Geneva James Lively was born in Cave City as the fourth and youngest child of the late Virgil & Zola (Crabtree) James on Aug. 30, 1943.
Geneva was a tiny child who was closer in age to her dear nieces and nephews than her three beloved sisters.
Geneva was sassy, opinionated, and intelligent lady who enjoyed staying up on current events while being an amazing reference for the past 60-plus years of history.
Geneva worked for many years in the offices at International Shoe Co. in Batesville, before becoming a full-time homemaker.
Geneva married the love of her life, Bernard Harlon Lively, on July 28, 1969. During their nearly 43-year marriage, they raised and are survived by three sons: Chris, Shane, and Todd.
Even though she was unable to attend services during the last years of her life, she remained strong in her Baptist faith.
Geneva died at her home near the Spring Mill on Dec. 7, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her three sisters: Gracie Crow, Virginia Cantrell, and Allene Page; a grandson, Blake Driver Fulbright; a nephew, Donald Crow; and a great nephew, Shawn Kennedy.
Geneva is survived by her children: Chris and Michelle; Shane and Julie; and Todd Lively; grandchildren, Christopher and Devin Thorne, Army Specialist Lane Lively and fiancé Hannah Simpson, Blaire Lively, Ethan and Noah Lively, Jayden Massey Lively, Brittanie and Cody Garrett; great-grandchildren Alissabeth Garcia, Zayden Baker, and Wyatt Garrett; nieces and nephews Carolyn and John Kapp, Pam Brogdon, Lenora Herr, Terry and Mary Ivy, and Cheryl Page. Special friends to mention: Brenda Williams and Linda Farris; Lena Bates and family — Koby, Janie, Brianna, Eli, Kayden, Maddilyn, Rylee, Racklin, and an awaited arrival, along with many other friends and extended family members, including the unnamed but always loved.
Pallbearers will be Todd Lively, Shane Lively, Lane Lively, Koby Ray, Eli Ray, and Dean Kauble. Honorary pallbearers are Chris Lively, Christopher Thorne, Devin Thorne, Ethan Lively, Noah Lively, Jayden Massey Livey, and Terry Ivy.
All services will be held Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, at Oak Hill Pentecostal Church located on Allen Road near the Spring Mill (one mile on the left, same road Geneva lived on) with Jack McCarroll officiating.
Visitation will begin at 12 p.m. and funeral services at 2 p.m. There will be no graveside services. Burial will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery on Highway 69 located between Spring Mill and Cushman.
Arrangements by Doty Funeral Home in Southside.
