Geraldine “Jackie” Flood was called to her Heavenly home on October 2, 2017. The love and legacy that she has left behind will endure in great part to her faith in God, generosity, and compassion. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A lifetime resident of Portsmouth, VA, Jackie grew up in the historic area of Truxton with her mother Emma and sister Margie. At an early age, Jackie demonstrated musical talents and was playing piano in churches and singing with her sister and other neighborhood children around the area by the age of nine. These musical abilities led her to the Julliard School of Music in New York City, an album of Gospel classics and countless performances.

In 1947 Jackie married Ernest E. Flood, Sr. (deceased) and raised nine children; Ernest E. Flood, Jr., Calvin M. Flood (deceased), Gwendolyn Nadine Flood, John D. Flood, Anthony M. Flood, Steven V. Flood (deceased), Christopher V. Flood, Denise E. Flood, and Timothy C. Flood.

Jackie was highly sought out for her musical abilities and talent to bring choirs into focus for the glory of God. By her early 20’s, Jackie was leading choirs around the Tidewater area as an organist and pianist. Jackie at times was the lead organist and choir director for several churches at once. Spending many years at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Suffolk, VA, First Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA, Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA, and New Hope Baptist Church in Portsmouth, Va. On many Sundays, you could hear Jackie’s booming voice leading the choir in song and devotion from sunrise service to evening service. Jackie shared her musical gifts for nearly 70 years in churches and concerts around the Tidewater area.

Having raised nine children Jackie did not hesitate when offered the opportunity to work with special needs children at the Southeastern Virginia Training Center. She regularly showed special attention and care to the residents most in need of a hug, a kind word or a warming smile. Jackie also had a love of learning and a sharp mind until the very end. Quick to offer advice and guidance, Jackie was always a trusted adviser to family and friends. Whether you liked the advice or not it was good advice that needed to be heard. Jackie leaves behind to mourn, her sister Margie Watts, seven children, 14 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 8 nieces, 2 nephews and a host of great nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

To our family and friends, we appreciate your thoughtfulness and thank you most sincerely. It has been a great comfort that has been conveyed to us in many ways. The family would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and love to Mr. and Mrs. Erving Jackson who worked tirelessly to make sure they were there whenever our mother needed them.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2017, 11 am at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 728 Effngham St., Portsmouth, VA 23704. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 11th from 12 Noon to 8 pm at Corprew Funeral Home and the family will also receive friends at the funeral home from 6 pm to 8 pm.