Geneva was born on September 6, 1928 in Lamont, MS to Samuel Briggs and Estella Skinner Briggs. She attended the public schools of Bolivar County, MS and graduated from Coleman High School in Greenville, MS. She received her BS degree in education from Mississippi Valley State University. She started her career as a first grade teacher in Lamont, MS and later taught in the Greenville Public School District, where she retired after 34 years of dedicated services. Geneva had a passion for helping others directly and indirectly. Directly, she taught elementary school for thirty-four years. During this time, she worked untiringly to up-grade the educational standard of our children. Indirectly, her passion for helping others happened through her membership in various community organizations. Because of her hard work and longevity as a member of the Progressive Art and Civic Club, she earned the status of Honorary Member. Her membership in the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the World entitled her the position of Daughter Ruler and advisor on the local level. On the state level, she was the assistant financial secretary, workshop coordinator, and she worked in the Beauty and Pageant Department on the national level. Geneva had a long history of service in the church. She served as pianist and music director at Saint Thomas Church in Lamont, MS for many years. Since joining New Hope in 1953, she was Assistant Sunday School Teacher for the Adult Women's class, a Youth Teacher, a working member of the Hospitality Committee, Vice President of the Missionary Society , and Keeper of the Day-to-Day Events Calendar. She cooperated in all church ministries with spiritual, physical and monetary support. Geneva met and married the love of her life, Lee Grant Young, who preceded her in death. They were married in 1962. This union was blessed with two loving children, Lee Donnell and Alice Ruth.