Margaret Geraldine Shutters

She was born in Sheffield, AL, and moved to Chattanooga with her family, where she attended Normal Park Elementary, Northside Junior High, and City High School, graduating in 1956. While in high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society and was honored as the "Best Dancer" of her class.

Jeri graduated with honors from the University of Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education, and later earned a Master's Degree in Physical Education from UTC. A dedicated member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, she served as its president and was active in Mortar Board and the Alpha Society. She began her teaching career in 1960 at City High School, followed by a position at the newly opened Brainerd High School. She also taught in Mount Pleasant, TN, before returning to Chattanooga, where she spent several years as an adjunct professor at UTC, overseeing Health & Physical Education student teachers.

Dance was a central passion throughout Jeri's life. She began taking dance lessons at the age of 8 and went on to teach dance lessons throughout her youth, college years, and beyond. Jeri studied dance in Chicago and New York and was a member of the Chattanooga Civic Ballet Company for eight years. She also performed on local television, and for numerous conventions and operas. In addition to her teaching roles at local schools, she taught dance at Elekes School of Dance in Huntsville, AL, UTC, and Sonya's School of Dance in Hixson, TN.

Jeri married her high school sweetheart, Hugh W. Shutters, in 1960, and together they had two children, Chris and Tracy Shutters. The family was long-time members of Rivermont Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga. Over the years, they lived in Columbia, TN, Huntsville, AL, and returned to Chattanooga in 1974. Jeri also enjoyed hiking with the Cumberlands Hiking Club, playing tennis, and traveling extensively with Hugh in their RV. They spent 14 summers working in Yellowstone National Park and many winters in Florida, in addition to traveling to Europe, Great Britain, Canada, Mexico, and all 50 U.S. states. Jeri and her husband Hugh shared a love of square dancing and were active members of the Wagon Wheelers (Columbia, TN), Merry Mixers (Huntsville, AL), and Star Twirlers (Chattanooga, TN).

Jeri was an active volunteer for the Chattanooga Nature Center and Senior Neighbors' Meals on Wheels program. She also enjoyed quilting and shell crafting, but most enjoyed time with her family.

Jeri is preceded in death by her parents, Roy James Thomas and Olive Jane McGinley Thomas. She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Hugh William Shutters; son William Christopher Shutters (Ann) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter Teresa (Tracy) Lynn German of Chattanooga, TN; granddaughter Julia Law (Casey) of Tampa, FL; great-granddaughters Reilly Mae and Alissa Danielle Law, also of Tampa, FL; brother James Edward Thomas (Ruth) of Merritt Island, FL; and sister Mary Jane Emrich (Claud) of Louisville, KY.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 13, 2024 starting at 12:00 PM at Chattanooga Funeral Home, North Chapel. The family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM before the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice or to the Pet Placement Center, 5975 Dayton Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37415.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com

Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.