Appalachian Woman interview-Geraldine

Soft White Underbelly interview and portrait of Geraldine, an Appalachian woman from Leslie County, Kentucky.
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[@SoftWhiteUnderbelly]

Geraldine Collett Bray passed away on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at her residence. She was 71 years old. Geraldine was born October 28, 1949 in Leslie Co., KY.

[@saffronredwitch]

May she rest in peace and the family find comfort in her words.

[@lucydaly44]

May she rest in peace, my sincere sympathy to her family.

[@hmmm8552]

Rest In Peace, with love from Tennessee.

[@yolanda3883]

Condolences to her family and friends. It was really nice to meet you here Miss Geraldine. ❤️

[@Cam282322]

RIParadise Geraldine🎈

[@tristanbray1950]

This is my grandma. I appreciate everyone’s kind words 🥰

[@thematriarchy2075]

Aww, tell her we love her, and i enjoyed listening to her. Tell her happy birthday too!! Love to you and your wonderful grandma💕

[@yoliquiroga8992]

She is loved!

[@tinashort9098]

Your Grandma is a beautiful, smart lady!!!! She reminds me of my ex boyfriend's Mama. They were from West Virginia and lived alot like your Granny. She had 8 kids that she might have we'll have raised by herself because her husband was only home long enough to get her pregnant and leave again. She recently passed away up in her holler that she loved so much. Happy happy birthday to your sweet Grandma!!!! She is truly a treasure!!

[@kennysnykerz6804]

Beautiful woman, interesting life story!!

[@debbieparks8108]

Such a interesting woman, I wish I could hear more of her stories.

[@brittanyrohr2950]

This is my great aunt! She’s truly one of a kind! Thank you all for the kind words! ❤️

[@wendilackeywoolwine162]

She is a beautiful spirit, we just acknowledge it💗 She is truly an amazing strong woman and not many of us would be willing to put forth a tenth of work to raise children as she has. I love her❣️

[@bunnymad5049]

I love her. I simply love her. I'd love to sit and listen to her for hours, hearing about her life. A beautiful lady.

[@rds990]

Wonderful woman who busted her hump to get what she has in life. A true example of courage.

[@yani.e]

Beautiful soul she had me lol at 12:10

[@LongLeggedOne]

Sounds like quite a treat Brit. Shes quite cool.

[@brittanyrohr2950]

My aunt Geraldine passed away 5/12/21 at the age of 71. May God rest her soul. She will be greatly missed.. she was one of a kind with a kind and genuine soul.

[@hannahcassels5967]

I’m sorry for your loss love ❤️

[@531ff]

Sad to hear

[@sjp4u338]

❤️

[@lisahughes8779]

May her memory be a blessing. ❤️

[@heather9206]

Such a wonderful woman. God bless your family ♥️

[@gabe-po9yi]

Notice how she really had to think about what was the roughest thing about living in Appalachia. It’s like it never occurred to her. She never once complained. Not once.

[@pinkpugginz]

had to think because there's so many horrible things going on and she couldn't pick just one

[@gabe-po9yi]

@@pinkpugginz I see it differently. From the things she said, her demeanor, I think she’s happy and content. Sure, there are things sometimes ppl would like to have or wish things were a certain way, but they are still fine with their lives. This is how she strikes me.

[@gardener6770]

@@gabe-po9yi u r a wise person. God bless u. And I can tell u honestly, u r right. I know. Happiness lives within, not from things of this word.

[@nickie7874]

Because everyone lives the same as she stated more than once. No one looks or acts or does any different than the other so they don't miss what they don't have. We who weren't raised like this gasp at what we'd miss and think how fast we'd run away but she's perfectly content. She's also a lot closer to God ... working and living in nature, you can't help but see him everywhere. I know that just from living in the south!

[@gabe-po9yi]

@@nickie7874 Yes, perfectly stated, Nickie.

[@Scottie_Key]

This should be kept in a vault and another copy in a museum. This woman and her history is a great representation of the very best of us. And to her grandchildren I see commenting, please send my appreciation to your grandmother for sharing her story with us. She is an American treasure.

[@stepheng.5623]

I totally agree! What a interesting person. Thanks for sharing your story with us. 💙

[@fext7160]

LOVE this point of view... it's sad... YET, guess what, if she'd read any comments, it's HER life, it's her pride. *hug* you're truly an amazing woman.

[@marypetson]

Amazing woman. Such a hard life. But she is beautiful and happy 😊

[@lindaharper2812]

God bless her.

[@Qu33nVictoria]

Show us. Let us all see that she is treasured. 😢

[@gsmith207]

When she said best part of her life was that she raised 5 boys by herself… made a grown man at 55 cry. She was a beautiful person.

[@obomagirl]

Y’all gotta interview my grandad! He just turned 100. Lived through the KKK, WW2, Civil rights movement and doesn’t look a day over 85. He has soooo many stories

[@thematriarchy2075]

Email Mark! [e-mail]

[@shannon_w.]

Please email him! I would LOVE to hear your Grandad’s life experiences ❤️

[@DarhaLB]

Yes my grandmother just passed away at 107 years old I listen to her stories and loved every bit of it. Sure wish I could hear them now

[@emmaslick4399]

I would love to see you interview him.

[@Xaforn]

My grandma is 90 and doesn’t look 70! She’s from eastern TN and has so many stories too

[@PeytonsProductions]

How pure of a person. She said the hardest thing she experienced was losing her son in a car accident, no hesitation. Also she talked a lot about how weed being grown to support families is being criminalized hard while nothing is done about hard drugs like heroin and meth... she is such a sweet lady.

[@lisahughes8779]

And she was so right.

