Jerry Gailey

Geraldine “Jerry” Kinard Gailey passed away January 30, 2019. Family and friends will gather to celebrate her life of 99 years at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 1, 2019, at First Baptist Church in Memphis, TX, with Pastor Daniel Downey officiating. The family will hold a private burial service.Jerry lived in Lubbock, Texas at the time of her death, but she lived most of her life in Memphis, TX, where she was born on May 24, 1919, to the late D.L.C. and Lottie Read Kinard. Jerry was the middle of three children and enjoyed a lifelong relationship with her brothers Cearley and Dwight Kinard. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of family camping trips high in the mountains of Colorado.Jerry graduated from Memphis High School and then attended Baylor University where she earned a B.A. in 1940 in public school music and a minor in English. Jerry was a talented musician – both as a pianist and a vocalist. Following graduation, she enjoyed teaching elementary school music for several years. Baylor remained important to Jerry throughout her life—she rarely missed a Baylor football game on television and was thrilled to dine at the Baylor Club, in the brand new McLane Stadium, when she was 95.While at Baylor, Jerry met her future husband, Asa Lee “Ace” Gailey. Although a spring wedding was originally planned, due to Ace’s Army service and the attack on Pearl Harbor, they expedited the ceremony and married in Brownwood, Texas, on December 13, 1941. Jerry and Ace enjoyed 63 years of marriage, during which time they shared a love of God, church, family, Baylor Bears and the Colorado Mountains. Ace preceded her in death in 2004.Jerry was raised in the First Baptist Church where she received lifelong support and established a strong faith in Christ. She and Ace were active in and served in the Baptist Church throughout their marriage. Jerry loved participating in the choir and sang in the Christmas cantata beyond her 90th birthday.Jerry was also active in the community of Memphis in the 1913 Study Club, Harmony Club, Little Theater, EMS Board, Business Women’s Club, PTA, and Ex-Students Association, and the Hall County Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed time with friends in the Red Hat Society and in bridge and quilting clubs. After moving to Lubbock, Jerry volunteered at the Ronald McDonald room at UMC. She was a talented artist who quilted, painted, made countless pieces of stained glass and over 50 Christmas stockings for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These “family treasures” will be enjoyed for generations. She was an avid competitor and enjoyed playing cards and board games with family and friends until the time of her death.Jerry “Nonnie”, had a gentle-spirit and a gift for making those around her feel comfortable and cared for. Because of this she made friends of all ages throughout her life. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother and grandmother as well as a devoted friend. Her life serves as an example to those who knew her and witnessed her strong faith in our Lord. Her family celebrates that she is at peace with Jesus.She is survived by her children, Don Gailey and wife, Dana of Flower Mound; Dwight Gailey of Lubbock, TX, and Diane Gailey Brown and husband, Randy Brown also of Lubbock, TX. She is survived by 13 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild. She is also survived by special nieces and nephews and their families.In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Cearley Kinard; and sisters-in-law, Jane and Ruby Kinard; brother, Dwight Kinard and sister-in-law, Miggie.The family gratefully acknowledges the wonderful caregivers and friends who loved Jerry while she lived at the Wilshire Place after moving to Lubbock. A special thank you to the staff of Accolade Hospice.