Geraldine L. Jayroe, 83, owner of Swamp Fox Tours
September 12, 2024
Geraldine Long Jayroe of Georgetown died Sept. 7 surrounded by her family. She was 83.
She was born Dec. 4, 1940, in Savannah, Ga., the daughter of Early Elmer Long and Kathryn Hewett Long. Geraldine had fond memories of growing up in Georgetown, where she graduated from Winyah High School. She would share many memories of life and carried those with her, from growing up in Maryville to helping family in North Carolina on their farms and spending time on the waterways of Georgetown with her husband, Richard Olin Jayroe.
Mrs. Jayroe attended Screven Baptist in her youth and raised her family in Herbert Memorial Methodist before becoming a member of her husband’s family church, Duncan Memorial. She sang in the choir for many years and was known for her soprano voice.
After marriage she lived with her family at Benvenue Plantation on the Pee Dee River.
Mrs. Jayroe was the owner of Swamp Fox Tours and Bienvenue Home in Downtown Georgetown. After retirement, she took great joy in speaking to visitors and always welcoming them into the city. She would always thank those that helped her and had great love for friends and family.
She is survived by her children, Richard Olin Jayroe Jr. (Kelly), Christopher Mark Jayroe (Brigitte), Wallace Elmer Jayroe and Kevin Dean Jayroe; her siblings, Kaye McCain (Mike) of Oak Hill, Ohio, Jane Walden (Boyd) of Richmond Hill, Ga., James W. Edwards Jr. (Kitten) of Newberry and Sally Bohnstengal (Bob)of Mount Pleasant; her grandchildren; and her aunt, Helen Hewett of Summerville.
Her brother, Early Elmer Long Jr., died before her.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church. Burial was in Elmwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the bell fund at the church, 901 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440.
Condolences may be sent at mayerfuneralhome.com.
