The Funeral and Celebration of Life Service for Gerri Lamb will be held on Saturday, August 18, 2018, at 1:00 pm at the Church of Revelation, where Gerri Lamb served in the Sick and Shut-In Ministry. The Church is located at 1154 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10472. The Homegoing Service will be presided over by Pastor Tim Adour and Brother George I. Lamb.
The Viewing will be held Thursday, August 16, 2018, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pmon and Friday, August 17, 2018, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm on at Granby’s Funeral Service, located at 4201 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10466.
Gerri B. Lamb was a Castle Hill resident and a community activist for over four decades, died on July 31, 2018, at the age of 73.
Gerri Lamb was born on January 11, 1945, in Wilmington, North Carolina to Lewis and Sarah Thomas-Beckett. She had five sisters and four brothers.
Gerri Lamb, deeply cherished by her family, is survived by her four children: George, Ira, Cheryl, Samantha and Peter; her 12 grandchildren: Shaniece Elliot Lamb, Marcus A. Lamb, Sahrasia A. Guity, Sariah A. Noiis, Solomon G. Cruz, Michael Holcomb, Christian and Aaron Rosado, Angelina Rosario, Shaun Lavin, Ebon, Porrie and Monet Lamb, and her 5 great-grandchildren: Brian Melvin, Jeziah Elliot, Nyair M. Lamb, Raelyn D. Guity-Scott, and Oliver Lavin.
Gerri Lamb moved to New York in 1960 and worked at the United Nations as a Liaison for employment placement services.
In the late 1960’s, Gerri Lamb moved to Bronx County and headed the PTA in every public school her children attended. She ran the Castle Hill Tenants Association and proceeded to work in the Bronx community as a volunteer on behalf of its residents, particularly children, seniors and the poor, through such venues as Pathways for Youth and the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club.
For many years, Gerri Lamb served as President of the North Bronx Council of NYCHA Tenants, and since its inception in 1991, she chaired the Citywide Council of Presidents, making her the most powerful woman in New York’s public housing.
For more than 20 years, Gerri Lamb served as Castle Hill Resident Association President.
In 1983, Gerri Lamb was able to bring the first “off-campus” site of Touro College to the Castle Hill Community, and during the next four years, more than 20 community residents received their Associates or Bachelors Degree. Gerri Lamb was the driving force behind the ongoing renovation of Castle Hill's community center and the Annual Castle Hill Community Day Celebration. She was responsible for the addition of a gym and bringing in employment, education, computer, literacy, and guidance programs.
Gerri Lamb’s passion for helping people resulted in her being appointed to Bronx Community Board #9, where she remained for more than 25 years, serving in Housing, Zoning and Land Use, Youth and other Committees.
In 2007, after becoming a senior citizen, Gerri Lamb was elected to serve as President of the Castle Hill Senior Center.
Most recently, Gerri Lamb served as a Legislative Aide for Councilman Ruben Diaz, Sr., for whom she had also worked during his tenure in the New York State Senate office. Gerri Lamb also served on the staffs of former Assembly Member Aurelia Greene, and State Senators Israel Ruiz and Efrain Gonzalez, Jr.
Gerri Lamb was the recipient of many awards, including the New York State Minorities in Criminal Justice, Inc.; 2012 IS 131 Parents Association Award; 2007 New York State Housing Authority Queens Community Operations Women’s History Month; 2007 Bronx Christian Charismatic Prayer Fellowship Award; 2010 Women of Distinction Award; the Top 25 Bronx Most Influential Women.
Gerri Lamb was honored to be among the 3.5 million visitors to the National Museum of African American History in Washington, DC. She visited the Museum just weeks before her death.
The following Bronx Elected officials used their social media to express their heartfelt condolences about the passing of Gerri Lamb:
NYC Councilman Reverend Ruben Diaz: said. “My heart is heavy as I am saddened to announce the passing of a friend, staffer, and incredible advocate for the people of Castle Hill – Ms. Gerri Lamb. Gerri Lamb and I have been friends for over 30 years and she has been nothing but kind & loving to myself and others. This is a woman who simply cannot be replaced. She was one of a kind in many regards and I will miss her dearly.”
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.:said, “I'm saddened to learn of the passing of a Bronx institution, Gerri Lamb. Ms. Lamb was a dedicated community leader and political activist and was also someone my office worked closely with as both a member of the Assembly and as Borough President. Rest in peace. #bronx #nyc”
US Congressman Jose Serrano: “I’m saddened to hear of the passing of Ms. Gerri Lamb. Gerri was a long time community leader in the #Bronx. She was involved in all aspects of community service and was helpful to so many of us. She will be missed. My condolences to her family R.I.P.”
