Jerry was born January 23, 1936, in Peoria to Beulah Kitchen.

Surviving are one daughter, Monique O’Reilly of Peoria Heights; two granddaughters, Nichole O’Reilly, Rachael O’Reilly; and one great-granddaughter, Addison Mariah O’Reilly.

Jerry was preceded in death by one sister.

Jerry was an author, an artist, a carpenter, and a loyal Democrat.  She was intelligent and remained independent in thought throughout her life.  She always rooted for the "underdog."  She was self-effacing, humble, and laughed easily. She was also a person who rose to the occasion if anyone underestimated her.  She was a strong woman.  She was respected for her intelligence and wit. 

Born and raised in Peoria, she had a harsh life in mid-century, middle-America, where race and gender segregation were to be reckoned with and she was acutely aware of it.

At age 15 she went to New York.  She was tried as an adult at 16 and came of age in the NY State Penitentiary at 19.  She went to nursing school for a brief time but was expelled for her pranks.  She became a Born Again Christian when befriending a mentor at Teen Challenge.  She was a devout non-denominational Christian thereafter.  She had many friends in New York in the 50's and 60's of all races, ethnicities, and genders. 

She later moved to California.  She was an editor for the San Jose Mercury news for a while.  She was intensely involved in community activism in her 30's.  

She loved her only daughter very much.  She loved her granddaughters dearly, and was especially close with Nichole.  She was most happy in her later years, and she was surrounded by her family during her final hours.  Her family and friends will miss her sorely.  Her spirit lives on in her great granddaughter, Mariah (Addison). 

Visitation will be held at Wilton Mortuary on March 12, 2012, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Cremation rites were accorded.  Burial of ashes will be in East Mid-Way Cemetery in London Mills on March 13, 10 a.m.  Wilton Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

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