Geraldine White John (Jeri Jon) 80, formerly of Parkesburg PA, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning January 5, 2010. She was a resident of Bonham's Nursing Center, Stillwater PA for three years.
She was born August 24, 1929 in Coatesville Pa, the daughter of Wilmer A. and Margaret Thorne White. Surviving are two sisters Margaret Dunlap and her husband Lowell of Coatesville PA, Sarah Zerr also of Coatesville and a brother Barry L. White and his wife Goldie of FL. Preceded in death by a brother Wilmer E. White.
She was a graduate of the Coatesville High School. She owned and operated the Jeri Jon Dance and Music Studios for 57 years in Coatesville and later in Gap, PA.
Also surviving is a son Garry L. John and his wife Marietta, Berwick PA and a daughter Jan Marie Gordon, Gap PA. Geraldine had eight grand children and ten great-grand children, a niece Debbie Regener of Parkesburg, Pa, and many other nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at the Wilde Funeral Home, Parkesburg PA on Saturday January 9, 2010 with a calling time of 11am and a prayer service at noon. Online condolences and memories would be appreciated at www.wildefuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Bonham's Nursing Center, 477 Bonnieville Road, Stillwater PA 17878
A local memorial service will be held at Bonham's Nursing Center to be announced at a later date.
Condolences
Thinking Of You
Dear Garry and Family. We are with you in spirit, sharing in your loss. We know how very difficult lossing a Mother is, as we only have one. May you're memories of her Love comfort you at this sad time.
Toni...
Thank you for your words of encouragement. Our families are comforted by them. - Jan
Sending our thoughts and
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the family of Miss Jeri. She was such an inspriration to the talents of many especially the young children. We have so many fond memories of the talent shows that she and Miss Debbie put together. She touched so many lives for so many years. Again our thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Crawfords...
We so appreciate the thoughts and prayers as well as your heart-felt sentiments. Thank you. - Jan
To Jeri Jon's Family, I was
To Jeri Jon's Family,
I was just thinking of her last week, how ironic. I took dance lessons from her when I was a little girl. She was such a nice lady. I have lots of nice memories of her. My sincere sympathy to her family.
Judi,
Judi, we're so happy that you,too, have nice memories of our Mother. They are how her spirit lives on! Thank you for writing.
Our thoughts are with you
Garry and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. When I think of your Mom, I think of someone with lots of energy and also remember her smile. Your memories of her will be with you always and at the service it will be nice to hear of the memories others have of her. I will be lighting a candle for her this Sunday. Take care.
Doug & Mary...
Doug and Mary, thank you for your thoughts and prayers. They mean so much to our families! - Jan
It is with the deepest regret
It is with the deepest regret that we will mourn the passing of JJ.
My name is Dave Slusser and I'm one half of Country Memories. Keith and I are a classic country duet that plays at Bonham Nursing Home on a regular basis. Every time we played there in the past JJ was always front and center with a big smile. She always made sure they kept her a front row seat. She would always have positive comments to add to our performance. When we ended a song sometimes she would say " I love the arrangement " or " the vocals were really good." Once in awhile she'd look at me and say in s stern voice " if you're gonna' do harmonies, get your face in that microphone " and then she'd smile. The last few times we played there JJ wasn't able to make the show and of course we'd always ask about her and Brenda or Daryl would say " she's not feeling well and she's been sleeping a lot." Sometimes Jim Bonham would record our show so JJ could listen when she was feeling better. So in closing, JJ will be missed by Keith and myself. We hope the Lord will hold her in the hollow of His hand, and allow her to lead the Angel Band from time to time. With her background in music, we know she will love that. On behalf of myself and Keith.
Sincerest condolences and heart felt sympathies.
Dave Slusser
Country Memories
Dave,
Dave, we appreciate you sharing some of your memories of our Mother. She truly was filled with music all of her life! Some time in the near future Bonham's is going to help celebrate Mother's life with a day of remembrance & sharing with her "family" there. I personally hope to meet you then.
Jan and families, Our deepest
Jan and families, Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies and prayers are sent your way at this difficult time in the lives of all that came in contact with this wonderful woman.
May the joyous memories accompany you along the slow,but steady path known as the grieving process.May the shoulders,and hugs of others support you. As time begins to heal,the shoulders and hugs will evolve to hand holding,then to a loving smile.
