Geraldine "Jerri" Minor

Geraldine (“Jerri”) Haynes Minor, died Wednesday, May 11, 2011, on her 90th birthday. Born and raised in Clermont, Georgia as the only child of the late Hazel and Odell Haynes, Jerri met James R. Minor at a dance after World War II, and they were married soon afterwards. The two were married for 39 years until Jim’s death in 1984, and they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Charles Haynes Minor and Kenneth Wayne Minor, who were the light of her life. Jerri and Jim moved to Marietta in 1951 to start their careers at Lockheed and become fixtures in the community. Jim soon went to work with the Veterans Administration but Jerri stayed at Lockheed until her retirement in 1984. Jerri’s life revolved around her two sons and she always sacrificed to make sure their needs were met. In the 1950’s and the early 1960’s she was a fixture at Perry Parham Park and Heck Field where her sons starred on the baseball fields. It was on those ball fields that Charlie picked up the nickname “Moose” at the age of 12 and Ken was christened with the name “Beazer” by Little League teammate Ricky Dodd. Over the years, Jerri served as unofficial “second mother” to help raise countless friends of Charlie and Ken and she and Jim were affectionately known as “Mama Moose” and “Papa Moose”. Jerri was extremely active in the Little League and Pony League booster organizations and the local PTA at Park Street School. She also thoroughly enjoyed activities and friendships made in the Democratic Women’s Association. But more than anything, Jerri made sure her home was always an open and safe haven to the high school and college friends of Charlie and Ken. Their home was a fun place to be. Jerri was loved and appreciated by family and friends for her soft laugh and gentle disposition and her nonjudgmental acceptance of each and every person who came along her way. Jerri grieved deeply for the premature death of her son Charlie in 1995 and the tragic death of her grandson, Gary Ryle Minor, in 1999, who she loved very much. She often expressed how blessed and appreciative she was for the close relationship she developed with her granddaughter, Austin Minor Perez, and her mother Danica, following Charlie’s death. It was Charlie, still remembered as one of the top music promoters of all time, who gave her special opportunities to personally meet music clients like Amy Grant and Kenny Rogers. She is survived by her son, Ken, wonderful daughter-in-law, Dixie Ryle Minor, grandson Benjamin James Minor and granddaughter, Austin Minor Perez and her mother, Danica Perez, and several nieces. She was also survived by dear friend, caregiver and god-daughter, Teresa Collum, and valued caregiver and loving friend, Maria Urruita. The family will receive friends Saturday, May 14, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m, with a service at 11:00 a.m. at Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home and with internment to follow in Cheatham Hill Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Children’s Restoration Network, 11285 Elkins Rd., Suite E 1, Roswell, GA 30076, or to the Marietta Schools Foundation. Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home in Marietta is in charge of arrangements. www.mayeswaarddobbins.com

Geraldine "Jerri" Minor

May 12, 2011