In Memoriam: Geneva Francis Hubbard

Known throughout the community as “The Southern Belle of Avondale,” Geneva Hubbard passed on peacefully just weeks before her 91st birthday.

November 11, 1933 – September 25, 2024

This elegant woman epitomized the qualities which identify someone as a lady. Always pleasant, gracious, smiling, friendly and helpful, Hubbard was a mainstay at Design Additions in Avondale for over 18 years, even working the week before she died. Keith Johnson and Chris Hardison, owners of the store and her close friends, are devastated at the loss.

“Heaven gained an angel,” Johnson said. “I’ll have to talk to her through my heart.”

And Hubbard (GiGi) had lots of heart. She loved her sons, Franklin McDaniel (Jesse Howell) and David McDaniel (Rita); her grandchildren, Nathan and Avery; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

 “She loved life and hers was a life well lived,” Franklin said. “To know her was to love her.” Several people remarked that you never left her house without a full stomach, a big hug and an “I love you.”

Customers who visited Design Additions were met with kindness, helpfulness and a warmth that made it not just a place to shop but a destination place to see Hubbard. Barbara Allen mentioned that people would poke their head in the front door and if she wasn’t at the counter ask, “Where is Geneva?”

Hardison said she treated him and Johnson like her own children – cooking for them, caring for them.

“She made a mean pound cake and could fry the best pork chops you’d ever put in your mouth,” Johnsons said. Comments from others include, “such a beautiful person,” “A blessing to all who knew her,” “a treasure.”

Hardison related that Hubbard did not come into the store looking for a job but sort of happened into it. At first, she balked at using the computer cash register but after having to handwrite receipts for a few days she taught herself how to use the technology. She had a great memory for recipes, birthdays and details.

People asked for her impeccable advice on merchandise or decorating or just came in to bask in her gracious, charming personality. A model of elegance with her classy outfits, perfect hair and makeup and genteel manner, Hubbard earned her honorific as the Belle of Avondale. Her great cooking, parties, and joie de vivre will be missed by her family and many friends.

Longtime friend John Hurtubise remarked that she grew even more beautiful as she aged. He hosted a black-tie dinner for “two perfect ladies,” Maxine Kroll and Geneva Hubbard each November. “This year, she will celebrate with Maxine in heaven.”

A little social media game to determine someone’s personality declared her most dominant trait as loyalty. There is no better definition for Geneva Hubbard than this: She cared deeply about her family, had a sweet, sensitive side (despite a touch of stubbornness), had no patience with drama queens or fakes and was genuine through and through. She shared a special bond of love with many friends and her loving nature was evident to all in her radiant smile.