Then, when you,and only you decide,the grief will be continuously overshadowed by the heartwarming memories. Paul Robins and family
Paul,
Paul, your thoughtful sentiments have truly touched my soul. Naturally we are grieving but we are managing to keep each other comforted with fond and often comical memories of our Mother. She could be quite the character and is most likely continuing to be so where she is now. Our hearts are lightened by the thought!
To Jan & Garry. I'm so sorry
To Jan & Garry. I'm so sorry for your loss. Miss Jeri was much more than a dance teacher to me- she was a friend. I often think about her and all the different places where she taught over the many years I took lessons. She truly was an inspiration to me & so many others. You have my sincerest sympathy.
Iva,
Iva, it's so nice to hear from you after all of these years (although we wish it were under different circumstances.) Yes, we often hear how much of an inspiration Mother has been to others and it is wonderful to know that she had such a positive impact on so many lives!
She will be missed
Jeri was a wonderful teacher her took shy little girls and boys and gave them the confidence in themselves and thier talents so that they thought that they could do anything. She was truly a beautiful person and will be greatly missed. I know that she is probably busy organizing a recital of angels in heaven.
Thank you for writing,
Thank you for writing, Suzanne. We agree with you - assuredly, she is leading others in dance & song in Heaven!
I was saddened to hear about
I was saddened to hear about this. My mother, 2 aunts and myself all too voice, dance and ballet classes and she has always left footprints in our minds and heart. I bet heaven is getting a spectacular show right now! Our prayers are with your family.
Catrina...
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Your name is very familiar to me, but the Brazzle that sticks out in my mind the most is 'Cora.' In any case, I'm sure you impacted her life as much as she did yours! - Jan
Dear Jan, Garry and Debbie, I
Dear Jan, Garry and Debbie, I was so sorry to read Miss Jeri's obituary yesterday. It brought back so many wonderful memories of the years that I took ballet, tap and acrobatics with her, as a little girl and then later in my 30's. What fun we had! She was such a wonderful teacher and will be missed by many. I know she is singing and dancing in Heaven! Take care. Leslie.
Leslie...
Hi Leslie. I remember you and Lisa quite well. Our mother loved you girls. She became quite attached to her students - epecially the long-time ones! Thank you for your caring thoughts! - Jan
Gary and Marietta and
Gary and Marietta and Family:
Just wanted you to know that Darla and I have you folks in our thoughts and prayers. Please feel free to call on us if we can be of any further assitance in any way. May God surround you with His peace and consolation.
Bruce
A Beautiful Lady will be missed
Ms. Jeri was a wonderful woman, she taught my daughter voice and piano, she knew just how to work with children of all ages, so talented and will greatly be missed.
A Beautiful Lady will be missed
Ms. Jeri was a wonderful woman, she taught my daughter voice and piano, she knew just how to work with children of all ages, so talented and will greatly be missed.
Rose & Laura...
Rose and Laura, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Mother's students meant just as much to her as she did to them. - Jan
To Jeri Jon's Family
I took dancing lessons from Miss Jeri for years as a child and she inspired me to go into Theatre. I'm now a professional stage director with New York, national tour, and regional credits. Every time I start a rehearsal period for a musical, I take a private moment and thank Jeri Jon. I will continue in her memory!
To Jeri Jon's Family
I took dancing lessons from Miss Jeri for years as a child and she inspired me to go into Theatre. I'm now a professional stage director with New York, national tour, and regional credits. Every time I start a rehearsal period for a musical, I take a private moment and thank Jeri Jon. I will continue in her memory!
Peg...
Peg, please do continue on your walk through life with memories of our mom. I'm sure she is honored that her inspiration has helped you to climb to new heights in your profession! So, keep on 'keeping on' and enjoy (as she did) that "There's No Business Like Show Business!" - Jan
A wonderful woman will be greatly missed.
I spent many years with Jeri Jon. She taught me how to sing.! I remember at first I wasn't looking forward to it but she had faith in me and she pushed me to become a better singer. She cured my stage fright by making me get up on stage numerous times. I remember the first time I sang Blue by Leann Rimes she yelled at me, telling me that song was way to professional for a little girl. But everyday I went in to my lesson I tried to sing that song.
Jeri Jon was an amazing woman. She had so much talent and so much love to give. I'm so happy that I got to meet her and that I was able to spend every Thursday with her. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the rest of her family. She will never be forgotton.
Jenn...