[@sekaniyahimba354]

worth looking into....sounds like forces out there don't want small scale ma and pa operations competing with their profits

[@leneo1731]

Same problem in the Middle East of Europe where many people have relied on growing poppy for decades. Then the UN came in and destroyed every field of poppy they could find. They tell people to grow wheat instead. The problem is that wheat isn't worth nothing compared to poppy. Poppy farmers are poor to begin with so it's impossible for them to live off wheat. If I'm not totally wrong it's the same thing with farmers growing coca leaves in South America. It's a very complex theme because it's not just about the danger of the drug. It's about economy of so many people. It's effecting so many people long before it even is a drug.

[@jenniechurch5337]

@@leneo1731 weed and heroin are completely different!!!

[@dellzywillis3001]

@@leneo1731 what is poppy? Is it a drug?

[@rhondahood3532]

My grandma raised 10 children with no electricity or running water. Her twin boys died when they were infants from pneumonia. She was the sweetest woman that ever lived. I never heard her complain. I miss her. They don't make grandma's like that anymore. God bless these women. They have overcome (with grace) more struggles than we will ever know. Her name was Ina Mills. Everyone called her Inie. ❤

[@elkamars4368]

My people were like this. My grandparents were the best people I ever knew. They appreciated everything they had and were giving to people in need.

[@JennzOrs]

Just because people are sweet and don't complain doesn't mean they're not suffering.

[@elkamars4368]

@@JennzOrs everyone suffers. It doesn’t matter if they are rich or poor, everyone has their own sufferings. The world isn’t easy for anyone of us.

[@JennzOrs]

@@elkamars4368 100% agree with you.

[@slocumb1270]

@@elkamars4368 Rich or poor does matter. Anybody who doesn't think it's harder being dirt poor hasn't lived it.

[@lauraromdeussen864]

I lived in Europe so my English was accented, came back to the States, and my mother sent me on a Habitat for Humanity/church mission trip to Appalachia. For the first few days I would just sit and listen in the evenings on the porch of the house we were working on because neither understood the other's dialect. A few days in, one of the men started soft shoe dancing--which I knew how to do! We broke the ice by dance, and after, with lots of repeating, we soon were able to communicate freely. They let me ask so many questions about the life style, the Appalachia pride, the work ethic, the mines, the hazards, the struggles, the music...I absolutely fell in love with all of them. This woman reminds me of that family....I just adore her, too. It is just such a beautiful, noble culture--yes, there is a drug issue, but this is about everywhere now. And the music and dance.....wow. We aren't going to mention the day they took the pastor's daughter and I and let us sample moonshine...hahahahah..it was like the first time you try liquor with your family. Great memories.

[@carolchristmas9527]

@Laura RomDeussen, I love your reply and your story.

[@juliettedauterive3745]

I hear you. I once saw a movie that took place in some part of NYC. I was astonished that for the first 20 minutes I could not understand a thing they were saying.

[@DC-cv9ch]

What a lovely experience. Thanks for sharing it. I bet that moonshine had yall dancing and singing.

[@lauraromdeussen864]

@@DC-cv9ch I wish I could say yes. But it had us doubled over and gasping for air with the fire that I swore was coming from our esophagus, and the family dying of laughter. The next day, as the other gal and I were literally staggering in to the work area, the family gave us some sort of herbal (maybe horehound?) tincture or tea and we felt quite a bit better after. Lots of knowing winks that day. Oddly, to this day, still LOVE horehound candies.

[@rochellekeels8466]

Beautiful, what a blessing, God Bless you

[@dropdead_red]

In the last six years I have lost my grandma Marie, great grandma Dee Dee, great grandma Minnie, grandpa Lavon, and grandpa Ray. This video made me realize, all the accents are gone. The voices that raised me, sounded like this. They are gone. Every now and then when I hear voices like this or when I’ve had a few drinks, my accent comes out, though I’ve tried to hide it since I was little. My children will never hear them. They’ll never know how close they are to the people who sounded like this. We’re all California now. I grew up on a ranch, saw my grandma cut the heads off of chickens for dinner, our cow named Elvis turned to a stack of meat in the freezer, and that was a part of life. I’ve done what I can, moved to a forty acre ranch of my own, got chickens, started a garden, but it’s just not the same. These people are our history, and once they’re gone we will miss these voices, and more importantly we will miss everything the voices of our elders represent. Hug your elders, take a minute to hear their stories, pass them on. Memories can last forever.

[@divineduality]

First you are gorgeous and I love your comment don’t hide that accent I wana hear it so cute I’m in Sonoma county California

[@gailenefuller8330]

You have. That right

[@jehouse61]

It's so sad all the beautiful accents are disappearing.

[@juliawoodrow219]

My great grandparents were the same their lives live on through us and that is what they wanted, pass it on to our children.

[@suzanneflowers2230]

Teach your children about your heritage.

[@heathernicoleowens1342]

I feel like I could sit on a front porch and just talk with her all day. I bet she is full of great stories. Loved this!

[@mactire3661]

Yes!! I would love to sit with her & listen to her stories

[@fanbatcher]

Alarming how severely these Appalachian people age. Bad diets , bad habits....

[@MoonChild-po9du]

@@fanbatcher did you hear she grows n kills her own food You would be blessed to be 71yo and look old cause that's what all people do

[@tammyramos6]

Absolutely I am born and raised in West Virginia I love the old stories my families tell me.

[@jenniferraby250]

i feel the same

[@wes11bravo]

Next time my kid complains about having to load the dishwasher, I'm going to let her watch Geraldine talk about her life as a young girl. Fascinating - much respect to Geraldine!!

[@geronimomajinbro]

Or you can show her how little girls live in Syria...

[@luvwaltdisney1]

What a great idea!!!

[@margsoma2862]

Bless your heart!

[@jamesdavis2231]

Yes, hauling wood at age 5!

