Geoff Geiger
Dear Debra and other family members of Ressie,
I watched the video of Ressie's memorial service tonight and was deeply moved by it. In spite of it being "virtual" because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I felt very much there with all of you. The service was emotional, wise, and beautiful.
Debra, I think you did a splendid job of organizing this service. Also, your speech about your mom was very moving to me and full of insight into both yourself and your mom. I know Ressie would have been proud (but not surprised) at the thought and skill you put into this tribute.
I did not know until recently about Ressie's many gifts, entrepreneurial successes, or the breadth of her education. Mainly what I knew about her is that every time I was around Ressie, I felt understood, appreciated, and that she was happy to see and spend time with me.
Ressie was beautiful, stylish (beautifully dressed and groomed), kind, and also just plain fun to hang out with. I was unaware of her artistic gifts, and I'm very glad that Debra had some of Ressie's stunning paintings displayed prominently at the memorial service. It was hard for me to take my eyes off Ressie's beautiful art.
My heart goes out to Debra, James, Dante, Ressie's niece—who also spoke eloquently at the service, and to the many people whose lives were touched so positively by Ressie. I agree with those who said at the service that Ressie's spirit remains accessible to us. In fact I'm feeling her warm and generous spirit as I write this.
I'm most grateful to have known Ressie Lee Henderson. Stevie Wonder wrote a song with the words, "When you feel your life's too hard/Just go have a talk with God." I am all for that, but having a talk with Ressie is a great healing option as well. So Ressie, you can expect some cosmic phone calls comin' your way!
Geoff Geiger,
Berkeley High classmate, teaching colleague, and friend of Ressie's daughter Debra Cardone
