Celebrating the Life of

Geraldine Marie Bussey

Sunrise: April 18, 1952

Sunset: February 24, 2026

Memorial Service

Saturday, March 14, 2026 – 11:00 AM

Florida Mortuary

4601 N. Nebraska Ave.

Tampa, FL 33603

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Geraldine Marie Tolliver Bussey was born on April 18, 1952, in Tuskegee, Alabama, to the late Evester and Callie Tolliver. She was the eldest of seven children and a guiding light within her family. At a young age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, a faith that remained the foundation of her life.

Geraldine earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Cleveland State University. She devoted 30 years of dedicated service to the Hillsborough County School System, where she was known for her unwavering commitment to her students and her deep love for teaching. Education was not simply her profession—it was her passion. Even after retirement, she continued to give back by volunteering at her former school, demonstrating her lifelong dedication to nurturing young minds.

In May 1973, Geraldine married her high school sweetheart, Raymond Bussey. Their loving union was blessed with two sons, Raymond Jr. (preceded her in death) and Ryan Gerard. As a military wife, Geraldine embraced the opportunity to travel, exploring destinations both across the nation and around the world. She also found joy in reading, home decorating, sewing, and creating a warm, welcoming home for her family.

To know Geraldine was to experience kindness, grace, and genuine love. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a proud grandmother. Becoming a grandmother brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren.

On February 24, 2026, Geraldine peacefully departed this life at home, surrounded by love, with her husband by her side. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Raymond Bussey Jr., and her siblings, Ora Jean and Raymond Tolliver.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband, Raymond; her loving son, Ryan; her daughter-in-law, Kaitlyn; and her treasured grandchildren, Arya and Miles. She is also lovingly remembered by her siblings: Linda; Shirley (Charles); Anthony (Marita) Tolliver; and Sandra (Darnell); along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Geraldine’s legacy of faith, love, service, and devotion will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.