Geraldine Edith (Thompson) Burroughs

November 10, 1946 – September 28, 2026

Geraldine Edith Burroughs, age 79, of Little Rock, Arkansas, peacefully went to be with the angels on September 28, 2026, surrounded by love after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Though her family grieves her loss, they take comfort in knowing she is now fully restored in body and spirit, reunited with those who went before her.

Gerry was born on November 10, 1946, in Seattle, Washington, to the late Richard A. Thompson, Sr. and Essie Fay (Farrar) Thompson. Growing up in a military family, Gerry lived in many places as her father’s assignments took them across the country and around the world. It was in Germany at the age of 14 that she met the love of her life, Harold “Jim” James Burroughs, an 18-year-old serviceman. They were married in Germany on May 11, 1962, beginning a devoted union that spanned 62 years.

Together, Gerry and Jim built a family across many stops along the way. They welcomed their first daughter, Maria Fay, on June 27, 1963, in Germany. Two years later, on March 28, 1965, their son, Harold James Burroughs, Jr., was born at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Their family continued to grow after moving to Illinois, where daughter Angela Kay was born on February 2, 1967, in Mt. Vernon, and daughter Patricia Ann was born on November 28, 1971, in Du Quoin.

Throughout her earlier adult life, Gerry was a tireless worker, balancing factory and warehouse jobs all while caring for her husband and raising four children.

Her later years in Little Rock brought her the greatest joy. Gerry poured her heart into her family as a devoted homemaker and fulfilled a passion by opening an in-home daycare. As a gentle, surrogate mom to countless children, she created a safe and loving home away from home.

An avid animal lover, Gerry cherished her many dogs and cats over the years, holding a special place in her heart for her beloved dog, Lucy. She delighted in life’s simple pleasures: gathering around the table for cards and board games, playing bingo with family and friends, and passionately cheering on her favorite team—Go Hogs!

Gerry was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Burroughs; her son, James Burroughs; her daughter, Angie Burroughs; her father, Richard A. Thompson, Sr.; and her mother, Essie Fay Thompson. What a joyous reunion they must now be having in heaven.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Maria Chase and Patricia Breaux; her brother, Richard Thompson; her sister, Holly Thompson; her cherished grandchildren, Christopher Burroughs, Andrew Burroughs, Samantha Ortega, Debra Chase Gibbs, and Will Chase, plus many great-grandchildren; and a large extended family of cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

A celebration of Gerry’s life will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Barnett Memorial Baptist Church, 5322 Willow Springs Rd, Little Rock, AR 72206. Following the service, family and friends are invited to stay for a time of fellowship, light refreshments, and a special game of bingo in Gerry’s honor.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com