[@rogerthater1211]

These kids today could learn a lesson or two from this beautiful women

[@hotandbotheredinvegas]

Bless her sweet little heart. She is just a doll. I could listen to her for hours and hours. My heart broke into a million pieces when I read that she had passed away. Rest in Peace beautiful Geraldine 🕊💔🙏

[@GDSaved]

God Bless beautiful Geraldine…my heart just hurt,,,when I read she was gone…I know the great human being is gone home to be with the Lord our God….RIP 💐💐💐💡🌸🥀

[@Jeff-tz4tj]

This is my Grandma my dad is Michael this is amazing 💚💚

[@mariannejones5228]

What a blessing she must be

[@hannahloveanna6944]

Pick some flowers for her. I'm sure she'd love them ; )

[@joeybrock9686]

We r cousin.... Tick lol what they know about that

[@terrylucas630]

She’s good people

[@nicoleteague2476]

What a pleasure it is to meet your family. I’m a Taylor, family is also very traditional, from Lake Lure, to Marion, NC. (A fur piece from ya) This just really warms my heart, makes me smile to experience her. We need to embrace this culture, for it’s a rare gem, be well.

[@dalex60]

I love the way she speaks, there is a certain eloquence to it.

[@BonnChnd]

Thank you for your comment. That’s what I was thinking but I didn’t have the words for it. You are spot on. Eloquent. ❤️

[@davemattia]

There are people who will mock her accent -- why? Because they don't understand that language is a living thing. There would be no English language were it not for the fact that diverse peoples came together over the past 1,000 years to create the language as we know it. Expect a lot of ignorance on this issue.

[@reddbyrde]

It’s definitely eloquent… yes, but there’s also an innocence to it that I absolutely adore. I could listen to her talk and tell stories all day!!

[@kennethwright8927]

reddbyrde Well ma’am, that’s cause it’s straight from her heart! May God bless her and hers and you and yours as well

[@CannibalChxrry]

I'm from Floyd county originally, and there are so many amazing people like Geraldine in these parts of Kentucky. They are some of the most tough, yet sweetest people. Rest in peace Geraldine, I wish I could have met you and heard more of your stories.

[@MTNorville]

That lovely little smile when she says she never thought about leaving Appalachia.

[@gardener6770]

This woman is everyone. Everyone I've I've known. She is me. Still today, many things she talks about, I still have to do today. Same as my mother, my grandmother, and her mother. I live in Appalachian country. Ppl in America today think things are different in 2020, so advanced. But here, in Appalachia, time has stood still. And I thank God for that, things are real here, not fake, so real, that we put our faith and trust in Jesus. Gods love flows thru the Appalachian country. Sometimes life is so hard, that you get to lay yourself at the feet of Jesus. Many prayers for this woman. Much love to all.

[@Ropecharud]

You are very lucky and blessed to live this life.

[@dc9631]

Yes!!!... I grew up in the coke mining towns of Appalachia... I was born in 82... And we pumped water from a well and used outhouses.... The old patch houses did have electricity... But they had dirt floors... In a cellar where we kept all of our canned and jarred food.... We live like that in Outcrop Pennsylvania until 1987 when they came in and tore the old patch houses down and kicked us out......my great grandfather was a Mennonite and we worked and lived off of the land......I remember breaking green beans on the front porch with the other kids prepping them for canning. Grandma went to school in a 1 room school house until she was 12 and she was married and pregnant by 14.... life was rough....still is for most....

[@gardener6770]

@@dc9631 Gods blessings to u.

[@gypsyfiresign1064]

@D C, your early years mirror my own so much hun!! I grew up on a 164ac. family run commercial beef & poultry farm. My days began hours before the sun came up and I'd head across the pasture to the barn and saddle up one of my Quarter Horses and take off down riding trails until I just was plum wore out lol. There always seemed to be potatoes to peel, squash was great and my hush puppies for now lol

[@ERINLOVE2024]

Would love to see photos of her life..❤

[@margaretanscombe730]

What a life. A good, rock solid soul. Salt of the earth. Rest in peace, Ms Geraldine. I’m so glad to have “met” you…🙏🏻💕

[@Pixiedusttina]

I'm in Georgia, and my Grandma was Cherokee. Makes me miss her more . I grew up cutting wood, canning, gardening, etc. My Grandma had an outhouse until 1980s.

[@Anon_E_Muss]

I wish I grew up that way. Self sufficient. Only idiots look down on these types of fantastic people!!

[@Pixiedusttina]

@@Anon_E_Muss ❤️

[@conmcnard8468]

My aunt Viola had a 2 seater out house, thankful for a childhood also of gardening and canning, living in harmony with nature

[@messyscience5145]

My granny had gardens,we ate squirrels, and she was full blood Cherokee indian. Gran y and grandpa had an outhouse also till 1985. We took bath outside I. A wash tub. I'm 52 now and Granny and grandpa are gone.

[@agrumpycarebear3529]

I'm from Ky and am in my 30s we had an outhouse growing up no running water until the mid 2000's everyone in are area was the same

[@Novel._.]

She is honest. She breaks her back and does it all with a smile. Such a sweet lady. She gets a check..... but she’s one of the few that really deserves it. She’s amazing. I could have listened to her all day. It’s like taking a trip back in history but it’s not. It’s her reality. Wow. Blown away.

[@sandycarroll2640]

God bless this women. My family was also brought up in Appalachia as well in eastern kentucky. The stories my mom & dad used to tell us was amazing. I consider myself a proud Appalachia descendant. These are some of the strongest people I know.

[@SilvaPeric]

I'm not from the USA, but if I were (whichI don't plan) to move there, this might be the only part of the country i would move to. All the people seem so sincere

[@nataliegrace559]

my great grandmother who’s 91 was also raised in the appalachian mountains. people like these women contain so much history. the universe truly holds many pillars of knowledge.

[@sassy_2437]

I’m in the foothills of NC,,,,,,and I understood every word she said.... I love them ol mountain folks. They’re a tough breed. Not many could live that life

[@garygiddens4118]

Lol she was speaking english. I hope you understood.

