1892 -1998
Georgia Hearn lived to age 105, making her one of the oldest Newark residents at her death. Friends said she didn’t smoke or drink, didn’t eat much meat, and kept busy, and had a strong religious faith. She said, “I never had any trouble finding work and life’s been pretty good.”
Georgia known as “Mother” because of her kindness and generosity throughout Newark. “If anyone needed help she was right there,” said her daughter. Hearn was also the city’s first Black den mother for the Boy Scouts, helping James Churchman to become the first Black Eagle scout in Newark.
“Mother Hearn was a role model for a lot of people,” said Bernice Rountree, “Her wisdom, knowledge, understanding and history left quite an impression.” “Her greatest inspiration was her encouragement,” said Rev. Lloyd Terrell.
She was active in various civic, fraternal and religious organizations, belonging to the Daughters of Elks Essex Temple, where she was the first woman chairperson of the encampment, Order of the Eastern Star, and NAACP. At St James AME, she caught buses to visit sick and homebound residents, into her 90s. She was also in the Gospel Choir of St James and helped organize the Nurses Unit.
Born in Georgia, Hearn moved to Newark around age 16 looking for work, “I was all alone”, she remembered. She married Isaac Hearn in Newark. According to census records she worked as a servant while raising her children and living at different times on Winans and Peshine Aves. Her husband died in 1942. At age 105, she was still part of a sewing group with the children at George Washington Carver school.
Bibliography
Sterling, Guy, “Georgia Hearn, 105, a Mother to Newark” Star Ledger Jan 14, 1998
Hearn, Isaac Newark News death notice, April 2, 1942
Cummings, Charles F. “In Civil Rights, Charity and Politics they Made Their Mark” Star Ledger Mar 31, 2005
Al Henderson Collection, Photo
“Newark Woman Celebrates 105th Birthday” City News Jun 3, 1997