God blesses His world by sending us those He knows will be vessels of His love. Genevieve lived her life fulfilling that role by pouring out love to all who knew her through her care, joy, devotion and determination. Her heart was formed to give to children; a mother to so many as a foster- parent, a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer, and a teacher. Her desire was focused as a light of love to care for and celebrate her son Kenny and to brighten the life of her dearest friend and husband, Jim. Her spirit was woven to blanket her sisters and brothers with care and friendship. Her soul was born in the love of God and her faith rested in knowing that she belonged to her Father in Heaven.
Genevieve was born in Chowchilla, California to Jack and Elena Harlan on May 23rd , 1957. She grew up in California, American Samoa and Hawaii. She graduated from Mills College with a B.A. in Comparative Literature. She then attended San Francisco Theological Seminary where she attained a Masters of Divinity and was ordained a Minister of the United Methodist Church. While in seminary she met and fell in love with James Mabry Vickery of Dallas, Texas. They were married on the 30th of June, 1984. After moving to Texas, she became the Associate Pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Georgetown. Genevieve and Jim became the proud parents of Kendall Nelson Vickery born January 24th, 1991. Over many years, Genevieve also taught school in the Oakland, CA, Georgetown, Round Rock and Austin, Texas school districts. She served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care. In 2011 she completed a year chaplaincy program with the Seton Hospital System.
Genevieve was preceded in death by her mother Elena. She is survived by her husband Jim and son Kenny; father Jack Harlan; her sisters Mary and Nia, brothers Jon and Bill and their families.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Presbyterian Children's Home in Round Rock, TX and the Methodist Children's Home in Waco, TX.
There will be a viewing at 10:30 a.m. with a memorial service at 11:30 a.m. and a reception to follow on Friday, February 3rd in the sanctuary of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church. 512-327-1116