[@cherylmills6264]

I'm from Texas and I understood her perfectly. Probably because I've spent alot of time in East Texas.

[@katherinegaughan45]

I'm from Boston, Massachusetts and understood every word she said. People tease us about our New England accents. I would love to listen to her stories of growing up in Appalachia.

[@katherineroberts5698]

I am from Texas as well. My parents are are originally from Gate City, VA. (Scott County). I spend summers up there. I understand everything she is speaking on. Still have family there. Sending Hugs from Texas .

[@godschildeasttn104]

I did to,Knoxville tn

[@patrickstephens8420]

I’m hated to read she passed, I just loved listening to her speak of her life. I’m an Appalachian too from NE Tennessee. God bless her and her family.

[@vicklemiss]

Seems like such a hard working woman, she’s just taken it all in her stride. It’s nice to hear her talk of her happiness ❤️

[@hankmyers2538]

For the people who don’t know what juice means. Here in the mountains we don’t have no juice means don’t have power or electricity.

[@hankmyers2538]

Welcome

[@nan5819]

She’s a gem . I’m from Kentucky so I understand her perfectly lol .

[@alexcarter8807]

Yep Boomers and older call electricity "juice" lol I dunno why we say funny shit.

[@williamcullin]

We say that in the south too lol

[@berkanathoresen]

That’s how we say in the Midwest 😅

[@cajunstacker1376]

She really had to work hard her whole life. People today don't realize how easy they have it.She is a true survivor. It takes a tough person to make it through the times she did. I have a lot of respect for people like her.

[@cherylschumaker1366]

Puts up 400 to 500 jars of food from her garden right there is hard work not to mention dealing with winter time...

[@jade-br1xx]

You are so right. Great respect for these people.

[@TheUniverseHasMyBack]

Ms. Geraldine if you ever do decide to watch this video and come read through the comments, I wish you good health and many blessings, take care!!!

[@carriechristian7337]

I live and grew up in appalachia, here in west Virginia. The people here may be poor in material things for the most part but you will not find better people. The people here are different, they are grateful and caring like none other.

[@patriciajoyner9871]

I have met all kinds. Rich and poor.give me the poor. They love and welcome you with open arms..

[@corniss]

Appalacia is the most beautiful place on earth.

[@melissaburton3400]

I'm in the mountains of eastern KY. I call West Virginia our sister state cause we are exactly alike. Us mountain people understand each other.

[@brandonterrell5271]

Hillbilly and country folk are the best kind of people.

[@ladymaiden2308]

I am loving these Appalachian interviews! Especially during the older folk talk about their lifestyles and their pasts

[@brendapayne6891]

Precious precious lady! I grew up like this but my dad insisted I get an education. So I left the country and moved on with my life living better than I grew up. But I have never forgotten how I was raised or where I came from. It has been the backbone of my life and when times got hard I would always think back to my childhood and be thankful. Love this woman! 💕

[@jenniechurch5337]

My dad left WV when he was 17, to join the Marines...so he could send money back to his mom and younger brother!

[@elizabethmcfadyen2382]

Never forget your roots and where you came from 💕 You are so correct but I'm glad you made a good life for yourself after leaving the mountains. Be happy... Always xx ❤️

[@elizabethmcfadyen2382]

@mikedenison8 hello right back atcha 👋🏻I am doing fine. Do I know you from somewhere in this crazy world we live in? 🙃🐥

[@elizabethmcfadyen2382]

@mikedenison8 anywhere you want me to be my friend x 🤜🤛

[@thekatt...]

"People dying in piles " Perfect way to describe the drug epidemic in the past 20 yrs. Geraldine ...❤️❤️❤️ Mark...thank you for all these great interviews. ❤️❤️❤️

[@bendean4255]

She is much more intelligent than she appears.

[@MuchoNoBueno]

Ben Dean wtf are you talking about 😂🤣She matches

[@DetroitHomeInspector]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6Knh4KYgpaersU

[@sarahalbers5555]

There is a very powerful Documentary out about the impact of the opioid epidemic in towns like this. It's "Oceana". Also, a great but lengthy,, book "Pharma" by Gerald Posner. It does a real deep dive into the Sackler family and how oxy was marketed. And we all know how that ended.

[@DetroitHomeInspector]

@@sarahalbers5555 I just found it...it's called Oxyana though.....thanks. Also book called Hillbilly Elegy by JD Vance. Book is a coup-le years old but it is being made into a movie directed by Ron Howard. I think it comes out next month.

[@paularutledge]

My great grandma was born on the mountains of Kentucky! She just passed away at 89! She’s the strongest and kindest woman in my whole life! She had so many stories!

[@RukYouLikeAHurricane]

I can’t even imagine the stories you must’ve heard! Hold on to those treasures.

[@devonbray2572]

This is my precious granny, ❤️

[@mariannejones5228]

Precious indeed. How wonderful we were able to experience her for a few minutes

[@shanleeDD]

Awe she seems like one heck of a lady.

[@wendilackeywoolwine162]

Tell her that she is loved 🥰

[@bunnymad5049]

She's beautiful. And her life has been amazing. Strength and beauty just shine from her.

[@wj-s4378]

❤❤

[@Acadian.FrenchFry]

I really like this woman, she reminds me a lot of my foster mom. I lived in the mountains in California with her and her family, they had lived in that area for almost 100 yrs. Her grandparents were still alive in their 90's. They were part of the people that had moved to California from Oklahoma during the dust bowl era. My foster mom was very similar to this woman. She passed away some years ago and I miss her so much and her no nonsense pragmatic ways. She was a rock of a woman and I am grateful to have had her in my life. I watch a lot of videos about the people of Appalachia because they remind me so much of how I spent part of my childhood. Warm, caring, genuine and no nonsense. Rare qualities to find in people now.

