Jeri Earlene McWilliams
Jeri Earlene McWilliams (nee Clements) passed from this earth to her eternal rest on April 1, 2024, two days shy of her 75th birthday. Jeri was a devoted wife and mother of four sons. She was also blessed with two daughters-in-law and four grandsons. She was a teacher, researcher, scout leader, seamstress, lover of all things canine, rosary maker, a voracious reader and much more.
Jeri was the oldest of three girls, born April 3, 1949 in Midland, Texas to Frank and Lola Clements. She lived in both Andrews and Iraan, Texas, and overseas in Caracas, Venezuela and Tripoli, Libya. Jeri was an active member of the Girl Scouts. Later in life she transitioned this love of scouting to Boy Scouts ultimately helping fifteen young boys achieve the rank of Eagle Scout.
While in high school, a love of math and science helped Jeri win the Permian Basin Science Fair and she was invited to the International Science Fair in San Francisco. Her project impressed the U.S. Army and they purchased it, funding her college education at Texas Tech, where she met Gary McWilliams. Their fifty-three-year marriage began in Lubbock on June 5, 1970.
Moving to San Antonio with her medical student husband, she supported the family by doing research at the new medical school. Sons Patrick and Scott were born and her energies turned to motherhood. After residency, the family moved to Wharton, Texas where sons Matthew and Joshua were born. She taught subjects such as calculus and physics at Wharton High School and religious education at Holy Family Catholic Church.
While at Texas Tech, Jeri earned her Bachelor’s degree in Zoology with a minor in Chemistry. In 1999, she earned her Masters of Education from the University of Houston at Victoria. When she moved to Fair Oaks Ranch with her husband Jeri taught at TMI and Boerne Middle School North. She later worked for Harcourt where she developed high school math exams for statewide testing.
Raised as a devout Baptist, Jeri converted to Catholicism during the early 1970’s under the guidance of Father Tony Cummins. She enjoyed her time in the church choir and working with the Good Shepherd youth program. Her most lasting efforts were rosaries she made over a period of fifteen years. Her family estimates that she tied and donated almost 10,000.
Jeri loved the outdoors, camping and climbing. As a young girl, she accompanied her father on fishing trips in the New Mexico mountains. Years later she led Boy Scouts up the mountains of Philmont Scout Ranch and through El Rancho Cima and Camp Strake. Jeri’s last “big” climb was Enchanted Rock as she approached her 70th birthday.
Her best friends were her family, especially her grandsons who brought so much joy into her life. It was family that helped Jeri deal with diabetes, bi-polar disorder and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which she successfully overcame through chemotherapy and prayer.
Jeri (or Nana as her family called her after the arrival of grandchildren) leaves behind her husband, Dr. Gary McWilliams, four sons – Patrick, Scott and wife Lupita with grandsons Devin and Grayson, Matthew and wife Minna with grandsons Mark and Miles, and Joshua. She also leaves behind sisters Margaret Anderson and Dona Bliss, their husbands and children, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Those wishing to contribute to a cause or charity are asked to consider the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) or the new school at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Boerne. And consider looking up into the sky this evening and finding that one new heavenly star.
A visitation will be held Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Holt & Holt Funeral Home, with a recitation of the rosary to begin at 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 at 12:00 PM at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, with committal to follow at Mission Park Cemetery Dominion. After the committal, a luncheon and reception will follow in the Cana Ballroom at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the staff of Holt & Holt Funeral Home of Boerne. To share words of comfort with the family, please visit www.holtfh. com.
