Jeri Stapleton

Jeri Stapleton, age 76, died on February 8, after fighting a tough battle with Alzheimer’s disease.  She was not in pain and is resting in the arms of Jesus now, completely healed from her disease.

Jeri leaves behind her three children, Beth Stapleton, Rob Stapleton, and Allison Stapleton McGrath; her daughter-in-law, Heather Lain Stapleton, and her son-in-law, Patrick McGrath.  More than anything, Jeri loved spending time with her six grandchildren Lauren Stapleton, Landon Stapleton, Lainie Stapleton, Leland Stapleton, Reagan McGrath, and Garrett McGrath.   Her dog, Harleigh, was a dear companion and walking buddy when she took her morning strolls around town.  Jeri was preceded in death by her husband, James Stapleton, and her parents Haynie and Gertrude Prince.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Jeri grew up in different cities in the south. She lived many formative years in Moultrie, GA, and attended Georgia Southern University.  She met her husband, James, at the university, and they started their careers in education upon graduating.  She was a gifted math and English teacher and part-time counselor working in Bainbridge, Jeff Davis County, Wheeler County, Tri-County in Buena Vista, and Wilkinson County school systems.  She was a peacemaker, a giver, and she cared deeply for her students.

Jeri’s passion was music.  She began playing the piano and organ in churches at the age of 15.  She continued playing for the next sixty years, glorifying God with her talent.  She helped with music events and competitions while she worked at the various high schools, earning many first-place wins under her leadership.  She was the organist for the longest period at Alamo First Baptist Church in Alamo, GA, where she was an active member of the music ministry team and the coordinator of senior events.  She was a planner and handled the logistics of running an event without a glitch. 

Jeri took pride in being frugal and saving money.  Her motto at home was, “Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without.”  She never missed a yard sale and loved finding a bargain.  She taught her children about the value of saving money, as well as the importance of tithing to the church.  She was a faithful steward of her money and time.  She lived to honor God and to love others.

The family invites you to the visitation at Alamo First Baptist Church on Friday, February 11, 2022, from 6-8 pm.  The funeral service to celebrate Jeri’s life will be on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 10 am.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you contribute to the “Jeri Stapleton Memorial Fund” set up to share with different churches that Jeri loved.  Please send to Wheeler County State Bank, PO Box 408, Alamo, GA 30411.

Jeri will be remembered by all as a loving mother, devoted wife, and loyal friend.

The Stapleton family and Towns Funeral Home respectfully ask all in attendance to wear masks and continue to follow the social distancing guidelines set by our local health district and the CDC.

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