Obituary: Gerry Kessler Scheer

Mrs. Gerry Kessler Scheer, age 88,  Atlanta, died January 4, 2017.

Born in Macon, Gerry moved to Atlanta as a young girl and attended Inman Elementary and Girls High Schools. While home from the University of Illinois, she was invited along on a trip to Fort McPherson in 1945 by a young man from Eatonton, Fred Scheer, soon to be discharged from the U.S. Army after serving his country in Europe, part of that time as a POW.

The two would marry in 1947 and raise 3 children. Gerry worked variously at selling real estate and being a census taker but would really make the most impact as a community volunteer. She was a Girl Scout leader and worked closely with the League of Women Voters. However, her real legacy was a tutoring program for the students at Margaret Mitchell Elementary school, across the street from the Scheer household. Reading to children grew into a program with 150 volunteers spending an hour a week tutoring students, including student tutors from Westminster School. For this endeavor, Gerry was awarded the Golden Apple by Channel 11. Gerry was a fitness walker with friends from the neighborhood before exercise was popular; she played bridge with the same group of women for decades, and she and Fred traveled the world.

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Family includes her loving husband of 69 years, Frederick O. Scheer, children:  Roslyn Scheer (Larry Rosen), Roy Scheer (Carol Scheer),  Barbara Scheer-Eason (Fred H Eason of blessed memory); grandchildren: Claire Scheer Galloway (H George), Robert Kessler Scheer (Maria); great grandchildren Jackson & Benjamin Galloway; brothers & sisters in law: Michele &  George M  Scheer, Jr., Irving & Happy Scheer Shaw; many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by  parents Max H Kessler & Lena Ory Kessler, siblings Celeste K. (H.C.)Rosenberg &  Roy M. Kessler, brother & sister in law Morrie & Gloria Scheer Leder of blessed memory.  Many thanks for Gerry’s loving care by our friends, the staff and residents of A. G. Rhodes.

Sign online guest book at www.edressler.com.  In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to The Temple 1589 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

A memorial service was held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2016 at The Temple, 1589 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.  Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, Atlanta (770) 451-4999.