Geraldine Marie Yount

Memorial Mass: 10 a.m. Thursday at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 2100 N. Davis, Arlington.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Children's Cancer Fund, 10300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 463, Dallas, Texas 75231

Geraldine "Jerry" Marie Yount was born June 20, 1920, in the small town of Bradford, Pa. She was the only child of Anna Catherine Nelson and Fred Elmer Nelson. Jerry was an honor graduate of Bradford High School in 1938. Upon graduation she entered the work force and on June 28, 1941, she married her high school sweetheart, Wayne Yount. Their union lasted 48 years until Wayne's death in January 1990.

In 1953 a fantastic opportunity presented itself to the couple--a chance to move to a progressive, young city in west Texas. Jerry and Wayne couldn't pass up this opportunity and they moved to Odessa in 1954. They were used to the hilly, wooded farmlands of Pennsylvania and a small-town atmosphere. The wide open spaces of Texas were quite a change and a challenge for them, but they rapidly adapted. Jerry immediately began doing volunteer work, learned to play bridge and golf, and joined numerous civic organizations. Hospital volunteer work was the one area that Jerry was immediately drawn to. She loved being involved in any aspect of helping others. Jerry served as president of the Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary in Odessa. She was also president of the Odessa Country Club Women's Golf Association, and served on the boards of many other organizations. In addition to her busy schedule, Jerry took this time to enter college and pursue a degree in liberal arts.

In 1972 Jerry and Wayne were transferred to Oklahoma City, Okla., and they lived there for 10 years. Jerry continued her volunteerism and served as president of the Deaconess Hospital Auxiliary in Oklahoma City.

Perhaps the best opportunity arose when Wayne was offered a transfer to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Both Jerry and Wayne were elated because this move brought them closer to family. So in 1983 they settled in Arlington and Jerry took up right where she had left off in Oklahoma City--becoming immediately involved in civic organizations. She became president of the Arlington Newcomers Club, a life member of the Arlington Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, member of the Arlington Woman's Club and The Suburban Club. In addition to all her volunteer work, Jerry loved to read and play bridge. She was known as an excellent bridge player, fabulous cook, and one of the most organized persons you will ever meet.

In 2005 the Texas Hospital Association honored Jerry with a dinner in Dallas to commemorate her 50-plus years of hospital volunteer work.

Jerry never forgot a birthday or special event. If you knew her, you always got a birthday card, anniversary card, and usually a card for Easter, Valentine's and Halloween.

Jerry was a special lady who loved her family, friends, and her God. She was a woman of great faith and she is no doubt now free of her pain and celebrating with the Heavenly Father. She will be greatly missed because she was greatly loved.

Jerry was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Wayne.

Survivors: Daughter, Sheila Hallford and husband, Wayne; son, Randy Yount and wife, Cyd; grandchildren, Ryan Hallford and wife, Star, and Lindy Berkley and husband, Brad; and great-grandchildren, Emerald Hallford, A.J. Hallford, Bauer Berkley and Brandon Berkley.