[@patriciaque197]

Beautifully stated 😊👍

[@kevingillies7811]

These Appalachian stories are always brilliant. I'm so angry at Hollywood elites painting people from this area as stupid and/or racist. EVERY single Appalachian interview has shown more heart, intelligence, interest, and love than anything some arrogant, arseholes from Hollywood could ever write.

[@folksurvival]

And we know who runs Hollywood.

[@TheophaniaRex]

@@folksurvival do tell.

[@Faerie_nuff88]

@@TheophaniaRex small hats

[@peanut9863]

I couldn't have said it better!💖

[@ShopStylebyme]

@Kevin Gillies it is not Hollywood, it is true. Look around you. You know it is true!

[@t8rtaught]

Please interview grandma again. She's got so much wisdom & stories to share. Knowledge from our elders like this is becoming more obsolete now days. 14:53 isn't enough. Thank you

[@trentsizemore2259]

you guys are so awesome sadly that cant happen mamaw died last night :(

[@Jo_mommah]

@@trentsizemore2259 Rest her soul

[@elizabethmcfadyen2382]

@@trentsizemore2259 I'm so sorry for your loss x Your maw Seemed such a wonderful, knowledgeable, kind lady 💕 Although I bet she was no softy!! Love from Greenock Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💕 x

[@Bingo_Bango_69]

Seeing the look on her face and hearing her voice crack as she fought tears answering Mark's question "What's the hardest thing you've ever had to go through in your life?" Nearly brought me to tears as well

[@98Kentuckian]

My Great Grandmother was from Leslie County, in Hyden. Her and Her family left the mountains when she was a teenager, and she lived the rest of her life in Lancaster Kentucky. She just left us last October at the age of 93, and I sure do miss her and the stories she would tell about the mountains and the way of life they had. I am proud to be of mountain blood, and I am proud to have known her and her kindness and generosity.

[@carolbedrosian4650]

I really appreciate how respectful the interviewer is, and he pauses to express genuine empathy and kindness. Geraldine's a sweetheart!

[@bigrigf350]

I love how when she’s asked if she ever considered leaving Appalachia and she responds “no” with a big grin on her face. Like why the hell would I leave.

[@kenneththomas1062]

I remember not having running water nor bathrooms in 1979, I was 8 years old. I tell my children and my wife about how things were however, I've become addicted to these vids and somehow relate or at least recall. You would think that these days that not 1 single person would have to live the way they do. It's somehow comforting that they seem so happy. It tells us that we are greedy, cold, self centered and thoughtless. As I sit here in my home comfortably as the first college grad in my family, I sometimes miss simpler times.

[@nickie7874]

Our preacher told us of a story about where Elvis Presley was born. Its a shotgun house in Tupelo MS. He was raised poor like this lady. His house is now a registered landmark but one morning the keeper of the place saw a man sleeping on the front porch and went to wake him up and make him leave and when the man turned over, it was Elvis himself. No doubt he was looking for a simpler time and place, sad.

[@graytshirt]

This is an incredible series. People of Appalachia know a strength many people wouldn't recognize and couldn't muster. I love this episode. I hope you keep doing these.

[@thetruenorth5714]

I really appreciate the way people from Appalachia respect their friends/family. All of them live free with few regrets and no bad attitudes.

[@elconquistador98]

And plenty of welfare

[@oskorei123]

In the end, that's all any of us have. We know what's important in life. It isn't the latest iPhone or Tesla. It's the love and respect you have from your family, friends, and community.

[@auberjean6873]

Soft White Underbelly , your grandma is precious! I have found that the people with the most they could complain about, don't and the poorest people will give you the shirt off their back to help you. They are busy doing what needs to be done and have the biggest hearts in the world, just like your grandma! My grandma was a woman who went through a lot. She never gave up and magically made, traded, bartered services enough to feed 8 hungry children during the war because my grandpa was killed right away. I learned more from her and my mom than all the schools I went to--the important things of life. Your grandma is a wise woman with all she's gone through. She learned about life the hard way and is still a lady! No name calling for her! Thank you so much for posting this video. All blessings to her, you, and your family.

[@dianebaugher3919]

Its not his grandma

[@auberjean6873]

@@dianebaugher3919, who is it?

[@gwennk4962]

@@auberjean6873 There's a lot of people in the comment section who claim her as their Grandma.❤️

[@shannonhuddleston1282]

Stay strong MS Geraldine. I lost my 24 year old daughter this year to a tragic accident. It hurts so

[@debbieparks8108]

Prayers!

[@marylougeorge9890]

I've heard that loosing your child is worse than loosing a spouse.

[@JustMe-qo7yw]

I am so sorry , I seen effects of my grandmother having to give up her youngest son . There's much sorrow in any parent having to lay their child to rest. When Mark asked her that question , There were many broad answers for what's hardest thing to give up. I was so touched by her reply & seen your comment, too.

[@shannonhuddleston1282]

@@marylougeorge9890 it is

[@marylougeorge9890]

@@shannonhuddleston1282 I'm sorry for your deep loss. It would about kill me if I lost my granddaughter.💔

[@amandagibson1100]

This is one of the best interviews I've watched. I just love listening to her! I could just sit and listen to her tell her life stories all day! I'm from KY and she reminds me so much of my family. God Bless that beautiful lady!

