Jerri Sears
November 23, 1922 — September 7, 2014
Jerri Opal Francis Sears passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2014 surrounded by her loving family. She was 91 years old. Jerri was born on Thursday, November 23, 1922 in Memphis, Texas to the late Zepher Lee Wills Francis and Roy Francis. Preceded in death by son, Richard Wills Sears, her brothers James Francis, David Francis and her sisters Irene Francis Vehon and Dorothy Francis Stephens. Jerri is survived by the love of her life, Burton Newcomb Sears and three children, Susan Sears Smith (Wilbert), David Brewster Sears (Biviany) and Karen Sears Babin (William). She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Daniel Sears, April Sears, Kendra Smith Greenberg, Elaina Smith Wells, Robyn Smith Wallace, Davis Sears and Madison Sears, one step-grandchild, Denise Babin Scherer, 11 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren, her brothers, C. B . Francis, Doug Francis and Joe Francis, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jerri resided in St. Tammany Parish for 10 years. She received her Nursing Degree from Parkland Hospital School of Nursing in Dallas, Texas as a Registered Nurse and later received her CRNA degree from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital School of Anesthesia in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Her career spanned many years and with many hospitals including Parkland Memorial Hospital, Hermann Memorial Hospital, Newton-Wellesley Memorial Hospital, Boston City Hospital, Elk County General Hospital, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital and Tyler Memorial Hospital where she cared for and helped save many lives.
Jerri was very active in the community including Little Theatre, The American Heart Association and PTA. She was a compassionate woman and a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Jerri had a wonderful zest for life and her wit and sense of humor made everyone laugh. Her heart was as big as Texas and she was a gracious and charming woman. She will be missed so very much.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life ~ Memorial Service in the chapel of Bagnell & Son Funeral Home, 75212 Lee Road, Covington, LA on Saturday, September 13, 2014 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm with a service beginning at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jerri's favorite charity:
St. Jude Children's Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
or online at www.stjude.org/donate .