Jennie Lou Jerome

Jennie Lou "Jackie" Jerome Jennie Lou Jerome preferred the name her father nicknamed her at birth, "Jackie." Jackie was born on May 29, 1927, to Violet Bell and Henry Manning. Jackie passed away August 23, 2012, at The Sequoia Assisted Living Community in Olympia, Washington, surrounded by her family. Jackie met her husband, Roy C. Jerome, in 1952 in Springfield, Missouri. Their marriage brought them many adventures. Roy's career in the United States Air Force took them, among other places, to Missouri, Japan, Colorado, Florida, Okinawa, and eventually they settled in Tumwater, Washington. Jackie's survivors include her husband, Roy; daughters, Charlotte (Alan Provencher) Alexander, Marjenna (Larry Eggers) Gittings, Yvonne (Jeff) Keck, Karen (Matthew) McClennen and Sherri (Daryl) Yager. Jackie is also survived by nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren, who knew her as "GG” (great grandma); and several other family members. Jackie was preceded in death by her only son, Joseph "Jody" Allen. Jackie and Roy celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on Thursday, August 16, 2012, at Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen in Tumwater, with their family. A long-standing family question was the actual date of their wedding: Jackie insisted August 16th and Roy insisted August 17th, since they were married at midnight. Pellegrino's is notable because Jackie considered Sam Pellegrino a long time family friend and was proud to have provided him one of her paintings for his family home. Jackie was recognized as a lifetime pillar of the arts. Her favorite mediums included music and painting. As a retired art teacher, Jackie served as a president of the Tumwater Allied Arts League. Under Jackie's leadership, the league produced the Heritage Art Festival show at the Schmidt Mansion in Tumwater for several years. During this same time, Jackie served as a judge for various art shows throughout the greater South Sound community. As Jackie's volunteerism continued, she served as a president of the Tumwater Senior Council. In addition, Jackie volunteered for over a dozen years as the Old Town Center Choral Director. The two choirs appeared regularly, especially "The Larks," at various retirement inns and nursing homes. Jackie also served as the center's Art Director, teaching art lessons at the center in various mediums, including oils, pastels, watercolors, pencil and inks. Jackie was known as "a one of a kind, talented, feisty woman." She was dedicated to improving the lives of others through the use of song and art. Among Jackie's favorite memories was her 80th birthday celebration in which she received a "Proclamation from the City of Tumwater" from Mayor Ralph Osgood. Mayor Osgood recognized and honored her contributions to the citizens of Tumwater. Jackie also took great pride in bantering with Mayor Osgood, as well as the City of Tumwater's current mayor, Pete Kmet. Jackie's family would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to Providence ER physician, Dr. Wang, and the Palliative Care Team of "Bonnie and Joe." In addition, the family would like to extend their deepest thanks to Lisa Erwin, Missy Gaskin and the wonderful staff at The Sequoia Assisted Living Community who provided the utmost compassionate care to Jackie and her family through her last moments. A Celebration of Jackie's Life and Memories will take place at the Tumwater Old Town Center, 215 N. 2nd Avenue SW, Tumwater Washington 98512 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 1, 2012. For more information call Karen at 360-918-8362 or email [email protected]. The family suggests donations go to the American Cancer Society. Please leave memories of Jackie or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.