[@geopro9390]

It’s the accent for me, the “southern drawl”, I get almost mesmerised by it, if velvet had a sound, it would be Geraldines voice! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👌

[@hkhjg1734]

listen to the prison warden interview for what I consider a true southern accent. This is mountain accent which sounds a bit different. cheers

[@rachelfaulk9171]

I get a lot of people commenting on my accent. From mobile Alabama and mine is thick but hers is quite different

[@andydeadpool8923]

Guess my family sounds like a chorus of angels lol

[@andydeadpool8923]

@@hkhjg1734 Different language, just about. I had friends visit occasionally from England and Germany, and by then I had changed the way I talk, or people I went to college with either we spoke German, or I had to change my accent. Even the English girl couldn't understand us very well, but that poor German girl could barely catch a word here and there, so i had to translate. But my friend from Valdosta, Georgia didn't sound like us at all. Real thick, deep-South accent. And then the more rich kids from Virginia sounded completely different from him and me too. This one girl I met from Illinois, I thought of people from Southern Indiana, so I thought she might at least have a similar accent, but nope! She was from Northern Illinois, and had that weird Chicago accent. Heck you can leave the mountains in Kentucky and go up around the Bluegrass horse country, and they have a totally different accent, too. Some ladies from the mtns tried to put on airs and sound like the bluegrass Kentuckians, but never could quite pull it off. Sorry for rambling. I studied German and English linguistics, so I get going sometimes.

[@GuyFromTheSouth]

I have a southern accent when I go on discord chat everyone assumes im black lol

[@robs2542]

This was awesome to hear this woman talk about her life and never complain just a strong willed woman that is truly a survivor, God Bless her...

[@amytaylor7598]

What a sweet lady - I love this channel so much. It makes me realize that most of my worrying is pointless - very little is needed to obtain happiness in this life.

[@pinkjinx8925]

My family is from South Western Virginia and she reminds me a lot of my grandparents.. it amazes me how some of the folks that have struggled the most have the calmest spirits 💕 Great interview God bless her and her family!

[@stephaniegarner2228]

Me too! Capels, WV! 🥰🥰

[@Rick-Williams59]

So this lady grew up hard, struggled, and still said her hardest thing was giving up her son. As my mom used to say, "Bless her heart". Awesome interview. A real pleasure listening to this lady.

[@Stayc_Jane]

Round here “bless your heart” isn’t ment to be so kind. You say it to someone instead of calling names or cursing. From a West Virginian

[@Rick-Williams59]

@@Stayc_Jane it always was, and always will be an expression of sympathy or genuine concern, not the new wave bullshit of calling someone an idiot or stupid, that shit comes from the generation that has no respect for themselves, like the asshole comedian Jeff Foxworthy who makes fun of southern people for profit. My mom grew up hard and dirt poor and struggled during the Great Depression, but the respect and concern they showed and presented was worth all the gold in the world. When someone got gravely injured or became very sick and couldn't provide for their family then folks said "Well bless their heart" as a way of showing care and concern for that person's unfortunate time in life. People have no values anymore and no idea to an old slang term, so they slap a definition on it as to what they THINK it means and people that are too lazy to research the originality of the term accept that definition. 'round here we say what we mean and mean what we say, no alternative definitions and no political correctness. Respect and concern seems to be a forgotten thing now-a-days.

[@jade-br1xx]

People who live these lives are so busy just trying to get by without modern conveniences that they have no time to be stuck in their heads, overthinking and whining about problems. She never complained once. People today couldn't handle what she does. So much respect for her.

[@DML575]

I've viewed most of the Appalachian interviews & I'm continually amazed at their character, dignity and perseverance. They are American originals. They make less into more. We all could learn from them. Thank you Mark for bringing these amazing people to us.

[@faithfullyfaded]

I’m from southeastern Kentucky, just a few counties over from Leslie. Geraldine reminds me so much of my Mamaw it brought tears to my eyes. Their generation is an entirely different breed. They’ve never known anything but hard work and heartbreak, but they wouldn’t trade these country hills for anything. People wonder why we stay here, but this is home. It’s all we’ve ever known. The lights and traffic and starless city skies are unappealing and a little scary. Appalachia is home and if us hillbillies have anything at all, it is a deep connection to home and family. Growing up, I always said I would leave this God forsaken place and several times I did just that. I always came back. Kentucky is home. Mamaw and Geraldine and warm summer maters are home. Front porches and cutting wood for winter and squirrel hunting are home. Canning vegetables and root cellars and wood burning stoves are home. I wouldn’t have it any other way. God bless this strong, incredible, beautiful woman. 🙏🏻 Edit: Would love to have a conversation with Mark next time he’s this way. 🖤

[@rushiaj1222]

Miss Faithfully Faded I hear you. My family has lived in south central pa a long time and it sounds like a lot of the families around hear. They call it pensatukey. Roots run deep in the Appalachia’s

[@jerryhablitzel3333]

If you can stay gainfully employed and keep yourself and your kids off the damn drugs it would be wonderful place to live.

[@fanbatcher]

Most educated and ambitious people left them there Hills hundreds of years ago....

[@jaxxiet5851]

That was very sweet 💖

[@leahcheyenne8482]

I’m from Leslie County.. I was actually raised right down the road from Geraldine. And I couldn’t have said it better myself. When you are born and raised in a place like this it becomes a part of you, it runs deep in your veins. It’ll always be home. ♥️

[@AMadScientist]

When the shit hits the fan, we're going to wish we had the life experiences these people had. Most of us are going to whimper like babies.

[@doristucker6276]

A beautiful testimony of life. I was raised the same way. Life is not easy. She's right about the mountain people. We show our love. We take the hard part of life straight up.abeautiful testimony to a hard life. God bless her

[@audiophileman7047]

Yes, these people are the salt of the earth and rugged individualists. We could learn a lot about living from them.

[@baghodler508]

These old timers are a dying breed, this world is changing so fast and not for the better

[@sekaniyahimba354]

@@audiophileman7047 i think Geraldine's testimony points to them being rugged and determined collectivists rather than individualists.

[@brandonmay3094]

@@sekaniyahimba354 not in any political or economic sense anymore

[@cindytait2209]

What a gorgeous woman. Her soul shines through...and I can see she was a real beauty in her day. Thoroughly enjoyed her story.