Jenn, our mother encouraged so many students to "be all they could be" and as you know, said there was no such word as "can't." She oftened cringed at the thought of her young students wanting to sing "grown-up" songs. She wanted them to enjoy the stage of life that they were in, as it seems we all must grow up too quickly. Thank you for sharing! - Jan
My heart is saddened to hear
My heart is saddened to hear of Ms Jeri's passing. My brother and I took dance, voice and piano lessons from her when we lived in Coatesville. What a great lady she was! Her enthusiam and energy was immesible and Lord knows, the end of year performances for her students were truly unforgetable. I will always remember her smile and to this day, I can still "shuffle off to Bufallo"!
Marletha Ransom Thomas
Marletha...
Marletha, I remember you, your brother, and your Dad (who was my Phys Ed teacher.) Yes, those year-end reviews were a passion of our mother's. She was so proud of her students and how they were progressing and wanted them to share it with their family & friends. Thank you for sharing your memories of her and you keep "shuffling" in her honor! - Miss Jan
What A Great Lady!
Dear Ones, beloved of Jeri Jon,
My mother, Romaine Moore took dance lessons from Jeri and I took dance with her as well but neither of us continued with our lessons. However, Emmy Engel Tuel took dance and voice lessons with Jeri and Debbie and loved both of them. Emmy gained confidence and poise over the years and continues to sing solos in church and for special occasions. While in seminary, I took some voice with Jeri and we had some wonderful conversations. I told her I loved her and I tell you we will never forget her. What a great lady!
We were unable to be with you on Saturday but you are all in our prayers.
Blessings of God's peace and joy,
With love, Beth Engel and Emmy Tuel
Beth and Emmy...
Beth and Emmy, I know our mother held you both in high regards. As well, she felt comforted by Emmy's presence at Hickory House during her rather brief stay there. We know Mother's (Jeri's) legacy is love of music and it lives on in those of you who knew her well! Thank you.
My dear friends Garry and Janmarie
I have so often, over the years, thought of you and your mom. While life took over, it never allowed me the time to get reacquanted. Now I am so sad that I missed the opportunity to tell your mom how much she meant to me. There will always be a very special place in my heart for your mom. I have such fond memories of the shows and the fun we had as kids back stage. She was a big part of Coatesville history! She will truly be missed. Much Love. Teri
Teri May
Teri May, I remember you well and so appreciate your sentiments. Our mother often talked about former students as they meant so much to her - and you were certainly one of them! Thank you.
Jeri Jon
My deepest sympathy to Jeri Jon's family, friends, and former students.
I took dance from Jeri Jon in the 70's. She was my first dance teacher and the one who started me on my dance path. At her suggestion I later moved on to other schools, but my love of dance comes directly from her. I remember being the Littlest Swan in my first dance recital at age 3, the year we had white tap shoes that sounded so much better, being the only girl in my very small acro class who could not to a walkover, and the time she traced my feet for my first pointe shoes. Eventually I went on to study in WC and even in NYC, but my love was always in the dance studio. I became a dance teacher and a studio owner, and when I dig through all the layers of my dance life, I find Jeri Jon was my inspiration for it all. I am the teacher I am today because she shared her passion with me when I was small. I wish I had thanked her for all she taught me and for the big influence she was on my life. Please know that Jeri Jon's passing is felt by everyone who had the joy of dancing with her.
To Jan
Dear Jan,
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mom. Two of my kids took lessons from her! It was great to have recently reconnected with you through the computer and the reunion. Know that you are in my thoughts!
Kathi Rendall
Missing Dear Sweet JJ
Dear Gary and Family, We were so saddended to hear of the passing of JJ, she will be truly be missed. She always had a bright smile on her face and said she loved us. We loved her to and she knew what it was to be on stage and offered us pointers to make our show better. She was such a delightfully well spoken lady a true joy to know and admire. We are better people having met and having known her. She touched our souls and our hearts in so many ways. Also we would like to thank you for including us on February 7th for the memorial for your dear Mother. We want to send our prayers for your whole family. God Bless you all. Love, Dedra and AL
Special Memories
Jeri was my vocal coach and mentor in the 80s. I live in SC, currently. I just recently came across her obituary. She made a lasting impact on my life. As a singer. As a dancer. I still practice lessons she taught me. At age of 54, I decided to dance, again. I hired Jeri's niece, Debbie to choreogragh a routine for me. Then went to the studio to have her teach it to me. It was a hit. I performed it at church as an opening for our Sunday Morning worship service. October 2004 New Life In Christ Fellowship Coatesville Pa. RIP Jeri! I will always love and appreciate you.