Gerald Ruth Breedlove McFadden was born in Old Washington County, Texas, on November 10, 1927. She was the second child of Oscar and Ruth Ella Scurry Breedlove. During her childhood, she attended Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church outside of Brenham, Texas, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized at age ten. As a teenager, her family moved to Houston, united with Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, and she graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. She later attended Prairie View A&M University, following the example of her grandmother, Maggie Ethel Fielder Scurry, the first in the family to graduate college. Gerald credited her Aunt Oneata for helping fund her education and earned a BA in Home Economics.
While attending Prairie View A&M University, Gerald met Frank Edward McFadden, the love of her life. After graduation, she began her career as a braille teacher in Bay City, Texas, later taught kindergarten through second grade in public schools, and taught Sunday School in Mt. Falls and Houston.
Gerald and Frank were married on November 17, 1951, in Galveston, Texas. Frank, a Korean War veteran, safely returned home, and the family lived in Virginia, North Carolina, and Maryland. They were blessed with three children: Jennifra, Marilynn, and Frank II. After his military service, they settled in San Diego.
Gerald worked for the San Diego Unified School District, earned her Master’s Degree in
Education, and taught until retirement. She joined Bethel Baptist Church in 1960, where she and Frank were ordained and served faithfully in multiple ministries.
Gerald was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the Elementary Institute of Science. She enjoyed singing, cooking, traveling, and spending time with family. Known for her warmth and humor, she made everyone feel welcome.
She traveled widely, including Europe, Hawaii, and the Bahamas, and cherished family trips. A proud Prairie View graduate, she presented her grandson Raphael II with his diploma in 2009 and attended her great-granddaughter’s graduation in 2024.
Gerald is survived by her sister Lois, children; Jennifra, Marilynn, and Frank II, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and many loved ones. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings.
Gerald passed away on February 18, 2026.
Gerald will be laid to rest beside her husband at Mt. Hope Cemetery in San Diego, California.
