Geneva Carter Osteen

Osteen - Geneva Carter Osteen, age 90, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 30, 1934, Geneva was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother “Nana”, and aunt “Aunt Neeve”, she was affectionately known as “Beber.” Geneva was well known for her good Southern cooking. Her family will especially miss her famous chocolate cakes, fresh creamed corn, and her signature ham perlo rice. A cherished member of Grace Baptist Church for over 50 years, Geneva faithfully served by teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir. Throughout her life, Geneva found her greatest joy in her family. She loved every opportunity to hold and rock her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Geneva never met a stranger, loved to talk with everyone she met, and could make anyone feel like family. She also enjoyed fishing and spending time at the family lake house, surrounded by those she loved most. Geneva and the love of her life, Mikey, were married for 69 wonderful years prior to his passing on September 26, 2024. Childhood friends from Baxley, Georgia, they grew up together before marrying and building a beautiful life and family. Over the past year, Geneva has deeply missed Mickey, and some of her final words were, “Mickey is going to be surprised to see me.” Her life was marked by her devotion to her family, church, and friends, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. Geneva was preceded in death by her parents, Milton Hughey Carter and Mary Smith Carter; husband, Mickey Osteen; brothers, Eugene (Gene) Carter and Marvin Carter; and sisters, Mary Emma Woodard and Laverne Gonzales.

Geneva is survived by her children, Mitzi (Wade) Brown, Deanna (Terry) Garnett, and twins Robert (Kim) Osteen and Richard (Melanie) Osteen. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Lee (Laura) Brown, Crystal (Randall) Johnson, Courtney (Joe) Brown, Shayne (Danielle) Osteen, Tanner (Courtney) Garnett, Aaron Osteen, and Lindsey Osteen; great-grandchildren, Jakob Brown, Jacob Brown, Brylee Brown, Madison Brown, Baxlee Brown, Kyli Garnett, Gunnar Staier, TJ Garnett, Ella Johnson, Hayley Garnett, Carter Garnett, Lainey Osteen, Peyton Brown, Bentley Brown, and Braxton Brown; brother-in-law, Phillip (Dianne) Osteen; sister-in-law, Kathleen Carter; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

The tribute above was prepared by Geneva’s loving family.

A Service to Honor and Celebrate Geneva’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cedar Bay Funeral Home, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218, with Pastor Bill Forde officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida, 32205. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the care and direction of CEDAR BAY FUNERAL HOME, 405 New Berlin Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32218. (904) 714-1110. 

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