Geraldine Ivonne Bruce Callahan's Obituary
With hearts full of love and reverence, we celebrate the life and legacy of Geraldine Ivonne Bruce Callahan, fondly known as Geri by friends and family—a devoted wife, nurturing mother, treasured grandmother and great-grandmother, beloved sister, faithful servant, civil rights pioneer, and passionate educator, who peacefully transitioned on April 16, 2025, just days shy of her 93rd birthday.
Born in the close-knit community of Mandeville, Arkansas, to Elmer Monroe Bruce, Sr. and Georgia Emaline Dansby Bruce, Geri was raised in Texarkana, Texas, where her passion for learning and love for community began to blossom. She was the proud sister of Selena Dorsey of Dallas, TX and the lates Rev. Elmer Bruce, Jr., Patrick Bruce, and Rena Williams.
She attended Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Texarkana, TX, where she met her high school sweetheart and future husband, Robert Isaac Callahan. Their love story would become the foundation of a life steeped in faith, family, and unwavering purpose.
In her youth, Geri courageously stood on the front lines of the fight for educational equality as the lead plaintiff in the 1953 civil rights case Bruce v. Stilwell. Represented by prominent civil rights attorneys W. J. Durham and U. Simpson Tate and in collaboration with Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Geri and four other students challenged the racial segregation of Texarkana Junior College, setting the stage for broader legal battles that would dismantle educational segregation across the South. The NAACP’s advocacy in Bruce v. Stilwell contributed to the broader legal efforts that culminated in the Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.
After marrying Robert on April 30, 1955, Geri joined him in Germany, where he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and where they welcomed their first child, Kirk DeWayne Callahan in 1956. Months later, the family returned to the U.S., settled in Hamilton Park, and later became devoted members of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Zan W. Holmes. Geri worshipped, served, taught Sunday School, led Vacation Bible School, and actively contributed to the Altar & Flower Guild, the United Methodist Women, and the Matured Adults Ministry for over six decades. She was a vibrant force within her church community.
Geri and Robert shared a beautiful marriage until his passing in 1994, after 39 years of partnership and love.
Geri’s educational journey began with a bachelor’s degree from Prairie View A&M University (1954) and culminated with a master’s degree from East Texas State University. Over the span of 40 years, she dedicated her career to educating and counseling young minds in Garland ISD and Richardson ISD. She served as a teacher at George Washington Carver High and Hamilton Park School, and as a compassionate counselor at Northwood Junior High, Richardson High School, Greenwood Hills Elementary, and Merriman Park Elementary.
A trailblazer and community leader, she proudly served as a President of the Dallas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., investing in the future of Black families and youth through fellowship, service, and leadership development.
In addition to her many talents and commitments, Geri was an avid bridge player for over 50 years, enjoying the game both recreationally and competitively. Her sharp mind and love of strategy made her a formidable and joyful presence at the table.
She was the loving mother of the late Kirk DeWayne Callahan, Rondey Wynn Callahan (Teresita), and Shreill Dannette Callahan-Hardin (Michael). Her legacy continues in her grandchildren, Kira Shauna Callahan-Carter (Dave) and Rylie Nicole Callahan Hardin, and great-grandchildren, Kelly Carter and Haley Carter, who brought light and laughter to her life.
Geri was an artist in her own right—finding joy in gardening, sewing, and crafting, and infusing each day with beauty and purpose. She made Shreill’s wedding dress in 2004.
To know Geri was to be touched by warmth, wisdom, and generosity as well as laughter, fun and her colorful vocabulary. She lived by her deepest values—family, church, community, education, and justice—and leaves behind a radiant legacy of grace, dignity, enduring love and laughter.
In addition to her immediate family, Geri leaves to cherish her memory: her loving sister, Selena Dorsey of Dallas, TX; her beloved uncle, Lorice Dansby of Portland, Oregon; her lifelong friend and sister in spirit, Canary Bursey of Texarkana, Texas; Mark Salvador (Jezabel), Shanae Salvador, Richelle Salvador, Shaine Salvador, and Taylor Dieudonne; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who were all touched by her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love.
A special thank you to Geri’s niece, Barbara Ann Callahan.
The visitation will be held at Restland Funeral Home from 4:00 to 8:00pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. The Funeral Service will follow the next day, Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00am at Hamilton Park United Methodist Church with the interment at Restland Cemetery.
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