Jerry Christine Cearley's Obituary
CEARLEY, JERRY CHRISTINE passed away at age 81, Saturday afternoon, May 10, 2014, from an aggressive form of non-tobacco related lung cancer. She was born in Dallas, TX December 9, 1932 and grew up in both Highland Park and University Park. For a brief period, she lived in Houston in 1939-1940 near the then Rice Institute, and attended Oren M. Roberts Elementary School. Back in Dallas she attended the old Armstrong School, Highland Park Junior High School, and Highland Park High School where she was an early member of the Highlander Lassies which performed with the ROTC Band. The Lassies danced the Highland Fling but did not have bagpipes or do a drum dance as of then. Jerry was also Vice President of Hi-Lites, a student council member, art club member and was in the music festival and participated in intramural sports. After graduating in 1949, she briefly attended S.M.U. During her lifetime, Jerry composed two songs (both music and lyrics), each of which was copyrighted. Her favorite was “Dixie Boogie” which she wrote in 1950. At a very early age, she could hear a song on the radio and immediately go to a piano and play that song without looking at sheet music. She could play by ear throughout her life. She always enjoyed arts and crafts and entered and won several contests, including one at the State Fair of Texas. As a child and teenager, she enjoyed trips to Atlanta and North Georgia to visit relatives. In later years she traveled with family on road trips throughout the continental U.S., as well as trips to Hawaii and Western Europe via Braniff Airways. Jerry was preceded in death by her parents, George Walker Cearley and Mary Blakeney Cearley, as well as several aunts, uncles and first cousins including Philip Whitman Cearley, Jr., Jen Nelms Lindman and Tina Nelms Doughty. She is survived by a brother, George Walker Cearley Jr. and cousins, Philis Nelms Goodwin, Scott and Elliott Cearley, Jesse Cearley, Beth Doughty, Tony and Chris Lindman, Mary Reed Roy and Sarah Taylor, and possibly others with whom she has lost contact. Jerry wanted to thank several individuals who provided friendship and support during her last months and years including: Franklin Leroy Casey, M.D., Martin (Buddy) Hurst, M.D., Michael Madigan, M.D., Barbara Ancelin Whitfill, Rosalie (Roz) Van York, Linda Walker, Sandy Huckaby, Bob Cook, David Kemp, Joellen Bogert, Gloria Cisneros Sadafsaz, Rodney Frazier, Elizabeth Sheppard, Shannon Jones, Ann Bray, Susan Carleton, Betsy Baker, Debera Fontenau, Myrph Foote, Marilyn Elliott, Harold Cox, Maria Quirino, Renee Wilson, Marshall Morris, Shirley Kochman, Jan and Frank Howell, Annie Rogers, Amy Murray, Brad Ward, Nahom Tesfay, Gerald Legg, Jim Kieferdorf, Terry Geremew, Saba Gebretekle, Yolanda Ortiz, Andy Bayne, Colin Ray, Cris Herrera, Blanca Perez, David Green, George and Alex Gavounas, Sagan Anderson, Lesslie Ortega, Breanne Bishop, Madison Oden, Brittany Whitten, Alex Velasquez, David Shuler, Juan Argote, Juan Munoz, Raphael Sandoval, Elliott Jones, David and Emily Adams, Nancy Burch, Janna Dunnigan, Tom Lanz, Bob Mouch, Linda Van Tran, Mike Box, Laura Harper, Stephanie Everett, Al and Therese Canales, Tom and Ann Salas, Jim Savage, Kevin Dahl, John Trussell and others. Jerry fondly remembers old friends including Glenna Farris, Tyke McFarland, Mildred Ellis, Nancy Jane Ashby, Mildred Nettle, and many others. She participated in several high school reunions. Jerry always showed concern for others and wanted to help where she could. All she touched in life will greatly miss her. She was extra special to many, many people. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 PM, on Thursday May 15, 2014 at Restland Wildwood Chapel. Honorary pallbearers: Bob Cook, Andy Bayne, Harold Cox, Colin Ray, Cris Herrera, Marshall Morris, Scott and Elliott Cearley. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
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