Geraldine Dorothy “Gerri” Vessell, 89, of Festus died Feb. 5, 2025, at Hillcrest Care Center in De Soto. Mrs. Vessell worked on the assembly line as a taper for Howard Industries. She worked at Robin Hood restaurant and the local daycare as well. She enjoyed thrifting, going to yard sales every Saturday and spending time with family, especially her children and grandchildren. Born May 14, 1935, in Festus, she was the daughter of the late Virgil and Edna (DeClue) Cooksey.
She is survived by her husband: Norman V. Vessell of Festus; three children: Barry (Cindy) Vessell of Festus, Darrien J. Vessell of Hillsboro and Cathrine Politte of Festus; a son-in-law: Dennis Riggs of Horine; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by a daughter: Barbara Ann Riggs; two brothers: Kenneth Cooksey and Donald Cooksey; and two grandchildren: Robert “Bobby” Nelson and Jesse Vessell.
Visitation is scheduled from 11 a.m. until services at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Ave., in Festus, officiated by Pastor Terry Crank. Burial will follow in the Peaceful Ridge Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements are under the direction of Mahn Twin City Chapel.