 58, and was laid to rest in Broomall, Pennsylvania.

This obituary-like foundation offers only a glimpse into her life. To understand her heart, we must look at her passions — the things that truly defined her.

What Were Her Life Passions?

As an adult, I wish I had shared more “grown-up” conversations with my mother, but even from the fragments I remember — and from what others have shared — I’ve come to know her spirit well.

Faith

My mother was a woman of deep and active faith. She maintained both an office and a prayer room at home. I can still picture her sitting with her open Bible or kneeling in prayer. Eventually, she became a Deaconess at her church, often hosting members and friends for fellowship. Her life reflected her belief — not just in words, but in works.

There is no doubt in my mind that her first and greatest passion was Christ.

Education

Education was her second calling. Geraldine majored in education and became a teacher and reading coordinator in the Philadelphia School System. Her influence reached far beyond her classroom; it reached her home — and me.

I was one of her “students” (reluctantly, I’ll admit). During summer breaks, she assigned me books to read and report on, most often from Black history. I didn’t fully appreciate it then, but she was planting seeds of identity and pride that would grow later in my life.

Years after her passing, I met a man at a local Black Data Processing Association (BDPA) meeting who recognized my last name. He approached me and said, “Your mother was my elementary school teacher.” He then shared how she had inspired him. That moment — that WOW moment — revealed how her legacy reached far beyond our family.

Family

My mother’s gift of mercy was most visible in her love for family. Our home was always open — full of laughter, food, and people. Family gatherings were frequent and warm, and she had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued.

These three passions — faith, education, and family — capture the essence of who she was.

Genealogy Tip: Facts + Passions = Personality.
The milestones matter, but the heart behind them matters more. When researching family history, don’t just record the facts — seek to know the person.

What Did She Pursue?

Geraldine Driver was a woman of purpose and conviction. She pursued opportunities for all people.

In my research for Locksley: The Original Black Families of Folsom, PA, I found a Delaware County Daily Times article (April 9, 1968) reporting how she stood before the Ridley Township School Board, challenging the superintendent on how the district handled the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She questioned their awareness of Black history and called for greater inclusiveness and cultural understanding.

During the 1970s, Philadelphia faced multiple teacher strikes — 1970, 1972, 1973, and 1978 — as the district wrestled with desegregation, declining enrollment, and funding crises. My mother crossed the picket line during at least one of those strikes, not out of defiance, but out of dedication.

She once told me, “I’m not worried about more pay. I just want my students to have better reading materials.” That was her heart — always focused on her students’ growth and dignity.

Beyond education and activism, my parents shared another passion: travel. Because my mother was a disciplined saver and thoughtful investor, she and my father were able to see the world together — long before travel became common for most working families. Their adventures around the world inspired my wife, Tamara, and me to follow in their footsteps.

How Can You Discover What Drove Your Parents?

To truly understand your parents, you have to move beyond the paper trail.

• If your parents are still living, spend intentional time with them. Ask about their passions as well as their pasts.
  

• If they’ve passed on, talk to relatives, friends, and church members who knew them.
  

• Research local archives and newspapers for their names — you’ll be amazed at what surfaces.
  

It’s never too late to uncover the why behind their lives.

Conclusion

As I piece together the stories of my ancestors, I’m reminded that perfection is never the goal — purpose is. My mother never lived to see the man I became, but I believe with all my heart that her prayers helped shape my path.

This kind of genealogical work is not just about names and dates — it’s about feelings, faith, and family. It’s about understanding how those who came before us continue to live within us.

I am who I am today because of my mother’s story.

Who are you?