Geraldine (Gerry) Draa Weldon, age 94, born March 23, 1931, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025.

Gerry was born in Sanford, FL and moved to South Florida when she was in elementary school. Upon graduation from Belle Glade High School, she attended the University of Florida and was among the first female class members allowed to live on campus. She met her husband, Earl S. Weldon, at the Wesleyan Foundation. They were married on August 20, 1951. They were blessed to share 49 years together.

Gerry was a wonderful mother and member of the community. She was a room mother, chaperone and volunteer while her children were young. In 1973, she returned to school and graduated, from FTU, now known as UCF. She earned her degree in Early Childhood, along with a degree in Art.

She was hired at Idyllwilde Elementary School, teaching Second Grade. After 2 years, she transferred to Kindergarten and found her true passion and continued teaching for another 18 years. She touched many lives through her career and repeatedly had former students recognizing her and fondly remembering her as their teacher.

Gerry was an active member of the Sanford Garden Club, Beta Chi and the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter Y. She was a member of the Foundation at Seminole State College, where her husband was the founding President. She is fondly referred to as the First Lady of Seminole State.

She was preceded in death by her husband Earl, her daughter Eileen Weldon, and her son Steve Weldon. She is survived by her daughter Janice (Ken) Hickson, daughter-in-law Barbara Weldon, four grandchildren Kara (Adam) Colangelo, Joshua (Sara) Hickson, Christopher (Krista) Weldon, Brooke Weldon and six great-grandchildren Austin, Emily, Xander, Celina, Adelynn, and Ellery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to honor the life of Gerry through the Foundation for Seminole State College. 1055 AAA Drive, suite 209, Heathrow, FL 32746. Gifts can also be made online at: https://seminolestate.app.neoncrm.com/forms/imo