Geraldine Avery Lee received her BA degree in business education from Saint Augustine's College in Raleigh, NC. During their travels while her husband served in the Air Force, she had the opportunity to teach in Massachusetts and Washington DC as well as at her high school in Raleigh. She also worked in the Hickam Air Force Base library in Hawaii. Ms. Lee received her Master of Education, Advancement Certificates and endorsements from the University of Illinois, taught at Rantoul Township High School and became the first African American woman to hold the position of principal. She also worked part-time in the business department at Parkland College. Some of the awards and honors received during her career include: Regional Office of Education and News-Gazette Outstanding Educator Award, WICD TV Golden Apple Award, Outstanding Summer Youth Program Coordinator of the Year Award, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, Upward Bound College Preparatory Academy Award, Peggy Harris Memorial Award, and Green Meadows Girl Scout Council Women of Distinction Award.

She was a charter member of the National Council of Negro Women, Champaign County section.

Source: National Council of Negro Women, Charter Members Remembered, 2008