Geneva Ferguson, 86, born in Margaret, died Feb. 20.
She was a long-time resident of Birmingham residing most of her adult life in East Lake. In recent years she lived at Highland Lake in Oneonta.
Ferguson loved life to the fullest and loved family more than anything. She was known for her pleasant disposition; the eternal optimist. She was generous and possessed the gift of hospitality. Frequently her home was opened for guest with her table spread; where food was served along with hugs and laughter. Although she had numerous interests and hobbies, playing cards was her favorite past time. Young and old alike affectionately called her Maw Maw. Ferguson was one of the few surviving charter members of the Roebuck Seventh-day Adventist Church where she served in various areas of responsibility including head deaconess, Sabbath school superintendent, head greeter, and children’s ministries leader. Ferguson had the reputation of being one that could get things done. Known as the Tupperware lady, she was employed as a unit manager for over 30 years and conducted Tupperware parties in thousands of homes throughout the Birmingham area. Ferguson was the eleventh of 12 children born to Sam and Jessie Carruba and was the last surviving child of their household. Sam, an Italian immigrant, was a farmer and worked in the Margaret coal mines. Geneva’s husband of 57 years, Ray Ferguson, preceded her in death in 2003. She is survived by one son, Charles (Sharon) Ferguson of Hendersonville, NC, along and two daughters, Claudia (Tony) Gilmer of Birmingham and Carla (Dean) Snider of Brookhaven, MS; five grandchildren, Charles’ two sons Adam and Carson and Sharon’s daughter Heather Buck, and Carla’s two children, son, Jason and daughter Kelli; and three great-grandchildren Eli (Adam’s son), Madison (Heather’s daughter) and Tanner (Heather’s son). Ferguson is also survived by a multitude of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at the Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Trussville, March 2 with the viewing from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and the Service at 3 p.m.