Georgia Blocker, 106, seamstress and devoted churchwoman.
She enjoyed church excursions and trips to the shore.
WHEN GEORGIA Bruson was born, William Howard Taft was president, the Ford Model T was a year old, and the Wright brothers were still trying to figure out how to fly that thing.
Georgia was born on the Fourth of July, 1909, in Edgefield, S.C. She died July 29 at 106.
Her life encompassed a big chunk of American history. The Model T morphed into the sleek chariots plying Interstate 95; the Wright brothers' creation became supersonic jets, and a black man is president of the United States.
There have been atomic weapons and wars; television, computers, videos, cellphones and a vast array of electronic and digital contraptions.
"She was always amazed at the changes she saw," said her daughter, Doris McClellan.
Georgia Blocker, as she became after a marriage, lived in Newark, N.J., in recent years with her sister, Lure Ryan, who is 108. They were being cared for by Geneva and Calvin Dickerson, their niece and nephew.
Georgia was born to Robert and Mattie Bruson. She got her early education in the public schools in South Carolina and came to Philadelphia in the mid-1980s. She lived in North Philadelphia and Germantown before moving to Newark.
She worked as a seamstress for the former Amalgamated Industrial Co., manufacturers of men's clothing.
She also applied her skill with needle and thread to craft stylish outfits for her daughter, especially for dress-up time at Easter.
Georgia and her late sister, Viola Britton, were frequently on the go, especially after her retirement. They enjoyed bus trips to Rehoboth Beach, Del., Wildwood, N.J., amusement parks and other entertainment spots.
They also liked to hit the malls for some shopping or take in a movie. Viola died in 1994.
In addition, Georgia's church, True Vine Baptist, organized a number of excursions for members, including visits to New York City, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to take in the sights.
Georgia was active with True Vine, singing with the choir and serving on the Usher Board and the Willing Workers ministry.
She liked TV shows, especially those featuring judges, and game shows, and she was a devoted crossword fan.
"She was a warm, kind and generous person," her daughter said. "She always looked out for and helped others. She was the best mother on the earth."
Besides her daughter, she is survived by three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Services: 11 a.m. Friday at True Vine Baptist Church, 521 W. Lehigh Ave. Friends may call at 9 a.m. Burial will be at Northwood Cemetery.