Jeryldine Myrle Elliott

Jeryldine Myrl Elliott

April 3, 1930 - October 30, 2025

Jeryldine Myrl Elliott passed away peacefully in Stockton, California, on October 30, 2025 surrounded by her daughters. She was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on April 3, 1930, and made Stockton her home in 1963.

Jeryldine is preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert Paul Elliott, and her sister, Jeanne Lima. She is survived by her children, Paula McElroy (Leonard) and Marcia Hendricks (Chris); her grandchildren Scott McElroy, Michael McElroy (Mandy), Sarah Davies (Neil), and Colin Hendricks; her great-grandchildren Tyler, Abbie, Zander, and Ryker McElroy, Oliver and Cecily Davies; and great-great-grandchildren Jax and Zane. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Debbie Enos, Michael Lima, and Mark Lima, and is preceded in death by her nephew, Hank Lima Jr.

Born and raised in St. Paul before moving to Richmond Hill, GA, Jerry often shared memories of a childhood full of interesting experiences; she knew Henry Ford personally while living and studying in the Richmond Hill community he supported. She was a lifelong learner and storyteller and enjoyed good conversation and history. She was civic-minded and loved her country. She believed strongly in equality for all people, the importance of standing up for others, especially those challenged standing up for themselves, and advocated strongly for women's rights.

Education was a key part of her life. She began college at age 16 attending Mary Washington University and UC Berkeley, stepping away at 19 to marry and begin raising her family. She later returned to UOP to complete her degree in education. Jeryldine served as a teacher for 27 years in the Lincoln Unified School District at John R. Williams Elementary School, teaching fifth grade in Room 12. She loved reading and encouraged lifelong learning in her students and family. After retirement, she returned to launch and administer the first computer lab at her former school and was an early adopter of online connections participating in SeniorNet before others knew the power of the internet. She continued to participate in UOP lifelong learning classes well into her 80's.

Jeryldine was a member of Holy Cross United Methodist Church in Stockton and remained active in her faith communities. She volunteered with many organizations, especially Friends of the Library and the Stockton Civic Theater, served as a Board member for the San Joaquin Concert Ballet, and participated in a Stockton widows' support group. She was also a member of Eastern Star and supported her husband's involvement with the Masons and Shriners.

She enjoyed the arts including music, ballet and live theater, and traveled often to Ashland, OR to enjoy the annual Shakespeare Festival. She always appreciated opportunities to learn, read, and connect with others. Jeryldine valued her faith, education, service to her community, and her family. Her love of learning, strong will, and dedication toward helping others will be remembered by those who knew her.