Geraldine Anita DeWitt

Geraldine “Gerri” Anita DeWitt peacefully entered into heaven to be home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June, 17, 2026. She was born on May 31, 1935 in Wichita, Kansas to her loving parents, Paul and Eloise Holmes.

Gerri loved the Lord with all her heart and was never hesitant to share her profound faith with those around her. Whether she was doting over her grandchildren and great grandchildren, cooking their favorite meals, or praying with them to put on their armor of God each day, she was completely devoted to leading them and others to Jesus. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Cherokee, OK where she led many Bible studies and made lifelong Christian friends.

She was a devoted wife to Gene, married on July 1, 1956. They shared a beautiful life together for 65 years. Starting their life in Dacoma while Gene was an ag teacher, Gerri enjoyed her new life. She worked a few jobs, but when Gene got a teaching job in Ponca City they moved there. This is when she decided that being a wife and mother was the life God had chosen for her to live. She was so proud of her children. Her first born, Cathy, was born in 1961. Then in 1964 they welcomed their son, Larry. She was a member of the Ranch Drive Baptist Church in Ponca City as their organist and song leader for many years. She also spent the next 13 years there raising her two children taking them to dance and piano lessons, sporting events, 4-H activities, and numerous livestock shows. She loved her life as a mother and always wanted the very best for her children in whatever they did in life.

In 1975, Gene decided that full time farm life was the life for him. Together they moved to Cherokee where she called home for much of her life. She loved farm life and the Cherokee community. She decided to be a part of home extension groups and definitely wanted to be part of a church there. Everyday involved cooking numerous meals for hired hands, her children and eventually grandchildren. They all say she was the best cook and never left the table hungry.

During the last year of her life, she moved to The Arbors in Enid, OK. There she made special friendships with the staff and residents. Even though she knew them for a short time, they seemed like lifelong best friends. She also knew God placed her there to share the gospel, so she led a devotion and prayer time with everyone who listened. Gerri loved their fellowship and companionship. She felt genuinely loved and appreciated in her time there. Her family considered them her angels on earth.

Gerri instilled the love of Christ in each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She left a legacy for all to follow. She made sure that they depend on God in every circumstance and live the life that He intended for them in every way. She wanted them to have a personal walk with Jesus and made sure each of them knew of the saving grace of Jesus Christ. She was their biggest cheerleader, prayer warrior, encourager, and friend. She was always ready to talk to them, play a card game, or just be a listening ear. Her children, Cathy Parks and husband, Mat of Nash and Larry DeWitt and wife, Patty of Cherokee cherished every moment spent with their mom. They learned following God’s plan is the way to have a successful and blessed life.

Her grandchildren, who she loved dearly and prayed for daily, are Josh Parks and wife, Mandy of Lahoma, Joel Parks and wife, Jaylene of Jet, Chelsey Tackett and husband, Colby of Cherokee, Grant DeWitt and wife, Tori of Duncan, Cole DeWitt and wife, Halie of Durant, Samantha Davidson of Oklahoma City, and Laci Davidson of Alva. Her twelve great grandchildren who lovingly called her Gigi were her most precious gifts. They lit up her life and gave her great joy. They are Garrett, Gunnar, Sadie, Quinn, Logan, Haley, Conner, Kasen, Easton, Tyson, Chanie, and Cooper whom she bragged on with pride.

Her favorite verse: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 gave her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a community of believers the foundation of faith that led her family and others to follow Christ. She lived a life defined by her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, her devotion to her family, and her joyful spirit. Her warmth and kindness touched everyone who knew her. She will spend eternity in heaven because of the following words, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene DeWitt, her father, Paul Holmes, her mother, Eloise Holmes, her sister, Jan Winegarner, and her brother, Vic Holmes. She is survived by her children, Cathy Parks and husband, Mat and Larry DeWitt and wife, Patty; seven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren; one sister-in-law Carol Salter of Wichita, Kansas and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The celebration of life for Gerri will be Monday, June 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Cherokee with Rev. Bryan Laramore officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, north of Carmen. Viewing will be Sunday, June 21, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Cherokee. Facebook: Lanman Funeral Home Inc. Website: www.lanmanfuneralhome.com

Memorial donations may be given to the First Baptist Church of Cherokee or Cherokee FFA through the funeral home.