Genece Wade

Madison- GENECE WADE, age 80, of Madison, WI passed away on Thursday January 5, 2012.

Born to Willie Lee and Nellia Jones-Wade in Tyler, Texas on July 13, 1931, Genece was one of six surviving children. Having grown up in Texas, she completed her undergraduate studies at Texas Southern University in Houston Texas, majoring in journalism. Her graduate studies were completed at Syracuse University in Student Personnel Services. Genece realized a dream when she accepted the position of Dean of Women at Arkansas, AM&N College (University of Arkansas Pine Bluff). Genece was a leader to young women of the Women's Job Corps for 6 years. She was a coordinator of student affairs for the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 1969-1988.

Genece was an accomplished gardener. Her flower art was featured in schools and hospitals, and was enjoyed by Tim Hauser of the celebrated jazz quartet, Manhattan Transfer. Genece was active in many community gardens in Madison including the Sheboygan Ave. Community Garden, the Garden Club of the Senior Center in Madison, and Olbrich Gardens. She was a Master Gardener with the greenest of thumbs who cultivated a plethora of plant life. Her favorite flowers were African Violets, Hydrangea, Hibiscus, Peonies, Baby's Breath, and Statice. Her favorite plants were Ficus, Coleus and Sweet Potato Vines. She had a wealth of horticultural knowledge and was a living encyclopedia of plants. She hosted a local radio show where she answered callers questions and provided expert advice on gardening and flower art. She was renowned for her artistic abilities in wreath and floral arranging, and expanded those talents into a business, called "MY FAVORITE THINGS...". She taught classes in wreath making and flower arrangement to people of all ages. Just as she cultivated a multitude of flora, she also cultivated relationships with people of all cultures, backgrounds, ethnicities, and educational levels. Genece was a prolific story teller, and dreamed of completing her book of short stories. She was both charming and charismatic, and appreciated for her ability to talk with anyone. People loved her immediately upon meeting her and always commented how "sweet" she was.

Genece was united in marriage to Donald E. Robinson in 1958 in Philadelphia, PA. Her survivors include her three children, Yasmin Michelle Robinson of New York City, Donece Nela Thomas of Milwaukee, WI and Steven Robinson of Madison, WI; her grandchildren, Syd Michael Robinson of Milwaukee, and Leigh-Ayne Morgan Thomas of New York City; her sisters, Cheryl Wade of Madison, WI and Georgia Houser, of Houston, TX.; and ten nieces and nephews and a host of grand nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at Cress Funeral Service located at 6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705