Jerri Haywood

Geraldine (Jerri) Haywood, 86, passed away on October 21, 2015, in Tallahassee, Florida following a short illness. She was born in Pierce County, GA, and was the daughter of Rev. Joseph Roswell and Miriam Raulerson Bowen. Jerri attended Bessie Tift College in Forsyth, GA where she majored in Home Economics. She met the love of her life in Milledgeville, GA and was happily married for 57 years to Arthur J. Haywood, who passed away in 2010. She was also predeceased by her parents and her brother Joseph Jackson Bowen. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Tallahassee and served there in many capacities, during her 50 years' membership, including Sunday School teacher, Women Missionary Union, Girls in Action Director and Baptist Women President. She was also involved with the Internationals’ Ministry and served as a church librarian. Jerri was a member of the Tallahassee Hemerocallis Society. She was an amazing mother, homemaker, care giver to many, friend, seamstress, cook and gardener. Jerri is survived by her children, Arthur Glenn Haywood (Debbie) of Marietta, Ga, Donna Sue Harlan (David) of Tallahassee, FL, and Diana Lynne Haywood of Chapel Hill, NC, grandson Christopher James Haywood (Janet) of Acworth, GA, Katherine Elise Hamil (John) of Kennesaw, GA, Diana Marie Harlan Moore of Tallahassee, Sarah Katherine Harlan of Jacksonville, and great-grandchildren Katelyn Elizabeth Haywood and John David Moore. She is also survived by her brother Benny Austeen Bowen of Fort Walton Beach, Fl, sisters-in-law Shirley Matty of Las Vegas, NV, Nancy Matty (John) of Deltona, FL, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, on Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 3:00 pm and the family will receive friends after the service. Burial will follow at a later date at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Alma, GA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Florida Baptist Children's Home, 8415 Buck Lake Road, Tallahassee, FL 32317, the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 108 West College Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301 or Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Boulevard, Tallahassee, FL 32308. The family wishes to express their gratitude to those with Big Bend Hospice who helped her through her illness.

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Jerri Haywood

March 22, 1929 - October 21, 2015