Funeral Program - Geraldine McCollum

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18

Geraldine McCollum, of Mendenhall, Mississippi, entered eternal rest on October 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She lived a life filled with joy, peace, and a steadfast devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mrs. McCollum was born on September 8, 1950, in Mendenhall, Mississippi. She was the third daughter of the late Mr. Grover Hayes and Mrs. Erma Lee Hamilton Hayes.

At an early age, Mrs. McCollum accepted Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where her spiritual journey began and her love for the Lord flourished throughout her life.

In 1970, she was united in holy matrimony with Mr. Donnie Ray Smith, who preceded her in death in 1975. In 1976, she was joined in marriage to Mr. William Walter McCollum of Harrisville, Mississippi, who also preceded her in death.

Mrs. McCollum was a devoted member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisville, Mississippi, where she served faithfully under the leadership of Reverend Ollie Lee Baugh, Reverend Mancil Carter, Reverend Roy Gardner, and Reverend Michael Lilly. Following the passing of her husband, she returned to Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued to serve under the pastoral leadership of Reverend Willie Barber.

Throughout her life, Mrs. McCollum dedicated herself to Christian service. She was an active member of the Mission Department and the Order of Eastern Star (OES). She found great joy in teaching Bible Class, sharing the Word of God, and encouraging others to walk in faith.

Mrs. McCollum's life reflected her deep love for God, her family, and her community. She enjoyed cooking, studying the Bible, attending worship services, dressing elegantly, spending time with loved ones, dancing, traveling, and engaging in community service. Her favorite colors were red and white—red representing the blood of Christ and white symbolizing purity. She loved roses and carnations, treasured The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13), and cherished the hymns "This Little Light of Mine" and "Let Your Light Shine."

The Lord blessed Mrs. McCollum with three beloved children, whom she raised in accordance with Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Her children honored and cared for her with love and devotion throughout her life, rising up to call her blessed as the virtuous woman she was.

Mrs. McCollum was preceded in death by her husbands, Mr. Donnie Ray Smith and Mr. William Walter McCollum; her parents, Mr. Grover Hayes and Mrs. Erma Lee Hamilton Hayes; her brothers, Grover Hayes, Jr. and Winston Hayes; and her sons, Donnie Ray Smith, Jr. and William Gerald McCollum.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory: her devoted children, Ms. Helen Ann Hayes of Mendenhall, Mississippi; Mr. David Ray Hayes (Alice) of Jackson, Mississippi; and Mr. Richard Ray Smith (Lydia) of Huntington Beach, California; eleven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; her loving siblings, Mrs. Ernestine Byrd of Mendenhall, Mississippi; Mrs. Jewelstine Sutton (Alton) of Belzoni, Mississippi; Mr. Willie L. Hayes (Ruby) of Greenwood, Mississippi; Mrs. Flora L. Brooks of Joliet, Illinois; and Mrs. Willie Jean Youngblood of Collins, Mississippi; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will forever cherish her life and legacy.

Mrs. Geraldine McCollum's life was a shining example of faith, service, and love. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on through the many lives she touched and the faith she so beautifully exemplified.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23