Hattie (Harriet) Jones Geesey has passed on January 14, 2023, after a battle with lung cancer at the age of 66. She was a non-smoker. Born April 4, 1956, in Reynolds, Georgia, she was the fourth daughter of five children of Roy and Ruth Jones. Growing up on the family farm was an instrumental factor in her upbringing.
In 1970 she began her high school years as a member of the newly integrated Taylor County High School. This experience was a pivotal factor in broadening all horizons in front of her. That—coupled with the extraordinary experience of being a member of the nation-record-setting Taylor County Lady Vikings basketball team—led to opportunities later in life.
After high school, she received a B.S. from Georgia College, a B.S. from Georgia Tech, and was a member of the Georgia Tech women’s basketball program.
She worked in the semi-conductor industry in supervisory positions with companies in Dallas, Texas; Melbourne, Florida; Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Pocatello, Idaho. Although not a pioneer, she was very proud that she helped pave the way for more women in the management realm of this industry.
In Colorado Springs she met Jim Geesey, who became her best friend. They married on October 6, 1984, and established their first home in Kemmerer, Wyoming, where Jim had opened a real-estate business. He was vital in encouraging Hattie to utilize her business background in starting a title insurance business, which became a successful entity.
The births of their sons, Robert and Paul, in 1987 and 1989 were the true highlights of their lives. Jim’s transition to the insurance industry gave them the opportunity to move to Cody, Wyoming, for three years and then to Laramie, Wyoming, in 1998. Hattie was able to enjoy raising their sons and experience the benefits of volunteering for various organizations while also enjoying the activities that living in Laramie provided.
Hattie is survived by her husband Jim, her son Robert, her daughter-in-law Jackie Toomey, and her son Paul. She is also survived by her sisters, Priscilla Jordahl, Beth Collins, Jean Cooper, and Ronny Jones. Their spouses, along with Jim’s family, have been an important part of her life.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be considered to two of Hattie’s favorite groups, the Albany County Public Library Foundation and the University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Lung Cancer Research Fund. Donations can be made at the following:
Albany County Public Library Foundation (https://foundation.acplwy.org/ways-to-give)
310 S. Eighth St.,
Laramie, WY 82070
CU Foundation (https://giving.cu.edu/fund/lung-cancer-research-fund)
Mail Stop A065
13001 E. 17th Place, Aurora, CO 80045
A gathering for family and friends will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the Holiday Inn.
All of us taking care of Hattie in her later life are the better for having had the privilege of being in this charming woman’s life. We just adored her wit, her fortitude, and her million-dollar smile.
We will so miss Harriet. Mary and I always looked forward to seeing her at the family reunions. She fought her cancer with great strength and dignity and was a blessing to all who knew her.
Sincere condolences to Jim and the boys. Harriet was such a sweet lady. Alway kind and a beautiful soul.
We are so sorry to hear of Hattie’s passing. She took the best photos and made the best videos and we loved her nickname- LHS paparazzi! Sending our deepest condolences.
Loved Harriet as a best friend to my sister growing up. Will never forget the wonderful fun adventures over those years. She was beautiful inside and out. Prayers for comfort for Jim and sons, and all who loved her.
Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. One legacy of Hattie's will be her photographs of kids' activities and sports.
Jim, Robert,Paul and Jones family, Harriet and I met in the laundry room of Napier Dorm the summer of 1975 and roomed together for a year after that. Her mischievous and happy go lucky personality was the perfect compliment to my more serious one. She was so smart and interesting; the only college student I knew who subscribed to Newsweek to stay fluent in current events! She was a bridesmaid in our wedding and her sneaky self made sure our hidden car got decorated the next morning at the hotel!! I'll always remember her laugh, those beautiful eyes and her stories (all good, wink wink) about her family, especially Little Bit. Russell and I toasted her life well lived, with cinnamon rolls and chocolate milk today and I hope she would've loved that. Much love, prayers and sincere condolences to all of you.
Jim I am so sorry for your loss. Hattie was a wonderful person. You and your family are all in my prayers.
What a great high school friend she was. I have so many wonderful memories on and off the basketball court. She was always kind, very smart, and what a sense of humor she had! So proud to read of her life and accomplishments. Praying for her family and friends.
Thoughts and prayers for Harriet’s family. She was a wonderful friend and classmate from first grade through 12th grade graduation.
Loved Hattie. I am so sorry for your loss. Gay Dritrich-MacLean
Harriet was a wonderful person. I knew her as the sister of my best friend Jean, and as a teammate on the famous Taylor County High School Lady Vikings girls basketball. My deepest sympathy.
I’m so sorry to hear about Harriet. The family is in my thoughts and prayers. Stanley Robinson
My condolences to the family. Do sorry for your loss B
Harriet and all her family were a big part of my life growing up in Reynolds Ga. My deepest sympathy to all the family.
Jim this is Cindy Mullineaux-a friend of Pats. I’m just so sorry for you all! My prayers are with you as you go thru this hard trial! Sincerely Cindy