[@papab299]

I’ve knew her for about 17 or 18 years now and she’s always made me laugh and she’s always ready for a good conversation

[@leanneadams2549]

I bet when she was younger her hair was gorgeous!!! It’s still really thick and long ! I could also listen to her talk all day. I can just imagine how it was for her and I’ve noticed that there’s no complaints and they talk with a lot of pride !!! Love this strong woman !!! ❤️

[@trishmcguire2208]

i like Geraldine and i'm glad you interview the older generation among the younger people. I'm 65 and feel invisible half the time. Sad. Also, I hope you interview Lady Secretesss,sounds interestting! Love your channel Mark and you! You have a good heart and you listen to these beautiful souls!

[@trishmcguire2208]

@Jack Shite That is sweet! My grands think I matter. Thank you.

[@wj-s4378]

Their different type of people. Hearts of gold. She looks to be of Native American descent. The knowledge is not learned from books but from doing.

[@shawnabloom]

I agree. That luscious long hair and those high cheekbones. Even at 71, she’s still beautiful.

[@jenh.5967]

I also though she is of Native American descent

[@rochellekeels8466]

Amen,Amen

[@trentsizemore2259]

@@12yearssober your right ! she had alot of native blood. - grandson.

[@projectionv.accountability1010]

This is why I read comments! I love that you pointed that out- now I see it! Gorgeous woman, gorgeous soul.

[@Gacha_Runa]

This is the last of a dying breed. She reminds me so much of both my grandmother's who were born and raised here in Appalachia.

[@SivaJivamukti]

I bet she’s as resourceful as any wilderness survivalist. That question: are you happy? It’s seems less complicated when you have nothing to compare it to. No control group.

[@tonyastokley5165]

Amen ! No worries debts ! She has her needs ! People are simple they love each other and the old are respected and looked after ! It’s such a beautiful world in the country ! You have your basics but like she said everyone is the same and you don’t have worries like in the city ! Clothes are clothes and idk the simple life is slow and not fast but people in the country truly love one another ! The new young ones are different but the old ! They don’t make them like us to !

[@kathyhughes4047]

@@tonyastokley5165 I wish i was living there the world has gone crazy.

[@tonyastokley5165]

@@kathyhughes4047 I know right ! It truly has !

[@tonyastokley5165]

And I tell ya something else guys in the city it’s a dog eat dog world and each man is for himself ! Are you every safe really these days and been for years .I get this lady may not have riches on this earth to leave when she is gone but I promise ya they love and I goes it’s what’s more important to you and how you feel about it ! I agree she should take care of herself it’s sad how we can learn this by our elders

[@barbaracox7343]

@@tonyastokley5165 mkk

[@trishahammond1967]

She's lived the typical hard Appalachian life and as sad as it is, there are some here in Appalachia that still live that type of life.... in the deep backwoods there are people without vehicles, running water and very minimal electricity. I was blessed.... my Dad lived the life she speaks of ( there were 11 of them ) and he swore his family would never struggle as he did, so he broke his back making sure we never experienced such heartache and struggle. Thank you Mark for bringing Appalachia living to the forefront.

[@alicestimson8870]

I love your interviews. There’s so much wisdom we can gain from our senior society. They have character a strength we don’t often see. Sad our society has neglected the lessons to be learned as well as our elderly. They’ve been cast aside or ignored. You know this beautiful woman has stories and knowledge most of us can’t imagine!

[@crybaby7635]

I absolutely love this! She seems like a lady with a ton of heart. I love her realness.

[@patricegriffin6063]

Mark does a great job on his interviews, the questions he asks, his timing and compassion play out seamlessly to portray the picture and story that needs to be heard.

[@orpha9031]

What a beautiful lady! What pure lovely people are in Appalachia. I like their deep sense of family and love of nature. I love it that when you asked her about faith she said "I'm a holiness". Rest in peace G

[@pegv4718]

She is a part of America past. She's so resilient. You can't find a person of this fortitude anywhere now. Bless you! I wish I could sit and listen to her stories.

[@francismuiruri9064]

The world is interesting. Watching from Nairobi.

[@malavida13]

thinking the same, from Italy

[@englishcountrylife3805]

Francis Muiruri Hi from England😘

[@wesleyAlan9179]

Absolutely! Watching from Atl. Ga🤟

[@fanbatcher]

Please understand these people represent a tiny percentage of Americans and Mark seems to focus only on the the severest examples of Appalachian people. I suppose if he interviewed a local professional with all his teeth that would be boring....

[@ruedadi2682]

Hi from South Africa ✨

[@LG-gj9mz]

They don’t make them like this anymore. I never could hold a candle to my Maw Maw’s. They worked so hard. They gave us so much. Blessings to the family for your great loss.

[@frankieallen4900]

Her hair is gorgeous.

[@Cat-mk6yl]

Yes it is, it's very healthy

[@bowdown3320]

Sweet of u

[@JasonRyanWilson]

She's probably part Cherokee.

[@frankieallen4900]

@Danny Paul Thank you!

[@dollfactory2341]

It is. Very healthy looking and pretty, long, thick hair.!!!🤗🤗🤗💙💙❤️💙💙

[@kristabell5107]

Salt of the earth - she owns everthing about herself. 🙏🏼

[@rosannacellini2158]

In my younger years, I have always cherished listening to my elders stories, about the depression and so forth. Listening to this lovely women talk about her life, is so interesting and enriching. I have nothing but admiration for her. God bless and keep her.

[@judylee4649]

And all these people will survive. When the tech shuts down they won't miss a beat. They'll know exactly what to do.

[@nickie7874]

Yep, they live off the grid everyday! A country boy can survive!

[@dianestewart7917]

@@nickie7874 amen!!!

