Geraldine "Toody" Council born on September 11, 1966, in South Carolina to the late
Mary Lee Sweat Council and the late Joe Rutledge Council, Toody lived a life dedicated
to family, community, and her faith in God.
Geraldine was raised in South Miami, Florida, where she attended Sunset Elementary,
South Miami Junior High, and South Miami Senior High School, graduating as a proud
member of the Cobras Class of 1984. She began her professional journey at Wendy’s
and later became a manager at McDonald’s, demonstrating her hardworking and
determined nature. Geraldine further served her community as a devoted deli employee
at Publix, where she worked at store #1108 with pride and commitment.
Known for her creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, Toody was a talented hair braider,
offering her skills to many from the comfort of her home for years. Her passion for
beauty led her to attend Beauty School of America, where she earned her Hairdresser
and Cosmetology Certificate of Completion, marking another significant achievement in
her life.
Geraldine’s faith was the cornerstone of her existence. She became a member of
Miracle Deliverance Healing Revival Center 2 (now Latter House Glory) under the
leadership of the late Chief Apostle Keith Robinson and Pastor Christina Robinson,
where she deepened her relationship with God and her church family. Her love for the
Lord and dedication to ministry inspired her to study and become a Minister, allowing
her to spread the word of God and touch the lives of countless individuals across
generations.
Toody was a mentor, a friend, and a source of strength to everyone she encountered.
She adored her family and cherished the gatherings that brought them together. Her
home was always open to those in need, and she dedicated herself to serving her
community by feeding the homeless through her outreach ministry at Latter Glory
House and working tirelessly in the food pantry every week. Her church family wasn’t
just a congregation—it was an extension of her heart.
In April 2021, Geraldine faced the daunting diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer. With unyielding
faith and determination, she began treatments in May 2021 and continued to battle
courageously despite mounting health challenges. Through it all, she stood strong,
inspiring everyone around her with her unwavering spirit.
On December 16, 2024, Geraldine’s pain and struggles ceased as she answered God’s
call home. She was welcomed into eternal peace, leaving behind a legacy of love,
resilience, and faith.
She is survived by her five beloved children: three beautiful daughters, Marquitta
Robinson (Jimmy), Lashaunda Council, and Mariah Aaron (Frankie); two handsome
sons, Willie Lee Robinson and Quandre Council. She leaves a proud legacy through her

18 cherished grandchildren: Markevia Gardner, Dashawn Brown, Sharrell Rigby, Willie
Robinson Jr., Micah Robinson, Laniesha Thompson, Jacoby Robinson, Shamylia
Council, Charlize Robinson, Jah’Myraa Council, Alan Dozier, Lamarcus Paige, Dakota
Robinson, D’Ziyah Pressley, Willie Lucas, Frankie Aaron Jr., Faith Aaron, and Nayeli
Council; and her great-grandson, Legend Andrew. She also lovingly embraced her
adoptive son, Vernon “Coop” Cooper.
Geraldine is further survived by her devoted siblings: Lorraine Council (Curtis), Earl
Council, Robert “Whoopa” Council, Joann Council, and Rashaunda Ware (Corey),
devoted ex- brother-in-law Red. Her memory is cherished by her godmother and aunt,
Geraldine Holman, and a host of other aunts: Thelma Williams, Rodell Sweat, Peggy
Brown (Bollie), Vallie Bennett, Roslyn Nicholson, Reather Mae Richburg (James Jr.),
and Annie Mae Profit; as well as uncles: Willie Lambright (Shirley), James Lambright
(Jeanette), Oneal Lambright (Lisa), Emma Lee Lambright, Josh Holman; Great Uncle:
David Bailey.
Geraldine’s legacy also includes her godchildren: Charkayla Williams, Isanique Clark,
and Quinton Flanders; her god-sisters: Quanda Dupree and Gail Wooden; and her best
friend, Andrea Smith. She leaves behind special cousins: Patsy Joseph, Vincent Walker,
Hayward Joseph, and Tameka Small; and special friends: Marisa Delancy, Tankina
Bowman-Lane, Ronnie Dawson, and Richard Perry. A host of special nieces, nephews,
great-nieces, and great-nephews also carry forward her legacy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Bernadette Canidate; her
grandparents, Mary and David Sweat; her parents, Mary Lee Sweat Council and Joe
Rutledge Council; her brother, Joe Rutledge Council; her eternal spouse and one true
love, Willie Robinson; her goddaughter, Brianna Williams.
Minister Geraldine Toody; Council has entered her heavenly reward, but her legacy of
love, faith, and service will remain forever in our hearts.