Jeri Lynn Walker |
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Twin Falls, Idaho - Jeri Lynn Walker, 70, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 6, 2012, at Bridgeview Estates.
Jeri was born Feb. 28, 1942, to Lyal and Enid Walker of Falls City, Neb. Jeri, with severe athetoid cerebral palsy, accomplished much during her extraordinary life. Jeri Lynn was the first student to graduate from special education in the state of Nebraska. She continued her education in art from University of Nebraska with students, Mary Rabin and Judy Brown Pittack, who became lifelong friends. Jeri learned to draw and paint in pencil, pastels, and oils. She especially enjoyed portraits. She received commissions, had several one-woman art shows as well as selling landscapes and still lifes. One painting may take as long as six months to complete. Jeri was very active in art guilds and organizations for the handicapped.
In 1981, she was nominated for Handicapped Person of the Year for the Midlands. She traveled throughout the United States and made friends with many entertainers and government officials. She maintained a long letter-writing friendship with Dale Evans Rogers and Minnie Pearl. With inventive devising by her dad, Jeri expanded her artistic endeavors into weaving, knitting, crewel embroidery and much more. At the age of 50, Jeri became interested in computers and took college classes to become proficient in that as well. She kept up an email connection with countless friends throughout the country. Jeri captivated everyone’s heart. She accepted her disability, but did not allow it to inhibit her drive to overcome every challenge.
Jeri is survived by her brother, L. Wayne Walker of Lincoln, Neb.; her sister, Collette Tutty of Twin Falls; nephews, Jonathan Walker of Lincoln and Jeremy Tutty (Kandis) of Phoenix; niece, Erin Pettitt (Karl) of Chicago; and grand-nieces, Kambry and Ellerie; and grand-nephew, Chaucer.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the Bridgeview family. Their nurses and aides took exceptional care of Jeri for five years. We would also like to thank the staff of Hospice Visions, especially Jeri’s hospice aide, Kathy, who treated Jeri as a treasure.
There will be a graveside committal service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Sunset Memorial Park, with a memorial service at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Baptist Church.
The family suggests donations to Twin Falls Christian Academy in Jeri’s honor. She dearly loved the school and its ministry. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of Jeri at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com.
Jeri was born Feb. 28, 1942, to Lyal and Enid Walker of Falls City, Neb. Jeri, with severe athetoid cerebral palsy, accomplished much during her extraordinary life. Jeri Lynn was the first student to graduate from special education in the state of Nebraska. She continued her education in art from University of Nebraska with students, Mary Rabin and Judy Brown Pittack, who became lifelong friends. Jeri learned to draw and paint in pencil, pastels, and oils. She especially enjoyed portraits. She received commissions, had several one-woman art shows as well as selling landscapes and still lifes. One painting may take as long as six months to complete. Jeri was very active in art guilds and organizations for the handicapped.
In 1981, she was nominated for Handicapped Person of the Year for the Midlands. She traveled throughout the United States and made friends with many entertainers and government officials. She maintained a long letter-writing friendship with Dale Evans Rogers and Minnie Pearl. With inventive devising by her dad, Jeri expanded her artistic endeavors into weaving, knitting, crewel embroidery and much more. At the age of 50, Jeri became interested in computers and took college classes to become proficient in that as well. She kept up an email connection with countless friends throughout the country. Jeri captivated everyone’s heart. She accepted her disability, but did not allow it to inhibit her drive to overcome every challenge.
Jeri is survived by her brother, L. Wayne Walker of Lincoln, Neb.; her sister, Collette Tutty of Twin Falls; nephews, Jonathan Walker of Lincoln and Jeremy Tutty (Kandis) of Phoenix; niece, Erin Pettitt (Karl) of Chicago; and grand-nieces, Kambry and Ellerie; and grand-nephew, Chaucer.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the Bridgeview family. Their nurses and aides took exceptional care of Jeri for five years. We would also like to thank the staff of Hospice Visions, especially Jeri’s hospice aide, Kathy, who treated Jeri as a treasure.
There will be a graveside committal service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, at Sunset Memorial Park, with a memorial service at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Baptist Church.
The family suggests donations to Twin Falls Christian Academy in Jeri’s honor. She dearly loved the school and its ministry. Family and friends are encouraged to share their memories of Jeri at www.rosenaufuneralhome.com.
said on Monday, Jul 9 at 5:53 PM
wow i was coming up next month and was going to stop by and see you, i have known Jeri for about 8 years, i helped take care of her, her mom use to come in for the day and sit with jeri and visit, had a lot of good memories of them both,R.I.P to both
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