[@gardener6770]

Amen, I've been off grid my whole life. Other than this phone, no tech. Survival here means, working all day on my land, my gardens, canning all fall, and cutting firewood for the winter, my life is good tho, I got no complaints, God loves me, that's everything.

[@maryannegelsi-perry1353]

You better believe it! Appalachian American's will always live on NO MATTER what the state of affairs are in the rest of America!!

[@annafraser]

Yup! I was thinking the same thing!

[@RachelD077]

she has so many stories to tell... i can only imagine all that she’s been in her 71 years of life. so awesome ❤️❤️

[@bethanymckeel4180]

Gosh I love your videos. So sorry she passed so soon after her interview but I know you made her day that day listening to her.

[@bassin692]

*I am Appalachia* This Lady is the kind of Lady that raised me. I am forever Grateful to Women Like Geraldine.

[@pamelachandler1813]

Such real, genuine people. They surely know hardship but still so friendly & willing to help one another. Hard life, tough people. Good luck, sweet lady.

[@amywalton2895]

She smiled when you asked her if you thought about ever leaving and she said no I love it and I love her I admire somebody like this I’m studying myself to live with less like her lovely person of nature and the simplest of abilities I t’s so admirable. Thank you Miss for your story and thank you Mark for showing it to us😍

[@do6784]

I just love her! I could watch and listen to her all day. Something so very “home” about her, like she just makes me feel all warm and safe.

[@LINKINservicedog]

I wish I could share my story and find my family. My 9 siblings and I were taken from my parents when I was 7 due to extreme abuse. I’ve never seen them again. I feel lonely and lost. Thank u for sharing these stories with us.

[@marylougeorge9890]

Have you considered using dna testing to locate your family? Look into it.

[@Kat89115]

Oh wow I pray you find your family.

[@marylougeorge9890]

@@Kat89115 You from Michigan?

[@marylougeorge9890]

Another option is to post on Facebook. I've seen others do it. You never know what can happen so worth a try.

[@purpleraynee]

I miss my grandma so much.. she was born in 1939 and looks/sounds just like beautiful Geraldine. My grandma’s name was Virginia. Gosh I can’t even type any more than this, my heart is just breaking. Thank you for sharing Mark, what a beautiful video.

[@ottelisezipporah-isadora8070]

I love Geraldine's colours. Lime green and teal.

[@rebeccafields-pittman4788]

And her hair is so pretty, too.

[@aburrage7697]

It’s perfect

[@lorimav]

Appalachian Bohemian.

[@darleennewton1052]

Kind grandma lady, speaks very honestly about her life and hides nothing. I respect her a lot.

[@nickie7874]

She doesn't have anything to hide which is why she's so open and honest, nothing to lie about!

[@loiscoe6106]

She is a gem. I love her

[@moneakedwards7342]

Mark you are the best non-judgemental interviewer. I love how kind you are talking to the people you are interviewing. Im from central Kentucky and wow this is a whole new world in eastern Kentucky. People are so different , but so similar when you start talking with them.

[@paulhopkins1905]

This woman, and folks like her are the definition of tough. They grew up with more adversity and hardship than I have ever experienced. Tough, mentally and physically.

[@bellydancer3146]

Bless her heart. Elders have amazing stories. She reminds me of my granny that grew up in Louisiana.

[@chrisrianhinton8047]

I could listen to her all day. Sorry to see that she passed. What a beautiful soul

[@lsun5322]

I LOVE this interview of an older woman in Appalachia. Wonderful!!

[@angelafender]

I love this woman. I adore her. She is like my grandma who passed. I love her. So strong

[@666blindrider]

Sorry to hear that. R.I.P. 😊😇

[@yvonnemcmahan9037]

This needs to be saved and archived. She didn't complain about one thing. Like her I'm from Appalachia in Western, NC. We are by far not ignorant! I have an AA degree and a BA degree. I also choose to stay here. I would move to TN, KY, VA, because they are still our mountains. We do love our mountains.

[@cole1219]

I get chills looking at these photographs. Absolutely stunning.

[@bunnymad5049]

What an amazing woman. So resourceful and resilient. There's a purity about her. Her knowledge and experiences in life are such a treasure. It's so sad that she lost her son. She's such a comforting presence. Happy birthday. 🧡

[@16darbystreet89]

I love this interview with Geraldine. What a gift it would be to know her and spend time with her. The knowledge she had is priceless. Most of us are so dependent on electricity and grocery stores. When the grid goes down, who’s going to have no problem living???? People just like Geraldine!!!! Appalachian people are survivors. ❤

[@John-qt9bi]

I had to laugh, she heard every question fine till he asked her how old she is.

[@crystalzeller5032]

As old as my tongue and a little older than my teeth is what my grammy told me.

[@nubianprincess2771]

@@crystalzeller5032 LOL heard that one from some of my people in South Carolina!😄

[@jazzbridges2721]

She said "huh?" "me?" 😂😂

[@richardwiley5933]

I wanted her to say "none of your effen business"!

[@Skeptigal1]

I've been binge-watching these, and oddly almost every interviewee answers, "What?" when asked their age...

[@superchickenlips1]

I'm from the UK, and people from other countries always tell me they love my accent. Especially people from the US. Let me tell you something; my accent is nothing compared to this lady's. It makes me weak. It's like honey being poured in to my ears, I love it.

[@heatherns88able]

Well I’m from Kentucky and honey that’s how we all talk. This lady is every grandma I’ve known in Kentucky. Even my own grandma is just like her. You’ll never find a better woman then a Appalachian woman. We know how to survive and provide on what we have and be content with it.

[@k.fuentes7448]

What a kind thing to say.

[@-KMA-]

I’m from Arkansas country and sounds a lot like my family lol

[@johaanah]

Where in the UK are you from? I’m from England and honestly can’t understand a word she’s saying.

[@superchickenlips1]

@@johaanah Barnsley. I think that might be a "You Problem".