Jerrie Anne Wichman

Jerrie Anne Wichman peacefully and painlessly ascended from this world on Friday, January 19, 2024 in the arms of her mother and with her two sons by her side. Jerrie had spent the past 8 months recovering from the loss of her husband, Tom, after his five-year battle with cancer, during which she never left his side. A week prior to her passing, Jerrie had been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. By the mercy of God, she was taken before having to choose her own battle with cancer. Instead, her spirit was reunited with her husband Tom, just in time to celebrate their 55th anniversary.
Jerrie was born in Abbeville, GA on January 10th, 1948. She was the first of four children of James and Ava Keene. In high school Jerrie was a straight-A student, bookworm, member of the homecoming court, and a forward for the Americus High School state champion basketball team. She graduated valedictorian of her class and continued on to college at Georgia Southwestern in Americus, GA. While maintaining her studies and prestigious ambitions, she became president of her sorority and would then meet Tom (Tommy) Wichman, who she married just a few years later in 1969. Tom, who often struggled in classes, attributed his study dates with Jerrie as the sole reason he was able to graduate college and apply to Officer Training School in the U.S. Air Force. Tom often joked that in college, the only reason he learned how to study was because that, while they were dating, the only way he would get to see Jerrie was if he came over and studied with her. The Air Force would lead to Tom and Jerrie's adventures in Charleston, South Carolina, Germany, Atlanta, and Racine, Wisconsin- where they met several of their lifelong friends. Tom's career eventually led them to Savannah, Georgia, and Skidaway Island, a place they immediately fell in love with, and settled for the rest of their lives.
Jerrie, who earned her Masters in English, was a passionate and proven educator, leader, and team-builder, spending 33 years of her career in public education. After years of teaching 6th grade English at Bartlett Middle School, Jerrie pursued a career in leadership and administration- moving on to become Vice Principal of Spencer Elementary, Principal of Largo-Tibet Elementary and Principal of White Bluff Elementary. Jerrie's accomplishments in team-building and administration led to her promotion to Director of Elementary Schools for the Savannah-Chatham Country Public School System- a position she would hold until her retirement in 2014.
Jerrie was a faithful Christian who loved God and her family more than anything. Despite her busy schedule, she was always there for her husband and two boys, Josh & Jeff. She was extremely organized and meticulously maintained a calendar of practices, games, appointments, church & school events, birthdays, anniversaries, and to-do lists. Her greatest joys in life were the birth of her grandchildren Brent, Charlotte, and Leia Grace- and the subsequent years of watching and well-spoiling them as they grew. Aside from dedicating herself to her family, Jerrie enjoyed reading, tennis, boating, looking after her pets, the Atlanta Braves, watching every episode of Law & Order, and trips to the beach.
Jerrie always looked forward to annual reunions with her family in Cocoa Beach, FL along with annual Thanksgiving and Christmas trips to Abbeville and Macon, GA with her brothers, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Maintaining close relationships with her family was a priority throughout Jerrie's life. As a result, she helped instill a legacy of love and tight bonds amongst her children and extended family.
Jerrie is preceded in death by her husband Tom Wichman, father James Keene, and her brother Rick Keene. She is survived by her mother Ava McKie, her two sons Josh (Gwen) Wichman and Jeff (Jill) Wichman, grandchildren Brent, Charlotte, Leia Grace, and her two brothers Kirk Keene and Doug Keene.
Flowers may be sent to Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors at 7200 Hodgson Memorial Dr, Savannah, GA 31406. Memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society for Greater Savannah at 7215 Sallie Mood Dr, Savannah, GA 31406